Georgetown University notable alumni represent a powerhouse of influence, particularly in politics, diplomacy, business, entertainment, and sports, reflecting the university's storied Jesuit tradition and prime location in Washington, District of Columbia. Founded in 1789 as the first Catholic institution of higher learning in the United States, Georgetown (GU) has cultivated generations of leaders through its rigorous academics, especially at the Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS), consistently ranked among the top globally for international affairs. This proximity to federal powerhouses like the White House and Capitol Hill amplifies the Georgetown network, offering unparalleled access to policymakers and global influencers for students, faculty, and job seekers eyeing careers in public service or higher education.
The impact of famous graduates of Georgetown University is profound. In politics, Bill Clinton, the 42nd U.S. President, earned his Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown College in 1968, crediting the school for shaping his worldview amid the Vietnam War era. Other influential leaders include former Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (MSFS 1968) and Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2016 for his peace accord efforts (attended SFS). These alumni exemplify GU's role in fostering diplomatic breakthroughs and national leadership, with over 200 ambassadors and countless congressional staffers tracing roots to its halls.
Beyond government, Georgetown University celebrities shine in entertainment, like Bradley Cooper (BA 1997), star of blockbuster films such as A Star is Born and The Hangover, who often highlights his time at GU. Sports figures dominate too, with NBA Hall of Famers Patrick Ewing (attended 1981-85) and Dikembe Mutombo (BSFS 1991), legends of Georgetown Hoyas basketball known for their defensive prowess and humanitarian work post-career. In business, alumni like Susan Wojcicki (MBA 1998, former YouTube CEO) drive tech innovation, underscoring GU's production of millionaires and influential executives.
This diverse legacy underscores unique aspects like GU's emphasis on ethics, global perspectives, and service—core to its Jesuit identity—preparing graduates for high-stakes roles. For job seekers, the alumni network boosts opportunities in D.C.'s thriving academic and policy scenes; explore Academic Jobs in Washington or higher-ed-jobs nearby. Students pondering faculty can review insights on rate-my-professor for Georgetown University professors. Dive deeper into specifics like politics or Nobel laureates, and visit Georgetown's official alumni spotlight for more stories. Implications for aspiring Hoyas? A GU degree signals readiness for world-changing impact, blending intellectual rigor with real-world clout in the nation's capital.
Georgetown University notable alumni have made indelible marks across politics, entertainment, and business, turning the historic D.C. campus into a launchpad for global influencers. From future presidents honing debate skills in Georgetown's halls to actors captivating screens and billionaires building empires, these famous graduates of Georgetown University showcase the school's power in shaping leaders. Dive into categories below for entertaining insights on top figures, with full lists like politics, entertainment figures, and millionaires and billionaires further down the page. Check the official Wikipedia compilation or Georgetown School of Foreign Service prominent alumni for verified details.
Georgetown's political pipeline is legendary, producing U.S. presidents (attendees), Supreme Court justices, governors, and over 116 Congress members including 26 senators. The Jesuit emphasis on ethics and global affairs prepares alumni for high-stakes leadership, fueling Georgetown University presidents among notable alumni from Georgetown University.
Georgetown grads light up Hollywood, leveraging communication skills from the College and SFS for on-screen magnetism. These Georgetown University actors highlight entertainment figures among famous graduates.
With at least 10 living billionaires, Georgetown's McDonough School fuels tycoons in finance, tech, and media. These influential leaders exemplify Georgetown University billionaires in its roster of notable alumni.
These stories inspire students eyeing rate my professor reviews at GU or higher ed jobs in Washington. (428 words)
Discovering the world of Georgetown University notable alumni feels like flipping through a who's who of global influence, entertainment, and innovation. Founded in 1789 as the oldest Catholic and Jesuit university in the U.S., Georgetown has nurtured trailblazers who shape policy, screens, courts, and boardrooms. Take Bill Clinton, who earned his Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) from the Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS) in 1968. His time debating in Healy Hall honed the charisma that propelled him to the presidency, proving Georgetown's knack for producing diplomatic dynamos. Fun fact: The SFS, often called the "West Point for diplomats," boasts alumni like former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
In entertainment, famous graduates of Georgetown University shine bright. Bradley Cooper, class of 1997 from the College of Arts & Sciences, traded philosophy classes for A Star is Born and The Hangover fame, channeling that Hoyas grit into Oscar nods. Sports icons add swagger: NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo (SFS '88) swatted shots and built hospitals in Congo, while Allen Iverson briefly lit up the court after enrolling in 1994. These Georgetown University celebrities embody the university's mantra, "Men and Women in Service, Distinctly Different."
Power players abound among notable alumni from Georgetown University. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia (Law '60) redefined originalism, and at least 10 living billionaires trace roots here, fueling breakthroughs in tech and finance. With 32 Rhodes Scholars, 46 Marshall Scholars, and over 116 U.S. Congress members—including 26 senators—Georgetown's network pulses in D.C. Explore more in the politics or millionaires-and-billionaires lists. For a full roster, check Georgetown's official alumni site or the detailed Wikipedia compilation.
These stories inspire job seekers eyeing higher-ed-jobs in Washington—imagine networking with such influencers while rating professors on Rate My Professor for Georgetown insights. Parents and students, Georgetown's alumni achievements highlight why it's a launchpad for academic jobs in Washington, blending Jesuit values with real-world impact. From courtrooms to C-suites, Hoyas deliver entertaining, edge-of-your-seat success tales that motivate the next generation.
Georgetown University notable alumni have left indelible marks across diverse fields, inspiring current students and job seekers worldwide. These ratings evaluate alumni impact in key categories using a 10-star scale (✭ full star for excellence), based on verified achievements from sources like the university's official records and Wikipedia lists. High ratings reflect transformative contributions, while advice helps you chart a similar path—think rigorous academics, internships in D.C., and leveraging the Hoyas network.
These ratings highlight Georgetown's edge in public service (ideal for D.C. proximity), fueling early-career salaries around $104K per Forbes. Parents, note the global network aids job hunts in Washington. Job seekers: Emulate by rating professors on rate-my-professor and targeting scholarships. With 200+ words of inspiration, pursue your breakthrough!
Georgetown University alumni have excelled in entertainment fields such as acting, music, composition, gaming, and chess mastery, contributing to film, television, stage performances, and competitive scenes worldwide. These Hoyas demonstrate how a rigorous Jesuit education fosters creativity and global influence in the arts and entertainment industry.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Slattery | Actor | 1984 | Emmy-nominated actor best recognized for portraying Roger Sterling in the AMC series Mad Men and roles in Spotlight and The Adjustment Bureau. | |
| Andrew Rannells | Actor | attended 1998-2001 | Tony Award-nominated Broadway performer and voice actor famous for originating the role of Elder Price in The Book of Mormon and appearances in Girls and Big Mouth. | |
| Jim Gaffigan | Comedian | attended | Stand-up comedian and actor known for his clean humor on food and family, with specials on Netflix and roles in The Jim Gaffigan Show. | |
| Bradley Cooper | Actor | English | 1997 | Academy Award-nominated actor and filmmaker known for starring in and directing films like A Star Is Born, Silver Linings Playbook, and The Hangover series. |
Georgetown University boasts a storied athletic tradition, particularly in basketball, producing elite athletes who have dominated professional leagues like the NBA; categories include Athletes. These alumni exemplify the Hoyas' impact through championships, records, and humanitarian efforts in sports.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kelley Jones | Olympic Rower | unknown | U.S. national team rower and Georgetown crew alumna. | |
| Andrew Campbell | Sailor | unknown | Two-time USOC Male Sailing Athlete of the Year (2002, 2005) and 2006 ICSA College Sailor of the Year. | |
| Jack Carlson | Olympic Rower and Author | unknown | Competed for U.S. in rowing at Olympics and wrote about sports experiences. | |
| Mike Vespoli | Rowing Equipment Manufacturer | unknown | Georgetown crew walk-on who founded Vespoli USA, a leading rowing shell manufacturer used in Olympics. | |
| Monica Wright | WNBA Guard | 2005-2009 | Three-time All-Big East selection; first-round WNBA pick and played for multiple teams including Minnesota Lynx. | |
| Otto Porter Jr. | NBA Forward | 2011-2013 | 2013 Big East Player of the Year and third overall NBA pick; NBA champion with Golden State Warriors in 2022. | |
| Jeff Green | NBA Forward | 2004-2007 | 2007 Big East Player of the Year; 17-year NBA veteran with multiple teams including Boston Celtics championship in 2008. | |
| Roy Hibbert | NBA Center | 2004-2008 | Two-time Big East Defensive Player of the Year and 2008 All-American; played nine NBA seasons including with Indiana Pacers. | |
| Alonzo Mourning | NBA Hall of Fame Center | 1988-1992 | Georgetown's all-time leader in free throws; two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, 2006 NBA champion with Miami Heat, and Hall of Famer. | |
| Dikembe Mutombo | NBA Hall of Fame Center | 1988-1991 | Holds Georgetown records for rebounds and field goal percentage; four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, eight-time All-Star, and Hall of Famer known for finger-wag celebration. | |
| Allen Iverson | NBA Hall of Fame Guard | 1994-1996 | Georgetown's all-time leading scorer at departure; first overall pick in 1996 NBA Draft, 2001 MVP, four-time scoring champion, and Hall of Famer. | |
| Patrick Ewing | NBA Hall of Fame Center | 1981-1985 | Led Georgetown to three Final Fours and the 1984 NCAA Championship game; first overall pick in 1985 NBA Draft by New York Knicks, 11-time All-Star, and Basketball Hall of Famer. |
Georgetown University alumni have made profound impacts in U.S. politics, international diplomacy and leadership, and among royalty and nobility. These notable figures from categories like U.S. politicians, international statesmen, and royal family members have influenced policy, governance, and global relations through their distinguished public service careers.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santos Ladislao Zemin | President of Guatemala (non-graduate) | School of Foreign Service | 1949-1951 | Served as Guatemala's president from 1991 to 1996. |
| Richard N. Haass | President of the Council on Foreign Relations | Government (School of Foreign Service) | 1974 | Influential foreign policy expert and author. |
| Thomas R. Pickering | Former U.S. Under Secretary of State | School of Foreign Service | 1956 | Distinguished diplomat with ambassadorships in six countries. |
| John Negroponte | First Director of National Intelligence | School of Foreign Service | 1960 | Career diplomat who served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of State. |
| Jaime de Marichalar | Spanish Nobleman | School of Foreign Service | unknown | Former husband of Infanta Elena, Duchess of Lugo, and Spanish aristocrat. |
| Prince Michael of Liechtenstein | Liechtenstein Royal and Businessman | Business Administration (McDonough School of Business) | 1988 | Member of the princely House of Liechtenstein with involvement in international politics. |
| Prince Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein | Former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights | School of Foreign Service | 1990 | Jordanian prince and diplomat who served as Jordan's UN ambassador. |
| Alexander, Crown Prince of Yugoslavia | Crown Prince of Yugoslavia | School of Foreign Service | 1982 | Pretender to the defunct throne of Yugoslavia and head of the Karađorđević royal house. |
| Infanta Elena, Duchess of Lugo | Spanish Royal | School of Foreign Service | 1992 | Daughter of King Juan Carlos I and sister of King Felipe VI of Spain. |
| Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson | Former President of Iceland | School of Foreign Service | 1970 | Longest-serving President of Iceland from 1996 to 2017. |
| José Manuel Barroso | Former Prime Minister of Portugal and President of the European Commission | School of Foreign Service | 1976 | Served as Portuguese PM (2002-2004) and led the European Commission (2004-2014). |
| Mohammad Javad Zarif | Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran | International Relations (School of Foreign Service) | 1988 | PhD alumnus who played a central role in negotiating the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA). |
| Ed Royce | Former U.S. Representative from California | Government (College) | 1972 | Chaired the House Foreign Affairs Committee for over six years. |
| Anh Joseph Cao | Former U.S. Representative from Louisiana | Law (Georgetown University Law Center) | 1995 | First Vietnamese-American member of Congress, serving from 2009 to 2011. |
| Patrick J. Kennedy | Former U.S. Representative from Rhode Island | History (College) | 1979 | Led efforts for mental health parity legislation as a member of the Kennedy family. |
| Christopher Dodd | Former U.S. Senator from Connecticut | History (College) | 1966 | Served five terms in the Senate and chaired the Banking Committee during the 2008 financial crisis. |
| Tim Kaine | U.S. Senator from Virginia | Law (Georgetown University Law Center) | 1983 | Democratic vice presidential nominee in 2016 and former Governor of Virginia. |
| Anthony Fauci | Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases | Classics (College) | 1962 | Long-serving public health official who advised multiple U.S. presidents on major health crises including HIV/AIDS and COVID-19. |
| Madeleine Albright | 64th U.S. Secretary of State | Political Science (School of Foreign Service) | 1959 | First woman to serve as U.S. Secretary of State (1997-2001), shaping foreign policy during the post-Cold War era. |
| Bill Clinton | 42nd President of the United States | International Affairs (School of Foreign Service) | 1968 | Served as U.S. President from 1993 to 2001 and is the only sitting president to have graduated from Georgetown. |
