The George Washington University has awarded Professorial Lecturer in Law Q Golparvar, BA '98, with the Honey Nashman Spark a Life Award for Faculty Member of the Year. The university grants the award to one faculty member each year who has significantly impacted the holistic development of a student or registered student organization, thus causing a “spark” of inspiration.
Multiple students nominated Mr. Golparvar for his positive influence inside and outside the classroom. Each submission emphasized his engaging immigration law classes and commitment to helping students find ways to apply their knowledge outside the classroom by recommending them for internships and employment opportunities.
“It is truly a gift to be able to teach at The George Washington University Law School," Mr. Golparvar said after receiving the award. "My students are amazing, they are so passionate and smart, and I love working with them. The law school’s administration and my fellow faculty are incredible and so committed to excellence. It is such an honor to be recognized by my students, and receiving the award is icing on the cake.”
This is just the most recent event in Mr. Golparvar's long history with the university. He graduated in 1998 with a Bachelors of Arts in International Affairs and Middle East Studies. While an undergraduate, he served as President of the Student Body. After he began his career, former GW President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg recommended him as an adjunct professor.
The good news keeps going for Mr. Golparvar, who outside of GW has a successful career practicing immigration law—until recently at the Department of Homeland Security. On Friday April 22, The Executive Office for Immigration Review announced Mr. Golparvar's investiture as a new immigration judge. He will now adjudicate immigration cases and determine whether foreign-born individuals charged with violating immigration law should be removed from the country or granted relief.
“We are pleased to welcome these appointees to the immigration judge corps," Acting Chief Immigration Judge Michael C. McGoings said in a release issued by the Executive Office for Immigration Review. “We look forward to continuing to hire qualified people to fill these important public service positions.”