Mason Now campaign

Historic gift speaks volumes about George Mason’s Forensics Team

Colleen Rich — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 17:34:55 +0000

Historic gift speaks volumes about George Mason’s Forensics Team Colleen Rich Fri, 08/23/2024 - 13:34

Decades of success for the ��AV Forensics Team are being rewarded through a landmark gift from Bruce Manchester and his partner and husband of 46 years, James “Fred” Emory. During Manchester’s tenure as director of forensics at George Mason, students won more than 10,000 individual and team awards in intercollegiate competition.

This historic planned gift from Manchester and Emory is the largest commitment to date pledged by a George Mason faculty member.

Professor Emeritus Bruce Manchester stands next to a photo of himself in the Horizon Hall exhibit: "Past, Present, Future: Mason's Core Remains Constant." Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding

Their gift will establish endowments to support the nationally recognized team in perpetuity. The pledge, in the form of a future bequest, will create endowed funds to support the positions of program director and assistant director, as well as provide lasting student support to the program through an existing endowed fund. Creating endowed faculty positions helps attract the best professors in the nation to George Mason to teach and lead this prestigious program.

“I could not have asked for a more rewarding career than I had at George Mason. I know how incredibly valuable the forensics program is to students, and I simply want to give back as much as I can to that program,” Manchester said. “As an educator, I want to make sure that George Mason students will always have the opportunity for a strong forensics education.”

Manchester arrived at George Mason in 1975, a time when the young university was eager to find exemplars of success to establish its reputation and credibility. He served as the director of the forensics program from 1975 through 1993, aided by assistant director Sheryl Friedley. The named endowed faculty positions honor Manchester, the George Mason team’s longest serving director, and Friedley, the team’s longest serving assistant director.

“I came here because I was fascinated by the idea of the challenge that George Mason was offering,” recalls Manchester, who is now retired and living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “Here was a chance to be on the ground floor in a place that didn’t even have a communication degree, and to be directly involved in developing the degree program.”

Sheryl Friedley and Bruce Manchester, holding the trophy, and the winning Forensics Team members celebrate their national championship victory in 1979. Photo provided

The previous forensics director, Margaret Duffner, who started the program, had been affectionately called “Ma” by her students, Manchester says. “So when I got there, the team decided to call me ‘Doc’ since I had a PhD and was too young to be called ‘Pa’!”

Together, Manchester and Friedley put George Mason forensics in the national spotlight, winning the East Coast Championship an extraordinary 18 consecutive years. George Mason finished in the national top five for 16 of those years, including winning the American Forensic Association national championship in 1979. The pair coached a total of 119 national finalists.

Remarkably, the teams achieved these results even though at least half the team members over the years had no previous forensics experience, Manchester said. “In all the years I was director, we did not have a single student on scholarship for forensics. They were just regular students—they would see our recruiting signs on campus and decide to give it a try.”

“Forensics made them better speakers, better writers. They got better at their academics, their time management,” said Manchester. “If they were willing to put in the work and grow, I was willing to work with them. And I’m very proud of what they did and were able to achieve.”

Professor Emeritus Bruce Manchester (seated) gets a standing ovation at the Forensics Program's 50th anniversary celebration. Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding

“Cocurricular programs such as George Mason’s Forensics Team give students the opportunity to learn and collaborate across disciplines, to uncover insights and gain rich experiences that will contribute to their success after graduation,” said Ann Ardis, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. “This extraordinary commitment from Manchester and Emory represents the ideals of how philanthropy can support teaching, students, and programs, to ensure support over generations.”

In the years since, the Forensics Team has continued its outstanding showings and is currently under the direction of Dawn Lowry.

After stepping down as forensics director, Manchester continued as a full-time faculty member in the Department of Communication through 2004, serving as associate chair. He was twice named Faculty Member of the Year by the ��AV Alumni Association and also received George Mason’s David J. King Teaching Award, among other honors. The Communication Department’s student award for outstanding academic achievement is also named in his honor.

For more than 20 years, Manchester was the vice chair of the American Forensic Association’s National Speech Tournament (AFA-NST) Committee. In 2004, the association permanently renamed its annual scholarly research grant as the Dr. Bruce Manchester Scholar Series.

Many of his Forensics Team members remain in touch with Manchester to this day. “Whether you were new to the team or a four-year veteran, the expectations were the same, and you were valued the same,” Manchester said. “We had a saying: ‘The most important thing is not to win, but to struggle.’ That was a motto we lived by. I wanted my students not necessarily to win, but to struggle—both on the team, and in the classroom. And if you do, I promise you that success will come from that.”

For 50 years, the team members have had as their highest goal a top five team award at the national championship. Manchester added, “As a result, teammates learn to count on each other, to help and support each other. The strength of George Mason’s Forensics Team is definitely its camaraderie.”

The gift from Manchester and Emory was announced at a reunion event marking 50 years of the forensics program at George Mason, which was attended by more than 140 alumni who traveled from 16 states and overseas.

“I feel so incredibly blessed to have experienced a career path and location for my work that was so fulfilling,” Manchester said.

Learn more

Topics

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Golf classic has been supporting student success for almost 30 years

Colleen Rich — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 17:44:28 +0000

Golf classic has been supporting student success for almost 30 years Colleen Rich Tue, 06/25/2024 - 13:44

On June 10, 2024, more than 110 golfers came together at Westfields Golf Club to support first-generation students through ��AV’s Diversity Scholarship Golf Classic.

From left, Richard McGruder, Ron Bagga, Chris DiLiberto and Sandy Spring Bank's Marcus Perry at the Diversity Golf Classic. Photo by Warren Spears

A summer highlight for nearly 30 years, the annual tournament, which is presented by George Mason’s University Life division, has raised more than $850,000 in scholarship funds for students in the Early Identification Program (EIP) and the Student Transition Empowerment Program (STEP).

“It’s a longstanding tradition,” said Lewis E. Forrest II, BA ’96, MA ’05, associate dean of University Life. “A lot of good folks put their arms around it, helping out in a lot of different ways to get people out here for EIP and STEP.”

EIP welcomes rising eighth-grade students from seven school districts in Northern Virginia, who participate throughout high school in year-round, multi-year mentoring, tutoring, STEM enrichment, and other support designed to aid in their academic and personal success, preparation for college, and career readiness. Students who graduate from EIP following 12th grade receive automatic acceptance to George Mason (provided they meet the requirements for enrollment); in the 2024 EIP class, 97% of the students enrolled in higher education. George Mason currently has 170 EIP graduates among its students.

George Mason alum Enrique Carrero shared his experiences with EIP at the event. Photo by Warren Spears

STEP, a multi-year bridge program within George Mason’s First-Gen+ Center, was created to enhance the recruitment, engagement, and retention of first-generation college students accepted to George Mason. Incoming university students spend six weeks on campus prior to their first fall semester, where they earn three college credits and build a network of peers, faculty, and staff. As they move into the academic year, students receive continuous support to help them transition to college: academic preparation, leadership, access to resources, mentoring, time management, and community service.

The golfers enjoying the classic included many returning participants. Jim Green, a co-chair of the golf classic and one of the creators of the event, was on hand to compete, along with his wife, Gigi Green, BIS ’00, MA ’09. Green said he appreciates the longevity of this summer tradition.

"A number of people have been coming since the beginning,” said Jim Green, “which speaks to the legacy and also speaks to what the program’s about: We’re concerned about kids and helping them get their education.”

Green’s sentiment was echoed by the enthusiastic philanthropic supporters of the classic.

Annie Bolger is the corporate and client service manager of Sandy Spring Bank and a member of the University Life Advisory Board. “Sandy Spring is very involved in the community in many different ways, and we are very involved with George Mason,” Bolger said.

Sandy Spring Bank has served as the title sponsor of the classic for 14 years—and is a longtime friend to George Mason. This year, it led a group of 56 sponsors, donors, and contributors who helped make the event a success.

“It’s at the heart of who we are as an organization,” said Marcus Perry, Sandy Spring Bank’s senior vice president and regional group sales manager for Virginia and Washington, D.C. “Our mission since the beginning has been to not only serve the financial needs of our communities but also the general needs of our community that we’re in. Our involvement with George Mason is just a natural.”

Jim Green said he looked forward to a beautiful day of golf as well as to next year’s event, the 30th annual outing. “It’s already in our minds,” he said. “We’re recruiting people, talking to folks. Here’s hoping that, by our 30th, we will raise over a million dollars!”

Learn more about the Early Identification Program (EIP)

Learn more

Learn more about STEP

Topics

Campus News

philanthropy

Scholarships

Early Identification Program (EIP)

Student Transition Empowerment Program STEP

Mason Now campaign

Machour’s gift expands support for student scholarships in Mason Korea

Colleen Rich — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 18:10:27 +0000

Machour’s gift expands support for student scholarships in Mason Korea Colleen Rich Thu, 06/20/2024 - 14:10

Building on his ongoing commitment to Mason Korea, advisory board member Sam Machour recently announced a new $60,000 pledge for student scholarships. The announcement was made during the Friends of Mason Korea 10th Anniversary Celebration.

These funds will further strengthen the Sam Machour Scholarship Endowment, which provides financial aid to undergraduate students facing financial hardship. Since 2022, Machour's total contributions to Mason Korea have reached $120,000, reflecting his dedication to educational advancement.

Photo provided

"I am excited to contribute to Mason Korea and its mission," said Sam Machour, CEO of Bio Investments Group AG. “I believe that education is the most powerful tool we have to break the cycle of poverty and create lasting change for students, for communities, and for entire nations—Korea is the best case example. I believe as well that, for those of us who can afford to give back to society, can do great by doing good. I don’t know of any better way to give back than by investing in the education of younger generations.”

Mason Korea Dean Robert Matz expressed his gratitude: "We are incredibly thankful for Sam Machour's continued generosity. This new donation will allow us to support even more students and contribute meaningfully to our community. Mr. Machour serves as a true inspiration to our students, not only through his business achievements but also through his belief in the power of education and the importance of helping others."

Learn more about Mason Korea's 10th Anniversary

Topics

A $5 million gift from the Peterson Family Foundation will support the Center for the Arts transformation

Colleen Rich — Fri, 24 May 2024 16:32:11 +0000

A $5 million gift from the Peterson Family Foundation will support the Center for the Arts transformation Colleen Rich Fri, 05/24/2024 - 12:32

This is the college’s second principal gift toward the university’s one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign, Mason Now: Power the Possible

The Peterson Family Foundation and ��AV’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) announce a transformational gift toward the reimagining of the Center for the Arts on the university’s Fairfax Campus. The $5 million gift will support the modernization and the renaming of the Concert Hall auditorium.

College of Visual and Performing Arts Dean Rick Davis, George Mason Board of Visitors member Jon Peterson, Carolyn Peterson, George Mason Board of Visitors Rector Horace Blackman, George Mason Vice President of Advancement and Alumni Relations Trishana E. Bowden. Photo by Sean Kelley PHotography

“The Peterson Family has stood behind so much of our success in building an exceptional community of artists—students, faculty, and distinguished visiting professionals—at George Mason,” President Gregory Washington said. “This latest expression of visionary generosity makes possible a much-needed reimagination of our beloved Concert Hall, magnifying ��AV’s standing as the artistic and cultural hub of Northern Virginia.”

This gift bolsters the forthcoming capital initiative for the Center for the Arts, which aims to improve and enhance the venue’s ability to support the needs of artists, audiences, and the students and faculty of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. The gift also contributes to Mason Now: Power the Possible—the university’s first one-billion-dollar comprehensive fundraising campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship.

Jon and Carolyn Peterson announced their gift during a special event in Carolyn's home in support of the college’s upcoming annual benefit ARTS by George!.

“Our family’s commitment to this project is a testament to our steadfast support of Mason Arts programs from the earliest days of the Center for the Arts right up to the present,” said Carolyn Peterson. “This gift is significant because we know it will provide our excellent students, world-class visiting artists, and the community of art lovers with a stellar Center for the Arts auditorium in which to share and experience the arts. We are honored to help move this initiative forward.”

Pianist GaYoung Lee and vocal performance student Samira Plummer-Brown. Photo by Sean Kelley Photography

“The Petersons’ gift is a demonstration of their belief in the distinction of Mason Arts and the contributions that CVPA makes in our region,” Dean Rick Davis said. “Their generosity will have an incredible impact on the arts community, elevating the possibilities for our student musicians, dramatic artists, dancers, and vocalists—as well as for those who work behind the scenes to learn and understand the business of creating powerful performances. We are beyond grateful, now and forever.”

Built in 1990, the venue has supported the early work of George Mason students whose careers led them to Broadway, and has hosted GRAMMY, Tony, Emmy, and Academy Award-winning artists—and U.S. Presidents.

“Carolyn’s love and dedication to the vocal arts at Mason are legendary,” added Director of Vocal Studies Patricia Miller. “We are deeply grateful of the Peterson Family Foundation for their long history of scholarship support. Now, with this exciting new gift to help renovate our Concert Hall, they will be part of making a major impact that will inspire audiences and help prepare the coming generations of student artists.”

Milt and Carolyn Peterson, together with their family, established the Peterson Family Foundation in 1997 out of a fundamental belief that to be successful, they must be fair, honest, and always strive to support the community in which they live and do business. Through their generosity and commitment to giving back, they have directly contributed to and helped to raise millions of dollars for a diverse list of organizations including Northern Virginia Family Service, Gleaning For the World, Life With Cancer, and Teach For America, among others.

The Petersons’ philanthropic leadership follows Barry Dewberry and Arlene Evans’s $10 million gift to rename the Center for the Arts, upon completion of its future renovation. The Dewberry Evans gift was shared with the Mason community as part of the university’s 50th Anniversary Celebration on April 7, 2022.

Information about the initiative to fund the Center for the Arts renovation, including project costs and timeline, will be announced at a later date.

Topics

Campus News

College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)

Mason Now campaign

Center for the Arts

About Mason Arts

Mason Arts encompasses the seven academic programs of George Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, six community arts programs, seven galleries, the Center for the Arts, the Hylton Performing Arts Center, and the digital venue Mason Arts Amplified. The college prepares students for careers as creators, performers, teachers, scholars, arts leaders, and arts entrepreneurs, and provides them opportunities to perform, create, and exhibit their work in the wide variety of Mason Arts venues. Learn more at cvpa.gmu.edu.

Annual Scholarship Dinner recognizes donors and students in an evening of gratitude

Colleen Rich — Thu, 16 May 2024 12:55:10 +0000

Annual Scholarship Dinner recognizes donors and students in an evening of gratitude Colleen Rich Thu, 05/16/2024 - 08:55

“If I was able to meet the people who had given me the scholarship I received? For starters, I would give them a big hug!”

The enthusiasm of ��AV student Dean Johnson, integrative studies major and recipient of the Howard Book Fund Scholarship, brought smiles to faces throughout the dining room of the International Country Club in Fairfax. Johnson’s and two other George Mason scholarship recipients’ experiences were featured as a video finale for an evening where many scholarship recipients were able offer thanks—in person—to the individuals who had made their scholarships possible.

George Mason’s Scholarship Dinner brings together the generous individuals who have given to student scholarships with some of the amazing students who have received scholarship support.

“You can tell an event is important based on who shows up,” said George Mason President Gregory Washington. “I’ve counted seven deans here!”

Students, donors, and Mason staff enjoyed an evening of gratitude, with 200 guests in attendance to hear students’ stories of impact.

More than 1,100 scholarships have been awarded in FY 24, totaling more than $3.5 million.

Business Rakibul Alam spoke about his George Mason experience at the event. Photo by Sean Kelley Photography

"This evening represents the power of philanthropy coming to life,” said Trishana E. Bowden, ��AV Foundation president and George Mason’s vice president for advancement and alumni relations. “Your generosity gives students a chance—a chance to learn, a chance to challenge themselves academically, a chance to lead, and an opportunity to immerse themselves in the multitude of perspectives that they see in their peers. Through scholarship support, you bring promising students to the arena, allowing them to grow and advance beyond their own perceived limits.”

Several students spoke to the group about the impact that scholarships had had in their lives. “Receiving scholarship support has not only eased the financial burden of pursuing my degree, but has inspired me to strive for academic excellence and allowed me to actively contribute to student life,” said Rakibul Alam, a business major who is a recipient of the Shrivastava Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship. Alam is an Honors College professional development fellow, part of George Mason’s Student Government, and is a Costello College of Business student ambassador. “I take on these extracurricular opportunities because I believe that I have a responsibility to give back to a place that has already given me so much.”

Several students spoke to the group about the impact that the scholarships had had in their lives. Photo by Sean Kelly Photography

Sumeet Shrivastava, MBA ‘94, hosted the evening’s events. Shrivastava is a leader in the government IT industry and a committed alum, board member, donor, and volunteer for the Costello College of Business and ��AV. His family’s generosity to Mason has made it possible for many students to realize their academic goals.

Shrivastava related the circumstances of his father’s engineering education, which began in India and continued with his master’s degree at the University of North Carolina—a step that was catalyzed through a scholarship. “That scholarship didn’t just fund his education,” said Shrivastava, “it forged connections that would shape the course of his life. Through his studies, he met mentors who believed in his potential, peers who shared his ambitions, and a network of support that pushed him forward.”

Describing his own philanthropy as “an opportunity to be the bridge for someone else’s journey,” Shrivastava encouraged the attendees to forge connections and be the architects of change.

Bowden, too, confirmed the impact of the scholarship she had received during college. “The message behind this act was truly compelling: to realize that someone I had never met believed in what I could achieve. It gave me confidence in my own abilities and potential. You could even say that it inspired my life’s work: bringing such opportunities to other students.”

And she shared a special message with the George Mason students gathered. “Please know how proud we are of you,” she said. “We know how hard you are working and are delighted to be part of your story.”

Topics

New Hazel–Peterson Scholarship will support undergraduate students in the Costello College of Business

Colleen Rich — Mon, 13 May 2024 18:41:34 +0000

New Hazel–Peterson Scholarship will support undergraduate students in the Costello College of Business Colleen Rich Mon, 05/13/2024 - 14:41

A new Hazel–Peterson Scholarship fund has been established in the name of the Hazel and Peterson families to support undergraduate students pursuing a minor in real estate development at the Costello College of Business of ��AV.

Jimmy Hazel, John T. "Til" Hazel Jr. and Milt Peterson at the ground-breaking in 2015 for an academic building that would be named Peterson Family Health Sciences Hall. Photo by Office of University Branding

“The best institutions in the future will be those that are well positioned to make education available to as many people as possible,” said George Mason President Gregory Washington. “Nicole and I want to help make this life-changing opportunity available to more young people. To do so not only benefits George Mason but the entire metropolitan region and the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

Washington and Presidential Partner Nicole Washington have donated $25,000 to seed the scholarship, which was matched 2 to 1 by S&P Global, the New York City-based capital market company, bringing the total of the scholarship fund to $75,000 by January 2024.

The ��AV Foundation manages the fund and hopes to grow it to at least $200,000 to provide lasting and perpetual support for scholarships in the Costello College of Business.

Three Hazel–Peterson Scholarships for $2,500 each are expected to be available this fall.

Recipients must be full- or part-time undergraduate students who graduated from a Northern Virginia high school located within 50 miles of the university’s Fairfax Campus and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Funds will be awarded by a selection committee appointed by the dean of the Costello College of Business in coordination with the Office of Student Financial Aid. This scholarship is renewable.

This Hazel–Peterson Scholarship recognizes the longstanding dedication and commitment to the university and region by these two families.

Business partners for 20 years, late family patriarchs Milt Peterson and John “Til” Hazel Jr. set the stage for George Mason’s rise to prominence with a shared affinity for the university and a vision that has been passed on to their offspring.

“What Dad and Milt did over the years was something, and seeing the second generation carrying it to new levels has been kind of fun,” said Jimmy Hazel, a local businessman who grew up close to George Mason’s Fairfax Campus and has served on George Mason’s Board of Visitors for 16 years.

Jon Peterson said that his father and Til Hazel would be proud of George Mason’s upward trajectory.

“George Mason has always been such a big part of Northern Virginia,” Jon Peterson said. “As Northern Virginia has grown, so has Mason. It’s been great to see.”

A prominent Virginia lawyer and later developer, Til Hazel is considered one of the university’s founding fathers after acquiring land and lobbying for a school of law in Arlington. He was the recipient of the first Mason Medal in 1987, the university’s highest honorary award for those with a record of service to their community or nation. His brother William A. Hazel was one of Northern Virginia’s most influential builders and was also instrumental in the development and growth of the university, establishing the Eleanor and Bill Hazel Endowed Chair in Civil Infrastructure Engineering in the Volgenau School of Engineering in 2014.

Jimmy Hazel is a proud Scalia Law School graduate with decades of service to the university including the Board of Visitors, 12 years on the ��AV Foundation Board, and a stint as the Alumni Association president. Also a recipient of the Mason Medal in 2017, the former George Mason Alumnus of the Year chaired the successful Faster Farther comprehensive campaign that closed with more than $690 million. He and his wife, Sally, established the Hazel Scholars Endowment Fund in 2011, which is now valued at roughly $1.2 million.

The Peterson Family has also given generously to the university and the Northern Virginia community through the Peterson Family Foundation, which was established by Milt and Carolyn in 1997. Through the foundation, the family has supported multiple causes, including health care, education, youth development, and the United Methodist Church, contributing more than $100 million to charity.

In June 2016, the Peterson Family provided $10 million to support the new academic building for what is now the College of Public Health, as well as funding for the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Now a CEO of Peterson Companies and chairman of the company’s executive committee, Jon Peterson first served on George Mason’s Board of Visitors from 2014 to 2018, and will conclude his second four-year term this year.

“If you’re fortunate enough to be able to give back, you do,” Jon Peterson said.

The scholarship is now accepting applications in the Blackbaud Award Management scholarship portal.

The Hazel and Peterson families hope to see the scholarship grow so that it might provide more opportunities for students.

Topics

Costello College of Business

Costello College of Business News

Philanthropy in Action: New scholarship supports students studying health informatics

Colleen Rich — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 15:24:50 +0000

Philanthropy in Action: New scholarship supports students studying health informatics Colleen Rich Fri, 04/19/2024 - 11:24

In This Story

Melissa J. Perry, Sc.D., MHS

Janusz Wojtusiak, PhD

Inspired by the legacy of their mothers' generosity, Tamara Nall and Clement Ezeanii have created a scholarship program to help Mason graduate students pursue degrees in the in-demand field of health informatics.

Mason graduate student Fahim Durani is the first recipient of the Susanna Ezeanii and Mayfred Jolinda Nall Health Informatics Scholarship. Photo provided

��AV’s Health Informatics Program, which incorporates health care, technology, and data science, has an international reputation for its faculty excellence and commitment to student success.

That reputation and the need for graduates to support specialized data collection and analysis are what attracted Tamara Nall and her husband, Clement Ezeanii, to support the program. The couple has created the Susanna Ezeanii and Mayfred Jolinda Nall Health Informatics Scholarship Endowment to honor the memories of their mothers while making educational aspirations tangible for these College of Public Health students.

“The College of Public Health is grateful for the opportunities that this endowment offers students,” said Dean Melissa Perry. “Endowed scholarships provide much needed financial support for ambitious students who wish to pursue knowledge and experience through graduate education.”

The endowment supports an annual scholarship of $10,000 for students pursuing a master’s degree in health informatics, and the first recipient is Fahim Durani.

“The scholarship means a lot to me, and it’s really had a positive impact on my academic journey,” said Durani. “As a full-time student, I have had to balance work while giving enough time to my studies and academics. But with this relief, I was able to focus more time on my classes.”

Durani also notes that the scholarship has given him the flexibility to take part in professional opportunities, such as the 2024 Health Information Management Systems Society conference, where he was able to represent Mason’s Health Informatics Program at an international gathering of health professionals.

“Health informatics is a rapidly growing and dynamic field,” said program director Janusz Wotjusiak. “Highly qualified graduates are urgently needed by today’s health and public health systems, and this scholarship creates opportunities for students from all pathways to pursue this exciting career.”

Graduates of the Health Informatics MS program are employed by health care and public health agencies and technology firms to support specialized data collection and analysis that is mission critical to providing essential health services.

“The impact of George Mason's initiatives is truly awe-inspiring, and we feel humbled to be able to contribute to an institution so devoted to its students," said Nall, a distinguished member of the ��AV Foundation Board of Trustees. "They only serve to enhance the already remarkable work Mason is doing, and we take immense pride in being part of that."

Nall, who holds PhD in engineering management from George Washington University, holds multiple roles as the founder, president, and CEO of The Leading Niche. The internationally renowned company is known for its exceptional use of data and cutting-edge consulting to provide actionable intelligence to customers in the commercial, defense, and civilian sectors both in the United States and internationally. Nall's achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including esteemed honors such as The Network Journal's 40 Under 40 Award, Black Enterprise 40 Under 40 Award, and the Global Outstanding Business Award presented by the National Minority Business Council, among many others.

“I know our moms would approve of this,” said Ezeanii. “They were givers, and they always loved to see people have opportunities to be able to succeed in life. My mom, early on, knew that education was something that could transform lives.”

Nall, too, recalled her mother’s work to support students in local schools, including organizing winter clothing drives for students and partnering with a local church to provide breakfast to students during the school year and food during the summer for students who relied on receiving meals at school. “If you grow up in that environment of giving,” Nall said, “it just becomes part of you.”

Students interested in learning more about the Susanna Ezeanii and Mayfred Jolinda Nall Health Informatics Scholarship may do so via the College of Public Health website. Applications for fall 2024 are due May 31, 2024.

Topics

Students

Tech Talent Investment Pipeline (TTIP)

TTIP

Tech Talent Investment Program

Scholarships

College of Public Health

Health Informatics

philanthropy

Mason Now campaign

Mason Vision Day: More than a million!

Colleen Rich — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 16:57:34 +0000

Mason Vision Day: More than a million! Colleen Rich Wed, 04/10/2024 - 12:57

Mason Vision Day nets a record wave of support for the university.

Once a year, ��AV invites its community—alumni, faculty, staff, students, and their families–to unite in philanthropy on Mason Vision Day. This year, on April 4, they did so enthusiastically, raising $1,309,345 for the university’s students, research, and programs.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“Mason Vision Day broke the record!” said Trishana Bowden, president of the ��AV Foundation and Mason’s vice president for advancement and alumni relations. “Mason Nation came together, and the impact of the generosity of alumni and donors is truly inspirational.”

For 2024, Mason’s Office of Annual Giving announced that Mason Vision Day would be structured to encourage donors to support the causes that mattered most to them at Mason. This empowered the community to connect with the causes that resonated with their own priorities, from academic disciplines to student scholarship, from athletics to the arts.

On the day of the event, Mason’s University Life division was thrilled to announce an exceptional gift. A longtime friend of the university gave $500,000 to support Mason’s Early Identification Program, or EIP, which supports access to higher education for first-generation students.

“This gift is a game-changer,” said Rose Pascarell, MA ’92, vice president for University Life. “One of the university’s goals is to double the number of students served by EIP, and this incredible gift truly sets us on our way.

“EIP has been serving students in the seven school districts surrounding Mason since 1987, and this gift is a recognition of the work we are doing. It’s a real vote of confidence that this donor believes in our students and our efforts to support their success,” Pascarell added.

Participation in Mason Vision Day was particularly strong among Mason alumni, who accounted for 34% of the gifts. Jenn Robinson, JM ’02, associate vice president for alumni relations, was pleased with the way alumni engaged with the event.

“Our alumni are a very special group,” she said. “They show their Patriot Pride from coast to coast, and around the world, and this enthusiastic support is what we see everywhere we have traveled this year with our Mason Nation Tour.”

“It's the engagement that is absolutely vital,” said Bowden. “It’s that coming together that allows us to make a huge difference. Every individual who joined in to give on Mason Vision Day played a role in creating a wave of support that will be felt now and into the future. We are so very grateful.”

2024 Statistics

1678 total donors
509 new donors
188 students and parents
46 states represented
40% alumni donors
30% community partner donors
16% faculty and staff donors
$1.3 million total raised
$115,000 in challenge gifts
228 funds supported
No. 1 Area Supported: Community/Engagement Programs*

_{*Includes the ��AV Alumni Association and alumni chapters, ADVANCE, and EIP programs}

Show your support

On Mason Vision Day, donors decide

Colleen Rich — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 16:17:21 +0000

On Mason Vision Day, donors decide Colleen Rich Fri, 03/29/2024 - 12:17

��AV is following a philanthropic tradition, designating the first Thursday of April for donors to come together to support the university. On April 4, 2024, Mason Vision Day celebrates the power of making a difference through philanthropy.

This year, each school, college, and unit is urging its community to lean into the programs that reflect Mason’s strategic plan and the interests of donors.

“This is an opportunity for our community members to support what matters most to them at Mason,” said Zavin Smith, BA Integrative Studies ’00, CERB Leadership Studies ’02, MA Telecommunications ’03, director of development, annual giving strategic initiatives. “We want to combine the energy of all of our units and programs on campus and present to our donors a catalog where they can choose the causes that resonate with their own priorities, from athletics to the arts, from science and the humanities to health and law.”

While Mason Vision Day is largely carried out through digital communication and direct mail, Smith said this year’s event is “a hybrid model.” On the Fairfax Campus and at Mason Korea, pop-up kiosks and drop-by experiences offer gratitude stations, giveaways, and social media engagement areas as a visual display of giving throughout the day, and the event includes digital interaction driven by the schools and units.

“Vision Day features challenges and matches throughout the day,” said Smith. “It’s going to be an exciting opportunity for our friends to see their gifts go even farther toward supporting the causes they love.”

Donors may consider making a gift to the fund on Mason Vision Day, April 4, 2024, when friends of ��AV are invited to support the cause at Mason that speaks to them.

Support the Mason Nation

See What Your Support Benefits

Five Things to Know about George Mason’s First Space Mission
August 29, 2024
ARTS by George! 2024 Celebrates Mason Arts, Culminating in Concert by Tony Award Winner Lea Salonga
August 28, 2024
Historic gift speaks volumes about George Mason’s Forensics Team
August 23, 2024
Golf classic has been supporting student success for almost 30 years
June 25, 2024
Machour’s gift expands support for student scholarships in Mason Korea
June 18, 2024

This content appears in the Spring 2024 print edition of the Mason Spirit Magazine.

Mason’s partnership with CGI grows stronger each year

Colleen Rich — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:57:55 +0000

Mason’s partnership with CGI grows stronger each year Colleen Rich Mon, 03/18/2024 - 11:57

CGI Group Inc. is one of the world’s largest information technology and business process service firms specializing in providing effective IT solutions for federal government agencies. It is also a long-time ��AV partner and supporter of the College of Engineering and Computing and the Costello College of Business.

Mason hosted CGI leadership, employees, and Mason alumni at the men’s basketball game against Duquesne at EagleBank Arena on March 2. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

CGI is the professional home for more than 250 Mason alumni, including Mason Board of Visitors Rector Horace Blackman, BA ’93, who is the senior vice president and lead of CGI Federal’s Defense, Intelligence, and Space business unit.

George Mason hosted CGI leadership, employees, and Mason alumni at the Center of the Arts on Mason’s Fairfax Campus before the men’s basketball team played Duquesne at EagleBank Arena on March 2.

“I am always excited about this partnership,” said Mason President Gregory Washington. “We chose to engage with CGI because the principles that you all believe in are the core principles of this institution.”

From left, Trishana E. Bowden, President Gregory Washington, CGI’s President and CEO George Schindler, and Rector Horace Blackman at the CGI Night pre-game reception. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

“The continued partnership between CGI and Mason has been amazing and has made such a difference in continuing to build for the next generation,” said Trishana E. Bowden, president of the ��AV Foundation and vice president for advancement and alumni relations.

More than 200 alumni and friends were present at the CGI at Mason event, including George Schindler, CGI’s president and chief executive officer, who received a Mason men’s basketball jersey at the pre-game reception.

“I am glad to be part of Mason’s vision and glad to give back and have an opportunity to reconnect with other alums,” said Pablo Ayala, BS Finance ’06, the finance director and business unit controller at CGI.

Events such as the one on March 2 allow alumni to hear about Mason’s latest accomplishments, while presenting them with ways they can continue to support their university. “It is amazing to see other alumni and to see that the Mason traditions are still alive and well,” said Brooke McGee-Ayala, JD ’16.

President Washington expressed appreciation for Mason’s and CGI’s longstanding partnership. “The success of this company is indisputably tied to the success of this institution,” he said. To the alumni, he added: “You all are our greatest ambassadors.”

Support the Mason Nation

Topics

Mason Business Partnerships

Mason Now campaign

Historic gift speaks volumes about George Mason’s Forensics Team

Related Stories

Topics

Golf classic has been supporting student success for almost 30 years

Learn more about the Early Identification Program (EIP)

Learn more about STEP

Related Stories

Topics

Machour’s gift expands support for student scholarships in Mason Korea

Related Stories

Topics

A $5 million gift from the Peterson Family Foundation will support the Center for the Arts transformation

This is the college’s second principal gift toward the university’s one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign, Mason Now: Power the Possible

Topics

About Mason Arts

Annual Scholarship Dinner recognizes donors and students in an evening of gratitude

Related Stories

Topics

New Hazel–Peterson Scholarship will support undergraduate students in the Costello College of Business

Related Stories

Topics

Philanthropy in Action: New scholarship supports students studying health informatics

In This Story

Topics

Mason Vision Day: More than a million!

Mason Vision Day nets a record wave of support for the university.

2024 Statistics

Show your support

Related News

More from Mason Spirit Magazine

On Mason Vision Day, donors decide

Support the Mason Nation

See What Your Support Benefits

More from Mason Spirit Magazine

Mason’s partnership with CGI grows stronger each year

Support the Mason Nation

More Alumni Stories

Topics