Attend Events

The Georgetown University Association of Retired Faculty and Staff (GU Retirees) provides a number of opportunities throughout the year for retirees to connect with each other, enjoy cultural events and socialize. These include:

  • guided tours of museums, galleries, and other sites of cultural and historical interest in the area; and
  • luncheon meetings with featured speakers from the Georgetown community.

We offer a mix of in-person and virtual events. Not a paid-up member? Click here to join or pay your dues. Sign-up information will be sent in the GU Retirees newsletter and special announcement emails.

Reflections on Service, Scholarship, and Community Engagement at Georgetown University and in the DC Community

Thursday, February 12, 2026
11:00 am on Zoom

Join us for an engaging conversation with Dr. Maurice Jackson (G’95, G’01), Associate Professor in the Department of History within the College of Arts and Sciences, currently teaching in Doha, and Fr. Raymond Kemp, Senior Research Fellow at the Woodstock Theological Center, Office of the President, and the Department of Theology and Religious Studies.

Dr. Jackson’s latest book, “Rhythms of Resistance and Resilience,” set in the nation’s capital, examines the profound influence of music and sports in the lives of African Americans. His work highlights how these cultural elements have acted not only as sources of resilience but also as indicators of social conflict and progress within society. The conversation will delve into Dr. Jackson’s insights on how music and sports in Washington, DC, have functioned as a powerful tool for resistance and societal advancement.

Fr. Kemp brings a wealth of experience as a pastor in African American parishes throughout the District. He will share his perspectives on community leadership, service, and the importance of faith-based engagement in fostering community strength and unity.

Register for this event here.

Quilts–History, Warmth, Communication or Art? – Her Story

Thursday, February 26, 2026
1:00 pm on Zoom

Quilts have been providing warmth and cover since Ancient Egypt and China. Quilts and quilt makers have a unique place in American history. Women (and men) made quilts out of whatever fabric they had, often using and reusing scraps and remnants of clothing. In the 1800s, enslaved men brought fabric arts with them from Africa. As the men were forced to work, for practical reasons, women took up working with fabric and quilt-making. They developed patterns that would become symbols for escaping enslaved persons traveling on the underground railroad to communicate directions, locations of water, where they might find food, and more. Quilting continues today with many making art quilts, quilts for personal use, and for donation to wounded warriors, seriously ill children, and the homeless.

Join Deborah Bassard Jones, who will discuss all this and more. A GU Retiree, quilting for over 28 years, Deborah received her Master of Arts Degree in Communications from Bowie State University in May 2017. Her thesis was on quilting as a form of non-verbal communication between African American women during the period of Reconstruction and its continued communication medium among today’s quilters and Fiber Artists. For her work, she received the Masters of the Year Award from Bowie State University. She interviewed several members of the African American Quilters of Baltimore (AAQB) during her thesis research and, after receiving her advanced degree, decided to join the Quilting Guild to further advance her skills and to learn from this amazing body of quilters and fiber artists. Deborah will be joined by Ardoth Hassler, former VP of UIS, GU retiree and a quilter herself.  

Register for this event here.