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Death has been the constant companion in Steven Luu’s life—from war-torn Vietnam to the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. But through art, Luu, now an MFA student at George Mason Â鶹¹ú²ú’s School of Art, has discovered peace, purpose, and a path to healing.

Meet this year’s student speaker for the Class of 2025 commencement ceremony, Duy Vu. He’s a double major from the Schar School and the Costello School of Business.

Tyler Kocak is graduating with an MEd in secondary education after a successful tenure on the George Mason wrestling team.

In addition to Spring 2025 Commencement on Thursday, May 15, graduates may also choose to attend their college’s degree celebration. Here’s a look at the keynote speakers for each event.

On April 10, eight final student and alumni teams—two from each track—pitched panels of entrepreneurs at 2025 Patriot Pitch competition, organized by the Costello College of Business.

This Army major wanted to combine his military service with the hard science of biodefense. Read how Major Geoffrey Mattoon found his way to the Schar School’s one-of-a-kind graduate program—in the shadow of the Pentagon.

A 1994 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences from the College of Education and Human Development, Horna can be found these days in sunny Cocoa Beach, Florida, teaching surfing lessons. Big Wave Dave, as he is known to patrons and students at Ron Jon’s Surf Shop, credits his current occupation to his experience at George Mason.

A'Laura C. Hines, a physical chemistry PhD candidate at George Mason Â鶹¹ú²ú, has been awarded the prestigious U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) SMART Scholarship. The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program provides full tuition, an annual stipend, and a summer internship at a DoD facility.

Schar School graduating senior Christine Peretik found an internship that combines all of her majors and minors. See how her position at the Fairfax Circuit Court Historic Records Center inspired her college career.

Miller is director of health services at USMC headquarters and vice chief, BUMED, Reserve Policy and Integration for the United States Department of Navy. She will speak at the College Degree Celebration at EagleBank Arena on May 17 at 2 pm.

The keynote speaker during the Schar School’s 2025 Degree Celebration program on May 14 is City of Fairfax mayor Catherine S. Read. She’s also a school graduate. Read more about Read.

George Mason Â鶹¹ú²ú Assistant Vice President/Director of Athletics Marvin Lewis has announced a contract extension for men's basketball head coach Tony Skinn, BA Communication '06, through the 2029-30 season.