Greetings: Representing the District of Columbia
Mary Cheh
District of Columbia Councilwoman and George Washington University Law Professor

Good morning, and what a glorious morning it is. It is my singular pleasure, on behalf of the Chairman of the District of Columbia Council to bring hearty congratulations to you, President Knapp, on this wonderful day.

Together with my colleagues, 12 other colleagues, we have the confidence that under your leadership, this magnificent University will achieve even greater heights, greater standards of excellence, more achievements, and a greater reputation in all respects.

I should add that while I’m a law professor here, the Chairman of the District of Columbia Council is an alumnus. The roots of the University in the community are many and deep.

As the elected member of the Council from Ward 3, where the Mount Vernon campus sits, and as a long-time law professor here—actually under two presidents previous to you, President Knapp, both President Trachtenberg and President Elliott who are with us today, I’m happy to say—I’m keenly aware of the contributions of the University—intellectually, culturally, socially and economically to this great city of ours.

As an anchor in our community, we know that the commitment of George Washington to be in and of the city is not simply rhetoric. In terms of civic engagement and service to the community, the George Washington University has no peer. I am hoping that we can deepen and strengthen the partnership that we have between the city and the University and under your leadership President Knapp, I’m sure that we will do so. You already start on a firm foundation—the relationships between the University and the city, between the University and the Council, between the University and the Mayor’s Office are strong, but we will build upon that.

And so, on behalf of the District of Columbia government, all of its employees, and the over 600,000 residents of this capitol city which we—and now you—call home, hearty congratulations. We are so grateful that we have chosen for your hallmark for your tenure, partnership. We have a great city, a great University, there can’t be a stronger partnership than that.

Congratulations, and best wishes to you, Mr. President.