The Costello College of Business at George Mason University is pleased to announce the 2025-2026 Graduate Students of the Year.
These individuals exemplify the highest standards of academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to their field. Learn why this year’s Students of the Year chose the Costello College of Business, how their business education has shaped their academic and professional growth, and what advice they would offer to prospective students considering a Costello graduate program.
Will Sogegian, Flex MBA
Why did you pick the Flex MBA program, and why the Costello College of Business at George Mason University?
Drawn by Dean Vinze’s vision to build a world-class program driving innovation in Northern Virginia, I pursued the Flex MBA to hone my capabilities as an operator. The program’s combination of technical rigor and practical application strengthened his ability to translate strategy into execution.
What are your plans for the future?
I leave George Mason focused on building a venture that harnesses AI to transform real-world operations and create durable economic value.
What was the most rewarding part of the program?
Beyond the classroom, I found the most value in the relationships I built—with colleagues who pushed my thinking, professors who invested in my growth, and staff who made the experience possible.
What was your favorite class and why?
Standout courses pushed me to move quickly and think from first principles—developing an Industry 4.0 investment thesis in Professor Wolfe's Entrepreneurship course, sharpening my instincts in Professor Rockmann's Negotiations, and exploring how AI creates new economic value with Professor Sanyal's AI for Business Transformation.
Could you please provide some advice for prospective students interested in pursuing your program?
My advice is simple - your time in the program is fleeting. Show up fully for every course and every professor because, at the end of the day, you are investing in yourself.
James Jung, Online MBA
Why did you pick the Online MBA program, and why the Costello College of Business at George Mason University?
I originally started my Online MBA at Virginia Tech, but I eventually transferred to George Mason University because of the incredible flexibility the program offers. Balancing life as a full-time employee, a husband and a father is a challenge, and I needed an academic path that could work alongside those responsibilities. I am very thankful that Mason's Costello College of Business provided a supportive environment where I could pursue a rigorous education without having to sacrifice my family commitments or my work.
What are your plans for the future?
In the short term, I hope to take the financial frameworks and management skills I've learned and apply them toward a leadership role within the government sector, where I can hopefully make a meaningful impact. Further down the road, my dream is to eventually start my own business. I feel that the solid foundation I've built at the Costello College of Business has given me the tools and the confidence to one day take that entrepreneurial step.
What was the most rewarding part of the program?
Coming from a non-traditional background with a BS in Chemistry and early career experience in a laboratory, I honestly worried that I might be out of my depth without a strong business foundation. The most rewarding part of the program was realizing how accessible and applicable the coursework was. I was very grateful to be able to use what I learned almost immediately. For instance, the management courses really helped me grow when I was working as a Cashier Office Manager, and the analytics and finance courses have been invaluable in developing skills for my current role as a Senior Financial Analyst at George Mason.
What was your favorite class and why?
Surprisingly, my favorite class turned out to be MBA 720: Marketing Analytics with Professor Suneel Grover. Coming from a finance and chemistry background, marketing was a bit outside my comfort zone, but the depth of knowledge I gained was truly eye-opening. Professor Grover was so generous with his time and always willing to help me understand the material. That class not only strengthened my analytical skills, but it also genuinely inspired my passion for entrepreneurship.
Could you please provide some advice for prospective students interested in pursuing your program?
When I first considered an MBA, I heard some skepticism about whether the degree was truly worth the investment. My advice to prospective students is to keep an open mind and embrace the journey. I learned very quickly that the true value of this program goes far beyond the syllabus. I have been so humbled by how much I learned from the diverse perspectives and life experiences of my peers. You will be exposed to completely different ways of thinking and problem-solving that you simply wouldn't encounter otherwise. It is a truly rewarding experience if you are open to learning from those around you.
Madeline Ryan, MS in Accounting (MSA)
Why did you pick the MS in Accounting program, and why the Costello College of Business at George Mason University?
I was initially drawn to George Mason University MSA program because of its proximity to many accounting firms and professional opportunities in the area. What kept me here were the people, professors, and supportive environment within the program. The combination of strong academics, real-world experiences, and mentorship made it the right fit for me.
What are your plans for the future?
After graduation, I will begin my career with EY as an Audit Assurance Staff while pursuing my CPA license. I’m excited to continue growing professionally and applying the technical, leadership, and analytical skills I developed throughout the program.
What was the most rewarding part of the program?
The most rewarding part of the program was the people and opportunities that helped me grow in confidence. Through leadership roles, internships, and mentorship from professors, I was trusted with responsibilities that challenged me and helped me grow both personally and professionally. I also built meaningful friendships and connections that made my experience incredibly memorable.
What was your favorite class and why?
Two of my favorite classes were Fraud Examination and Audit Analytics. Fraud Examination stood out because of the engaging real-world stories and insights shared by Professor Stice, which made the material both entertaining and practical. Audit Analytics was especially impactful because it allowed me to apply everything I had learned in a structured and interactive environment with a very supportive professor.
Could you please provide some advice for prospective students interested in pursuing your program?
Get involved early and say yes to opportunities, even if they feel outside of your comfort zone. Leadership experiences, networking events, internships, and relationships with professors can shape your confidence and open unexpected doors. The more you invest in the program and community, the more rewarding your experience will be.
Siwanat Temudom, MS in Business Analytics (MSBA)
Why did you pick the MS in Business Analytics program, and why the Costello College of Business at George Mason University?
I chose the MSBA program because I graduated from a business school in Thailand and had the opportunity to work as an audit associate at PwC Thailand. From that experience, I realized how important data management is, especially when companies use data to support decision-making in a more valuable and meaningful way. This made me want to continue my master’s degree in business analytics so I can better understand how to analyze data and apply it to real business problems.
What are your plans for the future?
My future plan is to pursue a career in business analytics where I can apply the knowledge, analytical skills, and tools I have learned to real-world business situations. I hope to use data-driven insights to support impactful decision-making and contribute positively to organizational growth. I also look forward to continuously learning and growing both professionally and personally.
What was the most rewarding part of the program?
The most rewarding part of the program was learning many new skills and concepts that I had never studied before. I especially enjoyed learning how to build machine learning models, work with large datasets using SQL, and use programming languages like Python for data analysis. It was a very challenging but enjoyable experience, and I liked being able to apply what I learned to real-world business situations.
I chose George Mason University because it is a well-known university with a strong reputation and a diverse community. For me, studying abroad is not only about gaining academic knowledge, but also about learning from different cultures and meeting people from different backgrounds. I believe George Mason is a great place for me to develop my business analytics skills and broaden my perspective.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite classes were SQL, taught by Professor Kumar Mehta, and Python, taught by Professor Shun Ye. I really enjoyed both classes because they helped me understand how important data is in business analytics.
For SQL, I learned how to manage and organize data in a database. This is a very important foundation because many businesses store their data in database systems, such as sales data, customer information, class registration records, and employee data. SQL helped me understand how to retrieve, join, filter, and summarize data in a useful way.
For Python, I learned that it is a very powerful and flexible programming language. It can be used for many things, such as data cleaning, data analysis, visualization, prediction models, and machine learning. This class helped me see how coding can turn raw data into useful insights for business decision-making.
Overall, both classes were taught very well, and they made me realize the importance of using data efficiently and meaningfully. These courses also gave me strong technical skills that I can apply in future analytics projects and in my career.
Could you please provide some advice for prospective students interested in pursuing your program?
My advice for prospective students who are interested in this program is to be open to every opportunity that comes to them. When I started this program, it helped me understand more clearly which direction I might want to pursue in the future. Business Analytics has many areas, such as data management, programming, visualization, and decision-making, so students can explore different skills and find what they are truly interested in.
I would also encourage future students not to be afraid of challenges. Some classes and projects may be difficult, but I believe challenges are what truly help us grow. Also, learning does not only come from professors or textbooks. We can also learn a lot from classmates, group projects, and people around us. So, my advice is to keep an open mind, try your best, and take every learning opportunity as much as possible.
Gregory Awad, MS in Finance (MSF)
Why did you pick the MS in Finance program, and why the Costello College of Business at George Mason University
I picked the MSF program because of its adjacency to my primary job and my interest in learning the underlying principles in mortgage finance. I selected George Mason because of its flexible design, accelerated format options, and cost to value ratio. It was easy to invest in the degree, even at this later stage of my career, and see the return on that investment immediately.
What are your plans for the future?
I intend to continue working at Fannie Mae for the near term, and applying the learnings from the MSF program into my work in managing mortgage credit risk and developing business strategies. Longer term, aka my next chapter, I would like to leverage the degree to pursue opportunities in international development and business consulting.
What was the most rewarding part of the program?
I enjoyed the opportunity to learn underlying business concepts and theory that aligned with experiences I have encountered over my work history. It was great to take topics that were covered in class, and immediately apply them to work in mortgage finance or business strategy.
What was your favorite class and why?
That is a tough question. I don't have a favorite. Instead, I had favorite parts from each of the courses. Whether I was learning Python for the first time to create Monte Carlo simulations or collaborating with teammates on determining the pricing of a venture capital deal, both were stretching my skills and expanding my understanding of the finance world. Now, I am in the international finance module and the futures, options, derivatives module, and I know that I am going to learn tons from both. Sorry, to punt, but I can look back at each class and point to how it included a "favorite" concept, learning, or experience.
Could you please provide some advice for prospective students interested in pursuing your program?
Try to find practical applications for the content outside of class. If you are studying decision trees, try to find a business or life problem where you can apply the idea. It really expands your understanding and confidence in the materials. Also, the professors really make themselves available through office hours and suggesting complementary articles, videos, etc. Invest a portion of your time in using these and meeting with your professors, especially when you are struggling with a concept or an assignment.
Fatimah Sultan, MS in Management (MSM) with Business Analytics Certification
Why did you pick the MS in Management program, and why the Costello College of Business at George Mason University?
I went to George Mason for my undergraduate degree which was in foreign languages with a concentration in Korean and a minor in linguistics. After graduating, I received a scholarship offer in the mail from the MSM program which was the first time I had explored the possibility of pursuing a graduate education. I chose this program at George Mason because I already knew how valuable an education here is and how much I would enjoy the courses and opportunities it comes with. I studied abroad in South Korea 3 times as an undergraduate and was grateful to have had opportunities to work and teach for the university from faculty and staff that cared about my growth and success. I grew to feel a deep sense of belonging at George Mason, so it was only natural for me to return to the school that spurred my excitement for higher education and viewed me as a valuable student with skills to be nurtured. I knew I could rely on George Mason to give me the skills, knowledge, and support I needed to push myself to new limits.
What are your plans for the future?
Should the opportunity arise, I would love to combine my background in foreign languages and linguistics with the new knowledge and skills I gained in this program to pursue roles in international higher education program management, particularly with George Mason's Global Education Office and George Mason University Korea. I worked with the GEO as a faculty-led programs assistant as a freshman, so I look forward to getting an opportunity to return and contribute more meaningfully in a higher capacity.
What was the most rewarding part of the program?
Honestly, I think it's difficult to pick just one aspect. As someone who didn't come from a business background and had no prior experience, being able to see myself learn and grow alongside business professionals was the most rewarding part of this program for me. In one of my past courses, I mentioned how working among established professionals and participating in class discussions with people more experienced than me was very eye-opening, motivating, and insightful. I feel like I learned so much from the experiences and stories my classmates shared in our discussions and group assignments, many of which helped me discover career paths or business ideas I hadn't considered or known about before! To me, the students in a program can be just as influential to your success as professors, and my classmates constantly inspired me to learn more, think differently, and push myself harder to reach their level. Despite my lack of business background, I always felt treated like an equal peer with just as much value to contribute as everyone else.
Not only did the professors teach in easily digestible ways, but they made sure to consider students with varying levels of background knowledge when it came to delivering lectures and creating assignments. Even though they met students where they were at, I still felt challenged in meaningful ways which made the learning experience more engaging than I expected.
In short, it felt the most rewarding when I realized even someone like me could not only succeed in learning an entirely new field at the graduate level, but do so while building self-confidence and important professional skills that are applicable to every area of life. The consistent support and guidance from my academic advisor, Saul Garcia, played a huge role in my success and optimism, too. As a full-time student who is also employed full time, the time management skills I'm leaving with will prove invaluable for the rest of my life!
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite classes were GBUS 738 Data Mining for Business Analytics with Professor David Svancer and GBUS 739 Advanced Data Mining for Business Analytics with Professor Jean-Pierre Auffret. These courses taught me technical skills, like programming in R, that I never had the chance to learn before. Both professors were mindful of inexperienced students and made the courses easy to understand while still maintaining the rigor I needed to feel challenged as a graduate student. Their courses were so well-structured and engaging that the fear I once had of learning to code/program disappeared within the first week as I stared in awe at the many lines of code I never thought I could write before. I'm really grateful for the transferable skills I got in these courses that help make me a more competitive professional moving forward.
Could you please provide some advice for prospective students interested in pursuing your program?
Even if this program feels a bit outside your background, go for it anyway! Don't let doubts about your ability to succeed stop you from pursuing opportunities that call out to you. If you sell yourself short and limit what you believe you're capable of, you may never realize the potential for success you've had all along.
David S. Huaman, MS in Real Estate Development (MRED)
Why did you pick the MS in Real Estate Development program, and why the Costello College of Business at George Mason University?
The MRED program applied local examples and brought regional real estate expertise to the classes. This program is embedded in the real estate market, with strong ties to Northern Virginia's development and policy community.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to continue advancing affordable housing policy and planning at the local government level, with a longer-term goal of moving into a leadership role. I plan to carry the skills I've built through this program directly into my community. I'm working on affordable housing research in partnership with nonprofits and local organizations to strengthen how affordable housing gets represented.
What was the most rewarding part of the program?
The most rewarding part was the people. Being surrounded by students from such diverse professional backgrounds, made every discussion a learning opportunity. The networking and the financial coursework gave me a much stronger foundation for evaluating project feasibility, which I apply directly to my affordable housing work.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was Python for GIS. Coming in with a GIS background, It opened up entirely new ways to visualize and analyze spatial data. I've been able to build affordable housing dashboards that make complex data more accessible and actionable for policymakers and communities.
Could you please provide some advice for prospective students interested in pursuing your program?
The value you can get is by connecting coursework to a real professional problem you're trying to solve. This could be evaluating a deal, understanding entitlements, or building your own business. Apply it what you learn and take advantage of the Northern Virginia expertise being provided.