Why Join? Member Testimonials
Don't just take our word for it. Hear about Luther and George from alumni like Heather and Jason.
WILLIAM ALEXANDER III
SEAS BS '04, GWSB MBA '06
They say often times that following the crowd isn't always the best way to go; however, in this instance, I feel that it was. Many of my friends were joining the Luther Rice Society, it just seemed like a natural evolution in our personal growth as we transitioned from students to alumni. We were once in a position of receiving support from alumni giving; now we are increasingly in the position of providing that same support to future generations of scholars.
The Luther Rice Society makes it really easy for young alums to be able to make noteworthy contributions to furthering GWs mission without constituting a significant financial burden to young professionals just getting started in their careers. I never thought I'd ever have a reason to visit the Chinese Embassy or go on an exclusive walking tour of the new Nationals Stadium and watch the game from swanky box seating, but all of that happened within my first year of joining.
JOEL BOLSTEIN
CCAS BA '82, LAW JD '87
The goal is to find interesting and exciting ways for alums to stay connected with GW. I urge all of my fellow alumni who are interested in re-connecting with GW to join LRS and to get involved in the unique networking opportunities that are being made available only to LRS members.
KASIA BULATEWICZ
ESIA BA '05
After graduation I moved back to into NY and realized just how alone I felt in this search for a professional connection. Everything I knew of GW terminated with my commencement, leaving me to feel a strong disconnect from my contacts and networks I created at GW. I took the first job I landed and hated it. This rough beginning is the premise and fundamental ideology behind my active involvement with the Luther Rice Society at GW. I became an active member to create a new network of professional relationships that will help recent graduates in their turbulent transition, as well as to promote our Alma Mater.
JASON A. CHAUTIN
GWSB BBA '97, MBA '08
In the past two years I have taken an active role in the Luther Rice Society, which is comprised of alumni who want to make a difference. I believe you can either wait for opportunity to knock and track you down, or you can take the lead. The Luther Rice Society not only provides a great opportunity to network with other GW alums, but also has cultural, educational, and social events that appealed to me.
PHILIP CURLEY
LAW JD '79
Why should you become involved with the Luther Rice Society? As with me, loyalty and obligation might cause you to consider coming on board. Beyond that, however, there is pride. The mission of being a world class university in the capital city of the most powerful nation on the planet cannot be accomplished without the financial support of those alumni and friends who are fortunate enough to be in a position to help. To be able to say not only that you are a graduate of that world class university, but are part of the team that made it happen should be motivation enough.
LAURA TADDEUCCI DOWNS
CCAS BA '92, GSEHD MA '95
CHRISTIAN DOWNS
CCAS BA '90
If you are ready to re-connect with your classmates, network with other alumni and GW administrators while giving give back to the University that has given you so much, think about joining the Luther Rice Society. Alumni giving not only enables the University to keep operating costs down, it provides scholarships to current students and helps to improve our national ranking. The benefits you receive from giving at the leadership level are great as is the impact your gift will make.
MARIKA FRUMES
ESIA BA '05
GW has some of the most successful, well connected and involved alumni in the country...we are just missing the link that binds us together. Luther Rice provides that link.
RICHARD GREENE
CCAS BA '85, GWSB MBA '89
The knowledge and experience I gained at GW set the foundation for the succession planning and related work I do today with the Boards and CEOs of top companies around the world. Given the value I got from GW and the important role it played in shaping my future, I became involved with the Luther Rice Society for one simple reason - to give back.
Why others should consider getting involved? The chance to enable GW to continue to climb in the ranks of top universities. The chance to provide a scholarship to a highly deserving future leader. The chance to support research in a field that matters to you. The chance to simply say, 'thank you.'
CHRISTINA HILL
ESIA BA '73
Involvement in LRS is a way to recall the wonderful years spent at GW and remind fellow graduates of the benefits of a GW education. It's exciting to talk about the incredible changes made at GW in all respects. A good school has become great. Change occurs by doing not by talking about doing.
MICHELLE HUGHES
ESIA BA '99
Through the Luther Rice Society, I have had the pleasure to participate in events that showcase the greatest locations in our nation's capital, which is one of the reasons I chose to attend the University as a student. Of course, I consider my degree from GW an asset and I would like the chance to give back to the University and make an impact on the appreciation of that asset. In addition, through my work and in my professional life, I am always looking for new talent and I know the caliber of person that is a graduate of GW - this community provides a resource to that talent.
BRIAN KIRRANE
GWSB BBA '03
The Luther Rice Society is a unique opportunity to give back to GW. It is more than just a financial commitment, but an emotional commitment to a place extremely important in my development over the years. The events hosted by Luther Rice provide an opportunity to interact in an intimate environment with fellow alums also dedicated to the future of GW
Why should you join? Easy question - to stay connected and meet great people. It's a great way to reconnect with GW and connect with former classmates and peers. The high-end events give you an opportunity to meet new people and potentially network. Also, you get to meet with senior GW officials and give input as to the direction you want to see GW take and give your feedback as to current activities at GW.
JON KLONKSY
GWSB MPA '99
For me the Luther Rice Society is about lifelong leadership. It's a means for me to influence the growth and direction of the University—to which I'll always be connected. My annual gift is only a small part. There is immeasurable value in the relationships and opportunities afforded me through participation. As an alumnus, I've had the chance to learn, teach, and pursue business through a multitude of GW social networks and events.
Get involved. The people I meet through the University have become advisors, vendors, clients, employees, and friends. I can think of no other philanthropy where participation offers so much potential return. By becoming a part of our society, you are helping grow and influence an institution that will continue to give back for the rest of your life.
PETER KONWERSKI
GSEHD BA '91, MA '94, EdD '97
As a Luther Rice Society Member, I consider myself a long term investor in the future of our University and in the spirit of being a GW stockholder; so to speak, we recognize that the value of a GW education will far out pace other investments returns. I want to ensure that I continue to support our increasingly talented, diverse, and dedicated student body.
JOSH KURILOFF
GWSB BBA '81
As hard as it is to find the time to contribute or volunteer, the benefits and rewarding feeling has made it all worthwhile. This is an opportunity to get involved with the next generation of decision makers; people who will soon be entering the business world and who can make a significant impact in the very near future. Further, being involved with the Real Estate Alliance of the Luther Rice Society has provided me with networking opportunities, and the opportunity for me to reconnect with many of my college peers.
GEORGE MATTHEWS
GWSB BBA '82
I believe Luther Rice sponsored alumni events have the potential to provide excellent business and social networking opportunities for GW alumni. In addition, I wanted to give back to the university by sharing my professional experiences and contacts with current students and young alumni, who are considering careers in Finance in New York City. I want to encourage other fellow GW graduates to join the Luther Rice Society because the University and Alumni can benefit greatly from each other.
HEATHER NESLE
BA '97
GW afforded me the opportunity to not only receive a fine education, but to meet a diverse group of friends, work at prestigious institutions and experience life in one of the world's premiere cities. It was a no-brainer for me to decide to give back - monetarily and with my time. Through the Luther Rice Society I'm able to contribute to the future of the University, further enhancing the value of my degree and the quality of education for new and prospective students.
MICHELLE RUBIN
ESIA BA '91
Why others should consider getting involved – because it's the right thing to do. It took me a while to understand what GW gave me and how it has impacted my life today. Where would you be without your GW experience? If you can ask yourself that question, I think one will realize why it's important to give back to the institution that helped pave the way for where one is today.
MICHAEL TAPSCOTT
Director, GW Multicultural Student Services Center
While faculty and staff are incredible, it is the students who amaze me daily. Whether diversity, community service, politics, or other volunteer work, our students are about owning their educational experience. You talk about applied experiential learning.... GW clearly prepares young people for life.
If you believe in the product, you will feel great about investing in it, and of course, you develop a more vested interest in its continuity. That is the reason that everyone should support GW, I believe in the university, its vision, mission and plans for growth....this is the best way to show your belief.




