Title:Called to be…committed to Jesuit values

Patrick Grant (C’73, L’77, Parent’07, ’07, ’09)

 Patrick Grant worked at the Arnold & Porter law firm from 1974 until retiring as a senior partner in 2019. After his graduation, he volunteered with Georgetown for many years as an interviewer for the Alumni Admissions Program and Law Center, and as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Governors. Learn more about how Grant has been called to be a leader, a lawyer, and a community member from his time at Georgetown through today.

Why did you want to go to Georgetown?

I visited Georgetown in high school and I just fell in love with it. The location, the buildings, the atmosphere—it was an instant connection and it became my only choice for college. “The bells went off,” as some people say about romances. That was the way it happened with me and the school. Everything about Georgetown was exactly what I was looking for.

What was your Georgetown experience like?

Early on I met Mary (Conway) Grant (SFS’74, Parent’07,’07,’09), who became my girlfriend and, next year, will have been my wife for 50 years. So that is the most important aspect of Georgetown for me.

My first year I learned that the entire men’s sailing team graduated. So, John Kennedy (C’73) and I restarted and then ran the men’s sailing team for four years.

Later, I happened to read The Hoya one morning and discovered that I was running for student body vice president with John. I went to his room and said, “What is this about?” He said, “Well, I’m running for president. I thought you’d make a great vice president.” So, we ran together, won, and were part of a very active student government. It was fun.

After graduation, I had no interest in leaving Washington and Georgetown was the law school to go to in DC. I applied to the day school, but then I got a great government job, so I switched to the night school. It was a killer because I had no social life, but I’m glad I made the change.

Why do you feel called to volunteer with Georgetown alumni?

I feel volunteering is the right thing to do. Georgetown made an enormous difference in my life. I consider Georgetown a large part of who I am and the success I’ve had. Plus, it’s hard to meet a Georgetown person you don’t like, and I’ve made a lot of new friends.

What do you think makes Georgetown special?

I’m very proud to be a Hoya. It’s a phenomenally great school. You get a great education and you learn important, lifelong values. I bought into the fundamental values of the university: people for others, care of the whole person, and the Jesuit philosophy of education. 

I also think the bonds that people create at Georgetown are somewhat unique. I’ve been significantly involved in alumni activities now for quite a while, and so I know the people you meet there will become—at least in my experience and the experience of most people I know—some of your closest and best longtime friends.

And I think the opportunities that students have both in and after college, are just unparalleled, and frankly, it’s why Washington is one of the key places for young people to go in this country. Three of my four children are Hoyas and they all enjoyed it immensely as well.

In recognition of his achievements and service, Grant 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.