For Artist Jean Marte, this Tote Holds a Deeper Meaning

This summer, guests arriving on the Hilltop will receive a custom Georgetown Conference Services tote bag designed by one of our own student team members, Jean Marte. He tells us what it’s like to see his art brought from concept to campus.

Written by Rohini Kudva (SFS, ’27) | June 18, 2026

Every detail comes together to shape the guest experience and our 2026 tote bag is no different. Beyond being a practical gift for our summer guests, the design reflects a truth our team values deeply: the people creating our guest experiences are often the same people who live, learn, and work in this community every day.

Featuring a line-drawing illustration inspired by Georgetown and Washington, DC, the design captures the unique character of the Hilltop while serving as a practical welcome gift for guests throughout their stay. Jean helped lead the process from concept to delivery. With over 11,000+ guests scheduled to arrived on campus this summer, this meant seeing his artwork come to life in a really big way.

For Jean, the project was also an opportunity to bring his creativity and personal interests into his work with Conference Services.

Last week, a friend of mine called and said, with great enthusiasm, ‘Jean, I have your tote bag!’ Ever since, I have been spotting the Conference Services tote bag wherever I go. From drawings in my sketchbook to finalizing the design to bringing the real thing home, this entire experience has been both shocking and exciting.

If you would have told me then that doing so would have led to creating my own design and sharing that with our summer guests, I wouldn’t have believed it, but here we are.

Jean Marte

Thinking back to my first summer here, and the tote bag I brought home for my mom, which she paraded around town, I think it’s incredible that I get to contribute to someone else’s Georgetown summer. Art is an incredible thing, especially when shared with others, and I am extremely honored and grateful to have had this opportunity to contribute to our guests and explore my creativity within Georgetown, and particularly the Conference Services team, which has been more than encouraging throughout my time.

Drawing inspiration and feedback from fellow students and members of the Georgetown community, the final design reflects the people and places that make Georgetown distinctive.

What makes this project especially meaningful is that it represents more than a tote bag. It’s a reminder that guest experiences are shaped by the talents, passions, and perspectives of our student staff. From the moment guests check in, they’re welcomed by a community that has helped create the experience they’re about to have.