The George Washington University Class of 2026 graduates will be recognized at Commencement on the National Mall on Sunday, May 17. Before their big day, GW Today asked a number of the upcoming graduates to share their favorite GW memories. Here are some responses from our GSEHD graduates:
Nicole Tran, M.A., Organizational Leadership and Learning
I will always cherish the connections I’ve made with my OLL cohort and faculty and the rich learning experiences that came from those relationships. OLL is a truly special program, and I feel so fortuitous to have found this program when I did. My favorite memories involve connecting with my classmates both in and out of the classroom and using those experiences to further our passion for learning, leadership and making the world a better place. In particular, traveling to Belfast, Northern Ireland, with Dr. Maria Cseh last summer to study international and multicultural issues in organizations was an indelible experience that transformed my life and worldview in remarkable ways. While this trip taught me a lot about the robust culture and history of Belfast and the diverse organizations that call that city home, my most valuable insights were about myself, my own culture and my beliefs regarding the nature of life itself. I not only gained more trust in the world and humanity, I also cultivated more trust in myself and my own capabilities. I know now that I will always be welcomed into any space I walk into as long as I make enough room for them too.
Christy Anthony, Ed.D., Higher Education Administration
In fall 2018, I had barely enrolled in my first semester of GSEHD’s higher education doctoral program. My then-advisor, Dr. Meggan Madden, emailed me that the UN’s Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean was seeking a speaker on gender-based violence in higher education for their conference in Chile, co-hosted by Chile’s Ministry of Education. Dr. Madden knew the topic was an area of experience and interest for me, and she also knew I had just begun my doctoral journey, a new job, and that my life included parenting a young child and caring for an aging parent. I felt intimidated, excited, hesitant and eager, all at once. Dr. Madden and my spouse were so encouraging and supportive, and I am forever grateful that I went, spoke my piece focused on supportive measures for victims/survivors/complainants, and heard from other experts across the Americas. I left that conference feeling capable, meaningful and connected to colleagues that continue to inform my consulting work and research regarding culturally relevant pedagogy and sexual misconduct education.
Michael Lami, M.A.Ed&HD, Organizational Leadership and Learning
My GW experience can be captured by this picture with my wife, a good friend and brother-in-law. I am surrounded by family right before the Army 10 Miler! As 20,000 of my fellow runners joined together, experiencing the sights and sounds of D.C. made for an incredible memory. Being at GW in the heart of our nation's capital gave me the opportunity to embrace the unique DMV culture, history and community. I will forever cherish this time in my life, and for years to come, I will reflect on the great experiences and memories that could have only been possible because of my time at GW.
Jennifer Locane, M.A. Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling
When I first attended GW as an undergrad from 2001 to 2005, I also planned on getting my master’s in art therapy. But as someone with then-active Crohn’s disease, I had to stop with two bachelors. Despite the challenge, I always held on to my dream of getting my master’s at GW. That’s why returning 20-plus years later in 2023 to get my master’s in clinical rehabilitation counseling was especially meaningful. Dr. McGuire-Kuletz introduced me to the field of disability advocacy through this hybrid-remote program. She interviewed me and when she accepted me, I told her she was helping me close a long saga of hospital-ICU stays, surgeries and healthcare battles, to start a new book of learning, healing and engaging in post-traumatic growth.
Other favorite memories include serving with the Ethans [Fitzgerald and Lynne] and many inspiring student leaders in GW’s Student Government Association 2024-2025, co-planning the 2025 Denim Day event, working on a pilot peer-advisor program for sexual assault survivors with GW’s Title IX team, interning with GW’s Collaboratory: a Center for Jewish learning, Shabbat dinners at Chabad when I visited and so many more.