Society of the Emeriti

The Society of the Emeriti (SOTE) was formed in 1978 under the direction of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs to provide a way for emeriti faculty to stay connected to the university after retirement. When the society was first formed, it was agreed that its purpose was, as past President George Steiner noted,"To enjoy the pleasures of one another's company and to keep abreast of the University's activities." There is no constitution, no by-laws, and no dues. Membership is accompanied by various benefits across campus and applies to spouses and significant others.

For a number of years the main purpose of the society was to organize social events for emeriti faculty, such as monthly luncheons, enabling them to gather and stay in touch with each other and GW. More recently, the society created an advisory council to provide guidance for annual programming, manage the new undergraduate research mentor project, and oversee the development of the legacy project.

Membership Benefits

Health and Wellness Centers: Complimentary memberships for Lerner Health and Wellness Center (Foggy Bottom) and the Mount Vernon campus exercise room are available.

Library Access: Faculty emeriti are entitled to the same library privileges as current faculty members. For more information, visit: Library

Tuition Remission: As part of the GW community, we feel it is important to offer SOTE members an opportunity to participate in the tuition remission benefit that pays a percentage of tuition costs at GW. The exact rate depends on the employee’s status (including hire date) as described in the GW Tuition Remission Benefit Policy. The benefit is applied directly to the SOTE member’s account. The benefit does not apply to tuition-related or other fees, room, board, or student account financial penalties. Please visit the Benefits webpage for more information: Tuition

Parking: Complimentary SOTE parking for the Foggy Bottom campus is in the Academic Center parking garage (801 22nd Street, NW). You can access the garage from I Street between District House and 22nd Street. The parking garage is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Swipe your GWorld card to enter and exit the parking garages.

At the Mount Vernon campus, complimentary SOTE parking is in the West Hall Visitor’s garage. Access the garage by turning onto Whitehaven Parkway from Foxhall Road and proceeding half-block west to main entrance on the north side of street. Garage is on the left side, shortly past the entrance as you travel up the hill. You must request a parking voucher from the SOTE Coordinator before using the West Hall garage.

SOTE Business Cards / SOTE Pin: If you desire to purchase personalized GW business cards and/or the gold SOTE pin, please fill out the request form and email it to [email protected], and allow up to a month for order, shipping and delivery.

SOTE Advisory Council

The advisory council provides guidance to the Provost’s office regarding the annual programming of the Society.

George Bozzini, SOTE President, Associate Professor Emeritus of English
Peggye Cohen, Vice President Emerita for Institutional Research
Robert F. Dyer, Professor Emeritus of Marketing
Terry L. Hufford, Professor Emeritus of Botany
Caroline Long, Associate University Librarian Emeritus
Christina Meloni, Associate Professor Emeritus of English as Foreign Language
Martha Rashid, Professor Emeritus of Education
Arnold Schwartz, Professor Emeritus of Pathology
Charles Toftoy, Associate Professor Emeritus of Management Science