George Mason University is the sum of our community’s diverse origins, identities, and experiences. This diversity shapes our students’ lives, empowering them to see the world more completely, to think more creatively, and to learn more effectively in a safe and welcoming environment.
With students from 130 countries and all 50 states, you’ll discover both familiar and new kinds of community on campus, no matter who you are or where you’re from.
But don’t just take it from us. Hear why our students think Mason is All Together Different.
Will Barker
- Pronouns: They/He
- Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia
- Major: Public Administration
- Campus Involvement: LGBTQ+ Resources Center
Reason for Choosing Mason: Will wanted to find a college with an accepting community that reflected the diverse people, perspectives, and experiences they encountered while growing up in a military family.
Brad Byrne
- Pronouns: He/Him
- Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia
- Major: Communication
- Campus Involvement: Fourth Estate, Mason’s newspaper
Reason for Choosing Mason: For Brad, attending Mason is a family tradition. He knew the campus was the right place for him as he followed in the footsteps of his parents, aunts, uncles, and siblings.
Yasmin Nakhleh Jubran
- Pronouns: She/Her
- Hometown: Ramallah, Palestine
- Major: Business
- Campus Involvement: The Mason Quidditch Club; TEDxGeorgeMasonU; Delta Sigma Pi; Honors College
Reason for Choosing Mason: Although she was nervous leaving Palestine, the cultural, social, and professional opportunities Mason offers helped Yasmin find her community and form lasting relationships.
Shriniwas Mahesh Patwardhan
- Pronouns: He/Him
- Hometown: Pune, India
- Major: Bioengineering
- Campus Involvement: Center for Adaptive Systems of Brain-Body Interactions
Reason for Choosing Mason: Shriniwas chose Mason because of its student-first culture, where he felt his voice would be heard in his PhD program.
Emma Sameth
- Pronouns: She/Her
- Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
- Major: Global Affairs
- Campus Involvement: Mason Hillel; Chabad at George Mason University
Reason for Choosing Mason: Emma chose Mason because of its location and how much she loved the people she met when touring the university and attending student events.