Visiting the Historic Georgetown University

There are lots of things to do in Washington, D.C. like visiting the beautiful and historic campus of Georgetown University. This is a great opportunity to visit an institution of higher learning.

With a motto of “Both into One,” it is a private Roman Catholic (Jesuit) affiliated institution that was established on January 23, 1789. It is located in Georgetown, Washington, D.C.

The school was founded in 1789 by Father John Carroll though its earliest roots began in 1634. In its early years, the school struggled financially though it continued to expand into a branched university just after the American Civil War under the hands of the university president Patrick Francis Healy.

It is the oldest Roman Catholic university in the United States, and its religious heritage helps define cialis price the institution’s values. Though, on the other hand, its mixed endorsement of Roman Catholicism and secular viewpoints often causes controversy amongst its community.

Its three campuses feature traditional collegiate architecture and layout while prizing their green spaces and environmental commitment. The main campus is known for Healy Hall, Viagra Jelly a designated National Historic Landmark.

While you are in the area, you should check it out. While you do that, the prestige will continue to grow for this university.

Academically, Georgetown is divided into four undergraduate schools and four graduate schools with popular programs and notable faculty in international relations, government, law, medicine and business. It has about seven thousand undergrad students and over eight thousand post graduate students to comprise its fifteen thousand three hundred eighteen total student body.

Being in the political center of our country, the student body is noted for its pluralism and political activism in addition to its large international contingent. Popular campus groups include the nation’s oldest student dramatic society and the largest student run business.

The noteworthy alumni have served in various levels of government in the United States as well as abroad. Some names include Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

The athletics teams are named the Hoyas. They are made famous by their most well known men’s basketball team which leads the Big East Conference with seven tournament championships.

Their Jesuit tradition is one that shines through. It was founded by Jesuits in the tradition of Ignatius of Loyola and is a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Georgetown is not a pontifical university, though three Jesuits serve on the forty member Board of Directors.

Fifty nine members of the Society of Jesus live on campus, and most are employed by Georgetown as professors and/or administrators. Part of their tradition is holding the Jesuit Heritage Week which has been held every year since 2001 to celebrate and honor the contributing Jesuits to the Georgetown tradition.

This is an event that is open to the public which you can enjoy while you are in the Washington, D.C. area. It is a unique, one of a kind opportunity that you do not want to miss.

However, the religious role that Georgetown’s Catholic heritage has played in its policies has raised controversy at times. This is probably because it is difficult for politics that are degrading to stay in accordance with such a traditional religion.

There are certain rules put in place by their religious leaders. For example, stores in University owned buildings are not permitted to sell or distribute birth control products.

Also, Georgetown University Hospital, operated by MedStar Health, and Georgetown University Medical Center both are under the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Services, which will not allow abortions to be performed on the premises. However, they do perform research using embryonic stem cells which is a bit controversial. Georgetown has also been criticized by groups like the Cardinal Newman Society for hosting prominent pro-choice politicians as speakers on campus like John Kerry and Barack Obama.

Also, a controversy arose when crucifixes were added to many classroom walls, attracting national attention in 1996 and in 1999. Before this time, crucifixes had only hung in hospital rooms and historic classrooms.

This university is a mix of tradition and cutting edge thinking. Be sure to stop by on your next vacation to Washington, D.C.

Author Bio: Terry Daniels has been writing about things to do in cities across America. He recommends things to do in Washington DC for finding great activities in Washington DC.

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Terry Daniels
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Category: Recreation and Leisure/Travel/Destinations
Keywords: things to do in Washington DC

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