Congratulations again to our 2025 graduates! You are now part of GW’s extensive alumni network with more than 320,000 alumni in over 150 countries. Our 2025 Commencement season highlights include a photo gallery, a video replay of the livestreamed CPS Graduation Celebration ceremony, celebration program download, distinguished speaker and student speaker information and 2025 award winners.
Commencement is one of the most cherished moments of the year—a time when our entire College of Professional Studies family comes together to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments of our graduates. Check out the highlights!
Download the 2025 College of Professional Studies Celebration program to view digitally.
Distinguished Speaker Colby Jenkins
This year’s ceremony was truly inspiring. We were honored to hear from our distinguished VIP Commencement Speaker, Colby Jenkins, a combat veteran of the U.S. Army Special Forces who currently serves as the Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict. His words reminded us of the power of purpose-driven leadership and service.
Colby was previously appointed as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Irregular Warfare and Counterterrorism in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Born and raised in Roosevelt, Utah, Colby knew from a young age that service to his nation and community was important. As the son of patriotic, service-oriented parents, Colby saw firsthand how his family’s dedication to their community, including his father’s service on the city council and later as Mayor, could allow one person to improve the lives of those around them. While considering his own future path, Colby took further inspiration from his grandfather, a member of the “greatest generation,” and his service during World War Two. Seeing military service, and specifically going to the United States Military Academy at West Point, as an ideal path, Colby sought a congressional nomination and gained an appointment to West Point, thus launching him on a career of service to the nation.
Student Speaker Claudia N. McCarthy
We were equally moved by our student speaker, Claudia McCarthy, M.P.S. in Homeland Security, whose reflections captured the heart of the CPS journey and the resilience of our graduating class.
Claudia McCarthy was born and raised in a small town in Central New York located in the Finger Lakes region. From the very beginning, her family instilled a sense of patriotism that shaped her life decisions based on the notion of serving others. This desire to serve led her to receive a Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech while participating in the Corps of Cadets program. She went on to obtain a master’s degree in Homeland Security from George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies.
While working full-time as a contractor specializing in consulting and analytics for Defense Acquisition programs, Claudia continues to embrace her love for adventure and travel. When not traveling to a new place, or training for the next big adventure, she can be found enjoying the arts in the DC area, as well as hosting her friends where she can try out new recipes she is learning to cook. With a strong desire to acquire knowledge, she has a deep love for books and reading and is always looking for the next challenge.
Awards
- Dr. Richard F. Southby Police Science Prize
Recipient: Zachary T. Chnupa-Cox, Homeland Security
- Founding Dean Arterton Award
Recipient: Sarah Alison Freeman, Legislative Affairs
- Mark and Debbie Kennedy Frontiers of Freedom Award
Recipient: Adolphina Vander Velde, Political Management
- Undergraduate and Graduate College of Professional Studies Distinguished Scholars
Undergraduate Recipient: Logan J. Bennett, Cybersecurity
Graduate Recipient: Alaysia D. McKenzie, Strategic Public Relations
- College of Professional Studies Faculty Excellence Award
Recipient: Gregory Britton, Publishing
For more information about the awards and awardees please visit our Commencement website.
The Graduate School of Political Management Alumni Achievement Award
Each year, The Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) Alumni Achievement Award recognizes two distinguished alumni, one Democrat and one Republican, who embody the school's mission through exceptional professional accomplishments, industry recognition, and meaningful contributions to their community, GSPM and The George Washington University. This prestigious award celebrates the diverse accomplishments of graduates who not only excel in their respective fields but also demonstrate a commitment to fostering bipartisanship and effecting positive change. By recognizing these leaders, the award reinforces the GSPM's dedication to cultivating political professionals who make meaningful impacts both nationally and globally.
This years winners were announced at the Toast the Network reception:
- Colby C. Jenkins, GSPM '07,
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict, DOD - Johnny Olszewski, Jr., GSPM '06,
U.S. Representative for Maryland's 2nd Congressional District
Visit our Toast the Network webpage for more information about our winners.
Congratulations again to our 2025 graduates! You are now part of GW’s extensive alumni network with more than 320,000 alumni. Raise high!
Check out our full 2025 Commencement content, including information on our awards and awardees, on the CPS Commencement website.