Celebration of Distinction is the longest-running university-wide celebration of alumni achievements. Distinguished alumni have made significant contributions to George Mason and their communities and continue to make Mason Nation proud.
Senator Saddam Salim is one of 23 recipients and was awarded Alumnus of the Year. Senator Salim joined the Institute for Immigration Research (IIR) Advisory Board in April of 2025.
Senator Salim earned his B.S. in Public Administration in 2012 and his M.P.A. in 2015 from George Mason University. Senator Salim is a Bangladeshi American immigrant who came to the United States with his family when he was ten years old, settling in Fairfax County. In November 2023, Senator Salim was elected to the Virginia Senate.
To read an interview with Senator Salim that was conducted by IIR Volunteer, Pranav Shrivastava, click here.
For more information regarding immigrants from Bangladesh, click here.
To read additional immigrant stories, click here.
July 28, 2025