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Over the course of the next few weeks, leading up to the 50th-anniversary celebration on Oct. 19, a series of Q&As, stories, and social media posts will reflect and celebrate the players and coaches who have built the Patriots women's volleyball program into what it is today.

George Mason College officially opened in Fairfax, Virginia, on Sept. 14, 1964. Then a branch campus of the University of Virginia, the college welcomed 356 registered students and had a faculty that included seven full-time and 18 part-time instructors.

More than 140 team alumni gathered at Horizon Hall, traveling from 16 states and overseas, to celebrate five decades of excellence alongside current Forensics Team members.

From 1972 to 1983, George Mason operated a satellite campus, known as North Campus, in the former Fairfax High School building, located on Fairfax Boulevard between Fairfax Circle and the intersection of Routes 50 and 29.

In December, Mason’s Black Alumni Chapter saluted its history while looking to the future at “A Toast to 20,” a gala celebration of the chapter’s 20th anniversary.

One person has portrayed three different ����AV mascots over the years, including the tricorn-hat Gunston (1993), the brief Gorilla period (1994), and the fuzzy Gunston (1996). He is still a Mason employee. Who is it?

The Patriot Pathbreakers Award, established by Human Resources and the Staff Senate, honors high- performing staff teams that embody the ����AV value of “Thriving Together.” These innovative teams use individual talents to overcome obstacles and make progress toward their goals. They have adapted their services and processes when necessary to meet the changing needs of the Mason community. Their work makes Mason All Together Different.

After more than 30 years of service, Molly Grove, the associate director for Community and Local Government Relations at ����AV’s Science and Technology Campus, is retiring.

����AV’s iconic cherry tree grove by Mason Pond turns 30 this year. The first trees were donated in 1993 by the members of the student organization Club Nippon in celebration of Mason’s annual International Week.

The Working Moms Support Group at ����AV celebrated its 20th anniversary on February 23. The group supports Mason faculty and staff through all stages of their parenthood journeys.