This story comes to us from Courtney Bowe:

This story comes to us from Jill Sankey:

With the U.S. Capitol as a backdrop, speakers at GW’s Commencement ceremony this morning told graduates to continue their dedication to making the world a better place, to advocate for those in need and to take chances.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg delivered the Commencement address and received an honorary Doctor of Public Service from the university before an estimated 25,000 graduates, friends and family members.

Alumna and arts and education advocate Peggy Cooper Cafritz and attorney and civil rights pioneer William T. Coleman Jr. were also awarded honorary degrees at the ceremony.

In welcoming remarks, President Steven Knapp congratulated the graduates, many of whom came to the university in 2007 when he did. “I started when many of you were freshmen and am proud to be with you as you receive your hard-earned degrees,” he said.

This press release comes to us from Neville Waters, Public Information Officer:

(Washington, DC) – The D.C. Department of Employment Services (DOES) is pleased to announce that Ashley Padgett received the award as the “Highest in 11th Grade” in the National Technical Association’s Math Contest. World renowned astrophysicist/inventor/mentor Dr. George Carruthers holds this yearly contest to encourage youths to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers by giving them personal face-time with top scientists, engineers and mathematicians.