Dear Members of the George Washington University Community,
Since becoming president of the George Washington University, few moments have brought me greater joy than standing on the National Mall to celebrate our graduating class. Commencement is not just a ceremony—it’s a defining moment in the GW experience where we gather as a community to honor our students’ remarkable achievements and launch them into their next chapter as GW alumni. This tradition embodies who we are as Revolutionaries and connects us to our university’s storied history.
With our next Commencement just around the corner, I am pleased to announce that Jonquel Jones, B.A. ’19, will deliver the keynote address at our 2025 Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
After an outstanding collegiate career at GW, Jonquel has risen to become one of women’s basketball's brightest stars, most recently leading the New York Liberty to victory in the 2024 WNBA championship and earning Finals MVP for her pivotal role. Off the court, Jonquel uses her platform to advocate for equality, inclusion, and the empowerment of women in sports—efforts that recently earned her a spot on USA TODAY’s Women of the Year list. Her journey exemplifies the spirit and values of George Washington University, and I look forward to hearing her share her inspiring message with us all. Learn more about Jonquel’s remarkable career and accomplishments here.
In addition to Jonquel, who will receive an honorary Doctor of Humanities, we will honor three other individuals whose leadership, philanthropy, and public service have transformed their fields and communities. The university will bestow honorary degrees upon Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton and GW alumni Mark Shenkman and Mark Lerner, recognizing their extraordinary contributions and embodiment of GW's commitment to changing the world.
- Mark D. Lerner, B.B.A. ’75, is a leader in real estate and sports, serving as managing principal owner and vice chairman of the Washington Nationals, where he guided the team to its historic 2019 World Series victory. He is also a principal of Lerner Enterprises, a major real estate firm shaping the DMV, and a partner in Monumental Sports & Entertainment, the ownership group behind multiple championship-winning teams. His leadership extends to Major League Baseball committees, where he helps shape league policies. Mark will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
- Eleanor Holmes Norton began her activism in the Civil Rights Movement, later serving as associate director of the ACLU and leading groundbreaking gender discrimination cases. As the first female chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, she established sexual harassment as a violation of federal civil rights law. Since her 1990 election to the House representing the District of Columbia, she has remained a steadfast advocate for civil rights and equality. Representative Norton will receive an honorary Doctor of Public Service.
- Mark R. Shenkman, M.B.A. ’67, founder and president of Shenkman Capital Management, is a former GW trustee and a pioneer in the high-yield bond market with more than 50 years of investment experience. Before launching his firm, he played a key role in shaping the industry at First Investors Asset Management, Lehman Brothers, and Fidelity. In addition to his leadership of GW, his deep commitment to advancing higher education includes service at the UCONN Foundation and Wilbraham and Monson Academy. Mark will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
These honorees join a long tradition of distinguished GW Commencement guests, a legacy that dates back to GW’s first commencement exercises in 1824 with the Marquis de Lafayette and Henry Clay in attendance.
Commencement is a time of celebration, reflection, and inspiration for our graduates, their families, and our entire university community. I look forward to honoring the achievements of the Class of 2025 and celebrating together on this special day.
Warm regards,
Ellen M. Granberg
President