When Georges Edeline, GWSB BBA ’71, GSEHD MA ’76, and Charlene (Prosser) Edeline, GSEHD MA ’75, joined the International Students Society (ISS) at GW, they didn’t know they’d be together long after graduation.
Georges, a native of Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, received his undergraduate degree from GW, where he played varsity soccer all four years. After he graduated, he was the team’s head coach from 1973 – 1982. He also pursued a master’s degree at GW while coaching.
In addition to his coaching duties, Georges was also involved with the ISS, serving as a volunteer sports coordinator, as well as the group’s president. “It was such nice group of international students,” he says.
Originally known as the Foreign Students Society, the ISS was for international students only. But Georges thought the group would be better off by opening the society to American students.
During his term as president of the organization, Georges was able to negotiate with a few key members and amend the group’s rules to allow Americans to join—including Charlene Prosser. A native of Baton-Rouge, LA, Charlene came to GW’s Graduate School of Human Education and Development for her master’s degree.
One Friday evening, Georges assisted with a co-ed volleyball match for the ISS, which Charlene attended. When one of the other girls jammed her finger during the game, Georges and Charlene walked her to the emergency room.
“We enjoyed chatting during the long wait, and afterwards, we stayed in touch as friends…until I was dumped by my steady girlfriend,” remembers Georges.
Georges and Charlene dated for five years while earning their degrees and working. Now happily married for 35 years, they have two grown children, Renée & Jacques.
And GW remains close to their hearts. Georges and Charlene, who live in Atlanta, GA, return to campus at least once a year, either for the soccer alumni reunion (going on its 43rd year) or the yearly Sports Hall of Fame inductions—Georges was inducted in 1988.
But there’s one accomplishment at GW that Georges holds most dear.
“I’m so glad I was able to change to the Foreign Students Society to the ISS,” he says. “Not only was I able to double the membership, but I also brought this sweet Southern belle into my life!”
