Student Success Blog

Meet Our Spring 2024 CEHD Degree Celebration Speakers!

Meet Our Spring 2024 CEHD Degree Celebration Speakers!

As we eagerly anticipate the Spring 2024 College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) Degree Celebration, we are thrilled to introduce the exceptional individuals who have been selected to share their wisdom, passion, and inspiring journeys with this year’s graduating class. Learn more about our Degree Celebration speakers, Gabe Segal and Emma Fleming, below!


Mason alum, Gabe Segal, standing in a Mason Dining Hall. Photo by: Ron Aira/Creative Services/ George Mason University

Gabe Segal

A Champion of Compassion and Education

Our featured speaker, Gabe Segal, is an alum of the CEHD Education Leadership program who embodies the spirit of service and advocacy in the field of education. His story is one of resilience, empathy, and unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of others. In Spring 2020, amidst the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Segal utilized his stimulus check funds to pay off school meal debt at Sleepy Hollow Elementary in Falls Church, VA, where he taught. Motivated by the struggles faced by his students’ families, Segal vowed to alleviate school meal debt wherever his career took him.

In 2023, Segal accepted a position at Herndon Middle School, his childhood community, only to discover staggering amounts of meal debt. Undeterred, he embarked on a mission to raise awareness and support from the community. His tireless efforts garnered local and national attention, including appearances on Live with Kelly & Mark and features in the Washington Post. Through his advocacy and the community’s generosity, Segal raised over $50,000 and counting, transforming the lives of countless students and families.

Today, Segal serves as an educator at Herndon High School, teaching Special Education and Algebra while continuing his advocacy work to address school meal debt on local, state, and federal levels. His commitment to compassion, equity, and student welfare exemplifies the values we uphold in CEHD.


Headshot of Emma Fleming

Emma Fleming

Embracing Passion, Igniting Change

Our student speaker, Emma Fleming, epitomizes the transformative power of resilience and self-discovery in the pursuit of one’s calling. Fleming started her undergraduate journey at Mason in a different major, only to realize that her true passion lay within the classroom.

Embracing the vibrant community and unparalleled support of the CEHD Elementary Education program, Fleming flourished, finding her niche and igniting her passion for teaching. Reflecting on her journey, Fleming acknowledges the profound impact of her professors, peers, and mentors, whose unwavering support shaped her into the educator she is today.

As she prepares to graduate, Fleming looks forward to channeling her passion and expertise into her role as a fourth grade teacher in Fairfax County Public Schools. With a vision of creating a classroom where students thrive, feel connected, and become critical thinkers and compassionate community members, Fleming embodies the spirit of excellence and dedication that defines our CEHD graduates.


Join Us in Celebration!

We invite you to join us in celebrating the remarkable achievements and inspiring journeys of Gabe Segal, Emma Fleming, and our Spring 2024 graduating class at the CEHD Degree Celebration on Saturday, May 11, at 10:00 am in the EagleBank Arena.


Celebratory Events for Spring 2024 Graduates

As the semester comes to a close, we are looking forward to celebrating our Spring 2024 graduates at University Commencement on Thursday, May 9, and the CEHD Degree Celebration on Saturday, May 11!

In addition to these ceremonies, there are several other opportunities for this semester’s graduating class to celebrate. View several such opportunities below, and know that you can find the most up-to-date information for all upcoming events on Mason360!


Additional Opportunities for Spring 2024 Graduates

Lavender and WGST Graduation Celebration 

  • Tuesday, April 23, 2024 
  • JC Bistro  
  • 6:30 – 8:30 PM 

Contemporary Student Graduation Cord Pick-Up 

  • Weekdays from Mon, Apr 22, 2024 until Tue, May 7, 2024 
  •  HUB 1012 
  • 10 AM – 7 PM 

International Student Graduation – Spring & Summer 2024 

  • Tuesday, April 30, 2024 
  • Dewberry Hall, Johnson Center 
  • 1:00 – 3:00 PM 

CCEE + First-Gen+ Center Cultural Graduation and Pinning Ceremony*

  • Saturday, May 4, 2024 
  • EagleBank Arena 
  • 5:00 – 7:30 PM 

* If you are NOT attending the Cultural Graduation/ Pinning Ceremony, you may pick up a first-gen pin and cord on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 12 – 2 PM at the Johnson Center Kiosk D. If you have any questions about first-gen pins and cords, you may email [email protected]. Please email [email protected] for any questions related to identity stoles.


CEHD Study Abroad Opportunities

Are you interested in experiencing different cultures while completing your undergraduate degree requirements? Consider studying abroad!

Faculty from the College of Education and Human Development are leading engaging study abroad opportunities for Summer 2024. Keep reading for information about two of our upcoming trips to Europe and Mexico. 

Be sure to apply by the deadline of March 10, 2024!


BMX World Cup

European Model of Sport:
Netherlands & Germany

Program Dates: 6/24/2024 – 7/4/2024

Program Highlights:

  • Ten-day tour of 2 European countries
  • Cultural interpretations and their impact on European sport management and sport performance
  • Representatives of top international sport organizations will present a wide range of perspectives during the program. Topics will include the structure and characteristics of European sports, marketing and management in European sports, sports law, sport skill development, and sport performance in professional soccer, basketball, etc.

Learn more and apply

Watch a faculty interview about this experience!


Cancun, Mexico

The Mexican All-Inclusive Resort Business

Program Dates: 6/15/2024 – 6/22/2024

Program Highlights:

  • Students will spend a week exploring several all-inclusive resorts, learning firsthand about this industry’s economic drivers, public policy issues and operational challenges and opportunities.
  • Students will experience notable archeological and eco-tourism destinations to fully understand the Cancun market’s global appeal.

Learn more and apply

Watch a faculty interview about this experience!


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Loudoun County Public Schools Interviewing Day at Mason

All Mason degree-seeking students (undergraduate and graduate) and alumni are eligible to participate in the On-Campus Interviewing (OCI) Program. Later this month, Loudoun County VA Public Schools will be conducting interviews for teacher and school counselor positions for the 24-25 school year. Apply by January 26 to participate in the interview day on January 31 from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm. Learn more about the job opportunities they are interviewing for (as well as the interview info) below.

LCPS GMU Interview Sign Up

Interview Information


When:

  • Application deadline: January 26, 2024; Interview date: January 31, 2024


Where:

  • University Career Services Office – Student Union Building 1, Room 3400


Related Jobs for Interview:


All Licensed Teachers & School Counselor Positions – looking for students (undergraduate & graduate) majoring in:

  • Elementary Education,
  • Early Childhood Education,
  • Mathematics Education,
  • Secondary Education, and
  • Special Education

How Students Can Sign Up For An Interview:


Step 1: Apply to one of the job postings above
Step 2: Select a time-slot through the interview schedule


Additional LCPS reps will be on campus that same day and hold office hours for students. This is an opportunity for students to speak with a LCPS recruiter for casual, informational conversations about various roles and an opportunity to get your resume reviewed by them!

Student Spotlight: Kyle Delin

In the College of Education and Human Development, our students participate in a wide range of educational opportunities – both inside and outside of the classroom.

Kyle Delin in Radio City Music Hall

This holiday season, Kyle Delin, a student in the MS Athletic Training program, is engaging in the unique opportunity of working with the Radio City Rockettes! Keep reading to find out more about his Practicum experience:

Tell us a little about your Practicum experience. . .

“I am working with the Radio City Rockettes’ Athletic Training department under Madison Square Garden (MSG) Entertainment as their Athletic Training Student Associate. I will have this position for the entirety of the Christmas season while the Rockettes have their Christmas Spectacular show. Since I’ve been here, I have been working with other athletic trainers, physical therapists, and doctors since I’ve been here and have learned a lot from each of them. I’ve also been able to provide evaluation and treatments and prevention techniques for injuries to the performers that they may have sustained during rehearsals. While the show stars the Rockettes, they are not the only performers that I have been able to work with. There are over 100 cast members that I work with between the Rockettes, Ensemble, Singers, etc. Now, we are finalizing the show and have been opened to the public since November 17th. From this point on, I will be working with the other Athletic Trainers to cover the shows through the new year until close of show in January.”

Photo of the Radio City Music Hall stage
What does a typical day look like in your Practicum experience?

“My typical day consists of reporting to Radio City Music Hall to complete pre-rehearsal/show treatments, covering run-throughs of the show/performances, complete post-rehearsal/show treatments. However, these next few weeks will be a bit different. This is because of a handful of appearances that the Rockettes will be having, from the Today Show to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. I feel lucky enough to have the opportunity to either attend the appearance or attend the rehearsal preparations for the appearance on site.”

How did you find out about this opportunity?

“I learned about this opportunity through one of my professors, Dr. Ambegaonkar. He had received an email from an MSG employee regarding the position and had our program director, Dr. Mrs. Caswell, share it with everyone in the program. I originally did not believe I would get the position when I had applied but decided to take the chance. I was fortunate enough to be able to interview for the position with the creator of the department and my current mentors/preceptors. The whole process for getting the position, from application to interviews to receiving my offer, took about 4 months and I couldn’t feel any luckier.”

How has this experience shaped your interests/career plans?

“This experience has opened my eyes to the numerous possibilities for my career. I’ve enjoyed working with everyone and could see myself working in this type of setting, however, I also can see myself working in other settings as well, based on my experiences at my other practicum sites. At this point, it’s difficult to say where I would like my career to take me, but either way I know that I will be happy.”

“This experience has opened my eyes to the numerous possibilities for my career.”

Kyle Delin

What has been your favorite memory of Practicum so far?

“So far, my favorite memory that I have of my experience is seeing each of the parts of the show come together. I’ve been able to watch each of the numbers from initial rehearsal to nearly final product come together with choreography, props, stage elements, costumes, etc. and it’s been amazing to see.”

What advice can you share to students going into a new Practicum experience?

“For all students going into a new practicum experience, take the opportunity to learn as much as you can. New techniques, new methods, everything, and anything. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. And don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone does and it will be all right. Make sure to talk with your mentor/preceptor and listen to their feedback. No one is ever perfect, especially not during practicum experiences. This is the time to make mistakes and to learn. It can be nerve-racking and there will be times that you will be completely lost, but it will be okay and you will get through it. Believe in yourself, rely on what you’ve learned from your professors, but also be open to criticism and open to learning other methods/techniques that your mentors/preceptors may have to offer. Doing this will only make you a better professional.”


Are you engaging in an exciting Practicum or internship experience?

Let us know about it! Reach out to Communications Coordinator for Student and Academic Affairs, Anna Ondieki, at [email protected] with details about your upcoming or current opportunity.