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The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at George Mason University marked the 20th anniversary of the Mason LIFE Program on April 10. To celebrate, a luncheon was held at the Center for the Arts that brought together alumni, families, faculty, and community partners in a powerful show of community and commitment.

The program, Celebrating Mason LIFE's 20th Anniversary and the Enduring Impact of Special Education: A Legacy of Learning and Community, raised more than $50,000 in support of Mason LIFE and special education scholarships. These funds will directly support students and strengthen programs that continue to expand access, opportunity, and innovation in inclusive education.

Guests included current and former Mason LIFE families, faculty members, alumni, and dedicated supporters who have helped shape the program over the past two decades. The gathering was both a celebration of progress and a shared commitment to the future. Personal stories shared by students and families underscored the program's lasting impact on students' academic and career outcomes as well as on their confidence, independence, and sense of community.

Mason LIFE student Amar Malik (right) and his father, George Mason Board of Trustees Member Boz Malik. Photo by Andani Munkaila/Office of University Branding

For 20 years, Mason LIFE has served as a nationally recognized model for inclusive higher education, providing students with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience university life, build independence, and prepare for meaningful careers. The anniversary celebration also honored the broader impact of George Mason's Special Education Programs and the Kellar Institute for Human disAbilities, both of which have played a vital role in advancing research, practice, and advocacy in the field.

Stephanie Smith Lee, a former Mason LIFE parent and a nationally recognized leader in disability policy and advocacy, gave the keynote. With more than three decades of experience in advocacy, she spoke to the progress made in expanding access to education and employment for individuals with disabilities, while also challenging attendees to continue pushing for greater inclusion and opportunity.

From left, Stephanie Smith Lee, Michael M. Behrmann, and Dean Ingrid Guerra-López. Photo by Andani Munkaila/Office of University Branding

Together with Professor Emeritus Michael M. Behrmann, former Special Education Division Director, Lee was integral to the creation of the Mason LIFE pilot program. That pilot with two Mason PhD candidates and three students has now grown to 60 students and includes on-campus housing options and formal workforce development training.

The event was made possible through the generosity of donors and sponsors whose support continues to sustain and grow the program. Together, these supporters are helping ensure that the next generation of Mason LIFE students and special education scholars have access to the resources, experiences, and opportunities that define the program.

As CEHD looks ahead, the 20th anniversary serves not only as a moment of reflection but as a call to continue building on this legacy and the university's commitment to accessibility and creating pathways for many.