The Georgetown University community is grieving the loss of Dikembe Mutombo, a distinguished alumnus and All-American basketball player, who passed away on September 30 at the age of 58 due to brain cancer. Mutombo, who was a pivotal player on the men’s basketball team, later enjoyed a Hall of Fame career in the NBA. Beyond his athletic achievements, he was deeply committed to philanthropy and humanitarian efforts, advocating for those in need throughout his life.
Joseph Ferrara, Georgetown University’s Vice President, expressed the university’s profound sorrow, stating, “Dikembe Mutombo was the embodiment of the spirit of Georgetown. His contributions both on the basketball court and in his philanthropic endeavors exemplified the university’s values.” Ferrara extended condolences to Mutombo’s family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.
During his three seasons with the Hoyas, Mutombo earned recognition as a two-time All-BIG EAST selection and twice won the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year award. As a senior in 1991, he averaged impressive statistics and played a key role in the team’s success, helping secure a BIG EAST regular season title and advancing to the NCAA Elite Eight. His legacy at Georgetown is highlighted by his inclusion on the “All Century Team” in 2007 and his position among the top leaders in blocked shots and rebounds.
Mutombo’s illustrious NBA career spanned 18 seasons, culminating in his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. He is celebrated for his defensive skills, earning a record four NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards and being named an eight-time NBA All-Star. His jersey number was retired by both the Atlanta Hawks and the Denver Nuggets.
His commitment to community service was recognized with several accolades, including the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award and the Mannie Jackson – Basketball’s Human Spirit Award. After retiring from basketball, Mutombo focused on humanitarian work, notably founding the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation to improve health and education in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A significant achievement of his foundation was the construction of the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital in Kinshasa, which has served hundreds of thousands.
Mutombo also contributed to various organizations, including the National Constitution Center and Special Olympics International. Lee Reed, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Georgetown, reflected on Mutombo’s legacy as not only a phenomenal athlete but also as a caring individual who used his platform to make a global impact.
As a member of Georgetown’s Board of Directors, Mutombo was involved in athletics and campus affairs, receiving an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the university in 2010. His contributions and spirit will be sorely missed by the Georgetown community and beyond.