Graduation

Schar School Student Spotlight

Student athlete brings passion for teaching to the mat

Sarah Holland — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 14:23:10 +0000

Student athlete brings passion for teaching to the mat Sarah Holland Mon, 04/28/2025 - 10:23

Red-shirting—when an athlete is withdrawn from college sporting events for a year to develop their skills and extend their period of eligibility by an additional year—is particularly common for student athletes from the early 2020s. With many of their careers put on pause due to COVID-19, most student athletes have the chance to keep competing while pursuing graduate degrees.

Photo by Rafael Suanes/Athletics

For Tyler Kocak, BA Integrative Studies ’24, that extra year of eligibility gave him the chance to pursue a second degree: an MEd in secondary education.

Kocak, who received the John R. Linn Memorial Award for Outstanding Student Athlete from the College of Education and Human Development, plans to cross the stage at the Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony.

What inspired you to go into teaching?

My brother got me into it initially. He’s a teacher, and he said he liked it, so I thought I might like it, too. I have a passion for changing the future and impacting kids. In secondary education, I can build relationships with the students and support them along their journey to shape their futures. And I chose history and social science as my focus because I’m a big history junkie.

What brought you to George Mason?

I’m from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and I was recruited for wrestling at George Mason. That was a big factor, but I also liked the area a lot, and I liked the academics.

What’s something you learned from wrestling that translated to your teaching?

Working hard is number one. If you don’t work hard, you’re not going to get where you want to be. You have to roll with the punches: If something doesn't go well or doesn’t go your way, you have to keep going forward, keep moving. Wrestling is a lot about mindset and mentality. I’m a pretty optimistic person, so I always try to look on the bright side of things and work toward improving myself, improving my teaching, and improving my wrestling. Improvement is all about consistency, too, so I learned to take those little steps forward each time to get better and reach my goals.

Photo by Rafael Suanes/Athletics

What is your greatest accomplishment from your time at George Mason?

I’ve competed nationally a lot. I placed 6th at the Mid-American Conference (MAC); I won a tournament; I made it to round 12 at Midlands Championship, which is a big tournament; and others. And I was on the MAC Honor Roll and was a National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) Scholar All-American.

What advice would you give to a first-year student at George Mason?

Never give up. Work hard and manage your time well. Stay ahead of the course, and plan ahead instead of falling behind. If you do fall behind, contact your professors. And if you’re an athlete coming in, try to build a good relationship with your coaches and teammates.

What are your current plans for post-graduation?

I want to teach history and social science somewhere in Fairfax County. Maybe I’ll end up doing special education. And I want to coach high school wrestling.

2025 Spring Commencement

Topics

College of Education and Human Development

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Athletics

Wrestling

Spring 2025 Degree Celebration speakers

Katarina Benson — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 13:21:03 +0000

Spring 2025 Degree Celebration speakers Katarina Benson Mon, 04/28/2025 - 09:21

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.

Wednesday, May 14

4:30 p.m. Schar School of Policy and Government

Keynote: Fairfax Mayor Catherine Read. Read was elected as the first woman and the first George Mason graduate to lead the university’s hometown of more than 24,000 residents in 2022.

Thursday, May 15

2 p.m. College of Engineering and Computing, School of Computing

Keynote: Sandra Alba Cauffman. The George Mason alumna currently serves as the deputy director of the Astrophysics Division in the Science Mission Directorate at NASA.

3 p.m. College of Visual and Performing Arts

Keynote: Molly Smith, Artistic Director Emeritus Arena Stage

6:30 p.m. College of Engineering and Computing, Volgenau School of Engineering

Keynote: Sukumar R. Iyer. Iyer is the founder, executive chairman, and CEO of Brillient Corporation.

Friday, May 16

9:30 a.m. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS)

Keynote: The Honorable Joshua C. Fiveson. Fiveson, BS Administration of Justice ’10, and recipient of the 2022 CHSS Distinguished Alumni–Criminology, Law and Society Award, is a U.S. Navy veteran and an academic who previously served as one of the youngest state judges in Texas.

11 a.m. Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

Keynote: Carol Daniel Kasbari, senior associate director of the Conflict Resolution Program at The Carter Center. She has more than 20 years of experience designing and leading programs in conflict mitigation, peacebuilding, advocacy, and nonviolent resistance in complex international environments, particularly in the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.

2 p.m. College of Science

Keynote: Paul Misener. Misener is an engineer, scientist, and attorney, graduating with a JD from George Mason in 2001. A global vice president at Amazon.com for 23 years, Misener is the founder and principal of Misener Innovation LLC, a consultancy dedicated to helping organizations innovate, advocate, and communicate.

6:30 p.m. Donald G. Costello College of Business

Keynote: Guylaine Saint Juste, president and CEO of the National Association of Black Accountants Inc. She is the founder and co-chair of the George Mason Women in Business Initiative.

Saturday, May 17

9:30 a.m. College of Education and Human Development

Keynote: Nia Harrington. The George Mason alumna is the chief development officer at Speaking With Impact, where she manages presentation skills, media training, professional development, and women’s leadership initiatives, and specializes in brand communication and sports management.

1:30 p.m. Antonin Scalia Law School

Keynote: The Honorable Wesley Russell, JD ’95. Russell serves as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia. He previously served as a judge in the Virginia Court of Appeals.

2 p.m. College of Public Health

Keynote: Rear Admiral Pamela Miller. Rear Adm. Miller is a highly decorated medical officer of the United States U.S. Navy, Director of Health Services at U.S. Marine Corps Headquarters and Vice Chief, BUMED, Reserve Policy and Integration for the U.S. Department of Navy.

Topics

Campus News

Government and International Politics

A Passion for the Past Pays Off: History Buff Christine Peretik's Timeless Internship

Andrew J Schappert — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 12:28:40 +0000

A Passion for the Past Pays Off: History Buff Christine Peretik's Timeless Internship Andrew J Schappert Wed, 04/09/2025 - 08:28

Request Schar School program information

Learn more about the Schar School

Christine Peretik is no stranger to hard work and unexpected opportunities. A senior at George Mason �鶹�� in the Schar School of Policy and Government, she is majoring in government and international politics with minors in both history and criminology, law and society.

Christine Peretik: ‘You never know where an email or a small decision might lead you.’ Photos provided.

But it was her passion for the past that landed her a fascinating internship at the Fairfax Circuit Court Historic Records Center in Fairfax, Virginia, a role she initially applied for on a whim.

“I had applied for it, not expecting much,” Peretik said. “I was very interested in it, but I didn’t know if it was going to turn up. And lo and behold, I ended up getting this internship.” (Let that be a lesson to all students considering internships. Help is here.)

Peretik’s work at the Historical Records Center placed her directly in the midst of history—literally. Housed in what was once the clerk’s office, the center holds an extensive archive of documents, from land records to court proceedings, and even a Fairfax Court Slavery Index compiled by a former George Mason �鶹�� student.

“We have obituaries and just about every court proceeding you can think of,” Peretik said. “Even crimes that were committed back in the day, just about everything people went through.”

One of her main tasks was analyzing old court cases, which appealed to her higher ed interests, from government to history to law.

“My manager asked me to identify who was the victim in these cases,” she said, explaining how she often had to interpret the documents handwritten in the 1800s on the fly. “I had to go back over each letter, like, ‘Okay, this is how they write an A. This is how they write a T.’”

Beyond deciphering faded vintage calligraphy and researching legal documents, Peretik also contributed to the center’s public exhibits, which are displayed around the historic courthouse and judicial center. She helped create content for a walking tour that takes visitors through key sites, such as the Legato School, one of Virginia’s early schools, now a museum. Students attended the school between the 1870s and 1930 and is now furnished to mimic the look and feel of an 1870s schoolhouse.

“We also have a little stone slab from the Spanish-American War era,” Peretik said. “People believe it marks a grave, but neighbors say it was actually a cat named Clem.”

Peretik’s enthusiasm for learning and history is palpable.

“I am a huge, huge history nerd, for lack of a better word,” she admits. “I watch documentaries for fun. That’s one of my things.”

Christine Peretik: ‘And lo and behold, I ended up getting this internship.’

Despite her love of history, Peretik’s academic focus remains on government and law.

“I want to work in the government someday,” she said. “Maybe the Department of Justice, or Homeland Security. I’m keeping my options open.”

Among her outside-the-classroom experiences at George Mason include working as a telecounselor for the Admissions Office. She’s also been an active member for three years of the International Buddy Program, which pairs domestic students with international students “with the whole purpose of forming connections between the two.”

Peretik’s decision to attend George Mason was an intentional one. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, her family relocated to Fort Mill, South Carolina, over a decade ago. She considered other universities but ultimately chose George Mason for its unique balance.

“It’s the hub for government,” she says. “You’re right near D.C., but also far enough away to have a real college experience.”

As she prepares to graduate in May, Peretik reflects on her time at the Schar School and the internship that deepened her appreciation for history.

“It was an incredible opportunity,” she says. “You never know where an email or a small decision might lead you.”

Topics

Schar School BA in Government and International Politics

Schar School Student Spotlight

Learn more about Rear Admiral Pamela Miller, RADM, MC, USN here.

internships

Rear Admiral Pamela Miller, highly decorated U.S. Navy medical officer, announced as College Degree Celebration speaker

Taylor Thomas — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 14:20:13 +0000

Rear Admiral Pamela Miller, highly decorated U.S. Navy medical officer, announced as College Degree Celebration speaker Taylor Thomas Mon, 04/07/2025 - 10:20

Rear Admiral Pamela Miller

Rear Admiral Pamela Miller will be the keynote speaker at the College of Public Health’s Degree Celebration on May 17 at EagleBank Arena. RADM Miller is a highly decorated medical officer of the United States U.S. Navy, Director of Health Services at U.S. Marine Corps Headquarters and Vice Chief, BUMED, Reserve Policy and Integration for the United States Department of Navy.

Miller’s distinguished career includes a number of leadership positions in the military, both domestically and while deployed. She has served as senior medical officer, staff physician, officer in charge, deputy group surgeon, senior medical executive, force surgeon, reserve component operational medicine specialty leader, deputy chief of staff, reserve fleet surgeon, command surgeon, and medical officer.

Miller has been recognized for her dedication and service throughout her career. She is a Fleet Marine Force Warfare qualified officer and has earned many distinguished awards, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.

Miller began her military career in the Navy Nurse Corps following her graduation from the �鶹�� of Iowa where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing.

She went on to attend medical school at Des Moines �鶹�� as she served in the medical corps, where she earned both a doctorate in osteopathic medicine and a master’s degree in healthcare administration. She completed her residency in emergency medicine at Naval Medical Center in San Diego and has continued her education through the Naval War College and Joint Forces Staff College.

The College is honored to welcome Rear Admiral Miller to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2025.

Learn more about the College of Public Health's Degree Celebration here.

Topics

Government and International Politics

Degree Celebration

Guest Speaker

College of Public Health

City of Fairfax Mayor, ’83 Alum Catherine S. Read to Deliver Degree Celebration Keynote

Andrew J Schappert — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 15:21:13 +0000

City of Fairfax Mayor, ’83 Alum Catherine S. Read to Deliver Degree Celebration Keynote Andrew J Schappert Thu, 04/03/2025 - 11:21

Request Schar School program information

Learn more about the Schar School

In an ironic turn of events, the 2025 Schar School of Policy and Government Degree Celebration keynote speaker did not attend her own graduation from George Mason �鶹��.

Mayor Catherine S. Read: ‘The university mailed me my diploma which I didn’t have framed until I was elected mayor. It has a place of prominence in my office at City Hall now.’ Photo by Sarah Heaton (BA Film and Video Studies ’24)

“I finished in December 1983,” said City of Fairfax Mayor Catherine S. Read. “There were no December ceremonies back then. The university mailed me my diploma which I didn’t have framed until I was elected mayor. It has a place of prominence in my office at City Hall now.”

Read, who earned a bachelor of arts degree in government and politics (the degree was conferred with the Class of ’84), will address some 400 graduating Schar School students across all disciplines and degree programs on Wednesday, May 14, at 4:30 p.m. at EagleBank Arena on George Mason’s Fairfax Campus.

Read was elected as the first women and the first George Mason graduate to lead the university’s hometown of more than 24,000 residents in 2022. She won reelection last year.

Originally a theater major, she nurtured and expanded her interest in legislative advocacy work at George Mason, eventually finding leadership roles in nonprofit organizations at the local, state, and federal levels. She has worked for many years on public policies such as the Breastfeeding Bill (2015), the Virginia Values Act (2020), and the abolition of the death penalty in Virginia (2021). Her advocacy focuses on issues that impact the quality of life in Fairfax City and across the commonwealth.

Last year, Read was elected to serve on the Alumni Chapter Board of George Mason’s Schar School of Public Policy and Government for 2024-26.

She currently serves on the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC), Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA), and Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC). Additionally, she serves on the Virginia Poverty Law Center Advisory Board and the Equality Virginia PAC Board.

A city resident since 2000 in the Daniels Run Woods, Providence Square, and Fairchester Woods neighborhoods, Read has most recently worked with local nonprofits on legislative advocacy and messaging and continues to occasionally host shows for Fairfax Public Access.

She is the mother of three adult children and resides with her husband, Tom Greeson, and their dog, Reggie.

Topics

Alumni

Schar School BA in Government and International Politics

Degree Celebration

Martina Cheung to speak at George Mason’s Spring Commencement

Katarina Benson — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 15:09:28 +0000

Martina Cheung to speak at George Mason’s Spring Commencement Katarina Benson Wed, 03/19/2025 - 11:09

Martina Cheung, president and CEO of S&P Global, will be the featured speaker at George Mason �鶹��’s Spring Commencement on May 15 at EagleBank Arena on the Fairfax Campus.

Martina Cheung. Photo provided

Since 2010, Cheung, also a member of S&P Global’s board of directors, has held several positions with the New York-based company, including president of S&P Global Ratings, executive lead of S&P Global Sustainable1, and president of S&P Global Market Intelligence. Prior to joining S&P, she worked for Accenture’s Financial Services Strategy group and then as a partner at Mitchell Madison Consulting.

Cheung has been honored by a host of industry publications. In 2024, Pensions & Investments named her on a list of Influential Women in Institutional Investing, and INvolve for the second consecutive year named her to its 100 Empower Executives list.

American Banker last year placed Cheung on its list of the Most Powerful Women in Finance.

In addition, the Women’s Bond Club honored her with the Merit Award in 2022, and that same year she was honored at the Ascend A-List Awards for advancing Pan-Asian professionals. In 2016 she was inducted into the Academy of Women Leaders by the YWCA New York City.

Cheung earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce and a master’s degree in business studies, both from National �鶹�� in Ireland, Galway.

Get more details on �鶹�� Commencement

Topics

Campus News

Democracy Lab Learning Community

Spring Commencement

Internships and Influence: Schar School Senior Dylan Morse Reflects on His College Career

Andrew J Schappert — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 13:58:22 +0000

Internships and Influence: Schar School Senior Dylan Morse Reflects on His College Career Andrew J Schappert Tue, 03/18/2025 - 09:58

In This Story

Sita Nataraj Slavov

Request Schar School program information

Learn more about the Schar School

Vermont native Dylan Morse didn’t get to tour his future college campus before enrolling. The pandemic had shut the world down during his senior year of high school, leaving him to rely on virtual research from his home in Hartland.

Dylan Morse, left, and U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont): ‘Join Democracy Lab if you can,’ Morse said. ‘It’s an immediate community source for friends and can help navigate the ropes of college when you first come here.’ Photos provided.

But he knew what he was looking for, and he found it at George Mason �鶹��’s Schar School of Policy and Government.

With its proximity to Washington, D.C., its impressive national rankings, and a news-making faculty, the Schar School seemed like the right fit for a student drawn to politics and public service. Now, as he approaches graduation, Morse reflects on the experiences that have shaped his path and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

A public administration major, Morse quickly immersed himself in government work, in and out of the classroom. His first taste of the political world came during back-to-back summer internships in Vermont’s centrist Republican Governor Phil Scott’s Montpelier office, where he assisted with constituent services and research for the State Workforce Development Board. The position called for Morse to respond to calls from Vermonters and connect them with government resources; he also recorded citizens’ opinions. The experience helped him see firsthand the impact of local governance.

Last spring, he interned on Capitol Hill for Vermont’s Democratic Senator Peter Welch. The role was similar in some ways—fielding constituent calls and drafting correspondence—but it also introduced him to the complexities of federal policymaking. He gave tours of the Capitol and contributed to policy work, particularly in the area of agriculture.

The contrast between state and federal government became clear to him. While they occasionally intersected—such as in Vermont’s response to last summer’s devastating floods—he realized they serve distinct roles, and he found himself drawn to the immediacy of state-level governance.

“The state and federal governments generally serve very different purposes, which was a very helpful insight into Federalism,” he said. “I think my long-term goal is to become involved in state government. I find it to be more hands-on and more personal. And you can be a bit closer to real change and making a difference.”

Dylan Morse: ‘I think my long-term goal is to become involved in state government. I find it to be more hands-on and more personal.’

Since his freshman year, Morse has been a part of the Democracy Lab Learning Community, first as a participant and later as a resident assistant (RA) of the Democracy Lab residence hall for three years. His leadership there reinforced the importance of civic engagement and professional development, while also providing him with a tight-knit community of like-minded students.

Beyond government, Morse has sought a well-rounded education. This semester he stepped into the world of lobbying, interning at Mehlman Consulting in Washington, D.C. The experience allows him to see how outside groups influence policymaking.

“It’s a little more corporate than my other internships,” he said. “I’m seeing the other side of the Hill from that perspective.”

His primary responsibility has been gathering information on newly elected representatives and their staffs, a crucial task in shaping legislative strategy for clients.

Academically, Morse is completing a capstone research project on the impact of pandemic-era migration to Vermont on housing prices. Working with Professor Sita Slavov, he hopes to contribute meaningful insights into a growing concern in his home state.

As graduation in May approaches, Morse hopes to gain direct experience with how policy affects constituents before returning to Vermont to work in state government.

While his ultimate goal remains public service, he values the diverse experiences he’s accumulated—from answering calls in a governor’s office to analyzing policy in a senator’s office to now observing the influence of lobbying.

For incoming students looking to study government at George Mason, Morse’s advice is simple: “Join Democracy Lab if you can,” he said. “It’s an immediate community source for friends and can help navigate the ropes of college when you first come here. And you’re getting extra content about professional development, career development, and how to best use your time at George Mason.

“All of that has been super valuable to me.”

Topics

Democracy Lab

Learning Communities

First-Year Democracy Lab

Schar School Student Spotlight

Schar School News for March 2025

BS in Public Administration

Schar School BS in Public Administration

internships

George Mason's 2024 winter graduation in pictures

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 19:27:31 +0000

George Mason's 2024 winter graduation in pictures Lauren Reuscher Thu, 12/19/2024 - 14:27

Winter Commencement at George Mason �鶹�� on Dec. 19 at EagleBank Arena celebrated more than 5,200 graduates and certificate recipients. Graduates hailed from 89 countries, 45 states, and 27% of bachelor's degree recipients identified as first-generation graduates.

The graduates celebrated their achievements in the company of proud family and friends. George Mason photographers captured the excitement of Commencement and Degree Celebrations.

Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of �鶹�� Branding

As the graduates entered the arena, the Green Machine filled the air with musical energy.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of �鶹�� Branding

Ross Calvin, a student in the School of Music’s vocal performance program, sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Ross Calvin, George Mason student, sings the national anthem at Commencement. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of �鶹�� Branding

George Mason President Gregory Washington welcomed the graduates and their loved ones to the ceremony and congratulated them on their achievements.

An honorary degree was presented to Maureen McCarthy Scalia in recognition of her dedication to education and decades of volunteer work in the Washington, D.C., region.

Maureen McCarthy Scalia and George Mason President Gregory Washington. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of �鶹�� Branding

Commencement speaker George D. Schindler advised the graduates that their ability to continuously learn, adapt, and thrive can determine their success. Schindler also stressed the importance of mentorship and kindness.

Commencement Speaker George D. Schindler. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of �鶹�� Branding

“�鶹�� companies need more kindness, our governments, and our society could use some more kindness,” Schindler said. “It starts with each of us.”

Student Commencement Speaker Caroline Little. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of �鶹�� Branding

Student Commencement speaker Caroline Little, graduating with her bachelor’s in psychology, spoke about her experiences as a student parent. She expressed gratitude for the support she felt from her family, as well as from faculty and staff at George Mason, as she juggled the demands of parenthood and her studies.

“George Mason isn’t just meant for the cookie-cutter student,” Little said. “It’s meant for people like me, for people like you, and anybody who has the determination to finish their degree and succeed, no matter what their life looks like outside of the classroom.”

Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of �鶹�� Branding

As usual, the graduates let their creativity shine by decorating their graduation caps.

Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of �鶹�� Branding

President Gregory Washington, Rector Charles "Cully" Stimson, Student Speaker Caroline Little, and Provost James Antony. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of �鶹�� Branding

And then it was time to celebrate! Read more about the ceremony.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of �鶹�� Branding

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of �鶹�� Branding

Watch the winter commencement recording

Topics

Winter graduates encouraged to be kind, courageous and never stop learning

Colleen Rich — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 19:03:09 +0000

Winter graduates encouraged to be kind, courageous and never stop learning Colleen Rich Thu, 12/19/2024 - 14:03

With a final pre-tassel-turning lesson about leadership, kindness, and resilience, more than 5,200 George Mason �鶹�� students graduated or earned certificates Thursday at Winter Commencement in EagleBank Arena on the Fairfax Campus.

Livestreamed on George Mason’s YouTube channel, the ceremony honored graduates from 89 countries and 45 states. About 1 in 4 was a first-generation graduate.

George Mason President Gregory Washington told the graduates that whether they realized it or not, while pursuing a degree, they also were being prepared to serve as leaders. Echoing a New York Times op-ed by Ford Foundation President Darren Walker, Washington urged each graduate to embrace leadership, not escape it to avoid risk or as an act of self-preservation.

“Your conscience is your light,” Washington said. “It’s your North Star for leadership. And you will be called to let that light shine and invite others to follow it. Yeah, it’s scary. But in times of crisis, the light of our conscience will be the only light, and the only way out of the darkness.

“Generating light brings a certain amount of heat with it,” Washington added. “But bringing light is worth enduring that heat. If we have done our job right here at George Mason �鶹��, we have prepared you to bring the light and endure the heat.”

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of �鶹�� Branding

The guest speaker, former CGI president and chief executive officer George D. Schindler, was awarded an honorary degree by Board of Visitors member Horace Blackman, BA American Studies and English '93, the university’s former rector and also a CGI executive.

Schindler encouraged students to carry out a “life of learning” so they can adapt and thrive in an era of excessively rapid change. “In today’s world, current knowledge is just table stakes,” Schindler said. “While continuous learning is often the differentiator in career and life. It will be important to be agile and adaptable in your ways of thinking and acting.”

Schindler also emphasized that, contrary to what many may believe, success and kindness are not mutually exclusive.

“You can be kind and still be a strong performer and a strong leader,” Schindler said. “You can be kind and still make difficult decisions. You can be kind and still provide firm feedback and be a firm negotiator. And you can be kind and have a successful career. �鶹�� companies need more kindness, our governments need more kindness, and our society could definitely use some more kindness. It starts with each of us.”

Board of Visitors Rector Charles “Cully” Stimson, JD ’92, presented an honorary degree to Maureen McCarthy Scalia for “her passionate dedication to learning and for her decades of volunteer work in the Washington, D.C., region.” Scalia is the widow of former Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, for whom George Mason named its law school in 2016, the year the justice died. Stimson is a graduate of what is now the Scalia Law School.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of �鶹�� Branding

Provost James Antony, taking part in his first George Mason Commencement since joining the university, introduced the student speaker, psychology major Caroline Little. Little detailed how faculty and staff supported and encouraged her, first as an unsure transfer from community college, then through several relocations and two pregnancies. She and her husband, former George Mason basketball standout Josh Oduro, have a 10-month-old son, and she is eight months pregnant with their second child.

“George Mason isn’t just meant for the cookie-cutter student,” Little said. “It’s meant for people like me, for people like you, and people like anybody that has the determination to finish their degree and succeed, no matter what their life looks like outside of the classroom. This university has given me a new sense of strength and self-confidence that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”

Scott Hine, BS Decision Science ’85, president of the George Mason �鶹�� Alumni Association, welcomed the graduates to a network of 240,000 members worldwide and called on them to engage with the association and each other.

“Now you have the power and resources of a new family that has walked in your shoes and blazed a path forward,” Hine said. “There is likely an alum in any industry in which you are joining, and likely an alum in any location in which you are settling. This is an incredible network, which you should leverage.”

View the 2024 winter graduation in pictures

Connect with the Alumni Association

Topics

Campus News