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Good Memories, By George

January 23, 2008

Writing duties for the upcoming Hall of Fame celebration has kept me from posting for the past several weeks. But the recent news of George Houston's passing has brought me out of my cave. What a sad loss! Please pass this posting on to all Hoyas who knew him.

There is an online guest book for friends of George to pay their respects. George knew thousands of Georgetown students and alums from his days on the Hilltop. I'd like to suggest to those who knew him well that they take a few minutes and write down their favorite George Houston story and then to post it in his online guest book. I'll make sure that they collectively find their way to the University archives and perhaps to the on-campus memorial service when it is held in the near future.


Here is the death notice for George printed in the Washington Post:

GEORGE RICHARD HOUSTON
Died on Saturday, January 19, 2008 at Georgetown University Hospital at the age of 68. George taught accounting at Georgetown University for 33 years and also served as the University's Chief Financial Officer for 24 of those years. He left Georgetown to become the President of Mt. St. Mary's University, where he served for nine years. On his retirement in 2003, he was named President Emeritus. He is survived by his mother, Lillian Houston and his family-Thomas Woodruff, Dennis Houston, Barbara Wheat, James Wheat, Donna Klepp and six nephews and their families. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at Mt. St. Mary's on Friday, January 25 at 11 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. St. Mary's University or Georgetown University.
Arrangements by DeVOL FUNERAL HOME. Published in The Washington Post on 1/21/2008.

Here is the link for George's online guest book: George R. Houston Guest Book
Here is the link to the Mt. St. Mary's press release: President Emeritus of Mount St. Mary's University Passes Away
Here is the link to the obituary from the Frederick NewsPost: Faculty, friends remember former Mount president

Finally, here is the text of a letter from Georgetown University president John J. DeGioia to the University community:

Gentleman George


Georgetown University
Office of the President

January 23, 2008

Dear Colleagues:

It is with great sadness that I write to let you know of the passing of a dear friend of Georgetown, George Houston. George passed away at Georgetown University Hospital on Saturday afternoon, at the age of 68.

As many of you know, George graduated from Georgetown in 1961 and taught accounting in the McDonough School of Business for 33 years. During that time he also served as the University's CFO for 24 years, during which the notable physical growth of the campus took place in the 1980s. In recognition of his service to the University, George was awarded an honorary degree in 1982.

After leaving Georgetown, George went on to be the President of Mount Saint Mary's University, where he served successfully for 9 years. There are few more dedicated servants to Georgetown, and I know that George will be remembered often here on the Hilltop.

On Friday, January 25th, at 11:00 a.m., a Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at Mount Saint Mary's University, and in the weeks ahead, we will also hold a Memorial Service here on campus.

Please join me in keeping George and the Houston family in your thoughts and prayers.

You have my very best wishes.

Sincerely,

John J. DeGioia


Requiescat in pace.


PJM - View From The Hilltop



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