Georgetown . . . Where Political Heavyweights Are Commonplace!
The first development of Georgetown began in 1789 but actual class instruction didn’t occur until two years later in 1791. John Carroll was the individual responsible for founding the University. He was the official head of the Catholic Church in the newly formed United States of America. As a former Jesuit himself, Carroll envisioned Georgetown as a Jesuit university in spite of the fact that the Jesuit order was still suppressed by the Pope at the time. Eventually the Jesuit order was restored and John Carroll’s vision became a reality. Today Georgetown may be the world’s most famous Jesuit university!
In 1815, the United States Congress issued Georgetown the very first federal university charter which allowed it to issue academic degrees.
Although Georgetown has a strong Catholic tradition, its student body and faculty are known for being remarkably diverse and international in nature. This has led to some interesting and surprising campus controversies. For instance, in the 1990’s crucifixes and other religious artwork were added to many classrooms. Many Catholic members of the Georgetown community objected to this as imposing “Catholicism” on all students. Surprisingly, many student leaders representing other faiths and religions on campus argued in support of the administration’s right to display the crucifixes!
Many scenes from the 1973 movie “The Exorcist” were filmed in the Georgetown neighborhood using students as extras. One of those student extras, prominently featured in an opening scene is MLB executive and popular LA Dodgers owner, Frank McCourt. The movie is based on a book written by Peter Blatty, himself a Georgetown University graduate.
Perhaps no other university has produced as many American, and international, political leaders. United States President Bill Clinton and Philippine President Arroyo are just two examples.
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