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From Kyiv to Capitol Hill: Meet Graduating Schar School Senior Gabriella Grabovska

Andrew J Schappert — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:53:19 +0000

From Kyiv to Capitol Hill: Meet Graduating Schar School Senior Gabriella Grabovska Andrew J Schappert Wed, 04/01/2026 - 14:53

Gabriella Grabovska photographed in September 2022: ‘A lot of the people that I met, a lot of the opportunities that I got, and the communities that I became a part of were all a result of me deciding to get out of my comfort zone and go do things.’ Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Originally from Ukraine’s capital city Kyiv, Gabriella Grabovska moved to the United States in August 2022 to attend college, leaving her family and familiarity behind. Navigating a new country on her own, she quickly learned to balance academic rigor with the challenge of adapting to—and flourishing in—a new cultural and social environment.

Gabriella Grabovska photographed in 2025. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Grabovska will graduate in May from the Schar School of Policy and Government at 91�� with a degree in government and international politics. She also has a concentration in political behavior and identity politics and a double minor in political communication and forensic psychology.

When considering where to study, George Mason and the Schar School stood out for their programs and opportunities that they offered as well as its proximity to Washington, D.C., she said.

“Looking back, I know that I wouldn’t have had all of my internships, I wouldn’t have met different politicians, members of the Cabinet, or people in my field, if I was in Connecticut or New Jersey,” she said.

The Schar School’s Undergraduate Learning Communities program played a key role in helping her get started professionally. Grabovska recalled an event hosted by the Jurisprudence Learning Community (now called the Pre-Law Learning Community) that helped her eventually secure her first internship with the Committee on House Administration, Democratic Staff. Since then, she has completed six internships, holding positions with organizations including the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and OpenSecrets, a nonpartisan nonprofit that collects data on political funding.

“The Schar School became my home in the U.S., especially Democracy Lab,” she said, referencing the immersive residential learning community. “I remembered how, in my freshman year, the Schar School and the Democracy Lab really made me feel welcomed and at home."

Grabovska's résumé is so long and varied because she took advantage of all the opportunities the university and its location offered. "I couldn’t say ‘no’ to anything. If there was an opportunity in front of me, I would take it.”

Gabriella Grabovska arrived in the United States in 2022 as Russia was invading Ukraine. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

A student in the Honors College, Grabovska is also an award-winning professional ballroom dancer, president of George Mason’s European Student Association, an occasional model for the Office of University Branding, and a resident assistant for the Office of Housing and Residence Life. She also served as a deputy field organizer for NextGen America, a nonprofit that encourages political activity among young citizens. She enjoys salsa dancing for fun.

But politics, which have shaped her life since her childhood, is where her ambitions lie.

“Politics directly affected my life since I can remember—I didn’t have privilege of not talking about it,” she said.

She recited a list of dramatic political events—the 2014 Kyiv Revolution, the Russian occupation of Crimea in 2014, and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022—as key events that motivated her to pursue a degree and career in politics.

Grabovska credits faculty and staff—including Associate Professor Jennifer Victor, Assistant Professor Shea Holman, Robinson Professor Steven Pearlstein, Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs Ann M. Ludwick, and Communications Manager Buzz McClain—for their encouragement and support during her time at George Mason.

'Politics directly affected my life since I can remember—I didn’t have privilege of not talking about it.' Photo by Office of University Branding

One piece of advice that Grabovska would give to new or prospective students is to get out of their comfort zone and face their fears.

“A lot of the people that I met, a lot of the opportunities that I got, and the communities that I became a part of were all a result of me deciding to get out of my comfort zone and go do things,” she said.

She recalled an example where she met a future mentor during an internship at a law firm while waiting in the security line to enter the Capitol Hill Rayburn House Office Building in D.C. That brief introduction and its results reinforced for her the value of taking initiative.

Through her academic work, internships, and extensive involvement in campus life, Grabovska has turned her experiences into preparation for a career in politics and public service, grounded in the global perspective she brings from Ukraine and the community she found at the Schar School.

In This Story

Jennifer N. Victor

Shea M. Holman Kilian

Steven Pearlstein

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General David W. Allvin named featured speaker for Spring 2026 Commencement

Katarina Benson — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 17:46:36 +0000

General David W. Allvin named featured speaker for Spring 2026 Commencement Katarina Benson Wed, 04/01/2026 - 13:46

General David W. Allvin, the 23rd Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, will be the featured speaker at 91��’s Spring Commencement ceremony on May 14 at EagleBank Arena.

Allvin served as chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force from November 2023 to November 2025, under President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump. His stint as chief of staff capped a nearly four-decade career defined by his Air Force’s focus on strategy, modernization, and international affairs.

General David W. Allvin. Photo provided

As chief of staff, Allvin served as the senior uniformed Air Force officer responsible for the organization, training, and equipping of 689,000 active-duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces serving domestically and overseas. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Allvin served as a military adviser to the secretary of defense, National Security Council, and the president.

Allvin has received the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal (three times), the Legion of Merit (twice), and the Bronze Star Medal.

He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1986. In addition to chief of staff and vice chief of staff, the four-star general’s many leadership positions included:

Commanding General, NATO Air Training Command—Afghanistan
Commander, 438th Air Expeditionary Wing, Kabul, Afghanistan
Commander, 618th Air and Space Operations Center
Director, Strategy, Concepts, and Assessments
Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Requirements, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force
Director, Strategy, Plans and Policy, Headquarters U.S. European Command
Vice Director, Strategy, Plans and Policy, the Joint Staff
Director for Strategy, Plans and Policy, J-5, Joint Staff

He is a command pilot with more than 4,600 hours in more than 30 aircraft, including 800 flight test hours and 100 combat hours.

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The Bestick twins reflect on their time as student-athletes at George Mason

Katarina Benson — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:30:56 +0000

The Bestick twins reflect on their time as student-athletes at George Mason Katarina Benson Fri, 03/27/2026 - 13:30

Life is filled with unexpected twists and turns. In the case of 91�� lacrosse twins Kaitlyn and Regan Bestick, that road has split and come back together several times. Now, as the Fredericksburg, Virginia, natives and Honors College students compete in their final season together and prepare to separate again, they reflect on their time in the Mason Nation.

Regan has been a goalkeeper for the Patriots women’s lacrosse team for the past three years after transferring from Saint Joseph’s after her freshman season. She’s started every game this season and has recorded 96 saves. Kaitlyn has played all four years at George Mason and is currently second on the team in goals scored with 26. Both of them have created a positive impact on the team, which isn’t surprising considering the number of athletes in their family.

Regan and Kaitlyn Bestick. Photo by Mason Athletics

Sports and lacrosse have played an integral role in the lives of the Bestick twins. The product of two collegiate athletes—their mom was an All-American lacrosse player at James Madison, and their dad played baseball at William & Mary—they said televised sports were a big part of their household growing up.

Because we’re a sports family, we just watch a lot of games,” said Kaitlyn. “Our roommates will tell you the same thing: We always have some form of sports on.”

From childhood, their parents instilled a sense of competitiveness among the siblings, and they said they will always be grateful for that. “Our parents really prioritized us not only competing at the highest level but also getting the best education possible. And they instilled in us that work ethic to be able to succeed both academically and athletically,” said Regan.

The close bond between the sisters helps them give each other constructive feedback that translates into better performances. “Being in opposite positions really helps. When we're training in the off season, it helps to have someone who can shoot on me and tell me what I'm doing wrong, or what I'm giving up, and vice versa," said Regan. “It really helps to have that second pair of eyes. Inherently, I feel like we make each other better every day."

Despite spending their first years apart, they still collided on the field during that first season. On March 11, 2023, Regan made her debut for Saint Joseph's, against her twin sister, who was starting for George Mason. Regan recalls feeling overwhelmed with emotion, as it was the first time she competed against her sister. However, when Regan came on, she knew that she had to focus on giving her best performance and ensuring the victory. The Hawks came away with the win, and Regan contributed to the clean sheet.

The sisters grew up playing together. Photo by Mason Athletics

Kaitlyn played a key role in bringing Regan to Mason. Kara, the head coach for the women’s lacrosse team, saw the sisters play at the club level in high school and was impressed by their skills and tenacity.

"I was definitely a big part of (Regan’s) recruiting process coming to Mason,” said Kaitlyn. “We wanted her from day one. And (Coach) Mupo was adamant about getting an inside scoop about her process, because she's a very talented player.”

“I knew that Kara was an amazing coach,” said Regan. “(George) Mason was in my top two schools my first time around recruiting as a high schooler. I knew that it was a place that I really liked and really enjoyed the coaching style and coaching aspects that Kara brings to the table.”

Regan also liked the idea of being closer to home. “I really enjoyed the fact that my parents got to come to every one of Kaitlyn's games,” she said, noting that they couldn’t always make it to Philadelphia for hers.

Regan brought valuable experience to George Mason. “Her being here just makes us so much better on all facets,” said Kaitlyn. “Not only does she lock down her cage on the field, but she's also a great role model for our underclassmen. She's added so much value to our team.”

Aside from being among the top scorers, Kaitlyn also has additional leadership responsibilities as she is the president of the Student Athletes Advisory Council (SAAC) and serves as the voice for student-athletes.

Both sisters also have set out clear career paths. Regan has known since high school that she wanted to become a veterinarian. Majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry, she is already a certified veterinary assistant. After graduation, she’ll begin her four-year journey in veterinary school.

Kaitlyn, who completed her bachelor’s in government and international politics last year, is currently working on her master's in political science through the Bachelor’s/Accelerated Masters (BAM) Program at George Mason. She will be attending law school in the fall.

Kaitlyn was introduced to law at a young age by her dad, who is a police officer for Fairfax County. “I came into Mason knowing I wanted to be an attorney. But personally, I want to do more civil or government work,” said Kaitlyn. "I'm also interested in sports law. I don't really want to be in a courtroom too much, but rather more behind the scenes."

She interned last summer with the Federal Reserve Board of Governors and worked with their procurement division.

Both are really excited about their graduate studies. "This will be the first time we're only students—not student-athletes, so I don't know how we're going to handle just having schoolwork to do and no practice or anything taking up half our day," said Kaitlyn.

This also means that the sisters will once again be away from each other, but they have already prepared for this situation.

"We talk way too much, so obviously there will be a lot of FaceTime calls and texts," said Kaitlyn.

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From practicum to profession: MSW program skills helped this student turn her internship into a full-time role

Taylor Thomas — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:32:45 +0000

From practicum to profession: MSW program skills helped this student turn her internship into a full-time role Taylor Thomas Mon, 03/23/2026 - 12:32

91�� Master of Social Work (MSW) student Heather Apostol is the model of translating academic-experiential learning into professional skills, thanks to her practicum at True Ground Housing Partners. Her program implementation abilities led to her promotion from MSW Resident Services Intern to a full-time position as Resident Services Coordinator.

True Ground Housing Partners is one of the country’s leading nonprofit affordable housing developers, providing housing to thousands in the Washington, D.C., area. As an intern, Apostol supported residents across multiple affordable housing communities through case management, housing stabilization efforts, and community programming. After interning during the fall 2025 semester, the transition was seamless.

Heather Apostol. Photo provided.

Apostol now coordinates rental assistance efforts, collaborates with county agencies and property management, and connects residents to community-based resources. Additionally, she develops and facilitates programming focused on youth empowerment, financial literacy, culture and community, and more.

“I immediately felt connected with the work. I was very excited to be entered into the Resident Services Coordinator role,” said Apostol, who began her full-time position in January 2026 and is expected to graduate with her master's degree in this May. "Because I was already familiar with the residents, staff, and some of the operations, it felt like a natural next step and allowed me to continue building relationships while expanding my responsibilities."

Apostol’s supervisor, Dannette Lawrence, speaks highly of Apostol’s aptitude, ability to be transparent, reflective, and consistent during her internship.

“Heather demonstrated professionalism, empathy, and initiative early on, approaching her work with curiosity and accountability while building meaningful connections with residents and colleagues and thoughtfully applying her academic training to real-world practice. I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to witness Heather’s growth from a social work student into a thoughtful, dedicated changemaker committed to serving the community as a Resident Services Coordinator at True Ground Housing,” said Lawrence, associate director of True Ground Housing.

The MSW at George Mason’s College of Public Health provides a strong foundation in trauma-informed care, ecological systems theory, policy analysis, and ethical decision-making. Apostol says these frameworks directly inform her daily practice in affordable housing settings.

“George Mason’s program emphasized evidence-based interventions and reflective practice, which strengthened my assessment skills, professional documentation, and confidence in interdisciplinary collaboration. I feel well-prepared to navigate both individual-level case management and systems-level advocacy,” said Apostol.

Influenced by culture, leading with care

Apostol cites her cultural heritage in shaping her commitment to serving others. As a Filipino social worker, the Filipino value of bayanihan—the spirit of community cooperation and helping one another—deeply influences her approach to supporting individuals and families.

“This cultural foundation reminds me that caring for others is not just a profession, but a shared responsibility rooted in empathy, humility, and service. Being Filipino allows me to bring cultural awareness, resilience, and a strong sense of community into my practice as a social worker,” said Apostol, who proudly shares she is the first in her family to receive a master’s degree.

Key Takeaways:

Master of Social Work student Heather Apostol’s practicum at True Ground Housing Partners has led to a full-time position as Resident Services Coordinator.
The Master of Social Work at George Mason’s College of Public Health prepares future professionals through evidence-based social work frameworks and experiential learning.
Apostol credits her Filipino heritage for instilling in her the values of compassion, humility, service, and community-building.

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George Mason graduate student advances theater research through yearlong workshop at Folger Shakespeare Library

Shayla Brown — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:10:10 +0000

George Mason graduate student advances theater research through yearlong workshop at Folger Shakespeare Library Shayla Brown Mon, 03/02/2026 - 10:10

This academic year, 91�� graduate student Samantha “Chevi” Chung has had a research opportunity that few have had by participating in a yearlong workshop at the Folger Shakespeare Library. The theme of Chung’s workshop is “Shakespeare and Black Performing Women,” which ties in perfectly with her thesis.   

George Mason is a member of the Folger Institute’s Consortium, so students and faculty have access to its wealth of scholarly resources. Chung is capitalizing on this collaboration and conducting research for her thesis, “Black Sheroic Couplets in Shakespeare, Black Female Actors Playing Eponymous Male Roles in Shakespeare's Plays from 1821 to 2025.”

Chevi Chung presents her research at the 2026 Black Lives Next Door event. Photo by Jerome Boettcher/College of Humanities and Social Sciences

“My favorite aspect of the workshop is that our conversations are just loaded with a lot of expertise,” said Chung, who is working on a master of arts and interdisciplinary studies (MAIS) in social justice and human rights degree. There is so much to glean from the amazing women I'm working with.”  

Her cohort includes actors, directors, theater practitioners, as well as theater scholars and researchers, and dives into the adaptations of Shakespeare works, Black performing women, and how people are conducting their Shakespeare-focused research. Workshops sessions also include guest speakers from different backgrounds and professions.

“Before my first semester at George Mason, I really didn't understand how to conduct my own research, but then I took Professor Rachel Lewis’s [WMST 630] Feminist Theories course. It really opened my eyes and brought so many new resources and methodologies to my attention,” said Chung, who is a first-generation student. 

Chung said Lewis helped her develop her thesis topic on the theory of gender performativity in Black women actors.  

Chung also credits faculty members Jessica Otis, associate professor of history and associate director of the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media, and MAIS Director Shayna Maskell for encouraging her to keep applying to the Folger workshop even after being rejected. 

“It was a good learning experience for me. I think failing forward is so important for growth and realizing that there will be rejections along the way,” Chung said.  

Chung (third from top left) with members of her cohort at Folger Shakespeare Library in D.C. Photo provided

During her graduate studies, Chung also had a summer internship with Maskell where she conducted qualitative research for Maskell’s book on the Riot Grrrl movement. Chung researched music, photography, and fan-made videos from the era, and coded what she found for Maskell’s use.  

Chung said her experience assisting Maskell helped prepare her for time in the Folger program.  

“Chevi played a key role in using the book’s theoretical framework in performance theory and feminist visual culture and applying it directly to the lived performances of Riot Grrrl bands,” said Maskell. “[She] analyzed archival footage and accounts of different performances and helped bridge the gap between abstract concepts and the reality of the stage. Essentially, Chevi helped turn raw data into a cohesive cultural narrative.”  

“[During this internship] I learned to challenge assumptions and not just accept the information given to me, but to validate it myself,” said Chung.   

The Folger workshop will conclude this April, Shakespeare’s birthday month, but Chung’s research into Black theater will continue.  

“Sadly, there are absences and silences in the Black theater archives, and we have to break through these and start asking questions,” said Chung, who is also conducting research within the Center for Mason Legacies under the guidance of George Mason faculty Wendi Manuel-Scott and George Oberle. “I’m determined to expand my knowledge beyond what it currently was, not just regarding Black theater archives, but Black history in general.”  

After graduating in May, Chung will pursue her PhD in theater and performance studies at the University of Maryland this fall.  

“It is an honor to be a part of this group. Beyond the wealth of knowledge I’m receiving, this is also an opportunity to build long-lasting connections and relationships,” she said. 

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International Security and Music: A Graduating 18-Year-Old’s Global Journey at the Schar School

Andrew J Schappert — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:19:07 +0000

International Security and Music: A Graduating 18-Year-Old’s Global Journey at the Schar School Andrew J Schappert Tue, 02/10/2026 - 12:19

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Josef Wolpert knew early that he wanted to understand how the world works when it comes to power, conflict, and security. As a graduating senior in 91��’s International Security and Law undergraduate program at the Schar School of Policy and Government, he has already begun carving out a path that blends academic rigor, regional expertise, and an unusually global perspective for someone his age.

Josef Wolpert plays the dombra, a traditional Kazakh musical instrument on Lake Kaindy in Southeastern Kazakhstan. Photo provided

He’s 18. He will, he said, “barely be turning 19 when I get my degree” in May.

When he began looking at universities in Virginia, several options were on the table. What ultimately drew him to George Mason was proximity—to Washington, D.C., to opportunity, and to practitioners.

“It seems like all the professors that are former FBI, CIA, DIA—whatever you want, they have it here,” he said. “If I’m going to follow this track, I want to be surrounded by those kinds of people.”

The decision has shaped his academic experience. Wolpert transferred to George Mason as a junior after completing two associate degrees at John Tyler Community College (now Brightpoint Community College) near his hometown of Richmond, Virginia. He entered one of the first cohorts of the International Security and Law Program, a one-of-a-kind degree program that prepares graduates to become leaders in the face of security threats, from weather disasters to cyberattacks to nuclear proliferation and more.

The program’s applied focus, Wolpert said, confirmed that he had chosen the right field—and the right place.

“That was mostly the deciding factor,” he said. “Just the amazing faculty that the Schar School has.”

Within international security, Wolpert’s interests have narrowed toward Russia, Eurasia, and cybersecurity, an emphasis shaped by both language and lived experience. Fluent in German as well as his native English, Wolpert studied abroad in Kazakhstan through the U.S. Department of State’s National Security Language Initiative for Youth, spending a summer immersed in Russian-language study and regional context.

That experience continues to inform his academic work. When he does research regarding Russia, he does it in Russian, which, he said, “is very helpful; it gives me an edge.”

That edge was on display in a recent op-ed he authored and published with the encouragement of Schar School Associate Professor Mahmut Cengiz, a renowned terrorism scholar and a research professor at the Schar School’s Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center. The assignment asked students to examine a threat to American security; Wolpert focused on Russia and cybersecurity, drawing on coursework, language skills, and personal networks.

The resulting essay, ”Russian Cyberwarfare Doctrine and America’s Counterstrategy,” was published in January by Modern Diplomacy, an international journal of global policy and academic analysis based in Bulgaria.

"Looking ahead five years,” said Cengiz, “I would not be surprised to see Josef serving as a security analyst or policy advisor focused on European and Eurasian affairs, where his German- and Russian-language skills, intellectual seriousness, and creative discipline will allow him to bridge analysis, strategy, and diplomacy."

As his undergraduate career winds down, Wolpert is weighing graduate school options, with the Schar School’s top-rated international security program at the top of his list.

“That’s my dream program,” he said.

When he is not studying and preparing for his future, Wolpert plays cello—and just about every other stringed instrument that crosses his peripatetic path.

“Music has always been a really big part of my life,” he said. “I really excelled at cello, and I’ve played in orchestras. I’ve met [famed cellist] Yo-Yo Ma on several occasions.”

Wolpert’s musical expertise goes beyond the cello.

“I’ve picked up several other instruments,” Wolpert said. “When I went to Kazakhstan, I picked up dombra, basically a two-stringed guitar. I also know how to play balalaika, which is a Russian three-stringed guitar. If I go somewhere and they have a local instrument, I always pick one up and figure out how to play it.”

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Commencement Speaker Ali Reza Manouchehri’s remarks to George Mason’s winter 2025 graduates

Katarina Benson — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 21:02:13 +0000

Commencement Speaker Ali Reza Manouchehri’s remarks to George Mason’s winter 2025 graduates Katarina Benson Thu, 12/18/2025 - 16:02

As prepared for delivery

Good morning, Patriots!

Two things I want to get out of the way:

Hi mom! You see, “C” students can stand here on stage; and Meila, happy 15th birthday. I love you and can’t wait to see how you change the world.

I want to thank the distinguished faculty and staff of 91��, the parents, guardians, families, and friends, our amazing President Washington, and Board of Visitors who made today possible and, of course, the most important people in the “Arena,” the graduating class of 2025!

Ali Reza Manouchehri. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Today is about more than what you’ve achieved, it’s about how you got here.

I want to talk to you about the power of curiosity—that thing that sparks you to ask why?, what if?, and what’s next?

And today, I want to share a few personal stories, moments from my own journey where curiosity shaped who I became and the lessons I hope you’ll carry into your own stories ahead.

We often wonder—why me?

For me it was about why do my parents keep moving across revolutions, wars, liberties, and continents?

Why did I survive a horrific accident?

And I’ve realized—maybe it was so that I could share a few stories, with you, today.

To tell you this:

Curiosity creates change. Boldness inspires action. Transformation changes the world.

That’s been the rhythm of my life—sometimes my shield, sometimes my compass – but always my light.

I was born into a revolution.

My grandmother came to the United States in 1976 when the Eagle and the Lion—America and Iran—were best friends. My parents later returned to Iran for my birth. By the age of 4, the Shah had fallen, the dream of democracy had been stolen by Islamist revolutionaries, and the country was plunged into war.

As a little boy, I remember car rides with my mom in her 1979 Land Cruiser truck delivering first aid kits, taping windows, learning why we had to store water and food, and taking shelter when the sirens went off.

My mother taught me at an early age not to fear and to be prepared. At the age of 5, I was contributing and learning to survive.

I wasn’t just watching; I was doing. And that gave me something powerful at an early age—independence and curiosity.

My mother was a concert pianist. My father was an entrepreneur, a third-generation textile industrialist and a man who prayed and sipped his whiskey. (Not exactly the combination the regime encouraged!)

Every morning before school, my mom would sit me down and try to explain (it was more like interrogation) that the world around us had changed overnight. She would say, “At school, don’t mention the piano or the whiskey.”

It wasn’t about shame—it was about survival.

But to a curious child, those warnings became questions:

Why…Who are these people? Why do they hate and use fear to control? Why do I have to hide who we are?

That curiosity became a quiet rebellion. Instead of fearing people, I wanted to understand them. I grew up in a community of Armenian Christians, Persian Jews, my Muslim classmates, teachers, and agents of the revolution. I learned that even in chaos, connection was possible if you stayed curious long enough to listen and learn.

That lesson shaped me—not just as a child, but as a leader later in life.

Because I realized something:

Curiosity isn’t just about asking questions. It’s about learning to blend, to see, and to lead in a very complex world.

It taught me that curiosity is not passive—it’s ACTIVE. It’s what helps you observe before reacting, understand before judging, and connect before dividing.

So, lesson ONE for you:

Be curious about people, even those who seem different or opposed to you. Curiosity helps you connect where fear divides.

Years later, my parents decided to come back to the United States—to Virginia, where my grandmother had moved from Pennsylvania. We settled in Falls Church, Virginia.

Once again, I had to blend in—this time as a kid from Iran in a post-hostage-crisis America. The language, friends, and culture—everything felt new again.

I went through three different elementary schools, shifting from Persian to French to English, each one a crash course in starting over. But in the middle of all that change, I found an escape: Sketching. I’d sit for hours drawing bunkers, gadgets, inventions—things that existed only in my imagination. I didn’t know it then, but I was designing the future I wanted to build.

And then came Mr. Clark, my middle school science teacher at Glasgow.

He was eccentric, brilliant, and mysterious, and he had lived in Iran. He never said exactly what he did there, but his stories sounded like something out of a spy novel.

He saw something in me. He took my curiosity and gave it direction. He used to tell me, “You should sell that idea to DARPA!”

At the time, I had no idea what that meant—but looking back now, I smile.

Today, MetroStar sells over a quarter-billion dollars’ worth of innovations, solutions, and services to the Department of War and intelligence community.

Mr. Clark planted a seed—one that took decades to bloom.

I still remember watching MacGyver on Monday nights and the next day, Mr. Clark would say, “All right, let’s test it. Could MacGyver really make that work?”

He’d turn a TV show into an experiment. He made us curious about what we watched and to think critically and try it ourselves.

Curiosity asks “What if?”

Experimentation says “Let’s find out.”

That’s when curiosity took on a new meaning for me.

It wasn’t just about wondering why—it was about testing how.

Mr. Clark made me curious about science, physics, and technology, but also about people and possibilities. Here was an American who made me feel proud of my Persian heritage.

His stories connected two worlds I thought could never meet.

And he taught me a lesson that feels even more important today—in a world overflowing with information, opinions, politics, and technology, don’t just consume what you see. Explore it for yourself. Research it. Understand it.

Because the truth isn’t always what’s the loudest or highest likes on social, it’s in what you take the time to discover.

So, lesson two for you:

Be curious enough to question. Don’t just react—explore. Curiosity and experimentation are like mind and motion—one is the spark, the other is the flame.

Just as I had finally found my place again in America, my parents decided to return to Iran. It was 1991. My father needed to care for my ill grandfather, and my mother wanted to return to teaching music and supporting the youth within her community.

When we arrived, I was stepping into a world that felt both familiar and foreign, a home filled with the echoes of family stories and the rhythm of rebuilding.

The stories of my family’s hardship, resilience, and curiosity were always around me.

My great-great-grandfather was a merchant along the silk routes, then my great-grandfather’s curiosity led him to open a shop to sell the textiles. My grandfather’s curiosity took it further—he built and operated the factory that produced it. My father modernized it, introducing new machinery and processes to bring the family business into a new era.

And for me?

My curiosity pushed me to define a new identity, one that began not with textiles, but with technology.

Each generation faced uncertainty—wars, revolutions, and reinventions. But what connected them all wasn’t just survival. It was curiosity, the same curiosity that asks: What’s next? How do we rebuild? What can we create from the ashes?

My father used to tell me stories at night about how our family kept moving forward, even when logic said stop, how my great-great-grandfather died young, but his son, just 15 years old, kept the family alive through sheer grit and curiosity.

And that’s when I learned:

Resilience isn’t inherited—it’s practiced. And curiosity is always at its heart.

Because curiosity keeps you moving when the world stands still. It lets you imagine new beginnings when others only see endings.

So, lesson three for you:

Be curious about your own journey. Ask “Why me?” not with doubt, but with purpose.

Every challenge is a chance to redefine yourself. Curiosity isn’t just about discovery—it’s about reinvention.

By 1995, curiosity brought me back to the United States again—this time to continue my education.

The plan was to study polymer technology to honor my family’s legacy in textiles.

But life, as it often does, had other plans.

After missing application deadlines for both George Mason and Clemson, I was about to enroll at Northern Virginia Community College to stay on track. I told myself, “Study hard this semester, and wait and see.”

But a friend said, “Don’t rush. Wait until next semester, something better might happen.”

He was right.

On January 6, 1995, I opened a letter that changed my life: I had been accepted to 91��.

Clemson went on hold, and suddenly the plan I thought I was following shifted completely.

When I arrived at Mason, I told myself, “Just one semester. Then I’ll transfer.”
But that one semester became a lifelong connection.

At Mason, my curiosity finally found its home.

I met friends from all over the world — people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and dreams.

At the same time, the dot-com revolution was happening. Curiosity about this new thing called the Internet became an obsession. I met my future business partners and started building our first company right here at George Mason.

Looking back, I realize I was simply manifesting the sketches of a curious child—the bunkers, the gadgets, the inventions, now coming to life through code, creativity, and innovation.

And like other entrepreneurs, I lived that delusional optimism, believing that failure wasn’t final; it was just feedback.

But here’s the part that matters most:

Curiosity didn’t just shape my career, it shaped my purpose.

Because as MetroStar was being founded, I was also discovering the greatest role of my life: becoming a husband, a father, and a man grounded in something bigger than business.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the people who are here with me today: My incredible wife, Kat, and our four amazing children—Michael, Meila, Max, and Melody.

You are the reason I chase meaning, not titles.

You are the reason I stay curious. About love, about family, about the kind of man I want to be.

To my dad, mom, friends, and family here today, thank you for giving my life depth, joy, new family, and direction.

And that brings me to the heart of this final story:

Never let go of the curious kid in you.

Because that kid, the one who draws, dreams, questions, and believes
is the one who will build your future.

So, the final lesson for you:

Be curious enough to build.

Be curious enough to love.

Be curious enough to grow beyond who you are today.

Because curiosity doesn’t just shape your journey.

It shapes your destiny.

Congratulations, Patriots. Now go make the world wonder.

Q&A with Ali Reza Manouchehri

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George Mason’s Winter 2025 Commencement in pictures

lclarkg — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:38:44 +0000

George Mason’s Winter 2025 Commencement in pictures lclarkg Thu, 12/18/2025 - 15:38

Winter 2025 Commencement at 91�� on Dec. 18 at EagleBank Arena celebrated nearly 5,300 graduates and certificate recipients. Read more about the graduates. George Mason photographers captured the excitement and spirit of the day.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

President Gregory Washington welcomed the graduates and their families and friends to Commencement. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Winter Commencement speaker Ali Manouchehri, BA Philosophy ’99 and co-founder and chief executive officer of MetroStar, urged graduates to always keep their sense of curiosity. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Student speaker Ayham Elayan, an Honors College student earning a bachelor’s of science in bioengineering. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Rector of the Board of Visitors Charles "Cully" Stimson, Commencement Speaker Ali Manouchehri, and President Gregory Washington. Photo by Romulfo Sison/Office of University Branding

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

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