I take issue with a number of claims in the recent article by Fr. Ryan Maher, S.J. (“Intellectual Life at GU Lacks Scholarly Spark,” THE HOYA, Feb. 1, 2008, A3). Georgetown is a party school? That’s a good one. Even in its prime, before the various policies put in place to limit parties, it would be a very big stretch to call Georgetown a party school. Go to practically any state school, and you will see what a party school is really like. As far as grades being the ultimate motivator, I really don’t think that’s the case. I routinely see Georgetown students taking difficult classes up to and including their senior year, which I can’t say for students at all colleges. The last thing we need is another scheme to “change the culture” — the last one got rid of parties on campus. I love Georgetown precisely because I find it to be a healthy mix of studying, extracurricular activities and parties. If you try to cut down on one, it throws off the balance of the whole and makes the experience less enjoyable.

Phillip Wilcox (COL ’09)
Feb. 03, 2008