George Mason's 2024 winter graduation in pictures

Winter Commencement at George Mason University on Dec. 19 at EagleBank Arena celebrated more than 5,200 graduates and certificate recipients. Graduates hailed from 89 countries, 45 states, and 27% of bachelor's degree recipients identified as first-generation graduates.

The graduates celebrated their achievements in the company of proud family and friends. George Mason photographers captured the excitement of Commencement and Degree Celebrations.

Graduate smiles holding her scroll after walking across the stage — Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

As the graduates entered the arena, the Green Machine filled the air with musical energy.

The Green Machine pep band sings and plays their instruments at the Commencement ceremony — Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Ross Calvin, a student in the School of Music’s vocal performance program, sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Ross Calvin, music student, performs the national anthem at Commencement — Ross Calvin, George Mason student, sings the national anthem at Commencement. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

George Mason President Gregory Washington welcomed the graduates and their loved ones to the ceremony and congratulated them on their achievements.

An honorary degree was presented to Maureen McCarthy Scalia in recognition of her dedication to education and decades of volunteer work in the Washington, D.C., region.

Maureen McCarthy Scalia and George Mason President Gregory Washington hold her honorary degree on stage at Commencement — Maureen McCarthy Scalia and George Mason President Gregory Washington. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Commencement speaker George D. Schindler advised the graduates that their ability to continuously learn, adapt, and thrive can determine their success. Schindler also stressed the importance of mentorship and kindness.

Commencement Speaker George D. Schindler delivers his remarks on stage at Commencement — Commencement Speaker George D. Schindler. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“Our companies need more kindness, our governments, and our society could use some more kindness,” Schindler said. “It starts with each of us.”

Student Commencement Speaker Caroline Little at the podium, giving her remarks to her classmates and their families — Student Commencement Speaker Caroline Little. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Student Commencement speaker Caroline Little, graduating with her bachelor’s in psychology, spoke about her experiences as a student parent. She expressed gratitude for the support she felt from her family, as well as from faculty and staff at George Mason, as she juggled the demands of parenthood and her studies.

“George Mason isn’t just meant for the cookie-cutter student,” Little said. “It’s meant for people like me, for people like you, and anybody who has the determination to finish their degree and succeed, no matter what their life looks like outside of the classroom.”