Dean’s Letter: Inspiration Comes From Many Sources

Dear College of Arts & Sciences Hoyas,

Inspiration comes from many sources. 

In my 20-plus years as a part of the College of Arts & Sciences community, including as Dean since July, I’ve seen firsthand the inspiring work being done in our community.

I’ve attended fascinating lectures and panels featuring our terrific faculty and students, sat in on a First-Year Seminar class and met Hoyas from all around the world who take pride in our scholars and our commitments to the values of a liberal arts education. I’m grateful for the energy of our College community and am constantly reminded of the impact we have. 

The Hoyas featured in our Fall 2025 Digital Magazine exemplify some of the best in the College and at Georgetown.  

In a new Ignatius Seminar for first-year students, How to Make a Decision, Fr. Peter Folan, S.J. teaches students to make decisions with greater awareness and purpose. Students in the Social Responsibility Network visited Shepherdstown, West Virginia this fall to learn about the social impact work happening there. 

The journeys of two of our newest faculty members — Richard Desinord in the Department of Performing Arts and Liza Offreda in the disability studies program — serve as a reminder of the importance of teachers and the power of storytelling.

We also found inspiration from Maddi Niebanck (C’17). Less than two weeks after graduating from Georgetown, Niebanck had a stroke. Since then, she has written two books and built a platform to advocate for other stroke survivors. 

Our Hoyas are true representatives of our Jesuit values, and I hope you find them as inspirational as I do.

Hoya Saxa,

David M. Edelstein, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
Professor of International Affairs & Government
Georgetown University