In addition to Spring 2025 Commencement on Thursday, May 15, graduates may also choose to attend their college’s degree celebration. Here’s a look at the keynote speakers for each event.Ìý
Wednesday, May 14Ìý
4:30 p.m. Schar School of Policy and Government
Keynote: Fairfax Mayor Catherine Read. Read was elected as the first woman and the first George Mason graduate to lead the university’s hometown of more than 24,000 residents in 2022.ÌýÌý
Thursday, May 15Ìý
2 p.m. College of Engineering and Computing, School of ComputingÌý
Keynote: . The George Mason alumna currently serves as the deputy director of the Astrophysics Division in the Science Mission Directorate at NASA.Ìý
3 p.m. College of Visual and Performing Arts
Keynote: , Artistic Director Emeritus Arena StageÌý
6:30 p.m. College of Engineering and Computing, Volgenau School of Engineering
Keynote: . Iyer is the founder, executive chairman, and CEO of Brillient Corporation.Ìý
Friday, May 16Ìý
9:30 a.m. College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS)
Keynote: . Fiveson, BS Administration of Justice ’10, and recipient of the 2022 CHSS Distinguished Alumni–Criminology, Law and Society Award, is a U.S. Navy veteran and an academic who previously served as one of the youngest state judges in Texas.ÌýÌý
11 a.m. Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution
Keynote: , senior associate director of the Conflict Resolution Program at The Carter Center. She has more than 20 years of experience designing and leading programs in conflict mitigation, peacebuilding, advocacy, and nonviolent resistance in complex international environments, particularly in the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.ÌýÌý
2 p.m. College of Science
Keynote: . Misener is an engineer, scientist, and attorney, graduating with a JD from George Mason in 2001. A global vice president at Amazon.com for 23 years, Misener is the founder and principal of Misener Innovation LLC, a consultancy dedicated to helping organizations innovate, advocate, and communicate.Ìý
6:30 p.m. Donald G. Costello College of Business
Keynote: , president and CEO of the National Association of Black Accountants Inc. She is the founder and co-chair of the George Mason Women in Business Initiative.Ìý
Saturday, May 17Ìý
9:30 a.m. College of Education and Human Development
Keynote: . The George Mason alumna is the chief development officer at Speaking With Impact, where she manages presentation skills, media training, professional development, and women’s leadership initiatives, and specializes in brand communication and sports management.ÌýÌý
1:30 p.m. Antonin Scalia Law School
Keynote: The Honorable , JD ’95. Russell serves as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia. He previously served as a judge in the Virginia Court of Appeals.ÌýÌý
2 p.m. College of Public Health
Keynote: Rear Admiral Pamela Miller. Rear Adm. Miller is a highly decorated medical officer of the United States U.S. Navy, Director of Health Services at U.S. Marine Corps Headquarters and Vice Chief, BUMED, Reserve Policy and Integration for the U.S. Department of Navy.ÌýÌý