Winter has certainly found its way into D.C., and Foggy Bottom feels a bit calmer as the year winds down. From my office, I often find myself reflecting on the past few months and the warmth and generosity that have shaped my experience since joining as dean in August.
Thanks to so many of your recommendations, I have discovered favorite restaurants, neighborhoods and small corners of D.C. that I now cherish. Your support has made me feel settled, and I am grateful for the care you have shown.
Despite the challenges, this year brought meaningful progress for our school. We welcomed our first chief AI officer and launched the GW Business AI Forum, which I encourage you to join in the new year. We established the Innovation Fund, which will support our AI and other new initiatives.
We also celebrated the fifteenth anniversary of the Center for Real Estate Studies (CRES), which continues to prepare students for successful careers in the real estate industry. Additionally, our Sport Management master’s program was ranked fifth in the world by SportsBusiness, joining our other nationally and globally recognized programs.
Alongside these achievements, we also experienced important moments of growth. Since my arrival, I have focused on helping the school adapt to program changes and the evolving landscape. Through these challenges, our community has shown care, dedication and commitment to our mission.
Thanks to all of you, I have gained my sea legs. I feel ready for the year ahead, and I look forward to building on what we have started together.
Over the holiday break, I hope you find time to rest and connect with your loved ones and family. I plan to travel to Istanbul to visit my aging parents and enjoy the traditions I grew up with. This season, above all, reminds us of what truly matters: the people we hold close.
Thank you for everything you contribute to this community. I wish you a peaceful winter break and a joyful start to the new year.
Sevin Yeltekin
Dean, GW School of Business