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The announcement comes almost two years after the university established committees to consider requests to shed the moniker and rename campus buildings. Among those requests were calls to change the name of the school’s student center — formerly the Cloyd Heck Marvin Center, named after a university president who advocated for segregation — which was renamed last year.
The name “Colonials,” introduced in 1926, has been a ubiquitous part of the GWU experience. The sports teams are named the “Colonials.” Students schedule medical appointments at the Colonial Health Center and exchange “Colonial Cash” for meals and laundry services.
Mark S. Wrighton, who took office as the university’s interim president in January, commended the university’s “principled” approach to this decision.
“I was impressed by the principled and collaborative approach of the special committee, and it was clear this process was driven by research and robust engagement with the community,” Wrighton said in a statement. “While some may disagree with the outcome, this process has determined that changing the moniker is the right decision for our university.”
The special committee that recommended the name change included GWU faculty, staff, students, alumni and members of the athletics department, officials said. Experts on the university’s history were also involved.
Tanya Vogel, director of athletics, acknowledged that some people will be disappointed in the decision. “The moniker is one way in which our student-athletes, athletic staff and fans build community,” Vogel said.
But, she added, “we see this as a tremendous opportunity to come together, share our experiences and consider what is important to our GW community as we launch the new moniker development process.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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