The George Washington University Class of 2025 graduates will be recognized at Commencement on the National Mall on May 18. 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 2025 grads. Please enjoy their memories:
Jessika Antinori
J.D.
“To be cliché, I don’t have just one favorite memory of law school; rather, it is the little things and moments that have made my time here wonderful. I’ve enjoyed getting to know people from all across the country and world, exploring all the free Smithsonian museums that D.C. has to offer, adopting a kitten from the shelter during the first week of first year in law school, going to GW Law events (like Bar Review, Lawloween and Barristers’ Ball), taking a ton of family law classes, as well as classes I never thought I’d enjoy (like Secured Transactions), attending fun speaker events (like the one on the digital Fourth Amendment), building up the courage to become president of the Christian Legal Society, serving as a mentor and friend for various first-year law students, and being challenged in new ways. No one moment sticks out in my mind—the entire journey does.”
Abigail Brubaker
B.A., Journalism and Mass Communication
“When I look back at my time at GW, without a doubt I will remember all the time I was able to spend doing the things I love—making TV and theater. Joining GW-TV was the best thing I could have done to learn and grow my love for television. Being somewhere at 8 a.m. on a Friday is a hard ask for a college student, but I would not have traded the time I spent creating television with friends for anything. The same goes for the hours I spent in Betts Theatre helping on Corcoran Theatre and Dance shows. Tech weeks fueled by Panera, booth cookies and strike shenanigans will always be great memories spent with friends. SMPA and CTAD have allowed me to pursue my creative side, and I will look back at this time with fondness for all the connections and creations I have made over the years.”
Katarina Engst
B.A., Political Science, Minor in Journalism and Mass Communication
"Upon reflecting on my time at GW, I’ve found it extremely difficult to pick just one fondest memory. When recalling the classes I took, the clubs I was a member of, and the events I participated in, I found one common denominator among my most prized recollections: the people I surrounded myself with. I am eternally grateful to GW for cultivating an environment that attracts intelligent, curious and ambitious students and professors. Studying at GW transforms learning into a 24/7 experience. Over the past four years, I’ve evolved both academically and personally, largely thanks to the conversations and experiences I’ve shared with those around me. Being in good company is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and at GW, there is no shortage of exceptional people."
Aaliyah Guzman
B.A., Political Communication
"My favorite GW memory has to be getting to participate in the rich student theater community. Through my participation I was able to perform and direct some of the most amazing performances of my life including the spring 2023 production of ‘RENT,’ which I directed with Forbidden Planet Productions and the spring 2025 production of ‘Dracula: The Vampire Play' with 14th Grade Players. This was such an impactful community that brings together some of the most talented artists on this campus to create something unique and special. Only at GW do students have the opportunity to have complete creative control over production of a show process like this, and I consider myself so lucky to get to do this in complement with my academic study."
Stephen Li
B.A., Journalism and Mass Communication
"During my time at GW, my favorite moment was when I was able to tour the White House and go inside the press briefing room with my broadcast journalism class. We not only met fellow journalists in the White House, but also met the press secretary. These immersive learning opportunities are truly special, and I was particularly amazed by how GW truly takes advantage of its location. As an international student at GW, the abundant resources and events with international organizations and global leaders also allowed me to fully capitalize on my background and strengths, and better prepared me for future opportunities."
Jalinette Reyes
B.S., International Business
“Only at GW could I walk into a classroom as a student with big dreams and a bigger purpose and walk out leading conversations with senior leaders in real estate about building a more inclusive and affordable future. From pitching real estate deals to mentoring and inspiring D.C. Public Schools middle schoolers to pursue higher education, I’ve learned that you don’t have to choose between business and community—you can lead with both.”
Rory Smith
B.S., Chemistry and American Studies, Minors Psychology and Biology
“My favorite professor and experience at GW are wrapped into one. For my American studies major, we had to write a thesis. I chose to write about my home state of Montana, comparing the increase in tourism since COVID-19 to the original frontier experience. My adviser was professor Emily Bock, and we had weekly meetings to discuss my progress and think of ways to approach my project. These meetings are some of my most cherished times at GW. I felt such a deep sense of care and belief from Professor Bock, and that propelled me to complete my thesis. While I’m pursuing a career in medicine, Professor Bock helped convince me that writing and cultural critique can always be a part of my life.”
Maegan Warner
M.A., Interior Architecture
“My time at GW is a testament to how the university truly supports its students to have unique experiences. I had the privilege to visit Barcelona and Lisbon for a short-term study abroad with my Sustainability and Human Wellness course this past spring break! I was able to meet amazing people, learn the cities’ histories and eat wonderful food. Never have I been so inspired by the community around me, both the people I visited with and the ones I met along the way. One of the best parts of the trip was visiting my favorite architect Gaudí’s famous designs and understanding firsthand how he pioneered the Catalan Modernism architectural style. Take me back!”