No profit motive behind parents weekend, official says

            Comedian Jon Stewart’s Colonials Weekend appearance has many families saying, “It costs HOW much to go!?”

            Theories of profit motives arise and some families may elect not to pay the $50 to $90 per ticket to attend the performances, especially given the economic situation that is forcing families across the country to tighten their belts.

            While some can barely afford the cable to watch Stewart on “The Daily Show,” Peter Konwerski, Associate Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer with Student and Academic Support Services tells WRGW News that, “The money from ticket sales is generally expected to cover the costs of the programming that takes place on campus during Colonials Weekend. We basically are running a break even program here, not a revenue generator.  There is no surplus of funding which is turned back over to the University, since nearly every dollar in spending to produce the show is attempted to be recouped by ticket sales.”

            The university will not reveal the exact amount it is spending to stage the shows or the talent citing a confidential contractual agreement with Stewart’s management.

            Konwerski claims that his office receives very few complaints from students or parents about the affordability of the program, though he says it was important to both the university and Stewart to have a ticket value of less than $100.

            The prices are comparable to previous Colonials Weekends.

            Tickets for last year’s headliner, comedian Robin Williams, ranged from $57 to $125 dollars. 2007 Billy Crystal tickets ranged from $57 – $150. Jerry Seinfeld’s 2006 performance ranged between $57 and $125 dollars, though a portion of the money from Seinfeld’s performance went to scholarship funds for underprivileged D.C. public school students, according to archived press releases.

            Stewart previously performed at Colonials Weekend in 2005. General admissions tickets sold for $45.

            It’s a far cry from a 2000, non-parents weekend Jon Stewart performance where $8 dollar general admissions tickets were sold with the Student Activities Center giving away 300 free tickets at a women’s basketball game.

            Tickets to New York City tapings of “The Daily Show with John Stewart” are free.

            Konwerski said he would work with any student with “dire financial concerns,” but said there were a number of ways to attend among them, staffing the event.

            Other, lower cost Colonials Weekend options are available including Cabaret Showcase and Colonials Invasion. Ticket information for these events has not yet been released.

           Stewart will perform at the Smith Center at 600 22nd St. NW on Saturday October 17 at 7pm and 10pm. Ticket prices range from $50-90 each and will go on sale July 6. For tickets call: 202-994-7411 or visit http://gwired.gwu.edu/tickets to purchase tickets online.

- Jesse Regis

Stewart top choice for Colonials Weekend

Comedian Jon Stewart. Used with permission of GW News Center

           A six month long process, similar to that of selecting the commencement speaker, led to comedian Jon Stewart’s invitation to perform two shows on Colonials Weekend.

           Student suggestions, parent input, and even psychographic assessments, among other methods, were used to identify Stewart as an option according to Peter Konwerski, Associate Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer with GW’s Student and Academic Support Services.

             “Jon Stewart was first choice among many lists and the first act we sought to sign,” Konwerski tells WRGW News.

            Following last year’s Colonials Weekend, which brought comedian Robin Williams to campus, parents were encouraged to fill out a survey asking for musical names, comedy acts, or speakers.

            “Key students and student leaders in the arts community [including] Program Board, Student Activities Center, Student Association, and WRGW Radio” were among student groups consulted according to Konwerski.

            The university reportedly also worked with the graduate level Event Management Program for the first time. The Spring 2009 class “Event Entertainment” worked with demographic and psychographic assessments, which identified potential acts.

            Trends among students were monitored through social mediums like Facebook, as well. Students not connected with any group, and even alumni were encouraged to submit names.

            This data was submitted to the Student Academic and Support Services office where additional information like the availability of performers, cost and format factored into the decision to extend an invitation to Stewart.

           - Jesse Regis

Prof. Named Undersecretary of the Navy

Recently confirmed by the Senate, former marine and GW Professor Robert O. Work will join the Obama administration as Undersecretary of the Navy.

He will become the second-highest ranking civilian in the Department of the Navy, reporting directly to the Secretary of the Navy.

Professor Work will become the Undersecretary of the Navy. Photo courtesy of GW News Center

“The Elliott School’s faculty is comprised of superb scholars and policy practitioners who are dedicated to bringing substantive knowledge and analytical rigor to bear on real-world problems. Mr. Work’s appointment reflects his formidable policy expertise as well as his commendable commitment to public service,” Michael E. Brown, dean of the Elliott School of International Affairs said in a statement released to the press. “The Elliott School community wishes him the best as he takes on his important responsibilities in the Department of the Navy.”

Work, who among other things taught a defense analysis course at GW, told a Senate Armed Services Committee that his experience in government as an active-duty soldier, military officer, strategist and analyst prepares him for the post.

During the hearing he promised to work for the better treatment of servicemen and women.

“I will also work hard with the secretary of the Navy to ensure that our nearly 11,000 wounded warriors receive the best care possible, and that the families of our fallen are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve,” Work said in a university press release.

Four Assistant Secretaries will report to Professor Work.

-Jesse Regis

Commencement 2009

The university wide commencement ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday May 17th on the National Mall between the Capitol building and the Washington Monument. Graduates should arrive at the National Mall between 8:30 am and 9:00 a.m. to line up for the 9:30 a.m. processions. Parents and guests should be seated by 9:30 a.m. A complete guide to the ceremonies can be found by clicking here: GW Commencement 

The forecast calls for rain until 9 a.m., giving way to cloudy skies, and a high of 58 degrees. The sun should peek through around 1 p.m.

For those unable to attend the ceremony will be broadcast live on local television stations beginning at 11 a.m., as well as online. ABC 7 will be on hand and will broadcast through their website here: Webcast

Directions to the site, transportation options, and alternate site information can be found here: Seating / Verizon Center / Transportation 

Food sales possible in Metro

UPDATE 5/28/09: The Metro Board voted to table this proposed plan citing an anticipated increase in trash and that it might potentially encourage people to eat on trains where food and drink is prohibited. It was the second time in three years the board has rejected a plan to incorporate food sales in rail stations. Other proposals are expected, potentially in June, with more of an emphasis on books and DVD sales rather than food.

_______________________________________

Metrorail stations proposed for inclusion in Retail Program

District of Columbia:

Anacostia (sidewalk)

Fort Totten (sidewalk and paid area of station)

Gallery Place-Chinatown (paid and free area of station)

Metro Center (paid area of station)

Virginia:

King Street (free area of mezzanine)

Rosslyn (free area of mezzanine)

Vienna/Fairfax-GMU (paid area of station and short term parking)

West Falls Church-VT/UVA (sidewalk)

Maryland:

Branch Avenue (sidewalk and Kiss & Ride)

Glenmont (sidewalk)

New Carrollton (sidewalk)

Shady Grove (sidewalk)

*Stations were chosen based on ridership and space      Graphic Courtesy of Metro

Metro officials are considering the installation of a number of kiosks in high trafficked metro stations, according to a press release from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Potential products and services include prepackaged food and beverage, dry cleaning, and newsstands.

Officials presented the idea before the Rider’s Advisory Council last night.

A similar plan was brought before the council three years ago but without the option for proposals from food or beverage distributors. The agency received a mere three offers, but for varying reasons were not implemented. 

The sale of tobacco and alcohol would still be prohibited, however, as the D.C. Metro system bans food and drink, the sale of any prepackaged food is a big step forward. The public transportation systems in Atlanta, San Francisco, and Chicago allow the sale of prepackaged foods, according to Nat Bottigheimer, assistant general manager of planning and joint development.

If the proposal is approved the agency will begin soliciting proposals in June, with a Metro board review over the summer, and possible implementation by the fall

President Knapp Issues Statement on Swine Flu, Third Student Diagnosed

Update: According to a recent GW infomail, “The DC Department of Health has advised the University that a third GW student diagnosed with influenza is a probable case of H1N1 influenza. The DC Department of Health has asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to do additional testing.  We should emphasize that at the current time there are no confirmed cases of H1N1 at GW. The DC Department of Health is still awaiting the results of CDC testing on samples from two students sent late last week. It was determined that these students are no longer contagious.”

After the student was diagnosed at the GW Hospital, the university “implemented our protocols, including moving the student to a private room in a residence hall to limit exposure to other students, informing those in close personal contact and providing them with information about symptoms, treatment and prevention. The student is recovering rapidly following treatment.

On Saturday Evening, GW President Steven Knapp sent out a message over the infomail system regarding the two cases of N1H1 influenza (commonly referred to as Swine Flu) that were discovered on the GW campus.

According to Knapp, “While we continue to await results of testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the District of Columbia Department of Health has determined that these two students are no longer contagious. They have recovered fully following treatment with anti-viral medication.”

Knapp asserted that GW is “working closely with the DC Department of Health and federal health officials to ensure we are following their protocols and taking all needed steps to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff.”

In response to concerns raised over the potential risk to those who were in contact with the two students who became infected the with the virus, Knapp said that “The GW Student Health Service and Dean of Students have worked quickly to give those students who developed the flu access to private rooms to protect other students. They were treated with anti-viral medications and asked to stay in and avoid contact with other students. Those in close living quarters with them also were informed of the initial flu diagnosis and given information about symptoms, prevention and treatment. Members of the University staff also are going directly to affected residence halls to speak with students where they live about the H1N1 virus and preventative steps they can take.”

This message came after one that was sent out the day before informing the GW community of the diagnosis and outlining symptoms and prevention techniques for the virus.

Symptoms of the N1H1 influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, and occasional diarrhea and vomiting. 

More information about Swine Flu and its symptoms and prevention can be located at the GW SHS website.

-Alex Laska

5 Questions for the 2009-2010 Student Association

By: Dan Keylin, WRGW News

At noon today, April 30, 2009, President Julie Bindleglass, Executive Vice President Jason Lifton, and a new Senate were sworn in as members of the 2009-2010 Student Association. The SA and the students who they represent are looking towards the future. However, with many of the same players still involved as last year, some are questioning if the new administration will able to get past the issues that plagued the last administration. 5 questions hang over the SA:

5. What scandals will plague the SA next year? 2008-2009 featured a plethora of public relations miscues ranging from a mysterious payment source for several Nationals baseball tickets to the questionable success of the Unity Ball and the drama that plagued the Inaugural Float. At this point, the student body is expecting to see more scandals; it’s simply a matter of when the first one will occur.

4. What will happen to the “Abolish The SA” movement? The movement received a lot of press attention in the beginning of April but has seemingly lost traction. Will organizers actually go forward with collecting the 2500+ signatures necessary to force a referendum, or will all momentum be lost come the fall semester? Will those responsible for the initiative reveal themselves and explain their motives?

3. Will President Julie Bindelglass be successful? With the controversial disqualification of Kyle Boyer, a razor thin runoff victory, and a movement designed to disband the SA, can Julie unite the campus and accomplish her campaign goals? Julie has assembled a rather diverse cabinet with ties to many aspects of student life, but then again, so did her predecessor former President Vishal Aswani. The early indicator of potential success or failure will be keeping a watchful eye on the cohesion of her cabinet, something that many claim was lacking in the Aswani administration.

2. What role will newly-elected grad school senators play? Graduate Senator Jamie Baker (CPS-G) is the chair of the Rules Committee, a powerful entity that determines organizational protocol and can significantly impact the flow of legislation. 

1. Will the SA (be forced to) reform itself? In their final meeting of the year, a vote to put a referendum for a new SA Constitution before the student body was tabled by the SA, which effectively killed the latest efforts for reform. Will President Bindelglass and Executive Vice President Jason Lifton try to change the SA Constitution and how will transparency of the organization be affected in the process? To what extent will outside pressure influence them, especially considering former Executive Vice President Kyle Boyer who reportedly plans to unveil an advocacy-oriented organization called the ‘Colonial Impact Group’ to promote spirit and community among the student body?

The bottom-line for the future of the 2009-2010 Student Association: reserved optimism.

Alcohol intoxication behind Treanor’s death

According to The Hatchet, the independent student newspaper at GW, alcohol poisoning is the cause of death for 19 year old Laura Treanor, a Sophomore who passed away January 23.

The newspaper cites Beverly Fields, a spokeswoman for the D.C. Medical Examiner as its source.

WRGW will keep you posted as further details become available.

For more on Laura’s life listen to a News in Depth tribute to her life, which aired shortly after her tragic death: Laura Treanor Tribute

GW Cancer Gala brings doctors, researchers, survivors together

From left to right: Dr. Rachel Brem, Dr. Robert Siegel, Jeanette Michael, President Steven Knapp, Mrs. Diane Knapp, Dr. Steven Paterno, and CNN's Wolf Blitzer. Photo Provided by Medical Center Marketing and Communications

By Jesse Regis

An event to raise funds for cancer research brings hundreds of people together at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Saturday night in what became a celebration of survivors and those working towards making the disease more manageable. Senator Ted Kennedy, GW professor and cancer researcher Dr. Rachel Brem, and survivor Jeanette Michael were honored at the event for their dedication to the cause.

The proceeds from the event primarily benefitted the GW Cancer Institute and the Dr. Cyrus and Myrtle Katzen Cancer Research Center. 550 Tickets were sold at $500 dollars each, though the total amount of money raised has not yet been announced by the GW Medical Center.

Researchers, many from within GW’s own medical community, were anxious to raise awareness and educate the public about the many types of cancer, treatment options, prevention and control, survivorship, health policy, community outreach and education programs that provide those diagnosed access to a network of care that was previously unavailable. CNN’s Wolf Blitzer emceed the black tie event.

While the event was designed to raise money and honor dedicated individuals, researchers were anxious to discuss advancements in the field.

According to Dr. Steven Patierno, the Executive Director of the GW Cancer Institute, cancer affects one out of every ten people on the planet. He said that the community has made, “huge headways in the last 10 years beginning to unravel what’s actually wrong inside of a cancer cell and we’re hopeful that over the next ten to fifteen years we’ll be able to design more and more specific drugs to stop the progression of cancer.”

Dr. Patricia Berg, a GW professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is among those who have contributed towards breakthroughs in cancer cell research. Berg and her colleagues discovered and cloned a gene that is active in 80% of breast cancers, 63% of myeloid leukemia, and 70% of prostate cancers. Dr. Berg believes the gene is “very important” in the beginnings of cancer and is now working towards a method that would suppress the gene, in addition to developing a blood test for early detection. “It is coming to the point of personalized medicine where a person with cancer could have some DNA taken and examined to tell which genes are involved with their particular cancer and then have individual treatment,” Dr. Berg said.

 

Dr. Cyrus and Myrtle Katzen join President and Mrs. Knapp. The Katzen's previous donated of $10 million allowed for the expansion of patient care at the Cancer Research Center in the Medical Faculty Associates building. Photo provided by Medical Center Marketing and Communications

Meanwhile, Dr. Robert Siegel, Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Hematology and Oncology, and Director of the Katzen Center, who treats patients with different types of diseases including leukemia, breast, and lung cancers is optimistic based on the progress made in understanding the workings of cancer cells in relation to healthy cells and the ability to “exploit the differences whether it’s different markets on the surface of cancer cells, or different weakness in the metabolism of cancer cells,” and designing drugs to target cancer cells, while retaining healthy cells. Dr. Siegel tells cancer patients, “We are here to help you. Strives toward curing cancer are significant but not as fast as any of us would like to see them, but meanwhile many cancers are curable now and that’s what we have to do, making the best use of the tools that we have while keeping the pressure on the research to make cures possible for cancers that aren’t curable now.”

Doctors and researchers were quick to dispel the myth that the community will be able to cure cancer any time soon. Dr. Kimberly Russo, the Chief Operating Officer of GW Hospital said she “absolutely agrees” with the assessment that it is impossible to know when cancer will be cured. Dr. Russo said, “We can’t put a number on that. Cancer touches all of our hearts, and all of us have been affected in some way shape or form with cancer in our lives and there’s not a number on it because there’s so many different types of cancer.” 

Instead, funding is being directed towards community, survivorship and long-term health programs that make cancer easier to live with.

Mobile screening vans are among the community programs in the D.C. area. Three vans, dubbed “Mammovans” visit Southeast D.C. once a week to screen women, regardless of their ability to pay. Karen Marino, the executive coordinator of the program says that that Southeast portion of the city is one of the “most medically underserved areas in the District of Columbia with D.C. having one of the highest rates of cancer in the nation. Marino focuses her work in wards 5, 6, 7, and 8, where because of financial or time restraints individuals are normally unable to seek care. Areas within these wards include Anacostia and Navy Yard. She also runs programs that screen for prostate cancer, which according to the American Cancer Society is among the leading causes of death for men.

GW Student Allie Rubin urged college students to get involved with Camp Kesem, a week-long summer camp run by college students. Rubin, the co-chair, said it allows parents to rest and gives children the opportunity to have fun and meet others in the same situation.

 

Dr. Rachel Brem receives her award from Dr. Robert Siegel. Photo provided by Medical Center Marketing and Communications

Pfizer, the world’s largest research-based pharmaceutical company, was on hand to announce a three year grant totaling $1.2 million dollars for The Center for the Advancement of Cancer Survivorship, Navigation, and Policy.

Mandi Chapman, Director for the Office of Cancer Survivorship and Co-director for Center for the Advancement of Cancer Survivorship and Patient Navigation and Health Policy said that the grant will help launch a comprehensive analysis of national healthcare reform, while also promoting training and support programs for cancer patients because as Chapman said, “Cancer care doesn’t end when you’re finished with treatment it really lasts for the rest of your life,” and these programs are ways of, “ensuring that patients are able to get he care that they need.”

GW President and event co-chair Stephen Knapp was pleased with the turnout and the passion of the GW faculty. Relaying a sense of gratitude, Knapp said GW is focusing on cancer research in particular because, “Everybody’s family is touched by cancer and we happen to live in a city that is among the highest cancer rates in the world with a great disparity between different parts of the city and how they’re affected. It’s one of the things were trying to address as part of our commitment to the greater Washington community.”

Dr. Patierno agrees. He said, “Public awareness is absolutely huge and the more people that understand the importance of cancer research to move us forward, the better.

 ”There’s enormous hope….it’s not a death sentence”

- Honoree Dr. Rachel Brem

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, the new chair of Biochemistry and Microbiology at GW Medical School said that while GW is not yet at the forefront of cancer research, the medical center was a motivating force behind his decision to transfer from the Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Dealing primarily with breast cancer research, Kumar was at the event to raise awareness because, “Education is responsible for making people go for prescreenings and lots of cancers can be caught and treated if detected early on.”

One of the expected highlights of the night never occurred, with Senator Ted Kennedy unable to attend because of his deteriorating health. He received the Cancer Compassion Award for his “dedication to improving access and quality of care among medically underserved communities,” according to event literature. However, two other prominent individuals were honored. 

Dr. Rachel Brem, the Director of Breast Imaging and Intervention, GW professor of Radiology, and Vice-Chair for research and faculty development in the Department of Radiology at GW Medical Center received the Commitment to Overcoming Cancer Award, presented to Brem based on her commitment to patient care, outreach education , and policy work. Dr. Brem is optimistic about the future of cancer research saying, “There’s enormous hope. That the difference between the cancer that we knew and the cancer that’s here today is that it can often be a chronic disease, that’s it’s not a death sentence, that there’s an enormous amount of hope given the research and all the work that’s been done.”

 

Jeanette Michael speaks to the gala. She personally thanked members of the GW community for their support in her battle against cancer. Photo provided by Medical Center Marketing and Communications

GW Alum, Trustee, and cancer survivor, Jeanette Michael received the Spirit of Life Award, given to an individual whose own survival story inspires others to fight cancer. Her condition made it difficult for her to express her thoughts. Michael was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in 2002. Eight months ago her cancer spread to her bones, liver, lungs, lymphatic system, and she had cancer tumors around her chest. Her ongoing treatment meant she had no hair, and she struggled to speak. Her voice coarse and low she said, “Everyone knows that you don’t have to have cancer to travel a difficult journey in life, so I want everyone tonight to take a minute to realize just how blessed you are because when I wake up in the morning I thank God that I am still here today.”

After all the pain that cancer brought her she stood before the crowd and said, “I’m standing here today to tell you, I’m blessed.”

 

For more information:

GW Cancer Institute: http://www.gwumc.edu/gwci/

Mobile Mammography Programs: http://www.gwdocs.com/MobileMammographyProgram.html

Phone (202) 741-3252

Camp Kesem: http://www.campkesem.org/

Sports Roundup

DC Sports

After opening the season with 7 consecutive losses, the Washington Nationals have finally begun to win a few games. Starting last Friday, the Nationals lost all three games in their weekend home series against the Marlins. On Monday, the Nats earned their second victory of the season beating Atlanta 3-2. They beat the Braves again on Tuesday, this time by a final score of 4 to 3. The win streak was ended with a 0 to 1 loss, again against Atlanta. With just 3 wins and 11 losses, the Nationals officially have the worst record in the MLB. They travel to New York tonight to face the Mets.

In soccer, DC United tied New England last Friday, 1 to 1. United went on to beat Dallas on Wednesday, the final score was 2 to 0. Their next game is Sunday at New York.
Finally, in Hockey the Washington Capitals are one game away from being eliminated in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. On Monday the Capitals lost at home against the Rangers, the final score was 0 to 1. The Caps won on Monday in New York 4-1. Success was short lived as New York beat the Capitals 2 to 1 on Wednesday. The Rangers only need 1 more victory to win the series. Caps and Rangers play tonight at the Verizon Center.

- Joe Lewis