Advancement

Off the Clock: Kristina Ryder keeps calm and sings on

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 17:51:34 +0000

Off the Clock: Kristina Ryder keeps calm and sings on Lauren Reuscher Wed, 10/30/2024 - 13:51

Kristina Ryder has worked as an administrative specialist in ��AV’s Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations for almost two years, where she supports the Advancement communications team.

Outside work, Ryder has spent time on the basketball court at EagleBank Arena—but not shooting free throws. Ryder is a singer, and she has performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at sporting events at George Mason and beyond.

Kristina Ryder performs the national anthem at a Washington Mystics game. Photo by Monumental Sports

In addition to performing at George Mason basketball, soccer, and volleyball games, Ryder has taken her voice to the pros, performing at NBA and WNBA games. Her latest performances were at a Washington Mystics game in September and a Washington Wizards game in October. She first performed at professional sporting events in 2023.

Ryder feels like she’s been training for this her whole life. “I started singing when I was 2 years old,” Ryder said. “Everyone in my family calls me ‘the songbird.’”

Her talent developed at church plays, school events, talent shows, and around the house. Now, Ryder sings at church, weddings, and more. Her favorite genres to sing are gospel, R&B, and soul.

“I never thought I would perform for the NBA and WNBA in a million years,” Ryder said. “I always pray and ask God to open new doors and create opportunities for me to showcase my talent, and he answers my prayers every time. I am so thankful and humbled.”

Some people might feel anxious standing before a crowded arena, but Ryder thrives on it. “No words describe how amazing I feel right before I sing,” Ryder said. She describes it as “calm adrenaline.” Ryder never feels nervous when singing, and she loves seeing a full house.

The hardest part can be waiting for an opportunity to perform. “I have learned that patience is a virtue, and waiting on gigs takes time,” Ryder said. “No matter how long I must wait for an opportunity, I believe it will come at the perfect time.”

Kristina Ryder works in the Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations, and she is also pursuing a master's in school counseling. Photo by Monumental Sports

In addition to her day job and her singing, Ryder stays busy as a graduate student at George Mason. She is pursuing a master’s in school counseling and hopes to work with elementary school students someday.

The common thread between her singing and her professional goals? Inspiring others. “I look forward to inspiring and advocating for children and their needs,” Ryder said.

Catch Ryder’s next performance of the national anthem at the George Mason men’s basketball season opener on Monday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. in EagleBank Arena.

Topics

Off the Clock

Faculty and Staff News

Advancement

Mason men's basketball

Diana Parkinson is August Employee of the Month

Colleen Rich — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 18:53:18 +0000

Diana Parkinson is August Employee of the Month Colleen Rich Fri, 08/04/2023 - 14:53

Colleagues describe Diana Parkinson as a self-starter, a joy to work with, and the ultimate teammate. An engagement officer in ��AV’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations, Parkinson works to connect alumni with event, volunteer, and philanthropic opportunities across campus. For her innovation, dedication, and championing of student success, Parkinson has been recognized as August Employee of the Month.

President Washington with August Employee of the Month Diana Parkinson. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

“I’ve worked with Diana for more than five years as colleagues and over the last year as her supervisor,” said Zavin Smith, director of development. “Diana is an excellent example of a compassionate, collaborative and collegial colleague.”

“Her commitment to the betterment of the advancement processes, thorough attention to detail, and limitless energy has caused her to be one the most depended upon team members,” said Jeff Danaher, director of development, university priorities.

“Diana has a great work ethic,” said Kira Woitek, director of development, individual giving, in the College of Engineering and Computing. “She has a great ability to get tasks done in a professional and timely manner.”

“Despite the overwhelming amount of work that everyone has to do, Diana consistently finds ways to help coworkers and the other departments on campus,” said Nikki Jerome Ouellette, director of alumni and community engagement, College of Humanities and Social Sciences. “Her willingness to assist others and her commitment to educating Mason employees are unequaled.”

“From my initial connection with her in my [Alumni Association] role to our connections with my role in the university within the School of Business, Diana makes a point to proactively connect and provide updates,” said Christine Landoll, president of Mason’s Alumni Association and director of business engagement in the School of Business.

“Even amidst a busy schedule full of competing priorities, Diana remains positive, professional, and is always a joy to work with,” said Kaitlin Cicchetti, director of advancement for University Life. “She is passionate about the success of our students and motivated daily to do all she can to enhance their experiences.”

How did you come to Mason:

After moving back to Northern Virginia, I decided two things—I needed to get rid of my long commute, and I missed working in a higher ed advancement shop. Mason turned out to be the right place and have the perfect role for me at the time!

Best day on the job:

I know it's cliche but I can't pick just one. My favorite moments tend to involve knowing my work has helped a student or encouraged a donor. Other highlights: when colleagues turn into friends!

What do you like best about working at Mason:

Life-work balance. My supervisors at Mason have been so supportive through different life changes and events over the years.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

I enjoy cooking for my family, volunteering at church, making my baby laugh, and watching my toddler play every sport under the sun. I've also been learning how to sew over the past few years and am proud to say I made my own bathing suit last year!

Are you an alum of Mason?:

Yes, I earned my graduate certificate of nonprofit management in 2021, thanks to our tuition reimbursement benefit.

Topics

Faculty and Staff News

Employee of the Month

Human Resources

Advancement

Alumni

Mason salutes its faculty and staff donors with appreciation—and breakfast

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 17:13:11 +0000

Mason salutes its faculty and staff donors with appreciation—and breakfast Lauren Reuscher Thu, 03/02/2023 - 12:13

Faculty and Staff Donor Breakfast in Dewberry Hall. Photo by Sean Kelly Photography

On February 14, ��AV community members were served breakfast and gratitude at the Faculty and Staff Donor Breakfast held in honor of employees who had donated to university fundraising initiatives over the past year.

The Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations hosted the event on the Fairfax Campus for these community members who, in the words of Mason President Gregory Washington, had “doubled down on Mason, as professionals and donors.”

In a video message, Washington noted that while most people do not give back to the institutions where they work, the assembled Mason faculty and staff were among the more than 800 community members "who chose to support our students and our university with a personal charitable gift.”

Photo by Sean Kelly Photography

“This is the A-Team,” said Provost and Executive Vice President Mark Ginsberg. “You are ambassadors, advocates, and allies…you make a great university even greater.” Donations to Mason fund research and bring innovation in teaching methods and technology to campus, he noted, resulting in a lasting impact felt by current students as well as for students of the future.

Trishana Bowden, president of the ��AV Foundation and vice president for advancement and alumni relations, stressed the importance of this generosity for Mason’s students.

“As Virginia’s largest public research institution, we serve a student body that represents diversity of all kinds, and expanding opportunities for students in financial need is a fundamental part of our mission,” she said.

Photo by Sean Kelly Photography

Gifts from faculty and staff directly affect student financial aid, academics, research, community services, and other resources across campus, she said, adding, “you are literally making a difference in the lives of our students and our university.”

To close the program, Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations Jenn Robinson thanked the assembled guests for their help in supporting the Mason students who are “at the heart of our great university and the work all of us do each day.”

“It all matters,” she said, “and in the end, allows us to provide our students with a world-class education so they are prepared to leave here and change the world.”

Topics

Faculty and Staff News

Advancement

Alumni

Giving

Advancement

Off the Clock: Kristina Ryder keeps calm and sings on

Read more faculty and staff news

More Like This

Topics

Diana Parkinson is August Employee of the Month

Topics

Mason salutes its faculty and staff donors with appreciation—and breakfast

Topics