2020 CPS Commencement

Please join Toni Marsh, College Marshal, as she kicks off our 2020 Virtual Commencement Celebration. You will be able to access all components of the ceremony at your own pace.  Highlights include:

  • Remarks from our Dean
  • Commencement address from our Commencement Speaker
  • Message from our Student Speaker
  • Presentation of awards
  • Roll call of the graduates by program

Toni Marsh, College Marshal. 


Celebration Program 

 

 

 

 

 

Please download the program PDF to view digitally and follow along with the ceremony, or print at home.
 

Download Program (PDF)


If you would like a program PDF formatted for professional printing, please email us at [email protected] for the file and further instructions.

 


 

14

Number of programs awarding degrees

500+

Number of 2020 graduates in the
College of Professional Studies

300,000

The Class of 2020 joins a worldwide community of GW alumni living in more than 150 different countries.

 


A Message from Dean Deering

Christopher J. Deering, Interim Dean, College of Professional Studies.

Christopher J. Deering currently serves as the interim dean for the College of Professional Studies. He is also a professor of Political Science at GW.

Dean Deering's Bio


Our Distinguished Speaker

Albert R. Wynn, Distinguished Commencement Speaker.

The Honorable Albert R. Wynn is a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Maryland’s 4th Congressional District. While in the House, he served on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, most recently as Chairman of its Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials, and as a member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality. While on the Energy and Commerce Committee, Albert also served on the Health and Telecommunications Subcommittees. In the early part of his congressional career, he was a member of the Financial Services Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee. He was appointed a Senior Democratic Whip and served as Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Political Action Committee (PAC).

Distinguished Speaker Bio


Our Student Speaker

Heather Salib, Student Commencement Speaker & Paralegal Studies Class of 2020.

Student Speaker Heather Salib shares insights on how the Paralegal Studies Master of Professional Studies program was the perfect fit to help her continue her professional journey after being out of the workforce. Before coming to GW, she served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Volta Region of Ghana working on HIV/AIDS education, girl child development, and health and hygiene education, as well as raised a family. She holds an associate degree in Radiologic Technology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Administration.

Student Speaker Bio


Our Award Winners

 

Kimberly Lawrence

Dr. Richard F. Southby
Police Science Prize

Recipient: Kimberly Cecelia Lawrence, 
Police and Security Studies

 

Kevin Ryan

Founding Dean
Arterton Award

Recipient: Kevin Michael Ryan, 
Legislative Affairs

 

Christopher Mattai

Mark and Debbie Kennedy Frontiers of Freedom Award

Recipient: Christopher John Matthai, 
Legislative Affairs

 


 

 

Aaron Young

Undergraduate Distinguished Scholar Award

Recipient: Aaron Young, Integrated Information, Science and Technology

 

 

Adriene Brown

Graduate Distinguished Scholar Award

Recipient: Adriane Simone Brown, 
Strategic Public Relations

 

Karen Vahouny

Faculty Excellence Award
 

Recipient: Karen Vahouny, 
Strategic Public Relations

Browse All 2020 Awards


Presentation of Graduates

Please select your program below for a special presentation of the graduates.


Charge to the Graduates

 

Christopher J. Deering, Interim Dean, College of Professional Studies.


GW Fight Song

 The George Washington University Fight Song performed at the 2017 GW Commencement on the National Mall by the University Wind Ensemble and directed by Dr. Robert Birch.

 

Hail to the Buff,
Hail to the Blue,
Hail to the Buff and Blue!
All our lives we'll be proud to say,
We hail from GW!
Go Big Blue!
Oh, by George, we're happy we can say,
We're GW, here to show the way, so
Raise high the Buff!
Raise high the Blue!
Loyal to GW
You bet we're
Loyal to GW!
Fight!


Singing of the GW Alma Mater

 

GW Alma Mater sung by Dr. Natalie K. Houghtby-Haddon, associate director, GW Center for Excellence in Public Leadership and assistant professor in the College of Professional Studies.


 

GW ALMA MATER

Hail Alma Mater
To thy spirit guiding,
Knowledge thy closest friend
In its strength abiding,
Pledge we fidelity
Ne'er its place resigning,
Hail thee George Washington!