Office of University Branding / en Favorite Photos of the Year /news/2024-08/favorite-photos-year <span>Favorite Photos of the Year</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/271" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Lauren Reuscher</span></span> <span>Fri, 08/02/2024 - 13:00</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">All year long, photographers in AV’s <a href="https://oub.gmu.edu/" target="_blank">Office of University Branding</a> capture the moments that make Mason <strong>All Together Different</strong>. We asked our photographers to share their favorite photos from the 2023–24 school year.</span></p> <p><span class="intro-text">As we prepare for a new academic year, let’s look back at these recent memories—skillfully frozen in time for the George Mason vault.</span></p> <hr /><h2><span><span><span><strong><span><span><span><span>Ron Aira, senior photographer, </span></span></span></span></strong><strong><span><span>Office of University Branding</span></span></strong></span></span></span></h2> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-08/240409639_1.jpg?itok=GrHyp7iF" width="1480" height="987" alt="Student models dance at a brand photo shoot" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><figure class="quote"> <span><span><span><span><span>“This photo was taken during a brand shoot, and all of the models were George Mason students,” said Ron Aira, senior photographer in the Office of University Branding. “Someone turned on some music, and they all just started to dance. It was a fun moment that captured the spontaneity of life on campus.” </span></span></span></span></span></figure><hr /><figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-08/240410531.jpg?itok=xgWg2gce" width="1480" height="987" alt="Portrait of a graduating student Moussokour Ouattar" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><figure class="quote"><span><span><span><span><span>“I took portraits of Moussokoura Ouattara to go with a graduation profile video,” said Aira. “She was graduating at the same time as her daughter. This photo captures the joy and pride she was feeling upon reaching this milestone.”</span></span></span></span></span></figure><hr /><h2><span><span><span>Evan Cantwell, senior photographer, Office of University Branding</span></span></span> </h2> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-08/e240413192.jpg?itok=Xn7QThmk" width="1440" height="960" alt="Students are covered in colorful powder at the Holi Moli event" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><figure class="quote"> <span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“Capturing the energy and joy of the Indian Student Association and friends during Holi Moli on campus is always one of my favorite events of the year,” said Evan Cantwell, senior photographer in the Office of University Branding.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></figure><hr /><figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-08/e231130321.jpg?itok=GqtUY8YR" width="1440" height="960" alt="Researcher in a biohazard suit looks through a protective window in a lab" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><figure class="quote"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“One of my first assignments working at George Mason was photographing the Biomedical Research Lab,” said Cantwell. “Twenty years later, I was back—and this time, I was behind the curtains. Even though the lab wasn't ‘hot,’ for illustrative purposes, everyone was wearing biohazard suits. I was just wearing my office clothes.” </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></figure><hr /><h2><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Cristian Torres, videographer/photographer, Office of University Branding</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-08/240116924.jpg?itok=VGUw8_h8" width="1480" height="987" alt="Two students get in a snowball fight on campus" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Cristian Torres/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><figure class="quote"><span><span><span><span><span>“During the winter, on one of those snowy days, the university delayed operations until noon,” said Cristian Torres, videographer/photographer in the Office of University Branding. “Two students took advantage of the extra time and got into a snowball fight. Luckily, I was there to capture that moment.”</span></span></span></span></span> </figure><hr /><h2><span><span><span><span><span>Eduardo Macedo, student photographer, Office of University Branding</span></span></span></span></span></h2> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-08/9d966733-81e4-401c-be4a-e0ff681a092e.jpg?itok=Ps3vr5Df" width="1480" height="987" alt="Student with dolphin face paint looks up at the stage at Mason Day" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><figure class="quote"> <span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“This was my first time attending Mason Day,” said Eduardo Macedo, student photographer in the Office of University Branding. “I was fortunate to have front row access as a photographer, which allowed me to capture this moment. Her eyes just popped with the light.” Macedo </span></span><span><span><span><span>is majoring in business with a concentration in finance. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></figure><hr /><h2><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Ayman Rashid, student photographer, Office of University Branding</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-08/240126812-1.jpg?itok=p5Xt4Ix1" width="1480" height="987" alt="Students gather at the Homecoming Lip Sync battle" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><figure class="quote"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“I saw this opportunity to capture the group’s energy after winning the Homecoming Lip Sync battle,” said Ayman Rashid, student photographer in the Office of University Branding. “It’s a bit messy, there are some funny facial expressions, and a whole lot of blinking, but I like that. I feel like it’s one of the more authentic and lively photos I’ve taken, which is why it’s one of my favorites.<span>” Rashid is a </span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span>graphic design major with a minor in photography</span></span></span></span>.</span></span></span></span></span></figure><p> </p> <p> </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="d8084a80-dec5-41ea-8bfb-85cef36e0a78"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="/news/faculty-and-staff-news"> <h4 class="cta__title">Read more faculty and staff news <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="d985a4b9-00a7-48cd-8b0b-af1f74028340" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Read More Like This</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-4934e24c504300b350c3bce0a59313b4f68b90d18a57032b81e78925bcd931ea"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"><li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-09/patriot-pop-quiz-cool-new-campus" hreflang="en">Patriot Pop Quiz: A ‘cool’ new campus</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">September 13, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-08/patriot-pop-quiz-olympic-basketball" hreflang="en">Patriot Pop Quiz: Olympic basketball</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">August 2, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-07/patriot-pop-quiz-north-campus" hreflang="en">Patriot Pop Quiz: North Campus</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">July 26, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-07/clock-volunteering-community-farm-carissa-oneill-good-seed" hreflang="en">Off the Clock: Volunteering at a community farm, Carissa O’Neill is a good seed</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">July 19, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-06/clock-kim-paul-makes-doggone-difference-animal-shelter" hreflang="en">Off the Clock: Kim Paul makes a doggone difference at the animal shelter</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">June 28, 2024</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/456" hreflang="en">Around Mason (E-Files)</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/15871" hreflang="en">Office of University Branding</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/19926" hreflang="en">Photography</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div> </div> </div> Fri, 02 Aug 2024 17:00:57 +0000 Lauren Reuscher 113301 at Five no-cost ways to use the new George Mason logo in your work /news/2024-05/five-no-cost-ways-use-new-george-mason-logo-your-work <span>Five no-cost ways to use the new George Mason logo in your work</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/271" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Lauren Reuscher</span></span> <span>Wed, 05/29/2024 - 15:06</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">In late April, AV unveiled a <a href="/news/2024-04/george-mason-university-completes-long-term-rebrand-new-logo">redesigned logo</a> as the capstone of its three-year-long comprehensive rebrand. The new look includes a single logo for the university and its athletics program. </span></p> <p><span class="intro-text">Not sure how to start using the new logo in your daily work? Here are some ways to do so—without spending a dime.</span></p> <hr /><figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-05/240425015.jpg?itok=1tk15nJq" width="1480" height="987" alt="George Mason staff member stands with the new logo installation on campus" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><h3><span><span><span><span><span><span>1. Pump up that presentation.</span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Try out the new George Mason </span></span><span><a href="https://gmu.bynder.com/guidelines/guide/bd8609ea-3e1d-4346-91ac-1cb9e47bff9b/page/b053e82e-c51f-4efe-8156-161a76368e3c"><span>PowerPoint template</span></a></span><span><span>. (George Mason login required to download.)</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />  </p> <h3><span><span><span><span><span><span>2. Don’t end that email with just “regards.”</span></span><strong><span><span> </span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Add an updated </span></span><span><a href="https://gmuedu.sharepoint.com/sites/Brand-Resources-GRP"><span>email signature</span></a></span><span><span> to your George Mason email account.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />  </p> <h3><span><span><span><span><span><span>3. TLDR?</span></span><strong><span><span> </span></span></strong></span></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Download a </span></span><span><a href="https://gmu.bynder.com/share/4034C9E1-3E8A-4C07-89C0D863F5CBE054?viewType=grid"><span>brand cheat sheet</span></a></span><span><span> and post it near your desk for easy reference.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />  </p> <h3><span><span><span><span><span><span>4. Spice up that blurred backdrop. </span></span></span></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Download a </span></span><span><a href="https://gmu.bynder.com/web/f4eea880fad96676/brand-toolkit-zoom-templates/?viewType=grid"><span>virtual meeting background</span></a></span><span><span> for Zoom or Teams to show your Patriot pride.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />  </p> <h3><span><span><span><span><span><span>5. Get your questions answered.</span></span> </span></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span><span><span><a href="https://gmu.bynder.com/guidelines/guide/bd8609ea-3e1d-4346-91ac-1cb9e47bff9b/page/ab6ff2cb-13d4-456d-b519-6d6f26795bf4"><span>Attend brand training</span></a></span><span><span> to learn more. The Office of University Branding is hosting regular office hours to answer questions, provide a brand overview, and offer tips for writing and designing in the brand.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-05/240509228.jpg?itok=TfAQniku" width="1480" height="987" alt="Graduate in regalia poses with George Mason logo installation" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="973b1fb0-8388-4927-b39b-b1be73048dc3"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://gmu.bynder.com/guidelines/guide/bd8609ea-3e1d-4346-91ac-1cb9e47bff9b/page/b491dc3f-fb3f-4a72-947d-8abaf1a538a2"> <h4 class="cta__title">Check out the Brand Guide <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="e2cd13e3-d4db-46c8-ad19-e4096e1bffdc" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="fc7bea4f-7199-4cc1-a744-2ee97a9e4de6" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Related News</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-bf9b4b1393ce7efe7ce627f2270a2f242ffdf0ec8f47a1dd2c47894ba131f7d6"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"><li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-09/911-day-service-was-day-reflection-and-community-service-all-ages" hreflang="en">9/11 Day of Service was a day of reflection and community service—for all ages </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">September 20, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-09/around-mason-week-sept-17-2024" hreflang="en">Around Mason: Week of Sept. 17, 2024</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">September 17, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-09/around-mason-week-sept-10-2024" hreflang="en">Around Mason: Week of Sept. 10, 2024</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">September 10, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-09/solon-simmons-looks-win-win-opportunities-his-role-faculty-senate-president" hreflang="en">Solon Simmons looks for win-win opportunities in his role as Faculty Senate president</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">September 4, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-08/around-mason-week-sept-3-2024" hreflang="en">Around Mason: Week of Sept. 3, 2024</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">September 3, 2024</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/15871" hreflang="en">Office of University Branding</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 29 May 2024 19:06:35 +0000 Lauren Reuscher 112336 at Our journey to modernize AV’s brand identity /news/2024-04/our-journey-modernize-george-mason-universitys-brand-identity <span>Our journey to modernize AV’s brand identity</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/1481" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Jeannine Harvey</span></span> <span>Wed, 04/24/2024 - 15:00</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p>Dear Fellow Patriots</p> <p>After three years of work, beginning with highlighting who we are and our accomplishments, and moving into our “All Together Different” brand positioning, today we begin the next leg of our journey to overhaul and modernize AV’s brand identity. We are unveiling a new logo system that will put the university on par with dozens of powerful university brands that are in our market competing for resources, faculty and staff talent, students, and public support. To get a look at the new logo, <em>click here</em>or just take a look at the <a href="/">university’s home page</a>.</p> <p><strong>Why change the logo? Why now?</strong></p> <p>On every level, AV faces fierce competition for resources in order to deliver its mission in an increasingly volatile environment. The greater Washington, D.C., metro area represents not just the source of 84 percent of our student body, but is now the most intensely competitive higher education marketing in the nation. There are more than 140 other universities and counting with an academic presence within a 50-mile radius of George Mason’s campuses, including <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstorymaps.arcgis.com%2Fstories%2Fef60104751344e1fa3c30b0ea878668e&data=05%7C02%7Cjharve9%40gmu.edu%7C2906a86dbbe64f0ef89408dc648f5096%7C9e857255df574c47a0c00546460380cb%7C0%7C0%7C638495813904591573%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=SSHR9CyOU8VW7WIGqerhMIewYJaxvz1V0%2FP1t%2B86XSg%3D&reserved=0">75 from across the country in Washington, D.C., alone</a>. We must stay current with competition or risk decline into irrelevance.</p> <p>All brands change their look over time to keep pace with shifting demands. Ours is no exception. Our current logo system, with the “Quill M” design, has served us well, but has grown inadequate to maintain best-in-class presence in the community, especially given the separate logos used to represent our athletics program. Collectively, they cause us to compete against ourselves, and present a fractured profile of the university, with underwhelming popular or commercial appeal. Yet they must compete side-by-side with some of America’s most iconic university brands for students, faculty and staff, public support, and alumni and donor engagement.</p> <div class="align-center" style="min-width: 50%;"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-video-embed-field field--type-video-embed-field field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="video-embed-field-provider-youtube video-embed-field-responsive-video"><iframe width="854" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pt7lY8CDN7k?autoplay=0&start=0&rel=0"></iframe> </div> </div> </div> <p> </p> <p><strong>All Together Different</strong></p> <p>Starting in 2021 the Office of University Branding held a series of extensive stakeholder engagements about updating our brand that ultimately involved nearly 1,500 students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and community supporters. In those exercises, stakeholders articulated the new essence of our identity and what we are to the public: An unconventional university that has risen to national prominence often by going against the grain, guided by our diversity, inclusivity, grit, and audacity. That narrative represents us well as a university that is “All Together Different.”</p> <p><strong>Improvements</strong></p> <p>The new logo system unifies the university under a single look, which now includes athletics. It includes a standard logo structure for all internal units and departments that cleans up our current cluttered unit logo system. It maintains our historic green and gold colors, but in bolder, more confident hues. And its design tells the story of George Mason as it is now: a university with multiple entry points and pathways for student success; an streamlined institution without needless frills, and a diverse learning community whose members harmoniously coexist.</p> <p><strong>Budget-neutral transition</strong></p> <p>Starting tomorrow, the Office of University Branding will guide the university on a gradual, two-year transition into the new look. That extended time will be necessary to enable a more natural transition into the new logo usage, because this is designed as a budget-neutral project. University Branding staff will stay in touch with unit marketing and communications staff members to offer guidance and support throughout the transition. Over the course of this summer—some starting tomorrow—units will receive their own new logos and will be guided to start converting in three steps:</p> <ul><li>First—Start with digital applications, which costs time but not money.</li> </ul><ul><li>Second—Branded materials that need periodic replenishment—printed collateral and promotional items, for instance—should be allowed to run out, <em>not</em> be thrown out, which will take time. New logos should be used to create replacement supplies.</li> </ul><ul><li>Finally—Logos of a more permanent nature will be replaced over time with funding supplied by the Office of University Branding, through reallocation of their existing budgets, which are not being augmented to allow for this transition.</li> </ul><p><strong>Orientation and Compliance</strong></p> <p>Tomorrow, April 26, University Branding will release a comprehensive new online usage guide at <a href="https://brand.gmu.edu/">brand.gmu.edu</a> that gives guidance on how to use the new logo. Brand staff will immediately offer ongoing training and orientation, with outreach that began last week to unit staffers in communications, marketing, digital strategy, creative services, and events. In accordance with University <a href="https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/university-publication-and-printing-function-and-policies/">Policy 1111</a>, compliance with these brand guidelines is mandatory. Compliance decisions are the responsibility of the Office of University Branding, formerly the Office of Communications and Marketing. Questions on compliance should be directed to <a href="mailto:creative@gmu.edu">creative@gmu.edu</a>.</p> <p><strong>Adjustment</strong></p> <p>New logos are often an acquired taste—it’s human nature to view changes like these with a certain amount of reluctance. I encourage everyone to give yourselves time to acclimate to this new look, and help integrate it into our operations by adopting it as soon as you practically can. </p> <p>Sincerely,</p> <p>Gregory Washington<br /> President </p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/15871" hreflang="en">Office of University Branding</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">Campus News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7591" hreflang="en">Statement: Office of the President</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 24 Apr 2024 19:00:42 +0000 Jeannine Harvey 111766 at AV completes long-term rebrand with new logo /news/2024-04/george-mason-university-completes-long-term-rebrand-new-logo <span>AV completes long-term rebrand with new logo</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/231" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Colleen Rich</span></span> <span>Wed, 04/24/2024 - 14:03</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/2024-04/gm-athletic-sidebyside.png" width="1000" height="226" alt="logos side by side" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <p><span class="intro-text">AV unveiled a completely redesigned logo as the capstone of its three-year-long comprehensive rebrand. The new look, which will include a single logo for the university and its athletics program, asserts George Mason’s emerging identity as a national top 50 public university and Virginia’s top-ranked university for innovation and upward mobility, as well as the commonwealth’s largest, most innovative, and most diverse university.</span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>The ongoing rebrand signals George Mason’s convention-defying rise to become a leading national public research university by expanding access to excellence through an unwavering commitment to inclusive innovation. The rebrand rollout began in 2021, with preparations to mark 50 years of George Mason as a university in 2022 with updated brand narrative that proclaims the university’s distinct approach to education as <em>All Together Different</em>. The logo system now matches this brand language.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>“Higher education in America is at an inflection point, with families having a harder time finding a top-quality, affordable college education at a university that will actually admit them,” said George </span></span></span><a href="https://president.gmu.edu/about/biography"><span><span><span>Mason President Gregory Washington</span></span></span></a><span><span><span>. “George Mason has always offered these things, but few families know of this value because our brand and message have not been adequately heard. This new look is our reintroduction to the community, and a symbol of our commitment to the fundamentals: outstanding and rigorous academics, pragmatic career preparation and internships, flexibility and value, and an atmosphere of belonging for everyone.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <div alt="video about new George Mason logo" style="min-width: 50%;"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-video-embed-field field--type-video-embed-field field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="video-embed-field-provider-youtube video-embed-field-responsive-video"><iframe width="854" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l0J1fPOpGIU?autoplay=0&start=0&rel=0"></iframe> </div> </div> </div> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>George Mason has grown from a small regional college in the 1970s into the youngest institution ever to earn Carnegie Tier 1 research university status, as well as Virginia’s top-ranked university for such high-demand and varied disciplines as cybersecurity, business entrepreneurship, homeland security, criminology, and forensic sciences. It also established Virginia’s first </span></span></span><a href="https://computing.gmu.edu/"><span><span><span>School of Computing</span></span></span></a><span><span><span> in 2021 and its first </span></span></span><a href="https://publichealth.gmu.edu/"><span><span><span>College of Public Health</span></span></span></a><span><span><span> in 2023.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>“Our new brand crystallizes our identity as a great equalizer—a university committed to inclusive acceptance over exclusive status, and the promise of broad access to a top 50 university experience,” Washington said. “We take great pride in opening our doors wider the higher we climb in prestige. That’s what we mean by <em>All Together Different</em>.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>“George Mason has always boxed above its weight in Northern Virginia and D.C., and it needs an identity system to compete in the most competitive higher education market in the nation,” said Horace Blackman, rector of George Mason’s Board of Visitors. “This identity system brings George Mason shoulder-to-shoulder with leading brands in higher education.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>The new look also fixes several operational challenges with the existing logo system, and visuals that were difficult to maintain consistently across the university’s complex academic environment. All university units will now use a single, streamlined logo system.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>“I am thrilled that George Mason Athletics will lead the charge to a unified look that reflects the modern character of this great university,” said Marvin Lewis, assistant vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “George Mason Athletics develops true scholar-athletes and serves as the front porch of the university, so it’s important to promote one consistent identity to unify our community.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/2024-04/athletic-photo-brand-double.jpg" width="1000" height="667" alt="two student-athletes in new uniforms" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>George Mason student-athletes Lauren Splett, women’s tennis, and Dean Johnson, track and field, modeled the new logo. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Input gathered from faculty and staff, students, parents, alumni, donors, and community leaders confirmed that George Mason is “All Together Different,” and in need of a new logo system to unify the community. The new look features clean lines and open ends, symbolizing multiple entry points and pathways to success. An interior gold shape hugged by green on both sides depicts the university's signature diversity and inclusivity. The clean lines represent the university’s efficiency and pragmatism.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>The familiar green and gold color palette remains, paying homage to the university’s origins, as those school colors were voted on by students in the late 1960s. However, bolder shades will be adopted to signify its confidence as a rising national leader.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>The “GM” monogram distinguishes the university as the world's only university to use those initials in its logo and recognizes that the broader community commonly refers to the university as “George Mason,” not just “Mason” and no longer “GMU.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>“This is a new look for a new era with new expectations of American higher education,” said Paul Allvin, vice president and chief brand officer at George Mason. “The rebrand reintroduces Mason as elite yet never elitist, prestigious yet eminently accessible, confident in blazing a fundamentally new path for public higher education in the 21st century and beyond.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>The change to the new look is planned to happen over time and is being accomplished without additional university spending. Over the next two years, assets that can be converted at no cost, like digital displays, will be converted first, followed by branded materials that naturally run out periodically and are already budgeted for replacement. Durable assets including external signage will be paid for by reallocation of existing budgets within the Office of University Branding.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><em>Below is an example of how the individual units will look in a new two-tiered logo strategy.  </em></p> <div class="align-center"> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/medium/public/2024-04/GM-unitlogo-stacked_0.png?itok=VoQp1-u9" width="560" height="375" alt="individual unit brand logo examples" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="8d68bcbc-1afe-463d-bdff-7d3ae203ebdc" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="4f2b338a-0a22-4594-af36-82ad29c40724" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="115ff0f4-c3fd-4224-92c1-603b22561ca0" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="0c762aae-f575-401d-928b-d5606a3061d9" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="eb988660-5535-4a4e-8855-2084ed62052f" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="9550bdb8-d5f8-4940-b3e4-a895be50becc" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:feature_image" data-inline-block-uuid="a1410057-c837-4f1f-beca-738a983e89b4" class="block block-feature-image block-layout-builder block-inline-blockfeature-image caption-below"> <div class="feature-image"> <div class="narrow-overlaid-image"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_medium/public/2023-07/1.png?itok=i7iiKAdz" srcset="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_small/public/2023-07/1.png?itok=gPwpqoNE 768w, /sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_medium/public/2023-07/1.png?itok=i7iiKAdz 1024w, /sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_large/public/2023-07/1.png?itok=jNMZzKgm 1280w, " sizes="(min-width: 1024px) 80vw,100vw" alt="" "" /></div> </div> </div><div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="c1ae1df2-8cf6-4d06-a8e9-8e1eb52edfc0" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h4>Go behind the scenes to learn about our growth and journey to modernize George Mason's brand identity</h4> <div class="align-center" style="min-width: 50%;"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-video-embed-field field--type-video-embed-field field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="video-embed-field-provider-youtube video-embed-field-responsive-video"><iframe width="854" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T6ecj071fng?autoplay=0&start=0&rel=0"></iframe> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="95255420-8acb-40d5-8c00-dddbc3fcffd8" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:feature_image" data-inline-block-uuid="47a46bc1-8b46-4f32-92e9-4d5b98e9b117" class="block block-feature-image block-layout-builder block-inline-blockfeature-image caption-below"> <div class="feature-image"> <div class="narrow-overlaid-image"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_medium/public/2023-07/1.png?itok=i7iiKAdz" srcset="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_small/public/2023-07/1.png?itok=gPwpqoNE 768w, /sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_medium/public/2023-07/1.png?itok=i7iiKAdz 1024w, /sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_large/public/2023-07/1.png?itok=jNMZzKgm 1280w, " sizes="(min-width: 1024px) 80vw,100vw" alt="" "" /></div> </div> </div><div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="c4740488-046d-4c3c-a370-fc26332cb5a0" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="c0331f0f-c951-455e-84b4-4ac3d40a9340" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="ffc142c3-c8ab-484b-8bd6-c5a68ab5741b" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:feature_image" data-inline-block-uuid="878a31d1-4a5f-44ca-ac5e-85f32b9665d8" class="block block-feature-image block-layout-builder block-inline-blockfeature-image caption-below"> <div class="feature-image"> <div class="narrow-overlaid-image"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_medium/public/2024-04/7ce51f2a529c57f84c11eae3.png?itok=iM-wKuPn" srcset="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_small/public/2024-04/7ce51f2a529c57f84c11eae3.png?itok=5PlF8b5y 768w, /sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_medium/public/2024-04/7ce51f2a529c57f84c11eae3.png?itok=iM-wKuPn 1024w, /sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_large/public/2024-04/7ce51f2a529c57f84c11eae3.png?itok=jJTRlxXn 1280w, " sizes="(min-width: 1024px) 80vw,100vw" alt="Brand Guidelines Creative. Check out new brand guide." /></div> </div> </div><div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="7ab02523-2a6b-4b66-9fea-b8417431de9e" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h4>Check out the new Brand Guide</h4> <p>The toolkit, editorial guide, and other tips for sharing Mason's new look and feel are available here. <a href="https://brand.gmu.edu/" title="Brand Guidelines">Take a look</a>.</p> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="6e1ec03d-4f9b-439b-b8ae-4515763f28bb" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="a2e1e1f7-52f8-42b7-8aa8-03662306de7f" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:feature_image" data-inline-block-uuid="99b2542f-bd98-4736-80a8-183f62ec550c" class="block block-feature-image block-layout-builder block-inline-blockfeature-image caption-below"> <div class="feature-image"> <div class="narrow-overlaid-image"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_medium/public/2023-07/1.png?itok=i7iiKAdz" srcset="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_small/public/2023-07/1.png?itok=gPwpqoNE 768w, /sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_medium/public/2023-07/1.png?itok=i7iiKAdz 1024w, /sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/feature_image_large/public/2023-07/1.png?itok=jNMZzKgm 1280w, " sizes="(min-width: 1024px) 80vw,100vw" alt="" "" /></div> </div> </div><div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="b1ecfa41-daf9-4858-ba49-bc693a78ee63" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><table><tbody><tr><td> <h4>You have questions? We have answers</h4> </td> </tr></tbody></table><p>Want to know how to use the new logo in materials? Find out what's changing and how you can boost the new brand in the <a href="https://gmu.bynder.com/guidelines/guide/bd8609ea-3e1d-4346-91ac-1cb9e47bff9b/page/5dcc84f3-a92c-4a2e-805b-21c5e1717376" title="FAQ - General Brand Questions">FAQ</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">Campus News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/15871" hreflang="en">Office of University Branding</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/761" hreflang="en">Mason Athletics</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 24 Apr 2024 18:03:05 +0000 Colleen Rich 111771 at These pathbreaking teams give a new look and feel to Mason’s public spaces /news/2023-04/these-pathbreaking-teams-give-new-look-and-feel-masons-public-spaces <span>These pathbreaking teams give a new look and feel to Mason’s public spaces</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/271" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Lauren Reuscher</span></span> <span>Thu, 04/20/2023 - 12:13</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p>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.</p> <p>The Patriot Pathbreakers Award recipients will be recognized with other faculty and staff honorees at Mason’s Outstanding Achievement Awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 25, from 10–11:30 a.m. in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall. The ceremony will also be live streamed on GMU-TV; the link to watch the ceremony is posted on the <a href="https://hr.gmu.edu/reward-and-recognition/formal-recognition/outstanding-achievement-awards/">Outstanding Achievement Awards website</a>.</p> <hr /><h2><span><span><span><span><span>Creative Services, Office of University Branding</span></span></span></span></span></h2> <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/medium/public/2023-04/220407039_0.jpg?itok=8p3avfV3" width="560" height="373" alt="A female student takes a selfie in the Johnson Center atrium at Mason's 50th anniversary celebration" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Creative Services designed the signage and banners displayed at Mason's 50th anniversary celebration in the Johnson Center. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Team members: </span></span></strong><span><span>Ron Aira, Claire Brandt, Melissa Cannarozzi, Evan Cantwell, Priyanka Champaneri, Joan Dall’Acqua, Brian Edlinski, Sierra Guard, Rebecca Kobayashi, Jeeun Namgoong, Kerianne Plunkett, Michaela Reilly, DeRon Rockingham, Corey Schaut, Rebecca Siddon, Azriel Towner</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>The </span></span><a href="https://oub.gmu.edu/creative-services"><span><span>Creative Services</span></span></a><span><span> team provides creative support, brand stewardship, resources, and consulting to departments, schools, and colleges across Mason. This team of graphic designers, writers, editors, photographers, videographers, and production staff creates materials that capture and convey the university’s brand to internal and external audiences.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><a href="https://50th.gmu.edu/">Mason’s 50th anniversary celebration</a> was one of the team's biggest projects to date.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>“The 50th anniversary was a momentous occasion in Mason’s history, and Creative Services was tasked with creating materials that both celebrated Mason’s past while also generating excitement in our community toward the future,” wrote a nominator. “The production staff researched new and innovative media and delivery methods to mark the anniversary in ways that Mason had never showcased before, including large-scale environmental advertising.” </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Creative Services helped set the scene for the anniversary celebration with window <a>clings</a> on Mason buildings, new light pole banners, sidewalk stickers, column wraps in EagleBank Arena, staircase decals, and more. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Through a cohesive campaign of print, digital, and large-scale environmental collateral, Creative Services succeeded in creating an environment that celebrated Mason’s 50th anniversary and generated excitement and energy about the university’s next 50 years—and beyond. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>“The 50th anniversary celebration was an all-in effort for every team in the Office of University Branding, and the work of the Creative Services team was absolutely pivotal to our success,” said Paul Allvin, vice president and chief brand officer. “From designing the now-familiar event graphics to giving the celebration both graphics and audiovisual excitement, the work of this team helped to make this university-wide celebration an unqualified success.”</span></span></span></span></span></p> <hr /><h2><span><span><span><span><span>Mason Square Plaza Activation Initiative </span></span></span></span></span></h2> <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/medium/public/2023-04/220408800.jpg?itok=g1IYmaoj" width="560" height="373" alt="Photo of a group of adults and children gathered on the plaza at Mason Square, with small green tent that says University Life. The children are blowing bubbles and playing" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Mason students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered for a concert on the plaza at Mason Square. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Team members: </span></span></strong><span><span>Toni Andrews, Kenneth Darby, Margaret Duke, Sophie Gorshenin, Sara Hawes, Cathy Pinskey, Colin Stucki, Melissa Thierry</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>The <a>Mason Square plaza</a> activation initiative focused on the outdoor programming space at AV’s campus in Arlington, Virginia. With the construction of </span></span><a href="https://masonsquare.gmu.edu/innovate/fuse-mason-square"><span><span>Fuse at Mason Square</span></span></a><span><span> underway—which will add more than 345,000 square feet of space to the campus—vibrant new programming has already arrived on the plaza, making it a lively gathering place for the campus and nearby community.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>The launch and continued success of </span></span><a href="https://ulmasonsquare.gmu.edu/plaza/"><span><span>new public programming on the plaza</span></span></a><span><span> is due to the work of a collaborative team of staff from University Life, Mason Square Administration, Facilities, and the Office of Community and Local Government Relations.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>The activation project was modeled after a similar project at Bryant Park in New York City, with a goal of turning <a>Mason Square’s plaza</a> into a gathering place that would revitalize its neighborhood, offering free events and activities for the community. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2023-04/220825523_thumb_0.jpg?itok=yqzc7yql" width="350" height="233" alt="Two men are sitting together at a table on the plaza at Mason Square playing chess. A third man is standing next to the table looking at the game board. In the background, the front of the building says AV" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Chess game on the plaza at Mason Square. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span>The schedule includes exercise classes, musical performances, a farmers’ market, informal speakers, and more. The team did not have a manual or a guidebook when building this initiative, a nominator wrote. They learned as they went along. They visited Bryant Park to see ideas in action. They followed their instincts and tested ideas to discover what would work best for Mason and the local neighborhood.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>By turning the plaza into a lively gathering place, they are helping establish Mason as an anchor for the local community.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>“Mason is always looking for innovative pathways to engage our community partners,” said Paul Liberty, vice president for government and community relations. “With the plaza activation and the development of Fuse at Mason Square, Mason students and staff and the Arlington community are coming together for a unique experience due to the efforts and creativity of this partnership. The Mason Square plaza activation team has brought Mason to the community and the community to Mason.”</span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17911" hreflang="en">Outstanding Achievement Awards</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7436" hreflang="en">Patriot Pathbreakers Award</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17671" hreflang="en">Human Resources</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/15406" hreflang="en">Mason Square</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/15871" hreflang="en">Office of University Branding</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2306" hreflang="en">Office of Community and Local Government Relations</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/6826" hreflang="en">Facilities</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/366" hreflang="en">University Life</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/14441" hreflang="en">Masonat50</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Thu, 20 Apr 2023 16:13:35 +0000 Lauren Reuscher 105106 at Mariam Aburdeineh is July Employee of the Month /news/2022-07/mariam-aburdeineh-july-employee-month <span>Mariam Aburdeineh is July Employee of the Month</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/231" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Colleen Rich</span></span> <span>Fri, 07/01/2022 - 11:16</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">There are many things about the atmosphere around higher education that attract Mariam Aburdeineh—the diversity of opinions and the striving to make the world a better place among them, she said.</span></p> <p><span><span><span>“I just think it’s really cool that we all get to support that environment, and also to be part of it with all these opportunities to learn and grow,” she added.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Aburdeineh, a communications manager in AV’s Office of University Branding, has certainly done that at the university.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Not only does she write for the university website, The George newsletter, and Mason Spirit magazine, she pitches stories to outside media and has become invaluable as manager of President Gregory Washington’s Twitter account and the AV News account.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Aburdeineh expanded her storytelling capabilities by teaching herself to use Adobe Premiere so she could help produce the quick-hitting engagement videos that spotlight Mason programs, and then organized a Zoom call in which she taught others. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>For her tireless work, Aburdeineh is July Employee of the Month.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>“It was really surprising and really touching,” she said of the recognition. “It makes me appreciate the people I work with even more. We’ve got a really great team. For them to recognize me and recognize one another is really uplifting.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Aburdeineh, who graduated from Mason with a BA in communication in 2013, began working at Mason in 2018. She quickly earned a reputation as a hard worker and an easy collaborator with an “I’m ready to help” attitude.</span></span></span></p> <figure class="quote"><span><span><span>“I am particularly impressed with her calm and pleasant demeanor,” said Robin Parker, Mason’s assistant vice president for communications. “She has this sort of unflappable kindness that may not be required to accomplish her job, but sure does add to the team and the level of collegiality both in and outside our office.”</span></span></span></figure><p><span><span><span>“The best coworker in the world,” said Colleen Kearney Rich, Mason Spirit’s managing editor. “She makes my job easier and improves the quality of the storytelling in the magazine and across the university.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Aburdeineh is still moving forward at Mason, as she is pursuing her master’s degree in education with a concentration in curriculum and instruction.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>“It’s just a child-like curiosity to learn,” she said. “I like learning because it keeps it exciting.”</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Besides, she said, “I’m a nerd. I’ve always liked school.”</span></span></span></p> <h4><span><span><span><strong><span><span><span>How you got to Mason</span></span></span></strong><span><span><span>:</span></span></span></span></span></span></h4> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Returning to Mason was more of a homecoming. After graduating, I spent five years doing communications at local and national nonprofits, and was looking for a new opportunity. I thought working at Mason would be exciting, so when I saw the opening and found it to be a good fit, I applied.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <h4><span><span><span><strong><span><span><span>Best day on the job</span></span></span></strong><span><span><span>:</span></span></span></span></span></span></h4> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Any day where I’m somewhere new or on location for a story. I loved going behind the scenes at the National Zoo to learn about </span></span></span><span><a href="/news/2021-12/smithsonian-mason-team-keeps-watch-so-elephants-can-doze-0" target="_blank"><span><span>elephant conservation</span></span></a></span><span><span><span> and </span></span></span><span><a href="/news/2018-12/wild-dc-mason-student-smithsonian-scientist-set-camera-traps-study-city-wildlife" target="_blank"><span><span>city wildlife</span></span></a></span><span><span><span>, writing about </span></span></span><span><a href="/news/2019-12/red-pandas-red-alert-mason-student-alumni-conduct-research-save-endangered-species" target="_blank"><span><span>red pandas and the Mason team</span></span></a></span><span><span><span> that’s helping keep them off the endangered list, learning about </span></span></span><span><a href="/news/2020-01/undergraduate-helps-preserve-american-ginseng-help-smithsonian" target="_blank"><span><span>American ginseng at an apothecary</span></span></a></span><span><span><span>, and reporting on Vice President Kamala Harris’ </span></span></span><span><a href="/news/2021-09/vice-president-kamala-harris-encourages-mason-students-get-out-vote" target="_blank"><span><span>campus visit</span></span></a></span><span><span><span> and when </span></span></span><span><a href="/news/2018-10/five-supreme-court-justices-join-masons-law-school-honor-antonin-scalia" target="_blank"><span><span>five Supreme Court Justices</span></span></a></span><span><span><span> came to campus. I also randomly met a </span></span></span><span><a href="/news/2019-12/fighting-bolivian-democracy-mason-senior-rises-leader" target="_blank"><span><span>cousin of mine from Bolivia</span></span></a></span><span><span><span> I never knew existed while reporting at Mason. That was surreal and really cool.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <h4><span><span><span><strong><span><span><span>What you like best about working at Mason</span></span></span></strong><span><span><span>:</span></span></span></span></span></span></h4> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>I’m always learning something new and being inspired by the work of our students and professors. I also enjoy attending events on campus, and taking advantage of campus resources, like workshops at </span></span></span><span><a href="https://www.mix.gmu.edu/" target="_blank"><span><span>The MIX</span></span></a></span><span><span><span>. Mason students have access to unparalleled opportunities, and I feel I experience the same.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <h4><span><span><span><strong><span><span><span>What you do when you are not working</span></span></span></strong><span><span><span>:</span></span></span></span></span></span></h4> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Hanging out with my awesome husband, family, and friends, and exploring hidden gems in Washington, D.C. Lately I’ve been highly motivated to learn Arabic—you can catch me playing Duolingo, reading books or watching movies in the language. I also enjoy playing piano, learning ukulele and guitar, and drawing and painting.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1516" hreflang="en">Employee of the Month</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1591" hreflang="en">Human Resources and Payroll</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/15871" hreflang="en">Office of University Branding</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Fri, 01 Jul 2022 15:16:42 +0000 Colleen Rich 71951 at Mason’s Office of University Branding earns two Silver Telly Awards /news/2022-05/masons-office-university-branding-earns-two-silver-telly-awards <span>Mason’s Office of University Branding earns two Silver Telly Awards</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/231" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Colleen Rich</span></span> <span>Thu, 05/26/2022 - 08:56</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span><span><span>Two videos produced by AV’s Office of University Branding (OUB) earned 2022 Silver Telly Awards. </span></span></span></p> <div class="align-right"> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/2022-05/Silver-Telly-2018%20copy.jpg" width="300" height="200" alt="award and logo for Telly Awards" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <p><span><span><span>The Telly Awards honor excellence in video and television across all screens. Founded in 1979, the awards showcase work created on behalf of a client, for a specific brand or company, or self-directed creative endeavors.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>“Haiti Is My Roots,” produced by videographer Chase Martin, won in the Online General-Public Interest/Awareness category. It tells the story of women’s soccer standout Dacheka Kolcum’s efforts to help her homeland in the wake of the Aug. 14, 2021, earthquake there. Kolcum, a sport management major, was born in Haiti and lived there until she was adopted by her American family at age 6. She lives in Leesburg but her connection to Haiti remains strong, and she raised $5,500 for earthquake relief through her GoFundMe.  <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IOUPbxdkH4"><span>See her story here.</span></a> <a href="/news/2021-09/masons-dacheka-kolcum-has-special-place-her-heart-her-native-haiti"><span>Read more about her</span></a><span>.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Mason’s 50th Anniversary video won in the general-online category. In addition to Martin, the following staff members contributed to the video</span></span></span></p> <ul><li><span><span><span>Executive Director, Creative and Brand: Audra Meckstroth</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>Editorial Manager: Priyanka Champaneri </span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>Production Coordinator and Digital Collections Manager: Melissa Cannarozzi</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>Marketing Coordinator: Stacy D'Angelo</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>Associate Creative Director: Joan Dall'Acqua</span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span>Associate Vice President, Brand Marketing: Eric Woodall</span></span></span></li> </ul><p><span><span><span>The celebratory video debuted at Mason’s 2022 Homecoming men’s basketball game on Feb. 12 and served as the official kick off to the year-long celebration of Mason’s 50th anniversary as an independent institution of higher education in the commonwealth. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwhfHwynBdw&t=2s">See the video here</a>.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>“These awards represent hours of hard work from across the OUB team, including those that worked behind the scenes to make these efforts a success, and are a sign of Mason's commitment to powerful storytelling and brand building,” Meckstroth said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The Telly Awards were founded in 1979 to honor excellence in local, regional and cable television commercials with nonbroadcast video and television programming added soon after. With the recent evolution and rise of digital video (web series, VR, 360 and beyond), the Telly Awards today also reflects and celebrates this exciting new era of the moving image on and offline. There were more than 12,000 entries from the United States and five continents across all categories for this year’s awards.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/15871" hreflang="en">Office of University Branding</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Thu, 26 May 2022 12:56:28 +0000 Colleen Rich 70591 at