GW alumni are change makers, creators, and leaders in virtually every industry. Through their stories, we see the transformative impact of a GW education.
Alumni Spotlight: Sharon Cooper, B.A. ‘70, Ph.D. ‘88
In the spring of 1967, first-year student Sharon Cooper, B.A. ‘70, Ph.D. ‘88, and her roommates organized the first Cherry Blossom Art Festival, a student-led initiative designed to connect the university community with Foggy Bottom residents.
Alumni in Focus: Francesco Paganini, M.P.A. ‘03
GWSB alumnus Francesco Paganini, M.P.A. ‘03, tells us about his time at GW, career journey, and current professional role.
Alumni in Focus: Dr. Drishti Pillai, Ph.D. ‘21
CCAS alumna Drishti Pillai, Ph.D. ‘21, recounts how GW helped her build a powerful policy network for her professional journey, as well as her exciting career at KFF, a leading organization for health policy, polling, and journalism.
Alumni in Focus: Owen Caine, M.P.P. ‘15
TSPPPA alumni Owen Caine, M.P.P. ‘15, discusses his professional journey and defining only-at-GW moment.
Alumni in Focus: Eric Stokan, Ph.D. ‘16
Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration alumni Eric Stokan, Ph.D. ‘16, discusses his career as a tenured associate professor at the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
Whether it’s volunteering in their communities, running for office, or excelling at professional endeavors, GW alumni are carving their own paths and building a greater world.
Alumni Spotlight: Sharon Cooper, B.A. ‘70, Ph.D. ‘88
March 12, 2026
In the spring of 1967, first-year student Sharon Cooper, B.A. ‘70, Ph.D. ‘88, and her roommates organized the first Cherry Blossom Art Festival, a student-led initiative designed to connect the university community with Foggy Bottom residents.
Alumni in Focus: Francesco Paganini, M.P.A. ‘03
March 10, 2026
GWSB alumnus Francesco Paganini, M.P.A. ‘03, tells us about his time at GW, career journey, and current professional role.
Alumni in Focus: Dr. Drishti Pillai, Ph.D. ‘21
March 4, 2026
CCAS alumna Drishti Pillai, Ph.D. ‘21, recounts how GW helped her build a powerful policy network for her professional journey, as well as her exciting career at KFF, a leading organization for health policy, polling, and journalism.
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