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 firstgen@gmu.edu. Please email ccee@gmu.edu for any questions related to identity stoles.


Student Town Hall with President Washington

On February 7 at 1:00 pm in the HUB Ballroom, University Life will host the first student town hall with the current university president, Gregory Washington.

This is an opportunity for students to voice ways for our college and schools to get support and resources! Don’t miss this chance to hear from President Washington and ask him your questions – register on Mason360 to save your spot!

Student Town Hall with President Washington flyer

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!

First-Gen+ Center is Hiring

The First-Gen+ Center is looking for enthusiastic students to become student peer mentors. These positions will begin during the Spring 2024 semester and will continue through the 2024-2025 Academic Year. Students selected will be REQUIRED to enroll in a UNIV 300-level course during the Spring 2024 semester (typically Thursdays 1:30 – 2:45PM). Applications close on January 7th, 2024 at 11:59PM. 

Please note that there is ONE application for STEP Mentors and First-Gen Peer Mentors. You may note your preference in your cover letter.

(Handshake Job Post #8396727)


LEARN MORE
First-Gen Peer Mentors
FIRST-GENERATION STUDENT PEER MENTORS

The First-Generation (“First-Gen”) Peer Mentoring program is a program to support first gen student success at George Mason University. First-Gen Peer Mentors will provide support while serving as a positive role model for these students. 

STEP Peer Mentors
STEP PEER MENTORS

The Student Transition Empowerment Program (STEP) is an initiative of the First-Gen+ Center created to enhance the recruitment, engagement and retention of first-generation college students accepted to George Mason University. STEP mentors play an integral role in helping incoming STEP students transition and build community at Mason.


FURTHER QUESTIONS?

Please email firstgen@gmu.edu.