Class of 2026’s Fondest GW Memories (Part One)

The George Washington University Class of 2026 graduates will be recognized at Commencement on the National Mall on Sunday, May 17. Before their big day, GW Today asked a number of the upcoming graduates to share their favorite GW memories. This is the first group of vignettes from 2026 grads. Please enjoy their memories:

Christy Anthony, Ed.D., Higher Education Administration

In fall 2018, I had barely enrolled in my first semester of GSEHD's higher education doctoral program. My then-advisor, Dr. Meggan Madden, emailed me that the UN's Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean was seeking a speaker on gender-based violence in higher education for their conference in Chile, co-hosted by Chile's Ministry of Education. Dr. Madden knew the topic was an area of experience and interest for me, and she also knew I had just begun my doctoral journey, a new job, and that my life included parenting a young child and caring for an aging parent. I felt intimidated, excited, hesitant and eager, all at once. Dr. Madden and my spouse were so encouraging and supportive, and I am forever grateful that I went, spoke my piece focused on supportive measures for victims/survivors/complainants, and heard from other experts across the Americas. I left that conference feeling capable, meaningful and connected to colleagues that continue to inform my consulting work and research regarding culturally relevant pedagogy and sexual misconduct education.

Darianny Bautista, B.A., Political Science and Philosophy

One of my most meaningful memories at GW comes from my time as a tour guide, getting to meet prospective and incoming students from all kinds of backgrounds. One moment that has stayed with me was when a low-income, first-generation student and her mother joined my tour during a particularly difficult time in their lives. As I shared my own journey living out my wildest dreams as a first-gen, low-income student at GW, they told me that hearing my story made them believe that she could belong here too. That moment meant everything to me. It reminded me that representation can open doors for others. I'm so grateful to GW for affording students like me the opportunity to receive an education and create pathways for others to do the same.

Troi Davis, B.S, Marketing

I came to GW determined to take advantage of every professional opportunity possible, and that mindset shaped my entire college experience. During my time at GW, I completed four internships, worked five different campus jobs, and participated in several brand ambassador programs with companies like J.Crew, Google, and TurboTax x Credit Karma. As someone pursuing fashion in Washington, DC, I once thought that path would be difficult, but GWSB's supportive environment and location opened so many doors. One of my favorite memories was attending DC Fashion Week with a press pass through a GW organization, which became my first real introduction to the fashion industry. This experience taught me that my dreams to work in fashion were possible even in the district that isn't known for fashion in the slightest. This summer, I'll begin my career as a Merchant at American Eagle Outfitters corporate headquarters and I couldn't have done it without the unique experiences I've gotten at GW.

Phoebe Dye, Accelerated B.S.N, School of Nursing

One of the moments I'll carry with me from my time at GW was our six-hour mental health simulation on the first day of second semester. We walked in expecting a typical simulation with the life-sized mannequins we usually use but quickly realized we'd be working with live actors portraying patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and suicidal ideation. Even though we had been prepared, it felt really real in a way I didn't expect. As challenging as it was, it ended up being one of the most fun and memorable bonding experiences with my cohort. It really showed what GW Nursing does best-creating hands-on experiences that push you to be vulnerable and grow. It also reminded me that nursing isn't about being perfect; it's about being present and meeting people where they are. I'm really grateful I got to learn that alongside my cohort; there's no one else I'd rather have gone through nursing school with.

Mark Ronald M. Gloria, B.S.N, School of Nursing

One memory I will carry with me from GW is learning to understand the "why" behind everything we do in patient care. Coming from a military background, I was used to structure and completing tasks efficiently. At GW, I was challenged to slow down, ask questions, and think more deeply about the purpose behind each action. That shift changed the way I approach nursing.

During clinical rotations, especially in the Emergency Department, I saw how unpredictable patient care can be. In those moments, understanding the "why" provided clarity and direction, even when things felt uncertain. It reminded me that every intervention, no matter how small, is connected to a patient's well-being.

Between long nights, early mornings and the shared challenges with my cohort, I found a deeper sense of purpose in nursing. I also came to appreciate the instructors and GW staff who consistently supported and encouraged us along the way. Their guidance made a lasting impact. That perspective is something I will carry with me beyond graduation. I hope to continue learning and, in time, extend that same support to others as I grow in the profession.

Michael Lami, M.A.Ed&HD, Organizational Leadership and Learning

My GW experience can be captured by this picture with my wife, a good friend and brother-in-law. I am surrounded by family right before the Army 10 Miler! As 20,000 of my fellow runners joined together, experiencing the sights and sounds of D.C. made for an incredible memory. Being at GW in the heart of our nation's capital gave me the opportunity to embrace the unique DMV culture, history and community. I will forever cherish this time in my life, and for years to come, I will reflect on the great experiences and memories that could have only been possible because of my time at GW.

Justin Liu, B.A. Criminal Justice

One of my favorite memories at GW was taking University Writing 1020 with ProfessorCarol Hayes during my first year. As a first-generation college student and immigrant, writing had always been my weakest area, and I came into the class unsure of myself. But Professor Hayes completely changed that. Her class, fittingly titled "I'm a Bad Writer," created a space where I could learn without fear of being wrong. She taught me not just the technical aspects of writing, like citation and structure, but also how to think more critically and express my ideas with confidence. I never once considered skipping. It became something I genuinely looked forward to. Looking back, so much of my growth as a student can be traced back to that classroom.

Jennifer Locane, M.A. Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling

When I first attended GW as an undergrad from 2001 to 2005, I also planned on getting my master's in art therapy. But as someone with then-active Crohn's disease, I had to stop with two bachelors. Despite the challenge, I always held on to my dream of getting my master's at GW. That's why returning 20-plus years later in 2023 to get my master's in clinical rehabilitation counseling was especially meaningful. Dr. McGuire-Kuletz introduced me to the field of disability advocacy through this hybrid-remote program. She interviewed me and when she accepted me, I told her she was helping me close a long saga of hospital-ICU stays, surgeries and healthcare battles, to start a new book of learning, healing and engaging in post-traumatic growth.

Other favorite memories include serving with the Ethans [Fitzgerald and Lynne] and many inspiring student leaders in GW's Student Government Association 2024-2025, co-planning the 2025 Denim Day event, working on a pilot peer-advisor program for sexual assault survivors with GW's Title IX team, interning with GW's Collaboratory: a Center for Jewish learning, Shabbat dinners at Chabad when I visited and so many more.

Amna Maqsood, B.S., School of Engineering and Applied Science

While working on aresearch project with WMATA, our sponsors took us on a tour of the WMATA operations center. It was amazing. It was like one of those sci-fi movies, with a bajillion computers and people looking at five monitors at the same time. They have to do 24-hour monitoring, so people do morning shifts and night shifts. It really raised awareness of where all of our data was coming from. They said no photos, because of course it's sensitive information, but it was so cool that I was worried my hand would take a photo without my permission. I had to put it away at the bottom of my purse. That was definitely my "only-at-GW" moment.

Madeleine Muir, B.F.A. Interior Architecture

Some of my favorite memories at GW were the times that I spent abroad studying art and design. In both my short-term trip to Barcelona to study human wellness in the built environment and my semester abroad in Florence, I was able to become fully immersed in the culture. Being able to learn about design in three beautiful cities. D.C., Barcelona, and Florence, endlessly strengthened my education and experiences as I move forward with my career post-graduation.

Nicole Tran, M.A., Organizational Leadership and Learning

I will always cherish the connections I've made with my OLL cohort and faculty and the rich learning experiences that came from those relationships. OLL is a truly special program, and I feel so fortuitous to have found this program when I did. My favorite memories involve connecting with my classmates both in and out of the classroom and using those experiences to further our passion for learning, leadership and making the world a better place. In particular, traveling to Belfast, Northern Ireland, with Dr. Maria Cseh last summer to study international and multicultural issues in organizations was an indelible experience that transformed my life and worldview in remarkable ways. While this trip taught me a lot about the robust culture and history of Belfast and the diverse organizations that call that city home, my most valuable insights were about myself, my own culture and my beliefs regarding the nature of life itself. I not only gained more trust in the world and humanity, I also cultivated more trust in myself and my own capabilities. I know now that I will always be welcomed into any space I walk into as long as I make enough room for them too.