Georgetown mourns the loss of graduate and NBA superstar Dikembe Mutombo

Note: This story is evolving and will be updated with additional reflections on Dikembe Mutombo's life and legacy.

The Georgetown community mourns the loss of Dikembe Mutombo (C'91), who died of brain cancer on September 30 at the age of 58. An All-American on the Georgetown men's basketball team and NBA Hall of Fame player, Mutombo dedicated his life to philanthropic and humanitarian work to help those in need.

“Dikembe Mutombo was the embodiment of the Georgetown spirit,” said Joseph Ferrara, Georgetown vice president and chief of staff to President John J. DeGioia. “From his productive collegiate and professional basketball career to his tireless work in retirement to improve the lives of those in need of better health and opportunity, he lived Georgetown’s values ​​in a way that we will always cherish.” Appreciation and pride are represented.”

“His death is a tremendous loss to the Georgetown community and indeed to the United States, the Congo and everywhere else where he lifted up those around him.” On behalf of President John J. DeGioia and the Georgetown community I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew and loved him.”

Mutombo remained associated with Georgetown throughout his life, including as a member of the university's board of directors.

“Dikembe’s distinguished service to the world included service to Georgetown as a member of our Board of Directors from 2017 to 2023,” said Board Chairman Tom Reynolds (B’74). “He brought to this work the breadth, humanity and global perspective for which he was known in all his endeavors. His impact on Georgetown as a student, athlete, alumnus and institutional leader was incalculable. We are deeply grateful for his service and extend our sincere condolences to Rose and his children.”

In three seasons on the Hilltop, Mutombo was a two-time All-Big East selection and was named Big East Defensive Player of the Year twice. He helped win a Big East regular season title and the 1989 Big East Tournament title.

After Georgetown, Mutombo became legendary for his defensive prowess during his 18 seasons in the NBA, winning four NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards, culminating in his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.

After retiring from the NBA, Mutombo became a full-time advocate and ambassador with the goal of helping people in need access health services, educational and economic opportunities necessary for a better life and the development of their children into healthy, productive members what is needed is their communities.

In 1997 he founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundationwith the aim of improving the health, education and quality of life of the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In 2007, the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital, supported by the foundation and named after Mutombo's mother, was opened in the Congo, where almost 200,000 men, women and children have since been treated.

Mutombo has also served on the boards of the National Constitution Center, Special Olympics International, the CDC Foundation and the National Board for the US Fund for UNICEF.

In 2002, Mutombo was the first recipient of Georgetown's Samuel A. Halsey Jr. Prize, which honors black alumni who demonstrate commitment and service to the university and the broader community. In 2010, he received an honorary doctorate from Georgetown and received the 2010 Prize John Thompson Jr. Legacy of a Dream Awardnamed for Mutombo's coach at Georgetown and honoring an individual or group that has provided outstanding service in Georgetown's Jesuit tradition of being people for others. In 2013, he received the Timothy S. Healy, SJ Award from GUAA for his outstanding and exemplary community, public and professional service in support of humanitarian causes and advances for the benefit of humanity.