When 亚洲AV, like other schools, had to quickly pivot to remote learning at the start of the pandemic, Matthew Berlejung and his co-workers in Information Technology Services were on the front lines.
The video conference engineer played a pivotal role in Mason鈥檚 success in the virtual learning environment, and he did it with grace and professionalism.
As Christina Frasson, a video conference technology specialist and Bereljung鈥檚 colleague, wrote in her nominating letter:
鈥淗e spent time and time again making himself available to teams across campus, ensuring successful meetings, from high-level to one-on-ones. He treated everyone the same.鈥
For his hard work, which has continued as the university transitioned from WebEx meetings to Zoom and Teams, Berlejung is October Employee of the Month.
鈥淚鈥檓 very humbled and super-excited,鈥 said Berlejung, who has worked full-time at the university for 10 years. 鈥淚t made my year.鈥
A Mason alumnus with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in marketing (2008) and a master鈥檚 in telecommunications (2015), Berlejung said he always has had an altruistic sensibility and a patient nature honed, he believes, by his time as a Starbucks barista.
It is why he wrote thank you notes to everyone who sent letters nominating him for Employee of the Month, and gladly accepted his nomination and election to Mason鈥檚 Staff Senate.
鈥淗e makes Mason a better place,鈥 Frasson wrote.
Said Berlejung: 鈥淚 just want what鈥檚 best.鈥
Berlejung will be聽formally presented with this award by President Gregory Washington in his office, 5th Floor of Merten Hall, at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 25. Matthew's family, co-workers, and friends are invited to attend the ceremony.聽Those who are unable to attend may watch the Facebook livestream at
How he got to Mason:
I transferred to Mason with an associate鈥檚 degree from Northern Virginia Community College. I finished my bachelor鈥檚 at Mason, received full-time Mason employment, and completed a master鈥檚 degree in telecommunications. I will never forget the place that Northern Virginia Community College and Mason have had in my life in developing me as a lifelong learner.
Best day on the job:
The best days on my job revolve around my daughters. When a visit to the office is a highlight for my child, how can life and work get any better? One day in 2018, I took my then 6-year-old to the lawn in front of Merten for lunch. We had Manhattan Pizza, played games with giveaways, took a photo with the Patriot, and even saw my daughter鈥檚 former teachers from the Child Development Center. She still talks about that day years later.
What he likes best about working at Mason:
I enjoy working with people who are younger and smarter than me. Doing so keeps me young and learning. Add the diversity that we have at Mason, and I get to feel a part of a worldwide endeavor that is far larger than the sum of its parts.
What he does when he鈥檚 not working:
I am a proud father of two brilliant daughters, ages 8 and 3. My life revolves around them. When I am not being the father and husband I was taught to be, you can catch me playing video games, riding my Kawasaki or Yamaha motorcycles, or you may find me developing another outlet for my creative energy.