Mason Now campaign

Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones invest $1.4M in George Mason for STEM education and research

Colleen Rich — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 16:19:45 +0000

Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones invest $1.4M in George Mason for STEM education and research Colleen Rich Wed, 12/04/2024 - 11:19

Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones continue their legacy of philanthropy at ��AV with a transformative $1 million gift to establish the Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones Networking Testbed Lab within the Fuse at Mason Square building.

Photo by William Gallagher

The Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones Networking Testbed Lab will be dedicated to network applications including secure communications, advanced antennae systems, next-G and O-RAN innovations, with applications in air transportation, high-speed and autonomous vehicles, smart power grids, intelligent buildings, manufacturing, technology and national defense. Expected to open by June 2025, the lab will support both faculty and student research efforts.

"��AV is deeply grateful for the Jones family's generous investment in our students and faculty and in empowering innovators from across our region," George Mason President Gregory Washington said. "Their support of the testbed lab reflects a commitment to advancing critical research in rapidly developing technologies and fostering a diverse, well-prepared workforce that will serve Northern Virginia employers for decades to come."

The investment qualifies as part of George Mason’s contribution to the commonwealth’s Tech Talent Investment Program (TTIP), a statewide initiative aimed at increasing degrees in computer science, computer engineering, and software engineering in the College of Engineering and Computing by 2039. The gift also activates a match from the commonwealth through TTIP, increasing the impact to bolster Northern Virginia’s tech talent pipeline. Through TTIP, higher education institutions, private donors, and corporate partners will collectively contribute more than $2 billion to expand Virginia’s tech workforce, starting from early education and extending through college, internships, and employment.

Stanley Jones, a former a surveillance and communications engineer and first-generation college graduate, is dedicated to providing opportunities for future generations.

“Throughout my career in engineering, I saw the power of access to advanced research and technology. I’m excited about the possibilities this new testbed lab will bring, providing George Mason students with hands-on experiences in a cutting-edge field,” he said. Rosemary Hayes Jones, who served the Northern Virginia community as a real estate agent for more than 35 years, shares this commitment to advancing education and community impact. “We believe that investing in education and innovation is essential to fostering a thriving community and a strong workforce.”

This gift follows a $400,000 commitment to the Early Identification Program (EIP) given to George Mason in 2023. The EIP funding supports two program initiatives: the EIP STEM Fusion Expansion, a K-12 program to increase the number of first-generation students pursuing STEM fields, and the Stanley and Rosemary Jones STEM Scholars Program, which provides direct support to EIP students pursuing STEM majors.

“Stanley Jones exemplifies the potential of first-generation students. When given opportunities, these students excel,” said Rose Pascarell, vice president of University Life for George Mason. “This investment in EIP will expand access to STEM fields, and the impact will extend beyond ��AV to benefit the Northern Virginia community."

Established in 1987, EIP provides critical resources to first-generation middle and high school students in partnership with seven Virginia school districts. The program serves more than 900 students annually, providing them and their families with the resources and guidance needed to navigate postsecondary education.

The Joneses’ gift to EIP accelerates George Mason’s efforts to close the achievement gap for first-generation college students in STEM and supports the STEM Fusion program, which offers students supplemental STEM coursework and expands the program’s reach to serve more students in neighboring counties.

Additionally, the Stanley and Rosemary Jones STEM Scholars initiative will support a cohort of 10 EIP graduates attending George Mason as STEM majors. With professional mentoring, cultural and career programming, and internship opportunities—including placements at MITRE, Jones's former employer—the program is designed to strengthen retention and career readiness for these students.

“As a first-generation student, I worked my way through undergraduate school and then received a fellowship to attend graduate school. The fellowship made all the difference—it allowed me to pursue a successful career as an engineer,” said Stanley Jones. “Through our support for the ��AV Early Identification Program and the internship and mentorship support from MITRE, we are hoping to give a similar opportunity to other deserving students.”

The Joneses' gifts are part of Mason Now: Power the Possible, George Mason’s historic billion-dollar campaign to advance student success, research, innovation, stewardship, and community engagement—laying the foundation for a transformative legacy that will shape the future of the university and uplift the entire region for generations.

Learn more about Fuse at Mason Square

Topics

Early Identification Program (EIP)

College of Engineering and Computing

George Mason expands partnership with GDIT to build a skilled and diverse technology workforce

Colleen Rich — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 17:02:19 +0000

George Mason expands partnership with GDIT to build a skilled and diverse technology workforce Colleen Rich Wed, 10/30/2024 - 13:02

��AV announced this week an expanded partnership with General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), a business unit of General Dynamics, to enhance career development opportunities for university students and GDIT’s workforce. The focus areas include cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and government contracting.

The partnership strengthens George Mason’s role as a key economic driver in Northern Virginia and a critical source of tech talent, while broadening GDIT’s efforts to cultivate a skilled and diversified talent pipeline.

“George Mason has been recognized over the years in numerous college rankings as Virginia’s top public university for diversity, innovation, cybersecurity, homeland security, service to military veterans, and service to students outside the traditional college ages," said George Mason President Gregory Washington. “We are committed to partnering in the region to meet the pace of change in the today’s workforce, providing opportunities for students of all ages and backgrounds to pursue a rigorous education and lead successful careers, and attracting and keeping talent in Virginia.”

This collaboration also aligns with GDIT’s technology investment strategy, which emphasizes employee growth and upskilling. It also enhances government contracting capabilities by leveraging George Mason’s Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting, located within the Costello College of Business. The center is the nation’s first dedicated to addressing business, policy, and regulatory issues in government contracting.

“Expanding our partnership with George Mason demonstrates our commitment to investing in the future workforce,” said Amy Gilliland, GDIT’s president. “As the largest and most diverse educational institution in Northern Virginia, George Mason has played a pivotal role in shaping our talent pipeline for more than a decade. We look forward to further strengthening our relationship so GDIT will continue to be a top employer of choice for George Mason students.”

U.S. News & World Report, the Wall Street Journal, and Washington Monthly all rank George Mason as a top public university for the upward mobility of its graduates.

As part of the expanded partnership, GDIT will collaborate with George Mason on several programs, including:

Partnering with the College of Engineering and Computing, as well as Costello College of Business, to expand recruitment opportunities, career mentorship programs, networking sessions, technology open houses, and capstone projects.
Offering students, faculty, and staff opportunities to participate in various GDIT events and initiatives, such as cyber hackathons, career development seminars, and technology showcases at the GDIT Emerge Innovation Center.
Providing industry expertise for George Mason’s Clearance Readiness Program to prepare students interested in a career in the cleared space.
Hosting leadership insight sessions focused on mental health, career pathways, work-based communication skills, and resiliency.

This partnership is part of GDIT’s workforce initiative, which collaborates with high schools, colleges, and universities across the country. GDIT has formed similar partnerships with institutions in Louisiana, Colorado, Texas, and Missouri to foster the next generation of technology innovators and make a positive impact in these communities.

George Mason, one of the largest universities to receive state funding through the Tech Talent Investment Program, has committed to increasing its computing graduates, in both undergraduate and graduate computing programs, to almost 16,000 students over the next two decades. With flourishing partnerships with leading companies like General Dynamics and initiatives supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship across the state, George Mason is building on the more than 15,000 paid or stipend-supported internships available to students annually.

��AV has committed to increasing graduates in both undergraduate and graduate computing programs to almost 16,000 students as part of the state's Tech Talent Investment Program.

Discover George Mason's TTIP goals >>

Request Information

Topics

Campus News

partnerships

workforce

College of Engineering and Computing

Costello College of Business

Mason Now campaign

Tech Talent Investment Program (TTIP)

Strategic Direction

Jimmy Hazel, steadfast George Mason alum and friend, looks to the future with a foundational gift

Colleen Rich — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 15:05:24 +0000

Jimmy Hazel, steadfast George Mason alum and friend, looks to the future with a foundational gift Colleen Rich Mon, 10/07/2024 - 11:05

James W. “Jimmy” Hazel, JD ’84, has led a life of service to the Commonwealth of Virginia—and to ��AV. In July 2024, as his term on the university’s Board of Visitors concluded, Hazel added to his considerable legacy with a gift of $1 million for the Smithsonian–Mason School of Conservation (SMSC).

James Hazel speaking at the university's 50th anniversary event. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

The gift, reflecting Hazel’s wishes to advance the important work of the school, creates two funds. The first will provide support for graduate or undergraduate students enrolled at SMSC, and the second will support the operations of the school’s programs.

“This gift represents my personal passion for conservation and my hope is that it will allow George Mason to draw in a diverse group of new PhD students to the program,” Hazel said.

Hazel is a cochair on the Advisory Board for SMSC, a research and academic facility in Front Royal, Virginia, that operates under a partnership between the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and George Mason. The facility covers more than 3,000 acres of forest, grassland, and pasture, and houses a range of endangered mammals, birds, and amphibians.

SMSC conducts research and offers proactive methodologies of conservation biology education and training, providing hands-on interdisciplinary programs to undergraduates, graduate students, professionals, and high school students. It draws from the educational innovation of George Mason faculty and the established work of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute to create a transdisciplinary approach to conservation leadership that is research-based, forward-looking, and ethical.

Students conducting field work at the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Cody Edwards, SMSC executive director and interim dean, College of Science, understands the immediate impact of Hazel’s generosity.

“With this gift, he opens doors for students passionate about conservation and sustainability,” Edwards said. “Jimmy’s continued support helps ensure SMSC can continue to bring together internationally renowned experts who can offer those students an educational experience that will enhance their futures and ultimately, help preserve the world’s biodiversity.”

SMSC’s graduate programs include practical training in the tools necessary to conduct and report research, and allow students to work directly with experts and practitioners from all over the world. Students become part of a community of conservation scientists and leaders, developing relationships with these mentors and with each other, forming networks to help them launch into a wide variety of careers.

“My family has, and will always have, deep ties to George Mason and the Fairfax Campus,” Hazel said, “but I think one of the best university programs sits in Front Royal at the Smithsonian Mason School of Conservation. With the groundbreaking research being conducted at the facility, we have the potential to put this initiative on the map in a big way. I would like to think that this gift will help increase that momentum.”

“Jimmy’s impact on SMSC and its students goes well beyond this single thoughtful gift,” added Edwards. “His continued support has helped transform this program and placed it on a trajectory not envisioned when it was originally conceived.”

Hazel has been a dedicated, engaged member of the George Mason community. He served twice on the Board of Visitors: from 1994 to 2002, and his most recent appointment, from 2016 to 2024, included chairmanship of the Development Committee, a term as vice rector, and service as rector from 2020-22. He is a past president of the ��AV Alumni Association and the Law Alumni Association, and he served for 18 years on the ��AV Foundation Board of Trustees.

Hazel chaired George Mason’s successful Faster Farther Campaign, which closed at nearly $700 million—$200 million more than its original goal. He cochaired the presidential search committee that brought George Mason’s president Gregory Washington to campus in 2020. In recognition of his more than three decades of service to the university, Hazel was awarded the George Mason Medal in 2017.

Hazel, a lifelong outdoorsman who has served on the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (chairing the agency for three years), and on the boards of the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia and George Mason’s Potomac Science Center, is determined to make a lasting difference through SMSC.

Power the Possible

Topics

Campus News

philanthropy

Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation

Getting to know BOV Rector Stimson

Colleen Rich — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 16:48:16 +0000

Getting to know BOV Rector Stimson Colleen Rich Wed, 10/02/2024 - 12:48

In July Charles “Cully” Stimson, JD ‘92, was elected as rector of the ��AV Board of Visitors. A businessman and attorney, Stimson is the deputy director of the Edwin Meese III Center for Legal and Judicial Studies, Senior Legal Fellow, manager of the National Security Law Program, and senior advisor to the president at The Heritage Foundation.

A third-generation naval officer, Stimson formerly served as deputy assistant secretary of defense for detainee affairs. He advised then-Secretaries of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates and coordinated the Pentagon’s global detention policy and operations, including at Guantanamo Bay and in Iraq and Afghanistan. You can read a more complete bio here.

The George caught up with Stimson to talk about his background, plans as rector, and his love of soccer.

Charles “Cully” Stimson. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Rector is a volunteer position and a time-consuming one. What drew you to this type of public service? What do you hope to accomplish as rector during your two-year term?

I've served my country in uniform for 30 years. I've volunteered for a variety of charities over the years. I like giving back. When my name was put forward, I was honored to serve the commonwealth.

I'm in learning mode right now. Since I've been asked to lead the team, I've probably made a hundred phone calls to every single board member combined. I'm meeting with every single dean of every single college before my first full board meeting. I pledged to the student representatives, who are nonvoting members of the board, that I'll be taking them out for pizza every quarter so they can bring their friends and tell me what's going on. We need to be more involved and informed so we can perform our governance.

As board members, we are fundraisers and cheerleaders and recruiters for the school. You can't be an advocate for a place if you don't know about the place. You either lean in and learn your craft and help make the place a better place for everybody in the community, or you sit back and you're a potted plant. I've never been a potted plant.

You earned a law degree from George Mason’s Antonin Scalia Law School and taught there as an adjunct for five years. How has your George Mason law degree served you in your career?

The law school professors I've kept in touch with have helped me think through legal issues, ethical issues, career issues. I thought that those teachers were ahead of their time at the school. They were national treasures, and they've been my friends my whole professional life. And I'm just starting to find out more about those types of gems on the faculty at the undergraduate level and other places at Mason.

What do you most hope to see the university achieve in your time leading the board?

We're a collegial board, and we're going to remain that way. I'm going to give everyone the opportunity and invite everybody to speak at every board meeting, just like I did when I was a judge. I wanted all the advocates to put their thoughts on the record.

We have a fiduciary duty to act on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia. But more specifically, we have to act in the best interest of ��AV.

George Mason has continued to grow each year for more than a decade. What makes George Mason so attractive to so many different types of students?

An education is a credential that should prepare you for the job market. Our students have the benefit of being in a job market mecca. We're affordable. We shed the commuter school mantra a while ago. And we're moving in the direction of a much more vibrant residential campus. You hear the Northern Virginia Technology Council and other people who represent the private sector and the public partnerships say that Mason is producing the type of graduates they need and they want.

So you have the benefit of the location, and the burden of the location with its cost of living. I hope Richmond knows that. We deserve to attract and retain and pay faculty at a competitive rate. Otherwise, we're going to lose them. You see how many colleges and universities have footprints in Washington, D.C.? We're not just competing against Virginia and Virginia Tech and the rest, we're competing against the globe.

The governor recently released new performance expectations for Virginia’s public universities, including goals that focus on affordability and career development for students, many of which George Mason is already leading on. With that said, what else should George Mason do to meet these new performance expectations?

I think we're doing exactly what the governor is challenging us to do. The quest for human capital is a competitive, ever-changing dynamic. We are fulfilling that demand signal. We're big, but we're not so big that we can't move with dispatch to fulfill that growing demand.

Look at what we're doing with [artificial intelligence (AI)], how we're leaning into it and understanding that we have to not only adopt and embrace AI but also figure out the rules and parameters of how we're going to responsibly use that, not only at the research level, but at the teaching level and student level.

What skill would you like to see all George Mason students graduate with to succeed in the ever-changing work landscape of the future?

Understanding how the government works, from its founding, and having a thorough undergraduate level understanding of what a republic is, what the key moving parts of the Constitution are, what the Federalist Papers say. George Mason's role in writing the Virginia Declaration of Rights. Understanding the separation of powers and how it is defined here is unique from anywhere else in the world. And why that's a strength. Understanding the difference between vertical separation of powers and horizontal separation of powers, and how that is the definition of a federalist government. It matters more now than ever. It's irrelevant whether you're Republican or Democrat or independent.

That's on the one end of the spectrum. The other end is, I don't care what your major is, I think you have to have in your toolkit some facility with computer programming. You can equip these young men and women with tools that a lot of other colleges are not equipping their students with.

Soccer is a passion of yours. You captained the team at Kenyon College, and you’re Chairman Emeritus of the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the charitable arm of U.S. Soccer. What is it about soccer that appeals to you, and what lessons and values do you find are transferable to your leadership role at George Mason?

Soccer is the world's best sport, in my opinion. It doesn't matter how big you are, doesn't matter where you're from, doesn't matter how much money you have. It matters how big your heart is and how hard you're willing to work. It has a low to almost no barrier to entry. It's the perfect metaphor for life. How you play on the pitch depends on how much work you put in way ahead of time. How much time you spend alone with your craft, juggling, dribbling, passing against the wall. It requires syncopation and communication and collaboration.

The U.S. Soccer Foundation serves about 120,000 kids in 25 or 30 cities, all of whom are minorities, in underserved neighborhoods, for our Soccer for Success program. We're using soccer to help these kids make healthy choices, become better citizens. Next to being a husband and a father, it's the most meaningful thing I do.

The university’s Mason Now: Power the Possible fundraising campaign is in full swing, and in one of your first acts as rector, you encouraged your fellow board members to support the university financially. Tell us why this commitment is so important to you.

Because it's called public service and you have to serve the public. We have a great board. We have 16 terrific people. We're all super busy, but we said yes when asked to serve. And yes means capital Y, capital E, capital S. And that means you lean in for the short period of time you're on the board, and you give to your ability and get as much as you can for the school. People on this board have massive Rolodexes. The comprehensive campaign--we have to succeed. It's not an if, it's how big do we surpass it by? You said yes because you believe in the school. And so the best proof of that is to raise money for the school. And that should be an easy sell.

Get to know the Board of Visitors

Topics

Campus News

Alumni

Board of Visitors

Antonin Scalia Law School

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.

Help build the next era of ��AV

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

impact fall 2024

Mason Now campaign

Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones invest $1.4M in George Mason for STEM education and research

Learn more about Fuse at Mason Square

Related News

Topics

George Mason expands partnership with GDIT to build a skilled and diverse technology workforce

Request Information

Related News

Topics

Jimmy Hazel, steadfast George Mason alum and friend, looks to the future with a foundational gift

Related Stories

Learn more about the Smithsonian - George Mason School of Conservation

Topics

Getting to know BOV Rector Stimson

Rector is a volunteer position and a time-consuming one. What drew you to this type of public service? What do you hope to accomplish as rector during your two-year term?

You earned a law degree from George Mason’s Antonin Scalia Law School and taught there as an adjunct for five years. How has your George Mason law degree served you in your career?

What do you most hope to see the university achieve in your time leading the board?

George Mason has continued to grow each year for more than a decade. What makes George Mason so attractive to so many different types of students?

What skill would you like to see all George Mason students graduate with to succeed in the ever-changing work landscape of the future?

The university’s Mason Now: Power the Possible fundraising campaign is in full swing, and in one of your first acts as rector, you encouraged your fellow board members to support the university financially. Tell us why this commitment is so important to you.

Get to know the Board of Visitors

Related News

Topics

Historic gift speaks volumes about George Mason’s Forensics Team

Related Stories

More from Mason Spirit Magazine

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