Spring Commencement

When Saniya Darediya, this year's student commencement speaker, stepped onto George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus for Orientation four years ago, she was fresh off the plane from Gujarat, India. She chose George Mason sight-unseen—and then carved out a place for herself.

When doctoral student Rooshna Mohsin arrived at George Mason University from New Jersey, she came with a clear purpose: to deepen her research in environmental and reproductive health and work alongside faculty whose scholarship aligned with her own ambitions.

As she prepares to graduate from George Mason, first-generation student Evelyn Carcamo supports immigrant and refugee survivors while working toward a career in clinical social work.

Irma Garcia always had a goal of earning a college degree. Now, at age 72, she will graduate with a bachelor's degree in public administration degree from the Schar School.

George Mason graduate student Jose Meneses has built a remarkable early career in conservation science through hands‑on research with the Smithsonian and global fieldwork. His work—spanning salamander peptides, elephant viruses, and zombie crabs—has shaped his path toward a future in disease ecology.

General David W. Allvin, the 23rd Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, is the guest speaker at George Mason University’s Spring Commencement on May 14 at EagleBank Arena. Allvin recently completed a four-decade military career, retiring as a four-star general. Here Allvin shares his thoughts on the military as a career, effective leadership, how universities can best serve veterans, and advice he would offer new graduates.

General David W. Allvin, the 23rd Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, will be the featured speaker at George Mason University’s Spring Commencement ceremony on May 14 at EagleBank Arena.

He’s traveled the world; speaks several languages; plays cello, balalaika, and dombra among other instruments; and writes op-eds about international security issues that are published in influential media outlets. And he’s 18. Meet graduating senior Josef Wolpert.

George Mason University honored its largest ever graduating class at Spring Commencement, turning the event’s “This Is Your Moment” theme into a tassel-turning time to remember for a record-breaking class of more than 12,000 degree and certificate earners.

Spring 2025 Commencement at George Mason University on May 15 at EagleBank Arena celebrated more than 12,000 graduates and certificate recipients. Graduates hailed from 117 countries, 49 states, and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and military installations. George Mason photographers captured the excitement and spirit of the day.