19552 GW Mag 26_Final_singles - Flipbook - Page 8
NEXT Festival Presents
Artistic Smorgasbord
DISTINGUISHED
ECONOMIST LEFT
A LASTING MARK
A clown 昀椀gure inspired by a moth is a character created by theatre major Caley Plank, BA ’26.
THE ANNUAL NEXT FESTIVAL
showcased the talent of more than 170
graduating students from Columbian
College’s Corcoran School of the Arts
and Design. The festival represented a
smorgasbord of creative expression in
fields ranging from music, theatre and
dance to photojournalism, visual arts
and art history.
The exhibits, live performances
and symposia featured work that
moved across and between disciplines,
reflecting Corcoran’s collaborative and
experimental spirit. Many of the
projects existed at the intersection
of art, design, performance, research
and civic engagement—demonstrating
the expansive ways students were
approaching contemporary creative
practice. Artistic themes often touched
upon identity, human connection,
belonging, social and political systems,
sustainability, ethical futures and
civic engagement.
“Artists are world builders,” said
Lauren Onkey, professor of music and
former Corcoran director. “They help
to imagine ways of thinking and being
in the world that are really inspiring.
We [were] really proud to be able to
invite people to come and experience
how our students see the world.”
JOSEPH CORDES, A RESPECTED
economist and longtime GW faculty
member who served the institution for
more than four decades and whose
work helped shape the study and
practice of finance and public policy,
passed away earlier this year.
Cordes was widely respected by
colleagues and students for his
intellectual rigor, generosity as a
mentor and commitment to public
service. His legacy endures through
his scholarship, his leadership in the
GW Faculty Senate and the many
policymakers he influenced through
his work at the U.S. Department of
Treasury and at the Congressional
Budget Office.
“Joe was a larger-than-life figure
within Columbian College, the
university and in the world beyond,”
said CCAS Dean Paul Wahlbeck. “His
expertise made an immense impact,
and he was beloved by all who knew
him. To say he will be missed is an
enormous understatement.”
Joseph Cordes
8 | www.columbian.gwu.edu
