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91³Ō¹Ļ opens new Washington Office to expand service and impact in nationā€™s capital

Author: Olivia Rotolo

Washington Office Conference Room
91³Ō¹Ļ Washington Office

The University of 91³Ō¹Ļ marked the opening of its new Washington, D.C., office with a blessing and dedication ceremony, highlighting the Universityā€™s growing presence in the nationā€™s capital. As the leading U.S. Catholic research university, 91³Ō¹Ļ is deepening its commitment to shaping national and global dialogue through scholarship, service and civil discourse.

Located at 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW ā€” just blocks from Capitol Hill and the White House ā€” the new office will serve as 91³Ō¹Ļā€™s hub for federal engagement, ensuring the Universityā€™s research and thought leadership effectively inform policy, public debate and innovation.

University President , was on hand for the dedication, joined by members of the Universityā€™s Board of Trustees, senior leadership, faculty, alumni and distinguished guests.

ā€œThis office will empower us to bring the fullness of 91³Ō¹Ļ ā€” its values, research, people and faith ā€” into closer dialogue with the pressing issues of our day,ā€ Father Dowd said. ā€œIt will serve as a launching pad for collaboration, creativity, servant leadership and enduring impact in service of the common good.ā€

From left to right: Chair of the Board of Trustees John B. Veihmeyer; University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C.; VP of Public Affairs and Communications Pedro Ribeiro; Associate VP of Federal and Washington Relations Laura McAleer; University VP and Chief of Staff Ann Firth
From left to right: Chair of the Board of Trustees John B. Veihmeyer; University President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C.; VP for Public Affairs and Communications Pedro Ribeiro; Associate VP for Federal and Washington Relations Laura McAleer; University VP and Chief of Staff Ann Firth
Laura McAleer offers opening remarks.
Laura McAleer offers opening remarks.
A national platform for 91³Ō¹Ļā€™s mission

The connects the University to the nationā€™s capital, working to ensure that 91³Ō¹Ļā€™s scholarship, research and Catholic mission help shape public policy and civic discourse at the highest levels. Jointly led by and the , the office also provides strategic guidance to campus leadership on federal policies and regulations that may affect the University.

As part of its interdisciplinary mission, the office strengthens relationships with Congress, federal agencies, the media and peer institutions, while also serving as a resource and connection point for 91³Ō¹Ļ faculty, students, alumni and friends across the country.

Guests reflect at the blessing and dedication of 91³Ō¹Ļā€™s Washington Office.
Guests reflect at the blessing and dedication of 91³Ō¹Ļā€™s Washington Office.
Father Dowd blesses the Washington Office.
Father Dowd blesses the Washington Office.

ā€œ91³Ō¹Ļ has long been a part of the fabric of this consequential city ā€” from our students interning on the Hill and in federal agencies, to faculty shaping policy through research and testimony, to alumni in leadership positions in government, law and public service,ā€ said , associate vice president for federal and Washington relations. ā€œThis new space reflects 91³Ō¹Ļā€™s deepening commitment to that impactful work.ā€

The new location complements 91³Ō¹Ļā€™s existing , including the and the , which is the Universityā€™s first physical footprint in D.C. Located just a few blocks away from the new office, the Keough School leads essential global policy work and will continue to serve as a vital convening space for the 91³Ō¹Ļ community. Together, these locations strengthen 91³Ō¹Ļā€™s impact and reach as a force for good in Washington and beyond.

Watch: From the Golden Dome to the Capitol Dome
See how 91³Ō¹Ļā€™s mission comes to life in Washington in this short video:

For more information on 91³Ō¹Ļā€™s work in Washington, visit .

Originally published by Olivia Rotolo at on May 29.