Washington Adventist University Honors Georgette Godwin for Exemplary Service
TAKOMA PARK, (MD) – Washington Adventist University has honored Georgette “Gigi” Godwin, former President and CEO of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, with its highest recognition for service. The President’s Excellence in Gateway to Service Award was presented by university President Dr. Weymouth Spence, coinciding with Godwin’s retirement after 17 years of leadership and over 20 years of service to the chamber.
“The President’s Excellence in Gateway to Service Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to their local, national, and international communities,” said Dr. Spence. “Resulting in improved communities with excellence.”
Godwin has been a driving force behind green initiatives and developed frameworks for launching Montgomery County businesses with an international scope. As the first president of the Women’s Council on Environment and Green Initiatives, she set a new standard for sustainable design that considers both constructional designs and their environmental impact.
“This recognition is in line with our university’s commitment to equip students with both credentials and character for service,” said Provost Dr. Cheryl Kisunzu. “We are grateful for Godwin’s dedication to our institution and acknowledge her outstanding service.”
“Receiving the President’s Award was a complete surprise,” Godwin said. “I felt undeserving and shocked. I’m just committed to serving the community without expecting recognition. It was an incredible honor to be acknowledged for my mission, especially by Dr. Spence and Washington Adventist University. I love working with Dr. Spence and the leadership team because they are genuinely inspired by their mission, which aligns with my passion for creating opportunities for young people. This recognition means a lot to me, and I will continue to support the chamber and the community in any way I can, even as I transition to encourage the next generation of leaders.”
Washington Adventist University emphasizes service as a crucial component of its educational mission. The institution’s curriculum and campus life reflect this emphasis, with faculty members incorporating the university’s location in the nation’s capital into their courses and encouraging students to combine their studies with service learning opportunities. The university’s faith-based atmosphere also encourages students to use their skills and knowledge to make a difference in the world through service and ministry.
During commencement ceremonies, the university recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exemplary community service, dedication, and performance that goes above and beyond to make a positive impact on their communities. These recipients embody the teachings of Jesus Christ, as expressed in Matthew 25:35-36: “When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat… When I was a stranger, you welcomed me.”
As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”