The Dean's Newsletter

A MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

Dear CPS community and friends, 


As we close out the vibrant month of May, I am delighted to share some highlights from what my favorite time of the year has always been—our 2024 Commencement. It was truly wonderful to see our community come together to celebrate this milestone. The joy and pride in the air were palpable as we honored our new alumni.

We also celebrated our GSPM graduates at the memorable Toast the Network event, welcoming them into an incredible network of achievers. We eagerly anticipate the remarkable accomplishments they will bring, following in the footsteps of other do-ers and change-makers.

This year also marked a significant milestone for our college as we hosted our first-ever Faculty Awards. Our faculty members are the backbone of this institution, and it was a privilege to celebrate their dedication and excellence. Each program found unique ways to honor their achievements. Notably, the SUP program held their highly anticipated Capstone event, which always leaves me feeling energized and inspired.


Additionally, our Paralegal program proudly inducted its graduates into Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX). Congratulations to all our inductees!


As we wrap up another year brimming with events, sponsorships, and new partnerships, I am filled with excitement for what lies ahead. We look forward to the next chapter as we reconvene for FY25 and all the opportunities it will bring.


During this newsletter hiatus, I encourage you to stay engaged through our Mastering the Room and The Professionals podcasts. Stay tuned for exciting announcements about our signature event series and, most importantly, our lifelong learner platform, RevU, from the dean’s office.


We will connect again in August and until then wishing you all a healthy and wonderful summer. 


I look forward to seeing you on our campuses, at our learning centers, or in the dean’s suite. 

Warm regards,

Liesl A. Riddle signature in cursive

Liesl Riddle, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Professional Studies

The George Washington University

2024 CPS Graduation Celebration

Commencement graduates

Congratulations again to our 2024 graduates! You are now part of GW’s extensive alumni network with more than 320,000 alumni.


Our 2024 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 2024 award winners.

Visit our CPS Commencement Website

2024 Toast the Network & Alumni Achievement Awards

Alumni Awardees with GSPM board members

The GSPM community gathered May 15 to celebrate the achievements of our 2024 Alumni Achievement Award Winners and toast the graduating students.


Read more

Graduate Program in Publishing Hosts Student Journal Symposium

Panel discussion publishing symposium in Gelman Library

The inaugural Student Journal Symposium for Literary and Research Publications event joined students and professionals. The event was hosted by CPS's Graduate Program in Publishing.


Read more

Sustainable Urban Planning Students Showcase Capstone Projects

SUP poster session

Four spring 2024 graduates presented their Capstone Projects May 10th to an enthusiastic audience of students, alumni and faculty, as well as family and friends.


The Capstone is the culminating experience for students in the master’s program in Sustainable Urban Planning (SUP). Students complete individual projects to showcase the knowledge, skills and abilities they have learned.


Read more

CPS Faculty Honored at Service Awards Ceremony

Jeff Delinski with the Dean

Congratulations to all the faculty honored at the College of Professional Studies' inaugural Faculty Service Awards! We are incredibly proud to recognize the dedication and commitment of 123 colleagues for their 5, 10, 15 and 20 years of service. 


Read more

2024 Paralegal Graduates Inducted into LEX Honor Society

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 2024 inductees of Lambda Epsilon Chi (LEX), the esteemed national honor society for paralegals.


Read more

UPCOMING STUDENT & COMMUNITY EVENTS

GSPM Online Information Session


Tuesday, June 18, 12 PM - 1 PM (Virtual)


Save the date and join our Enrollment Team for an online information session to learn more about the Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM).


During the information session, you will discover what makes GSPM's master's and graduate certificate programs unique and how they can position you for success in campaigns, advocacy, legislative politics, and public relations.


Event Details

Upcoming Events

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Grant-Funded Program to Support GW Students with Children


CPS has been awarded funding from the Luther Rice Foundation to support a new student engagement program: Parents’ Night Out!


Next academic year, in partnership with Bright Horizons, CPS will host Parents’ Night Out events to provide evening childcare services to students with children during finals week. This financial support reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing the student experience and providing meaningful opportunities for our student community.


The Luther Rice Society contributes leadership gifts to initiatives that benefit students, such as scholarships, research endeavors, and unique university experiences like our Parents’ Night Out events. The rollout of these events is scheduled for Fall 2024, and childcare services will be available to all GW students, with a preference given to CPS students. We are grateful for the support of the Luther Rice Foundation and excited to roll this exciting initiative out across CPS and GW.

Agility Differentiates Success in Cybersecurity Sector - WBJ article now available!

CPS partnered with the Washington Business Journal (WBJ) to co-host a series of cybersecurity events and related articles. At the most recent roundtable discussion with local leaders in the cybersecurity industry and top GW CPS administrators, attendees discussed organizational agility as a multi-faceted business requirement within the swiftly expanding field of cybersecurity.


Read the article

KUDOS

Homeland Security Faculty Member Receives Fulbright Award


Congratulations to Albert Olagbemiro for being selected for a Fulbright award to Tanzania. Olagbemiro is a faculty member in the Homeland Security M.P.S. program. His grant is a reflection of his leadership and contributions to society. As a Fulbrighter, he will join the ranks of many distinguished program participants. 


The Fulbright Program is devoted to increasing mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Fulbright is the world’s largest and most diverse international educational exchange program.

CPS Gains Faculty Senate Representation After Years of Consideration: John Warren and Scott White Elected


The College of Professional Studies will have representation in the Faculty Senate for the first time next academic year, which faculty said will further shared governance. John Warren and Scott White were elected as nonvoting delegates.


Read more - The GW Hatchet reports

Professor Belt Releases Co-Authored Book: The Presidency and Domestic Policy


We are excited to share that Professor Todd Belt has co-authored a compelling new book, The Presidency and Domestic Policy. This insightful work delves into the leadership approaches of U.S. presidents from FDR to Biden, providing a nuanced analysis of their policy agendas and the challenges they faced.


Read more

2024 Undergraduate and Graduate Distinguished Scholar Awardees: Christopher Linares & Casey Aimer

The College of Professional Studies Distinguished Scholar Awards recognize the undergraduate and graduate students who best demonstrate the college’s core competencies of strategic thinking, communication, collaboration, leadership, and ethics.

The 2024 Undergraduate Distinguished Scholar recipient, Christopher Linares, is a graduating student in the Information Technology, B.P.S. program.


Read more

The 2024 Graduate Distinguished Scholar recipient, Casey Aimer, is a graduating student in the Publishing M.P.S. program.


Read more

Chen

2024 Dr. Richard F. Southby Police Science Prize Awardee: Elizabeth Chen


2024 recipient Elizabeth Chen is a graduating student in the Homeland Security B.P.S. program. She is the Founder and CEO of Dedimus Potestatem, a company dedicated to leadership development worldwide. She has years of experience in advocacy, leadership development and education.


Read more

2024 Mark and Debbie Kennedy Frontiers of Freedom Awardee: Guillermo Alejandro Noriega Esparza

 

2024 recipient Guillermo Alejandro Noriega Esparza is a graduating student in the Political Communication and Strategic Governance M.P.S. program. He is a professional in political advocacy, promoting transparent governments that are accountable and, above all, respectful of human rights.


Read more

2024 Founding Dean Arterton Awardee: Lillie Thurman


2024 recipient Lillie Thurman is a graduating student in the Strategic Public Relations M.P.S. program. She is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in communications and account management. She has worked with a range of clients across many sectors.


The Founding Dean Arterton Award is given to the graduating student who epitomizes professional distinction and ethical conduct in political management. 


Read more

CPS IN THE NEWS

Comments from Toni Marsh

ABA Journal quoted Toni Marsh in the article “Should paralegals fear artificial intelligence?’’

Comments from Dr. Scott White

Sinclair Broadcast Group quoted Scott White in the article “Online child exploitation reports increased in 2023. How some are working to prevent it,’’ 


RTVI spoke with Scott White.


Russia’s RTVI spoke to Scott White in the segment “Why is YouTube suggesting ghost gun videos?’’

Comments from Dr. Todd Belt

Spectrum News spoke to Todd Belt about presidential politics in Florida.


USA Today quoted Todd Belt in the article “Stay out or say more? President Biden faces lose-lose proposition with college protests,’’ 


South China Morning Post quoted Todd Belt in the article “More Americans view China as an enemy, new Pew survey shows,’’


Spectrum News spoke with Todd Belt about Donald Trump’s potential running mates.


Tokyo Broadcasting System spoke to Todd Belt about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s impact on the presidential race.

Spectrum News spoke to Todd Belt about the impact of a Florida referendum on marijuana legalization on the presidential race.


Lilly Broadcasting quoted Todd Belt in the article “Recent Poll Shows Voters Favor Trump in Five Key Battleground States,’’ 


Nexstar Media Group spoke with Todd Belt about the upcoming presidential debates.   


WGN-Chicago spoke with Tod Belt.


Sinclair Broadcast Group quoted Todd Belt in the article “Campus protests an election problem? Keeping young voters key for Biden, experts say,’’ 

Comments from Dr. Casey Burgat

WWL-AM, New Orleans, spoke to Casey Burgat about term limits.

WWL-AM, New Orleans spoke to Casey Burgat.

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