Graduates’ Fondest Memories of GW
Internships at national news outlets or the State Department. Leading men’s and women’s basketball teams. Forging lifelong friendships and meeting alumna Kerry Washington. The Class of 2024 has done it all.
The George Washington University Class of 2024 graduates will be recognized at Commencement on the National Mall on May 19. Before their big day, GW Today asked a number of the upcoming graduates to share their favorite GW memories. This is the first group in the series. Please enjoy these memories from 2024 grads:
Nicholas Anastácio
B.A. Political Communication, B.S. Data Science
From getting the chance to intern at major news organizations like CNN and NBC News to shaking the speaker of the House’s hand during a random tour of the U.S. Capitol, there are just too many memories to choose from when looking back at my time at GW. But one from junior year stands out. I was interning at NBC News’ Political Unit, covering politics and gathering research ahead of the 2024 elections. After my shifts on Wednesdays, I would hop on the Metro to go to my night class at the School of Media and Public Affairs, getting the unique opportunity to hear from a guest speaker actively working in political campaigning in Oren Shur’s Political Campaign Communication class. Only at GW could you cover politics in the morning and hear from political professionals at night.
James Bishop IV
B.A. Sociology and Member of Men’s Basketball Team
GW has been my home for the past four years, and I've had a really great time here. I've loved the crowds we've been able to play in front of and everything that GW stands for. It's bittersweet having walked off the Smith Center court for the final time, but I know our basketball program is on the rise, especially with the community we've created on and off campus. Everyone has shown me so much love during my career, and I'm forever thankful for all the support given to me and my teammates. Thank you to George's Army, our fans, alumni and donors for making these four years incredibly special to me and my family. I can't wait to come back and help support our university and our team moving forward!
James Crisafulli
GW Law J.D. with a Focus on Environmental Law
My favorite GW memory is of the most exciting whirlwind of a day that I experienced during my time here. I came to GW Law to be in D.C., at the center of law and policy debates, and to contribute to the institutions that shape national law and policy. GW Law afforded me every opportunity to do just that. In a single day during my third year, I studied environmental law on campus with a world-renowned professor, worked part time at the State Department on an international environmental treaty and visited a mentor at the Department of Justice. I am eternally grateful to the law school for offering me these kinds of formative experiences and deep connections, along with an outstanding education.
Arielle Geismar
B.A. in International Affairs and outgoing President of SGA
Graduating from GW is gorgeously bittersweet. As I walk around campus, I see the locations that have created my community and home the past few years and am overwhelmed with a sense of joy. All around campus are tiny memories—a Saturday morning deli run with the frisbee team, a life debrief session with a friend in Potomac Square, a late night in the corner of Gelman or a piano piece perfected in Post Hall.
One of my memory-locations is the first annual Pride Day at GW in Kogan this past April. The Student Government Association gave out over 30 queer books that have been restricted for grade schoolers in various states. As a queer woman and president of SGA, this event was so special to celebrate and mark. Now as I pass through Kogan on my way to graduate, I’ll be flooded with all the special moments in that space, including this one. I’m endlessly grateful to GW and the people I’ve met and grown with over the past four years. Raise High!
Cammie Hussey
B.A. Political Science, Minor in Theater
I found a home in GW’s student theater. Over the past few years, I have wracked up countless amazing moments with this group, but the experience I cherish most was when I was able to put on my own show. Sure, I remember the Saturday night when every seat was filled, some people even sitting on the floor, but the most special performance was our Friday late-night show. Four people came. I’m not exaggerating, four. But this talented, fantastic group took it as an opportunity to play. I couldn’t feel my cheeks by the end because I was smiling so hard. I hope those four people were as entertained as I was. I had more fun at the performance than any other, and I will remember it years from now. GW’s student theater taught me many lessons, but more importantly, it introduced me to lifelong friends.
Yvonne Liccione
B.A. Political Communication
SMPA is by far my favorite thing about GW. It’s the program that brought me here, and it's the place I've felt most at home on campus throughout my time here. My favorite memories involve joking around in class, visiting office hours and the connections it's led to with my peers and professors. I’ve made some of my best friends at GW while lobbying Professors David Karpf and Peter Loge to start a podcast or swapping stories at Professor Steve Roberts’ happy hour. I’ll miss reading a breaking news headline and running to SMPA to hear everyone’s take on it.
Jennifer Linares
International Business, Concentration in Marketing
Throughout my time at GW, numerous moments have left a lasting impression on me, shaping who I am along with promising memories that will last a lifetime. Narrowing it down to just one seems difficult, yet an experience that stands out is when I served as an orientation leader in 2023.
This role not only allowed me to guide incoming students into the GW community but also connected me with remarkable individuals, fostering friendships and creating an unforgettable summer. During Orientation Week, I was honored to be chosen to participate in a keynote event and share a special lunch with President Ellen Granberg. Moreover, my involvement with the social media team sparked a deeper passion for my marketing concentration.
Reflecting on my time at GW fills me with profound gratitude. Each memory and interaction has enriched my journey, and I am forever thankful to this institution for the transformative experiences it has provided me.
Maureen Rafter
B.A. American Studies, Music
When reflecting on my four years at GW, it’s hard to pick just one moment that I would consider to be my favorite. This school has provided me with lifelong friendships, connections and opportunities. Getting to routinely attend shows at the Kennedy Center, meeting Kerry Washington and interning on Capitol Hill are some of the most memorable moments from my time as a Revolutionary.
Mayowa Taiwo
M.S. and B.S. Civil Engineering and Member of Women’s Basketball Team
My time at GW has impacted my life immensely. I’ve enjoyed being able to live in D.C. It is always buzzing with life, and campus is right in the middle of it all. I loved exploring all over the city, discovering other neighborhoods, museums, markets and experiencing new things. I’m also so thankful for the opportunity to have been a student-athlete here. As a student, I was surrounded by classmates and professors that were engaged and passionate. As an athlete, I was able to compete at the Division I level and interact with fellow student-athletes who were also working toward excellence. What I'm most grateful for is the people GW brought me. When I think back on my time at GW, I think of all the people that left their mark, helping shape me into the person I am today.
