Alumnus Gregory Stevens (master's, Museum Education) was honored with the Alumni Outstanding Service Award at the 2025 Spirit of GW Awards ceremony during Alumni and Families Weekend.
The event honored distinguished alumni and supporters whose achievements and generosity embody the values and mission of GW. The Outstanding Service Award recognizes a graduate who has rendered an outstanding level of long-standing service to GW.
Stevens has dedicated his career to education, creative expression and mentorship. His diverse background includes roles as a theater designer, elementary arts educator, museum professional, and university faculty member. For over two decades, Stevens has been a leading voice in career development for the museum field.
Madeleine Jacobs, B.S. ’68, HON ’03, chair of the GW Alumni Council, presented the Alumni Outstanding Service Award to Gregory S. Stevens. “Greg reminds us that service is not a single act. It’s a way of living,” Jacobs said. “Through his example, he continues to strengthen the GW family and inspire others to do the same.”
Stevens reflected on his decades-long journey with GW, which began when he enrolled in the museum education program in the Graduate School of Education and Human Development, where he later taught for almost 20 years. He said his GW experience shaped his curiosity about the world, his passion for teaching and his empathy as a leader.
Following his teaching career at GSEHD, Stevens directed professional development at the American Alliance of Museums and later led the graduate museum program at Seton Hall University. Founder of Purple Cow Career & Talent Development, he is also a co-editor of two books on museum careers, and author of an upcoming volume on cultural sector career advancement.
“I am absolutely grateful for this award,” Stevens said. “And I'm also grateful that I get to do what I love, which is help people forge their own paths, give back to my community and hopefully make the world a better place.”