Graduate School USA celebrated 90 years as a Washington, DC institution on November 5, 2011 at a gala attended by several hundred well-wishers from the federal government, District government, the local community, and academia.

Colbert I. King, Washington Post columnist and Pulitzer Prize winner, gave the keynote address, and ABC7/WJLA-TV News anchor Cynné Simpson presided as the evening's Mistress of Ceremonies. "I was proud to be a part of this milestone," said DC Mayor Vincent C. Gray. "Graduate School USA has helped to make the District's workforce smarter and I look forward to seeing what they do next." Gray presented the School's Leadership Award to DC Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Barbara B. Lang. Two other awards were presented at the gala, including the Heritage Award, presented to Jim Gilliland, a former Chair of the School, and the Community Award, presented to the School's 50-year partner, the Audubon Naturalist Society. "Our vision remains clear – to meet the changing needs of the federal workforce and continue to support the ambitions of the residents of Washington, DC, "said Dr. Jerry Ice, CEO and President of Graduate School USA. "We expect the next 90 years to be even better."