The statement, developed by a committee chaired by Provost Dorothy Brown and reviewed extensively last year throughout our community, has many virtues: It is eloquent, and it is thought provoking. This statement will serve us well in the years to come. Indeed, the first ten words may well serve us for a century: Georgetown is a Catholic and Jesuit, student-centered research university. — Leo J. O Donovan, S.J., President
Background:
In May 1999, Father O Donovan announced an inclusive, campus-wide effort led by Provost Dorothy Brown to develop a new University mission statement. This initiative grew out of an on-going conversation at Georgetown on ways to strengthen and enhance our Catholic and Jesuit identity. Last year, Dr. Brown chaired a drafting committee that included eight faculty members and a student. A draft statement was circulated widely throughout the University community in the fall 1999 semester.
Georgetown University s New Mission Statement:
Approved by Georgetown s Board of Directors this September and officially announced by Father O Donovan at his annual Faculty Convocation address on September 20, 2000, the University s new mission statement reads:
“”Georgetown is a Catholic and Jesuit, student-centered research university.
Established in 1789 in the spirit of the new republic, the University was founded on the principle that serious and sustained discourse among people of different faiths, cultures, and beliefs promotes intellectual, ethical, and spiritual understanding. We embody this principle in the diversity of our students, faculty, and staff, our commitment to justice and the common good, our intellectual openness, and our international character.
An academic community dedicated to creating and communicating knowledge, Georgetown provides excellent undergraduate, graduate, and professional education in the Jesuit tradition – for the glory of God and the well-being of humankind.
Georgetown educates women and men to be reflective lifelong learners, to be responsible and active participants in civic life, and to live generously in service to others.”"
Website: http://www.georgetown.edu/
