Title:Called to be…a mentor for first-gen students

Michelle Mauboussin (B’86, Parent’17, ’19, ’25)

Michelle Mauboussin is chairman emeritus of the Georgetown Scholars Program (GSP) and is on the Board of Regents. Following a stint on Wall Street, Mauboussin transitioned into the fashion industry. After raising her five children, she returned to launch her own clothing line. Mauboussin is now an integrated nutrition and health coach. Learn how Mauboussin serves Georgetown’s first generation college students. 

How did you find Georgetown?

My mom was an audio visual coordinator at Georgetown and I wanted to do something a bit different than everyone in my little town of Virginia Beach, where people mostly went to University of Virginia. Georgetown seemed like something that was more exciting. 

I wanted to study business because I felt very intent on having financial security. I was so happy that I was in a business program that was also liberal arts-oriented. I was able to get a job at a bank training program and support myself in New York City. 

What makes you give back through GSP?

My husband and I are both proud Hoyas. We hosted a big alumni party at our house. Lisa Gentil (SLL’74, Parent’09, ’12) asked if someone could come speak about the Georgetown Scholars Program, which I hadn’t heard of because it was still new. It really resonated with me.

I grew up in a small town and my high school was not very sophisticated. When I came to Georgetown, I saw there were so many kids who had gone to boarding schools and private schools, and they just seemed like they were ahead of the game. It was a big culture shock and I definitely had imposter syndrome. 

One of the reasons I got involved with the Georgetown Scholars Program is because I could really relate to what those students were going through. Eventually I became chairman and I’m still on the board today. I enjoy mentoring the students and getting to know them. 

How did the Georgetown community shape your life?

A lot of my friends and my roommates were in New South, so I didn’t have to look far to find good friends. We still maintain a close friendship today. 

I’ve made so many other Georgetown friends after graduating. I met my husband, Michael (C’86) here too. We both lived in New South our first year. He was on the first floor and I was on the third. It’s been great to marry someone from Georgetown because we have so many shared friends, and we both are really excited about Georgetown.

When we dropped off our first son at Georgetown, we attended an alumni party and brought our daughter (a junior in high school) to visit. She said, “I thought you and dad were really crazy about Georgetown, but everyone’s crazy about Georgetown.” Everyone’s so enthusiastic that she wanted to be a part of it, too.

In recognition of her achievements and service, Mauboussin received the John Carroll Award in Dublin, Ireland, on April 20, 2024. The John Carroll Award is named for Archbishop John Carroll, the first Catholic bishop in North America and founder of Georgetown University. Established in 1951, this award is conferred upon alumni whose achievements and record of service exemplify the ideals and traditions of Georgetown and its founder.