George Washington University Athletics
Special Athletics Commencement Opens Graduation Week at GW
5/12/2026 4:11:00 PM | Baseball, General, Women's Rowing, Academic Services
A perfect 10 of a spring day in Washington, DC provided the setting for what will be lifelong memories for 18 student-athletes on Tuesday, as graduates of George Washington's baseball team and rowing team became the first to graduate in the university's Class of 2026.
Due to competitions this weekend when the baseball team concludes its season against Dayton and rowing will be racing for an Atlantic 10 Championship in New Jersey, the annual Special Athletics Commencement took place in the Student Center's Betts Theatre, and the festivities had all the hallmarks of a traditional ceremony.
Student speaker Katie Swatek of the rowing team doubled as a motivational speaker in her remarks, reminding her fellow grads that in life, as in sport, "success is not an accident, but the result of hard work."
GW's 19th President, Ellen M. Granberg, then shared with the attendees her observation of the tie that binds GW students–"the desire to make a difference"–she said.
In her charge to the graduates, President Granberg urged, "Believe in yourself. Go forth boldly. Show the world what it means to be a GW Revolutionary."
As the Fight Song was sung, baseball's Reese Crochet, Max Haug, Jack Kent, Greg Marmo and Charlie Rogan and rowing's Madison Bachmayer, Emma Balfanz, Macy Bronte, Olivia Brown, April Chism, Kendall Dorn, Lia Nicodemo, Peyton Reynolds, Tess Romine, Bianca Rose, Lily Sarnowski, Brianne Wieczorek, and Swatek, of course, flanked by their coaches and president, became the newest alumni of the George Washington University.
Due to competitions this weekend when the baseball team concludes its season against Dayton and rowing will be racing for an Atlantic 10 Championship in New Jersey, the annual Special Athletics Commencement took place in the Student Center's Betts Theatre, and the festivities had all the hallmarks of a traditional ceremony.
Student speaker Katie Swatek of the rowing team doubled as a motivational speaker in her remarks, reminding her fellow grads that in life, as in sport, "success is not an accident, but the result of hard work."
GW's 19th President, Ellen M. Granberg, then shared with the attendees her observation of the tie that binds GW students–"the desire to make a difference"–she said.
In her charge to the graduates, President Granberg urged, "Believe in yourself. Go forth boldly. Show the world what it means to be a GW Revolutionary."
As the Fight Song was sung, baseball's Reese Crochet, Max Haug, Jack Kent, Greg Marmo and Charlie Rogan and rowing's Madison Bachmayer, Emma Balfanz, Macy Bronte, Olivia Brown, April Chism, Kendall Dorn, Lia Nicodemo, Peyton Reynolds, Tess Romine, Bianca Rose, Lily Sarnowski, Brianne Wieczorek, and Swatek, of course, flanked by their coaches and president, became the newest alumni of the George Washington University.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Rowing
/ Women's Rowing
/ Women's Rowing
/ Women's Rowing
/ Women's Rowing
LHP
/ Baseball
/ Women's Rowing
RHP
/ Baseball
OF
/ Baseball
INF
/ Baseball
/ Women's Rowing
/ Women's Rowing
1B-OF
/ Baseball
/ Women's Rowing
/ Women's Rowing
/ Women's Rowing
/ Women's Rowing
/ Women's Rowing
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