Georgetown University Book Cover

Georgetown University

A new book that tells the story of the oldest Catholic and Jesuit university in America.

All proceeds will be donated to Lauinger Library’s Booth Family Center for Special Collections.

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$ 21.99 | BUY NOW!

What You'll Learn

200 IMAGES

The book includes 200 images from Georgetown University's archives along with captions that tell the story of the university's first 200 years.

OLDEST CATHOLIC AND JESUIT UNIVERSITY

Georgetown University, the oldest Catholic and Jesuit university in America, was founded in 1789 by Archbishop John Carroll, SJ.

DELIGHTFULLY SITUATED

Carroll established the school on a hilltop overlooking the Potomac River, "delightfully situated" as Charles Dickens would observe several decades later.

WILLIAM GASTON

Georgetown welcomed its first student, William Gaston, in 1791 and was chartered by Congress in 1815, but by the time of the Civil War, when Federal troops occupied the campus, the school was on the brink of collapse.

PATRICK F. HEALY

Following the Civil War, Georgetown would recover and be set on a course to become a university under the presidency of Georgetown’s “second founder,” Patrick F. Healy, SJ, beginning in 1873.

20TH CENTURY GEORGETOWN

The early 20th century was marked by the founding of the schools of dentistry, nursing, foreign service, languages and linguistics, and business.

WHY DIDN’T THEY CALL THE MASCOT HOYA?

A student committee raised funds in 1962 to adopt a two-year-old champion bulldog officially named “Lil-Nan’s Royal Jacket” whose nickname was Jack. The students tried to rename the dog Hoya, but the stubborn bulldog would only answer to Jack. Thereafter, Georgetown’s bulldog mascots (real ones and costumed ones) have always been called Jack.


E-book Showcase Image
E-book Showcase Image

GEORGE WASHINGTON

In August 1797, George Washington visited campus and addressed students from the porch of Old North. The “College Diary,” a daily handwritten account of campus events, recalls Washington’s arrival alone on horseback to visit the campus where his grandnephews Bushrod and Augustine were students during his presidency. Including Washington, 14 US presidents have visited or spoken from the porch of Old North.


TESTIMONIALS

  • “ This book is quite the tour de force : yes, it tells the history of Georgetown University, the nation's oldest Jesuit institution of higher education. But, in many ways, it does more than that: it tells the story of the United States too: the shifts in politics, in culture, in social norms.”

    • Shiva
  • “ Loved reading this book. The history is particularly relevant in light of the evidence revealed in the last couple of years about Georgetown‘s connection to a time when slavery was common in the District of Columbia. This book gives a clear picture of the entire history of this great Jesuit institution. ”

    • Marty R.
  • “ O'Neill and Smith's book is filled with terrific photos and captions that bring Georgetown University to life. It's both an enjoyable read and an accessible overview of the university's history. I would recommend it for all Hoyas.”

    • Ari Goldstein
  • “ Any lover of Georgetown history, and social justice will be thrilled to spend time with this book and will undoubtedly come away with a deeper appreciation and respect for the university's mission and impact on society. ”

    • Bill Bone
 

BARNES & NOBLE

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AMAZON

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A Note From The Authors

Georgetown University is a collection of more than 200 vintage images that guides readers from the founding of the university to its bicentennial. The book brings to life the singular storied past of one of America's great universities.

Paul R. O'Neill is a graduate of Georgetown College and the McCourt School of Public Policy. Bennie L. Smith is a graduate of Georgetown College.