Campus celebrates George Washington Week

If you see a distinguished-looking gentleman with a white wig and long topcoat riding a horse-drawn buggy around campus next week, don’t be alarmed. It’s just George Washington.

The annual George Washington Week, beginning Monday, Feb. 16, is sponsored by the sophomore honorary Lock & Chain. It will feature horse and buggy rides, birthday cake, appearances by “George” himself, cherry pie and tricorn hats.

“George Washington Week and its events are meant not only to celebrate our namesake’s birthday, but to unite the Washington University community by building school spirit and social awareness,” said Nate Maslak, member of Lock & Chain and co-chair of the week. “Our events are meant to build a sense of pride in Washington University while also fostering discussion of George Washington and the legacy that he has left.”

Donations made for the horse and buggy rides will help benefit Lock & Chain’s charitable projects throughout the year.

“The message behind George Washington Week is central to Lock & Chain,” Maslak said. “As a service honorary, our organization stresses building social awareness and giving back to the community. This year, Lock & Chain will be running a campaign promoting campus awareness of racial and socioeconomic inequality in the St. Louis community.”

The schedule

Monday, Feb. 16. Horse and buggy rides with a George Washington look-alike from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on the Danforth Campus.

Tuesday, Feb. 17. Cherry pie and tea party in Tisch Commons of the Danforth University Center from 3-5 p.m. Jostens will be on hand to sell University rings.

The Career Center will present its annual etiquette dinner at 5:30 p.m. at Whittemore House, where free copies of “George Washington’s Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation” will be given to students attending.

Wednesday, Feb. 18. The “Washington Wednesday” sale will be happening all day at the Bear Necessities store in the Wohl Student Center.

The Assembly Series will present “The Legacy of George Washington” panel discussion at 6 p.m. in the Women’s Building Formal Lounge. A reception will follow.

The Political Science Student Association will host the College Democrats and College Republicans at 8 p.m. in the Women’s Building Formal Lounge for a quiz bowl competition.

Thursday, Feb. 19. George Washington’s 277th birthday party will be held from noon-3 p.m. in Tisch Commons in the Danforth University Center with cake, soda and entertainment.

Friday, Feb. 20. Free colonial tricorn hats will be given away to WUSTL students at the women’s and men’s home basketball games against Carnegie Mellon University at 6 and 8 p.m. in the Athletic Complex. Jostens representatives will also be selling University rings.

For more information on the week, contact Maslak at anmaslak@wustl.edu.