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Meet the Degree Celebration Keynote Speaker: State Senator, Schar School Graduate Saddam Salim

Andrew J Schappert — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:26:43 +0000

Meet the Degree Celebration Keynote Speaker: State Senator, Schar School Graduate Saddam Salim Andrew J Schappert Wed, 04/22/2026 - 15:26

Keynote speaker Sen. Saddam Salim on his run for Congress: ‘It’s one of those opportunities where you help a lot of people at your current job and then you see you can scale that up at the national level.’ Photos provided

Virginia State Senator Saddam Salim (D) still sounds a little surprised when he talks about coming back to campus—not as a student, but as the keynote speaker for the May 16 Schar School of Policy and Government Degree Celebration at 91��. When invited, he recalled thinking, “I’m not important enough to be doing this, but I will give it a go.”

2012 and 2015 Schar School graduate, Sen. Saddam Salim

That humility is a throughline in Salim’s story, one shaped in classrooms and experiences at the Schar School, where he earned degrees—BS in Public Administration and Master of Public Administration in 2012 and 2015, respectively—and began to see how public service as less a destination for a career than a set of options—practical, varied, and close at hand. Today, as a state senator, he draws a direct line between those experiences and the work he does in Richmond.

Born in Bangladesh, his family emigrated to the United States in 2000 after surviving the devastation of severe drought followed by a catastrophic flood. He was 8. After a year in Washington, D.C., the family was made homeless when their building was sold and converted into luxury condominiums.

Low-income and affordable housing helped the family survive in Falls Church, Virginia, as did the available community health centers and a web of public services. These experiences inform his public service to this day.

“When you are struggling, when you’re stuck, that is going to be part of life,” he said. “But you are going to realize there are so many more people that would like to lend you a hand and say, ‘Look, we got you.’”

That perspective—equal parts realism and encouragement—reflects both his personal journey and the ethos he encountered at George Mason.

At the Schar School, Salim, who lives in Falls Church with his wife, Fatimah, found more than political theory—he learned how to use practical tools in the real world. An example that continues to resonate: One class offered hands-on use of sophisticated software used by key agencies in Washington. That kind of exposure, he said, translated directly into opportunity.

“For you to put that on your resumé, that was true real-life experience,” he said.

Schar School faculty members with careers beyond academia helped map the terrain and put into focus how careers unfold, he said.

“It’s not always you get a degree and you go right into government,” he said. “You can go into nonprofit, you can go into many other sectors” with a government or policy degree. That flexibility proved essential—not just for him, but for classmates who went on to roles across government, nonprofits, and even elected office.

Salim’s trajectory, which includes being honored as the George Mason University Alumni Association Alumnus of the Year in 2025, reflects another lesson he shares with students: Impact often starts closer to home. After experiencing the range and complexity of federal work, he scaled back and realized he could make a more immediate difference at the state and local levels of government. His Schar School education, he said, “really fits in any of these levels.”

Starting locally allowed him to build relationships, experience, and a record that could grow over time. He now serves on several committees in the Virginia General Assembly, including Rehabilitation and Social Services, Courts of Justice, Privileges and Elections, and Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources.

Circumstances being what they are, current political headwinds have afforded him with another way to apply his penchant for public policy to a larger field. In early April, Salim, who works as a federal financial management contractor, announced he would be running as a candidate for Congress, joining a crowded field of Virginia Democrats vying for a seat in a newly created district in Northern Virginia.

“It’s one of those opportunities where you help a lot of people at your current job and then you see you can scale that up at the national level,” he said. The party primary will be held August 4; the general election is November 3.

Salim assured us his Degree Celebration speech will not be a campaign effort. “I’m here as a sitting senator, an alumni who enjoyed his time here, and really want to empower the students in the audience,” he said.

He knows the audience will be students who are familiar with the classrooms he once sat in. The message, if his own path is any guide, is straightforward: Start where you are, use what you’ve learned, and don’t assume the path has to be linear—even if the opportunity ahead feels a larger than expected.

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Schar School Students Turn Language Barriers into Award-Winning Entrepreneurial Opportunity

Andrew J Schappert — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:44:15 +0000

Schar School Students Turn Language Barriers into Award-Winning Entrepreneurial Opportunity Andrew J Schappert Mon, 04/20/2026 - 15:44

Schar School senior Jayden Banks, left, and sophomore Anthony Even-Vaca pose with ceremonial checks at the Baylor New Venture Competition. Photo provided

Two Schar School of Policy and Government undergraduates took third place and an honorable mention award during the 14th Annual Baylor New Venture Competition in March for pitching a prototype of their medical language translation platform.

The Doctors United DPT/91�� sign at the Baylor New Venture Competition

The cofounders “really felt like the underdogs,” said Anthony Even-Vaca, a 19-year-old sophomore in the Schar School’s International Security and Law degree program at 91��. “I definitely was the youngest there.”

The national competition held at Baylor University’s Paul L. Foster Campus for Business and Innovation in Waco, Texas, drew student entrepreneurs from around the country eager to pitch their startup business ideas to panels of judges for cash awards and sage advice. Many of the competitors were doctoral students affiliated with established ventures, Even-Vaca said, heightening the sense of being underdogs in a field of seasoned innovators.

He and graduating government and international politics senior Jayden Banks took the $1,500 honorable mention prize and $500 for placing third in the elevator pitch competition for their self-funded platform, Doctors United DPT.

The idea for the language translation platform stemmed from Banks’s experience working for the last two years at the Inova Fairfax Medical Campus as a clinical technician, assisting the medical staff in patient care. He began building the app, he said, about a year-and-a-half ago after witnessing firsthand the difficulties of language barriers in a medical environment and how they can complicate even routine interactions.

“I started testing the prototype on the nurses, my coworkers, and they were super supportive of it,” he said. “I interviewed doctors, neurosurgeons, cardiac surgeons, and asked them how language barriers affect them specifically to their specialty.“

Banks and Even-Vaca became friends after working together as coaches at a swim school and then sharing a room for a week during a Schar School study-abroad program to Switzerland. Eventually, Banks recruited Even-Vaca to the Doctors United DPT project “and he immediately had ideas for it, like bringing it to refugee camps. And so we started working on it together,” Banks said.

It was during a second Schar School study-abroad trip, this one to Israel, where the work they were doing in translating medical terminology became real.

“I got sick, I couldn’t get out of bed for a day,” Even-Vaca said. “I was wondering, am I going to have to go to a doctor? I don’t know Hebrew or Arabic, and I felt a little bit hopeless.” (It turned out to be a bad cold. Still, the plane ride home was miserable.)

The app uses AI to render instantaneous translations of some 200 languages, Banks said. It was Even-Vaca’s idea, he said, to add a “confidence meter” to override AI’s sometimes questionable reliability in translations. “The judges loved it,” he said.

The cofounders are actively seeking George Mason alumni and business professors for guidance in building out the award-winning business.

“We’re trying to make more connections, networking, and raising capital,” Banks said. “We see a big demand for interpreter services in other areas, such as international forums and institutions as well as immigration law. We want to implement it around the world and bridge cultural gaps, help people, make a difference. That’s our hope, our vision.”

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From the Classroom to the Front Lines of Counterterrorism

Katarina Benson — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:18:56 +0000

From the Classroom to the Front Lines of Counterterrorism Katarina Benson Wed, 04/08/2026 - 08:18

Mahmut Cengiz, PhD Public Policy ’10, of George Mason's Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center, is a seasoned expert in terrorism, organized crime, and illicit economies.

Mahmut Cengiz. Photo provided

His work focuses on the dynamics of terrorism, smuggling, and criminal networks and contributes significantly to understanding and combating these global challenges. His latest book, Typologies of Terrorist Organizations: Conceptual Lenses and Counterterrorism Measures (Carolina Academic Press, September 2025), was cowritten with Mitchel Roth and Huseyin Cinoglu.

What inspired you to write this book?

When most people think of terrorism, they picture headline-grabbing attacks by well-known extremist groups. What they rarely see is the vast and complex web of organizations operating in the shadows, each with its own tactics, motivations, and impacts. That realization came to me while teaching BIOD 722 Examining Terrorist Organizations at the Schar School of Policy and Government, and it became the spark for Typologies of Terrorist Organizations.

My perspective was shaped by seven years working on the U.S. State Department’s Global Terrorism Trends and Analysis Center project at the Schar School, where I served as the project’s principal investigator and incident validator. Between 2018 and 2024, I validated more than 50,000 terrorist incidents worldwide. That work gave me a front-row view of how terrorist organizations operate, from their targets and weapons to their organizational structures.

How do you anticipate people using this book?

Combining this experience with my classroom teaching, I set out to create a textbook that bridges theory and practice, designed to serve students, policymakers, and practitioners alike. The book spans 14 chapters, analyzing terrorist groups using the latest conceptual frameworks and classifications. My hope is that readers will not only understand how these organizations function but also develop the analytical skills necessary to design effective counterterrorism strategies.

Was there anything that surprised you while working on this book?

What surprised me most during the writing process was realizing how broad and evolving the landscape of terrorism has become. While jihadist groups continue to dominate headlines, the growing influence of right-wing extremists, insurgent networks, and other politically motivated organizations demands equal attention. Connecting incident-level data to broader organizational behavior revealed hidden patterns and trends that are often missing from policy discussions, showing the importance of a truly holistic approach to understanding terrorism.

What are you working on now?

Since the closure of the State Department project in August 2025, I have continued my work as instructional faculty at the Schar School, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses. I also write op-eds on terrorism, cartels, and security issues, bringing real-world insights into the classroom to spark discussion. Meanwhile, I am working on a new book examining the impacts of coups on democratic regimes, expanding my research into the broader dynamics of political instability worldwide.

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George Mason graduate programs rank #1 in Virginia and Top 50 nationally according to U.S. News

ckearney — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:24:03 +0000

George Mason graduate programs rank #1 in Virginia and Top 50 nationally according to U.S. News ckearney Mon, 04/06/2026 - 15:24

According to the U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Program rankings, 91�� placed 20 programs in the national top 50, including seven in the top 10, reflecting broad strength across business, engineering, law, nursing and public health, public policy, education, fine arts, and sciences. Regionally, seven programs ranked in the top three in the Washington, D.C., region, with 13 programs topping at No. 1 in Virginia.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

"George Mason's growth in rankings is a direct reflection of the university’s commitment to student success through high-quality, career-focused graduate education," said Ajay Vinze, interim provost and executive vice president. "George Mason’s programs are competing at the highest levels nationally and leading the way in Virginia. This expansion signals not just the breadth of what we offer, but the strength of what we deliver."

Of the 21 George Mason programs newly represented this year, 15 earned rankings for George Mason for the first time. The remaining six appeared in categories that U.S. News had not been updated in several years, including doctoral programs in science disciplines and the master of fine arts last updated in 2020.

Policy Leads the Region

Public policy specialty areas were among the strongest performers this year, placing all seven of its ranked subject areas in the top 50 nationally and in the top 25 among public universities. Six subject areas ranked No. 1 in Virginia overall, and four ranked No. 1 in the Washington, D.C., region among public universities.

"As we mark the 10th anniversary of the school’s naming, these rankings speak to what the Schar School has become over the past decade: a place of real national consequence in public affairs education," said Mark Rozell, dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government. "From homeland security and nonprofit management to international global policy and public finance, these rankings reflect the breadth of the Schar School’s excellence and the growing national recognition of its strengths.”

That strength comes amid rising national demand for public service professionals, with employment in public administration projected to increase 6% from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The homeland security and emergency management ranking maintained its position at 4th nationally and among public universities, and No. 1 in Virginia. George Mason was the sole Virginia institution included in both the public management and leadership and nonprofit management specialty areas, with each ranking in the top 20 among public universities nationally. Two new areas of strength debuted this year: international global policy and administration, which ranked No. 1 in Virginia and for the Washington, D.C., region, 15th nationally, and 4th among public universities, and the public finance and budgeting program placed 31st nationally, 25th among public universities, and 2nd in Virginia.

Where Business Leaders Begin

Business programs significantly expanded their presence this year, with 12 programs ranked as among the best in their categories. Eleven are newly ranked for George Mason, with seven placing in the top 50 among public universities. Three programs ranked No. 1 in Virginia, including one that also placed as the No. 1 ranked program in the Washington, D.C., region.

The part-time Costello Flex MBA program continued its upward trajectory, rising from 80th to 59th nationally, and to 37th among public universities. The part-time Costello Flex MBA, MS in accounting, MS in management, and graduate marketing certificate programs each ranked 2nd in Virginia. Among newly ranked graduate certificate programs, the information systems management certificate ranked No. 1 in Virginia. International business, which is predominant across Costello graduate programs through the college’s global residency experience, is also ranked No. 1 in Virginia.

"Our continued collaboration with business and industry supports strong career outcomes and contributes to growth in student enrollment," said Cheryl Druehl, interim dean of the Costello College of Business. "The expansion of programs comes at a time when demand is growing for professionals who combine durable business skills—from critical thinking and decision-making—with technical expertise in areas like business analytics and operations."

Computing and Engineering Drive STEM Growth

George Mason is ranked in nine programs across engineering, computer science, and statistics, with seven programs placing in the top 50 among public universities and eight in the top three in Virginia. The university is one of five (or fewer) Virginia universities included in eight programs.

In the engineering schools ranking, George Mason rose to 76th nationally (up from 85th) and 47th among public universities. The systems and industrial engineering program stands out at 35th nationally and 25th among public universities, while statistics debuted in the top 50 nationally (49th) and among public universities (35th). All three programs ranked 3rd in Virginia.

"We build programs that combine strong disciplinary foundations with applied problem solving to prepare students for an evolving workforce," said Ken Ball, dean of the College of Engineering and Computing. "Launching Virginia’s first standalone master of science in AI reflects that commitment, while our applied research centers, like the Rapid Prototyping Research Center, drive growing research expenditures that lead to higher overall rankings.”

Nursing and Public Health Rank No. 1 in Virginia

Continuing to set the standard for health education in Virginia, three programs ranked No. 1 in the commonwealth: master’s in nursing, doctor of nursing practice (DNP), and public health.

The master’s in nursing ranks among the top 12% of all universities included, placing 18th nationally and 9th among public universities. The DNP and health care management program both ranked in the top 50 nationally—33rd and 35th respectively—and in the top 20 among public universities at 20th and 19th. Public health ranked 63rd nationally and 39th among public universities.

"These results reflect what makes our college distinctive—expanding access to excellence while maintaining the highest standards of quality," said Melissa Perry, College of Public Health dean. "Students should not have to choose between opportunity and academic rigor. At George Mason, we are committed to preparing a diverse, workforce-ready generation of public health and health care leaders by delivering programs that are accessible, innovative, and deeply connected to the communities we serve."

That mission comes at a time of sustained and growing demand for nursing professionals nationwide. Nurses now represent more than half of the U.S. health workforce, underscoring the importance of George Mason’s programs in preparing graduates to meet critical health care needs."

Law Holds Strong

The Antonin Scalia Law School maintained its strong positioning with the part-time law program rising to 6th nationally, placing it in the top 8% of programs, and 3rd among public universities.

“Employment of our graduates reached 97% in a very competitive market,” said Ken Randall, Allison and Dorothy Rouse dean and 91�� Foundation Professor of Law. “These outcomes bode well for the school’s long-term success.”

Leadership Across Disciplines

U.S. News expanded and refreshed its rankings to include four George Mason science programs and a master of fine arts. These programs, along with education and clinical psychology, rank in the top four in Virginia and the top 10 in the Washington, D.C., region.

George Mason’s math program is 3rd in Virginia, placing 93rd nationally. "As emerging fields like AI, digital twins, and data science accelerate, mathematics remains the foundation that fuels innovation," said Cody W. Edwards, dean of the College of Science. "George Mason’s graduate mathematical sciences program prepares students with the analytical depth, applied expertise, and mentorship needed to solve complex challenges across fields such as health, space, sustainability, and government, while leading in a rapidly evolving workforce."

In education, George Mason remains 4th in Virginia, rising to 84th nationally and 70th among public universities."This recognition underscores the excellence and real-world impact of our graduate programs," said Ingrid Guerra-López, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “We are steadfast in our commitment to developing future-ready educators and leaders who possess the skills, adaptability, and vision needed to succeed in an evolving educational landscape.”

Clinical psychology improved its national standing to 100th nationally, and to 72nd among public universities, while maintaining its position in 4th in Virginia. "This advancement reflects the contributions of our faculty and their impact to student success," said Ann L. Ardis, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. “Through the Center for Community Mental Health, our PhD students gain hands-on experience delivering evidence-based, culturally responsive care, preparing them to serve veterans, hospitals, and communities most in need."

The master of fine arts program ranked 65th among public universities, and 2nd in Virginia and in the Washington, D.C., region among public universities. "Our MFA is distinguished by the intensely personal journey of discovery that it offers," said Rick Davis, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. “Our students are working artists who have a vision and a mission, and they come to us to explore how to make it grow.”

To view the full list of all programs included, visit gmu.edu/rankings.

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Sumeya Gibril: Meet the Graduating Masters Student Whose New Nonprofit Supports Survivors of Abuse

Andrew J Schappert — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:13:30 +0000

Sumeya Gibril: Meet the Graduating Masters Student Whose New Nonprofit Supports Survivors of Abuse Andrew J Schappert Mon, 04/06/2026 - 15:13

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Sumeya Gibril: ‘I needed an organization like mine to come in and tell me, this is what you need to do, this is how you protect yourself.’ Photos by Buzz McClain/Schar School of Policy and Government

Sumeya Gibril is working to turn her personal trauma into a way to help other women overcome their own adversity.

Sumeya Gibril: ‘I had nothing besides faith that I got this.’

The graduating master’s student in the Schar School of Policy and Government at 91�� created a nonprofit last May called the Rise Above & Be Relentless Foundation, a 501c (3) organization that assists women navigating sexual assault and domestic abuse. The support comes as short-term financial assistance, practical education, and a community built on understanding.

Gibril’s foundation is built around the help—especially financial—she didn’t have. As a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault that began in childhood, she remembers waiting for someone to intervene. Eventually she realized, “nobody is coming to save me,” she said. “I didn’t have this foundation when I needed it.”

The inspiration for the charity, she added, “is me.”

Every other month, the organization hosts a financial literacy series, paring practical instruction with direct aid to women in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. The foundation assists women with months of utility payments, child care subsidies, and, for those with military backgrounds, legal support—terrain she knows firsthand.

As a young Army soldier, she pushed assault complaints up the chain of command all the way to Congress, she said, only to realize she was “battling the legal field of the U.S. government and the military I needed outside help. I needed an organization like mine to come in and tell me, this is what you need to do, this is how you protect yourself.”

Born in Eritrea and raised in Alexandria, Virginia, Gibril’s journey to the Schar School began at Northern Virginia Community College before transferring to George Mason and earning a Bachelor of Individualized Study degree in sustainable business in 2023. It took a while to earn the degree, she said, as she balanced studies with care for her young son who is on the autism spectrum. Managing his therapy, school, and the accompanying finances was daunting and isolating; she hopes the foundation can ease that burden for others.

The proud first-generation college student is now in her last semester in the Schar School’s Master of Global Commerce and Policy Program, which combines international relations with business to prepare graduates for a wide range of leadership positions. The program not only informs how she builds the nonprofit, but it also benefits her profession as a licensed customs broker, a position that entails the clearing of imported goods at U.S. borders.

Her studies are paying off, she said, not only in the facts and figures taught by the program’s faculty of scholars and practitioners but also in “just understanding people,” she said. “What do they want? What do they need? What’s motivating them?”

She’s also improved her writing skills at the Schar School. “I used to hate writing,” she said, “and now I love it.”

As with any nonprofit, fundraising is key. Gibril has been working with sponsors and donors and, with her board’s blessing, hosted an inaugural gala and a charity golf tournament, which called for learning the nuts and bolts of putting on a 60-player golf event.

“I had nothing besides faith that I got this,” she said of organizing her first golf tournament. That goes for much of what Gibril is creating.

The next golf tournament is September 28, 2026, in Haymarket, Virginia. Information is at the Rise Above & Be Relentless website.

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For more information about the National Security and Public Policy cohort program, visit this website.

Schar School Launches New Yearlong Master’s Program

Andrew J Schappert — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:09:35 +0000

Schar School Launches New Yearlong Master’s Program Andrew J Schappert Fri, 04/03/2026 - 13:09

In August 2025, 91��'s Schar School of Policy and Government launched the National Security and Policy cohort program and welcomed its first group of students to campus. The newest addition to the school’s programmatic offerings, the NSPP offers students a full-time, one-year master’s degree experience with a group of like-minded peers who support and challenge each other’s intellectual growth. The inaugural cohort will graduate in August 2026 with a Master of Public Policy degree with an emphasis on national security.

NSPP students toured the Defense Intelligence Agency and had lunch with Schar School alumni who work there.

“Our cohort students bring a new dynamic to the program,” said NSPP Program Director Justin Gest. “They’re hustlers who have decided to devote more time to their studies to expedite their education and entry into the world of public policy. And perhaps most importantly, they value the community that our MPP program engenders among students.”

The NSPP program pushes boundaries in its exploration of national security, integrating a focus on economic statecraft and transnational crime along with the traditional study of international relations and intelligence. Students take four courses each semester and are trained in the fundamental skills of policy—economic and statistical analysis, program evaluation, and policy communication—while applying these skills to national security problems.

A unique feature of the program combines classroom learning with the Schar School’s expert faculty and a robust co-curricular program that introduces NSPP students to a variety of security-related careers and organizations.

Cohort members met with Virginia Senator Tim Kaine while in Washington, D.C.

In its inaugural year, cohort programming has included a winter study-abroad session in Brussels, Belgium, to visit NATO Headquarters and the EU Commission; a trip to New York to observe the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty negotiations; a tour of the Defense Intelligence Agency and lunch with Schar School alumni working there; a day on Capitol Hill with the Senate Armed Services Committee; lunch with a former governor of Virginia, a meeting with a member of Congress, and a visit to a security-related think tank led by its CEO.

Students have also met with leaders and managers at the Department of Justice, Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, and national security consulting firms and defense contractors.

Elaina Ryan, a member of the first cohort, had taken a summer course at George Mason as an undergraduate student, so she was familiar with “the unique expertise that Schar School faculty bring,” she said.

The small size of the NSPP program also appealed to Ryan. “It’s nice that all of my professors know who I am and could speak to my abilities in the classroom,” she said. “It's also enlightening hearing from the others in my cohort, who bring a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. We learn from each other as much as we learn from our professors. It also brings more accountability to group projects—everyone goes above and beyond because we have personal relationships with each other and don't want to disappoint.”

Former Ambassador Richard Kauzlarich describes the students in his POGO 750 Energy in a Turbulent World course as dedicated and driven to succeed. “They develop a team-centric approach that is important in making the cohort-based program work,” he said. “I hope the students come away from my class with a strong sense of why energy—the major public policy challenge facing the U.S. and other countries as well—represents a key building block in their national security studies.”

Nikki Forry teaches POGO 646 Policy and Program Evaluation in the NSPP program and has enjoyed teaching the group and observing the close ties they’ve formed. “The small class size allows for more interaction and personalized instruction,” she said. “The cohort approach allows for stronger bonds to be developed between students and these bonds enhance the learning community.”

To round out the program, students meet regularly throughout the year with Schar School Career Development Office staff and develop a tailored plan for securing internships and their first job in the field, along with a framework for continued professional growth.

“The program has repeatedly offered us experiences with networking and also did a mandatory resume review last fall,” said Ryan, who landed an internship at the Niskanen Center think tank. “I spoke with Duane [Bradshaw] and Brian [Bar] at the Career Development Office, and it was their advice that was primarily responsible for landing my current internship.”

Other recent internship placements include the U.S. House of Representatives, the National Conference of State Legislatures, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

Cohort programs like the NSPP offer students a distinctive educational and professional development experience that they can’t get elsewhere, Forry says.

“The rich curriculum targeting national security provides students with the skills they will need to graduate and find employment,” she said. “The cohort program offers an intensive learning environment beneficial to highly motivated students.”

In This Story

Justin Gest

Richard Kauzlarich

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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.

Grabovska will graduate in May from 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 of Policy and Government 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.

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Jennifer N. Victor

Shea M. Holman Kilian

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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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