The George Washington University Mount Vernon Campus: A History
The George Washington University's Mount Vernon Campus, situated in Northwest DC adjacent to the Foxhall and Palisades neighborhoods, boasts a rich history that has evolved from a small girls’ seminary to a fully integrated co-educational campus. This article explores the campus's origins, its transformation over the years, and its current role within the broader George Washington University (GW) community.
From Seminary to College: The Early Years
The Mount Vernon Campus's roots trace back to 1868 when Elizabeth J. Somers began tutoring the young daughters of prominent Washington men in her house. Recognizing the lack of educational opportunities for girls in Washington, D.C., Somers officially opened Mount Vernon Seminary in 1875. The school, named after Mount Vernon Place Methodist Church in Baltimore, offered a six-year course of instruction for young ladies.
The Seminary quickly gained prominence, attracting students from across the United States, as well as from Hawaii, Japan, and Syria. By the late 19th century, the school had expanded its curriculum to include a "collegiate course" designed to prepare young women for entrance into four-year colleges. Graduates of Mount Vernon Seminary were accepted into leading women's colleges, a testament to the school's rigorous academic standards.
In 1917, the school moved to a 15-acre campus located on Nebraska Avenue. World War I brought significant changes, with students actively participating in war efforts. In 1927, the Junior College of the Mount Vernon Seminary for Girls was established.
Relocation and Transformation
During World War II, the United States Navy took over the Nebraska Avenue campus for intelligence work, forcing the school to relocate to the top floor of a Garfinckel's department store building in the Spring Valley neighborhood of Washington, D.C. After the war, Mount Vernon received compensation from the United States Navy for the military takeover of its property and purchased 21 acres of property for a new campus located on Foxhall Road.
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In 1962, Peter Pelham became president of Mount Vernon College. From 1962 to 1977, Mount Vernon underwent a revolution. The seminary and prep school were discontinued and the institution became an accredited, degree-granting college. The campus and curricula were expanded and the student body became more diverse.
During the 1960s, the junior college developed new majors in an effort to place emphasis on those subjects which fit well with the capital city, such as those in government and politics, international relations and fine arts. In 1965, the board of trustees chose to close its historic Seminary to build up its collegiate program. The school was then officially renamed Mount Vernon Junior College.
Merger with George Washington University
Facing financial struggles due to declining enrollments, Mount Vernon College began awarding Bachelor of Arts degrees in 1973. In 1997, the board of trustees decided that the college would close as an independent institution. As of June 30, 1999, Mount Vernon became affiliated with George Washington University (GW). The school is now known as The George Washington University - Mount Vernon Campus.
The merger with GW marked a new chapter in the campus's history. The Mount Vernon Campus became a co-educational institution, welcoming students of both genders. GW constructed new athletic fields, dormitories, and other facilities to support the growth of the Mount Vernon campus.
The Mount Vernon Campus Today
Today, the Mount Vernon Campus offers a unique living and learning community, providing the benefits of a smaller "campus feel" while remaining easily accessible to DC’s downtown environment. The campus is home to undergraduate students -- largely freshmen and sophomores -- and offers a wide variety of academic and student life opportunities.
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The 23-acre campus is bounded by W Street (north) and Whitehaven Parkway (south), Foxhall Road (east) and Berkeley Terrace (west). It features a mix of historic buildings and modern facilities, providing a vibrant and engaging environment for students.
GW is organized into fourteen schools and colleges. The Columbian College of Arts and Sciences was the original academic unit of the university. The Medical School is the 11th oldest medical school in the nation and the first to open in the District of Columbia. The Law School was also the first law school in the District of Columbia.
GW has three fully integrated campuses in the Washington, D.C. area: the Foggy Bottom campus, the Mount Vernon campus, and the Virginia Science and Technology campus. The Foggy Bottom Campus houses the vast majority of academic programming.
Campus Planning and Community Engagement
GW is committed to responsible campus planning and community engagement. The 2022 Campus Plan outlines student-focused activities and creating additional opportunities to enhance on-campus student life, including repurposing existing and developing new space to accommodate integrated student wellness programs, including those focused on supporting students’ mental health.
The GW/Mount Vernon Community Partnership was established with the goal of collaboration between GW and Mount Vernon neighbors that promotes focused conversations on campus planning efforts. The university actively seeks input from the community to ensure that campus development aligns with the needs and interests of its neighbors.
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