Title:George Wetzel (C’59)

Originally from Bloomington, Illinois, George Wetzel (C’59) graduated from Georgetown with a degree in History and Philosophy. After leaving the Hilltop, he entered the Jesuit seminary with the intention of becoming a priest while at the same time earning an M.A. in Art History from Loyola University Chicago.

After eight years at seminary, Wetzel made the decision that his path was not in the priesthood, but remained committed to the ideals of service and community, which led him to Madison, Wisconsin, where he worked with The Renaissance, an early LGBTQ+ organization in the United States. He coordinated fundraising efforts, recruited volunteers, and served as editor of the group’s monthly newsletter, roles that reflected both his organizational talent and his deep belief in supporting others.

After a few cold Wisconsin winters, Wetzel moved to Texas, where he would spend the rest of his life. He taught middle school for a year, but ultimately built a career as a law clerk in the Harris County Civil Court. A devoted patron of the arts, he loved cinema, held season tickets to multiple Houston theater groups, and made regular pilgrimages to the Stratford Festival in Ontario. The arts were not simply a pastime for him; they were a source of joy, inspiration, and community.

Among his many family and friends, Wetzel was known for his infectious sense of humor as well as his admitted frugality. He loved to shop at the Dollar Tree not far from his home and bragged about their inexpensive Ginger Snaps, a cookie he loved since his childhood. He took great pride in saving money by making his own version of V-8.

Throughout his life, Wetzel remained devoted to his Catholic faith, a connection that shaped his wish to honor his Georgetown experience as part of his larger legacy. Wetzel included a significant bequest for Georgetown in his estate plan. The bequest will create the first endowed operations and programming fund for the LGBTQ Resource Center, ensuring that the center will always have adequate resources to support students and foster a larger sense of belonging for all members of the Georgetown community.

Wetzel’s legacy can truly be felt in the deep relationships he built during his lifetime. His acts of generosity ensure that the values he held dear during his lifetime will continue on in the institutions he loved.