WASHINGTON, D.C. – GW Alumni is proud to announce the recipients of its annual Spirit of GW Awards, recognizing five individuals whose exceptional leadership, service, and dedication to the community embody the university’s standards of excellence. The honorees will be celebrated during a special ceremony on October 25 as part of GW’s Alumni & Families Weekend, a signature event that brings together thousands of GW community members.
The 2025 Spirit of GW Award recipients are:
Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
Josh N. Kuriloff, GWSB BBA ‘81, Executive Vice Chairman, Cushman & Wakefield
Josh N. Kuriloff is Executive Vice Chairman at Cushman & Wakefield and one of the firm’s highest-ranking brokerage professionals, recognized multiple times as its top broker worldwide. Over his career, he has represented leading global companies—including Pfizer global headquarters' relocation in New York, Bank of America, IBM, and Verizon — as well as major New York landlords such as Vornado Realty Trust, Brookfield, Met Life and Beacon Capital, with landmark deals ranging from Willis Tower in Chicago to Manhattan West in Hudson Yards. In addition to his real estate leadership, he serves on the George Washington University School of Business Dean’s Board of Advisors, is a Trustee of the United Hospital Fund, and is active in numerous civic and charitable endeavors.
GW Philanthropy Award
The Honorable Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr., CCAS BA ’94, Congressman, California's 31st Congressional District and Jacki Cisneros, President, The Gilbert and Jacki Cisneros Foundation
The Gilbert and Jacki Cisneros Foundation, established in 2011, is dedicated to advancing educational equity through scholarships, policy advocacy, and expanded access to higher education. In 2015, the Cisneros Foundation endowed the Cisneros Institute at The George Washington University, which produces research and supports first-generation and college-bound students through initiatives such as Caminos al Futuro, and has produced Fulbright finalists and other success stories. Founded by Jacki, a two-time Emmy Award–winning journalist, and Gilbert, a Navy veteran and former U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, the Foundation continues to champion opportunity, leadership, and empowerment in education.
Alumni Outstanding Service Award
Gregory S. Stevens, GSEHD MAT ’01, Principal and Career Coach, Purple Cow Career and Talent Development, LLC
Gregory S. Stevens is a multifaceted educator, designer, and creative with over two decades of leadership and mentorship in museum education and career development. He taught in the Museum Education Program at The George Washington University for nearly 20 years, 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 theatre designer, co-editor of two books on museum careers, and author of an upcoming volume on cultural sector career advancement.
Recent Alumni Achievement Award
Cheryl A. Thaxton, SON CERT ‘13, DNP ’18, Founding Associate Dean, Professor, and Graduate Studies Chair, College of Nursing, University of North Texas Health Science Center.
Dr. Cheryl Ann Thaxton, FAAN, FAANP, is the Founding Associate Dean, Professor and Chair of Graduate Studies for the College of Nursing at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, with more than 30 years of experience in pediatrics, family practice, and palliative care. A national leader in nursing education and program development, she has taught the ELNEC curriculum internationally and earned honors including the Estelle Osborne Legacy Award, DFW Great 100 Nurses Award and fellowship in the American Academy of Nursing, among other professional distinctions.
“This year’s honorees represent the very best of GW—alumni and friends who inspire us all through their integrity, generosity, service, and dedication to GW,” said David Unruh, GW vice president for university advancement. “We are proud to celebrate their achievements and extraordinary contributions as part of GW’s remarkable legacy.”
Each year, The Spirit of GW Awards honor alumni and friends who have elevated standards of excellence and generosity in their professions, communities, and through their engagement with the university. The Spirit of GW Awards, started in 2019, honor alumni and friends who have elevated standards of excellence in their professions, communities, and through their engagement with the university. They are a continuation of a long tradition of honoring GW’s extraordinary alumni, begun in 1937 with the Alumni Achievement Awards. See a full list of awardees here.
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