Four decades have passed since I graduated from Georgetown University. Those years in Washington, DC, in the 1970s, had a life-long impact on me, yet when it came time for my own kids to pursue their degrees, I sent all three overseas.

Back then, Georgetown's green-filled campus lacked the variety of cafs, restaurants, and bars that can be found today. We managed to have fun with just one pub, a DJ for dancing on campus, plus guest visits from some of the finest musicians of the time — including Duke Ellington's last concert in his hometown.