Retro Mason: George Mason College opens in Fairfax, 1964

Colleen Rich — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 21:09:43 +0000

Retro Mason: George Mason College opens in Fairfax, 1964 Colleen Rich Thu, 09/12/2024 - 17:09

George Mason College officially opened in Fairfax, Virginia, on Sept. 14, 1964. Then a branch campus of the University of Virginia, the college welcomed 356 registered students and had a faculty that included seven full-time and 18 part-time instructors. The campus consisted of four buildings, then named North, South, East, and West.

At the time, it was the only college in the capital region with buildings that were fully air-conditioned. Though the temperatures were comfortable inside, some amenities still needed to be added. Food service was not available at first, but efforts were quickly made to address that. During the first week of classes, vending machines were hastily set up in a study hall.

George Mason would later set up a dining hall, the Ordinary, in the South Building (now called Krug Hall). The Ordinary was open until the University Union, now known as Student Union Building I, was built in 1974.

Photo credit: George Mason College, fall 1964. ��AV photograph collection, #R0120, Special Collections Research Center, ��AV Libraries

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Mason named a Bicycle Friendly University

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 16:52:38 +0000

Mason named a Bicycle Friendly University Lauren Reuscher Thu, 11/02/2023 - 12:52

��AV has been recognized as a Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists for promoting safe, accessible bicycling on campus.

The League of American Bicyclists is a grassroots advocacy organization encouraging better bicycling and protecting the rights of people who bike.

Mason’s Fairfax Campus received the silver-level Bicycle Friendly University award for the second time, and Mason Square received the bronze-level award for the second time. The Fairfax Campus was recognized with a bronze-level award in 2011 and 2015.

��AV has been named a Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“Being recognized as a Bicycle Friendly University, going back to 2011, is a sign of Mason’s support of bicycling as a great commuting option,” said Josh Cantor, director of Parking and Transportation at Mason. “Support for bicycling is an important component of the overall transportation program, which aims to provide many options for the large and diverse Mason community.”

Mason encourages bicycling as a transportation option and provides amenities such as the Patriot Bike Checkout program and a Capital Bikeshare discount for students. A Capital Bikeshare station is located at Mason Square. Employees are eligible for incentives such as the Biking Commuter Choice program.

All Mason Shuttles and public buses that serve the campuses are outfitted with bike racks. Getting around campus on a bike is safer and easier with the availability of bike lanes and bike fix-it stations. Those interested in biking to campus, but need help finding a route, can contact bike volunteers for advice.

Bicycling programs also have a positive environmental impact. “An array of transit options, including cycling, is an important part of the university’s commitment to sustainability,” said Janet Walker, Mason’s transportation programs manager. “Mason strives to reduce carbon emissions by reducing the number of faculty, staff, and students who drive or drive alone to our campuses.”

The Bicycle Friendly University program includes 220 colleges and universities in 46 states and the District of Columbia. “It is inspiring to see so many universities committing to the vision of a Bicycle Friendly America,” said Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists.

“These institutions, including Mason, are leading by example and helping to set the standard for better bicycling. Each Bicycle Friendly University acts as a trailblazer to develop and promote safer, more accessible transportation infrastructure and supportive programming for new bicyclists in their communities,” Nesper said.

Bicycle Friendly University^SM is a service mark of the League of American Bicyclists.