Faculty and Staff News

Bonnie Madden is March Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:32:03 +0000

Bonnie Madden is March Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Fri, 02/28/2025 - 10:32

Bonnie Madden, a two-time ��AV alum, joined the Biology Department as the microbial and phage lab manager almost a decade ago while working on her bachelor's degree in biology. Since then, she has been an integral part of the College of Science department. She is known for her dedication to both the lab and fostering student success.

George Mason President Gregory Washington and March Employee of the Month Bonnie Madden. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“Bonnie is an enormous asset to the Biology Department and to ��AV. She has a lot of great and innovative ideas that have enhanced the quality of the lab in many ways,” said Anne Scherer, term associate professor of biology.

Elisabeth Epstein, assistant professor of biology, said, “She is our go-to person to make our microbiology labs run smoothly and professionally and, importantly, on time and ready to go! Her extensive expertise is often relied on for producing high-quality lab materials. She often comes into the labs even on evenings and weekends to make sure the student experience runs smoothly.”

Along with managing the lab, Madden, who also has a master’s degree in biology from George Mason, teaches a section of the Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES) discovery-based research course, which teaches undergraduate students how to isolate and analyze bacteriophage. She also teaches a next gen sequencing course in the spring semester.

“Bonnie is a mentor to each and every student,” said Scherer. “She trains undergraduates, learned how to use the transmission electron microscope for the course, and she walks around the classroom and fields questions that students might have and works one-on-one with those struggling.”

How did you come to Mason:

I came to Mason as an undergraduate. My goal at the time was to set an example for my sons and show them learning is an ongoing process regardless of age. Right before graduating with my BS in Biology [in 2015], I was offered the opportunity to become part of the Biology Department by Dr. Deborah Polayes as a replacement for Jo Mose, who was the microbiology lab manager back in 2015.

Best day on the job:

My best day on the job was when I graduated [in 2023] with my master’s degree as my students and assistant lab workers were graduating with their bachelor's degrees. I was so proud of them, as I am every year.

What do you like best about working at George Mason:

The thing I like about Mason is all the opportunities it has to offer. The opportunity for growth and expanding your potential is limitless. Also, the opportunity to make lifelong connections is invaluable. It is up to the individual to decide what they are comfortable with and how far they want to expand their boundaries.

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

I have a broad range of activities that keep me busy throughout the year. Some hobbies tend to be seasonal. In the summer, I enjoy boating and gardening. Last summer, my husband and I were able to boat on Lake Windermere in England. In the winter, I tend to enjoy movies and painting. However, I enjoy concerts, traveling, and flameworking with glass year-round.

Topics

Employee of the Month

Human Resources

Meet the Mason Nation: Traci Kendall

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 20:30:57 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Traci Kendall Lauren Reuscher Wed, 02/26/2025 - 15:30

Traci Kendall

Job: Executive Director of Operations and Community and Local Government Relations, Government and Community Relations

Traci Kendall is the executive director of operations and community and local government relations at ��AV. She has been with George Mason since 1996 and is one of the longest-serving members of the Office of Government and Community Relations. Kendall has been instrumental in establishing the university’s town-gown relations with local communities.

Traci Kendall and Fairfax City Mayor Catherine Read at a George Mason basketball game, where Read was presented with a personalized basketball on Sue Collins National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Photo provided

Known for her knack for establishing a congenial rapport with others and navigating diplomatic issues with a cool demeanor, Kendall has made strong connections with colleagues throughout the university and in the external community that are key to forming successful partnerships for George Mason.

Being a good neighbor: “I’m inspired by the people I’ve worked with over the years,” Kendall said. “So many people are passionate about their work and eager to be of service or share their expertise with the community.”

Kendall has led the development of several resources to assist external community members, including the Discover George Mason guide, which details services and programs available to the public; the Mason Speakers program, which offers free educational lectures to community and business organizations; and the Good Neighbor Program, which helps educate off-campus students on how to be good neighbors in the communities in which they live.

Follow the signs to campus: Kendall and her team work to win the community’s hearts and minds by developing awareness of George Mason as a trusted resource that can help community members in their everyday lives, through opportunities like small business counseling, health services, summer camps, recreation, entertainment, and more.

“Helping others to discover the university in new ways energizes me,” Kendall said. “When someone says, ‘Oh wow, I never knew that,’ it excites me.”

Serving the community: Kendall organized the first Patriot Packout program in 2007, offering students an easy way to donate extra food, clothing, and household items during move-out. The Community and Local Government Relations team mobilized faculty and staff volunteers and partnered with local businesses to transfer donated items to local nonprofit organizations. The program has continued to grow and is now managed by University Sustainability.

Part of George Mason’s history: Kendall’s favorite George Mason memory involves the men’s basketball team’s 2006 Final Four run.

“I have never experienced a time when the whole university community—students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community—felt so incredibly connected over a singular experience,” she said. “It was really an amazing time to be at George Mason.”

Journeying afar: Outside work, Kendall enjoys exploring the world beyond the local community. “I live and work in order to travel!” Kendall said. “I love checking out new places, architecture, and natural beauty.”

Her recent travels have included a six-country tour of the Alps with a ride on the Bernina Express, a panoramic train, a two-week tour of Spain, and a trip to Iceland with a dip in the Blue Lagoon.

“Swimming with the dolphins with my then 9-year-old daughter in Cozumel was remarkable,” she recalled. “I remember thinking how truly happy I was in that moment.”

Though her work focuses on the local community, Kendall loves to travel to new destinations—like when she swam with dolphins in Cozumel, Mexico. Photo provided

What’s next on her itinerary? Kendall and her daughter will cruise the fjords of Norway this summer. She also has a trip to Thailand and Cambodia booked for 2026.

Learn more about Government and Community Relations

Topics

Meet the Mason Nation

Around Mason: Week of Feb. 25, 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 21:02:37 +0000

Around Mason: Week of Feb. 25, 2025 Lauren Reuscher Fri, 02/21/2025 - 16:02

Faculty/Staff Announcements

Have something to share? Review announcement guidelines and submit an announcement from your unit through the online form.

For more events happening on campus, check the Today@Mason calendar.

Campus Updates

March Staff Senate Meeting

Join the meeting on Wednesday, March 5, from 10 a.m. to noon on the Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall, Room 1201, or via Zoom. Learn more or submit a question in advance.

West Campus Development Town Hall

West Campus Development Town Hall
Tuesday, March 4, from 3:30–5 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall, Room 1201

The town hall will be recorded and posted on the West Campus Planning website.

Inaugural Promotional Vendor Fair

Faculty/Staff Appreciation Night at Men's Basketball Game

Join Faculty/Staff Appreciation Night at EagleBank Arena for the men's basketball game vs. Fordham on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. Support the Patriots with 50% off ticket pricing (up to 4 tickets) per George Mason faculty/staff ID. George Mason Athletics will also honor Black History Month with a pregame musical performance.

Tickets can be ordered in person at the EagleBank Arena box office, the Athletic ticket office in the Field House, or call 703-993-3270. Take advantage of the same discount for the final home game of the season on Wednesday, March 5, as men's basketball takes on La Salle. View the full schedule.

SciTech Innovation District—A Conversation With J.H. Cullum Clark

Thursday, March 6, from 8:30–10:30 a.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Center
Register

Training and Professional Development

Apply for Community Engagement and Civic Learning (CECiL) Course Designations

Forward Thinking as a Supervisor: Strategies for Success Managing Staff Evaluations

George Mason staff are preparing to complete their self-evaluations and the performance evaluation process. Current and aspiring supervisors are invited to join the University Life Supervision Collective for a virtual manager meetup on Thursday, Feb. 27, from 2–3 p.m.

This session, “Forward Thinking as a Supervisor: Strategies for Success Managing Staff Evaluations,” will discuss strategies for success throughout the performance evaluation process, including resources provided by Human Resources, tools to help organize feedback, and space to share helpful practices. Register.

Apply for the Leadership Legacy Program

Ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? Applications are now accepted for the Leadership Legacy Program. This program is designed to help faculty and staff who are stepping into leadership roles, preparing for future opportunities, or looking to grow as leaders in their current positions. Read more and apply by March 21.

Resources for You

Spring into Well-Being Vaccine Clinic: Tdap, Shingles, and Pneumonia Vaccines

Not eligible? Visit vaccines.gov to find an appointment. Most vaccines can be co-administered; check with your healthcare provider for guidance.

Black Lives Next Door: Research Symposium

Hear graduate and undergraduate students present research projects that unravel complex, overlooked, and often misunderstood stories of historic Black experience in our region. Presentations of student research sponsored by the Center for Mason Legacies and Department of African and African American Studies.

Black Lives Next Door: Research Symposium
Friday, Feb. 28
10:30 a.m. to noon
Fairfax Campus, Fenwick Library, Main Reading Room

Support Group for Working Mothers at George Mason

The Support Group for Working Mothers at George Mason is one way faculty, staff, and students can come together, discuss the issues confronting working mothers, and perhaps motivate changes on campus. The in-person and virtual meeting schedule for the spring semester is now available. Those interested can also join the community via Teams. Share stories and become part of an informal organization of working mothers. Visit the website for meeting dates and more information.

Kritikos Anti-Racist Reading Group: Spring Sessions

Join them for the topic “Imagining Abolition and Climate Justice: Wildfires and Prison Labor” on Friday, Feb. 28, from 1–2:30 p.m. via Zoom. This event is free and open to the public.

Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George Mason

Kodo
Saturday, March 1, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Experience the “primal power and bravura beauty of Kodo” (Chicago Tribune) when Japan’s premier ensemble of taiko drummers returns to the Center for the Arts with its exuberant rhythms and energy. Kodo’s modern take on the ancient art form of taiko drumming will leave its audience breathless with its heart-pounding and stunningly athletic displays of musicianship.

Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: A Few of Our Favorite Things
Sunday, March 2, at 2 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
The internationally acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Siegel returns with his popular Keyboard Conversations®—concerts with captivating commentary. A Few of Our Favorite Things is a program of beloved, familiar works composed by some of the most popular composers of all time, including, Beethoven, Chopin, Gershwin, and Rachmaninoff—music known to non-concert goers, as well as classical music aficionados. The program will conclude with a short Q&A with the audience.

Faculty Artist Series: Kathleen Gardiner Mulcahy (clarinet)
Dewberry School of Music
Sunday, March 2, at 3 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
The Dewberry Faculty Artist Series showcases the talents of Dewberry School of Music professional faculty. The series is presented every spring semester. This faculty recital presents repertoire that showcases collaboration between Dewberry School of Music faculty members, featuring Kathleen Gardiner Mulcahy (clarinet), and including Caroline Steiger (horn) and Eunae Ko Han (piano).

Angélique Kidjo
Sunday, March 2, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Five-time Grammy Award-winner Angélique Kidjo brings her powerhouse voice, electrifying stage presence, and joyous music to the Center for the Arts. Named one of 2021’s “Most Influential People” by TIME Magazine and one of the “Top 100 Most Inspiring Women in the World” by the Guardian, Kidjo is one of the greatest artistic forces in international music today. Blending West African rhythms with jazz, pop, funk, R&B, Latin, and dance music, Kidjo’s visionary music tells the story of Africa’s past while looking ahead to the future.

Mason Symphony Orchestra Concert
Dewberry School of Music
Monday, March 3, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
In its third installment of the season, the Mason Symphony Orchestra, led by Soo Han, is excited to launch the spring semester with Water Sings Fire by George Mason's own Director of Composition Andrea Reinkemeyer. This concert will also feature two of the 2025 Mason Concerto Competition winners: Jennifer Szabo (flute), performing the first movement of Mozart's Flute Concerto in G Major, and Annie French (soprano), performing "V'adoro, pupille" from Handel's Giulio Cesare. The evening will conclude with Respighi's thrilling Pines of Rome, featuring members of The Green Machine.

Juan Megna Trio
Wednesday, March 5, at 1:30 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Jacquemin Family Foundation Rehearsal Hall
��AV alum (Doctor of Musical Arts ‘21), Dewberry School of Music professor, and recipient of a Young Alumni Commissioning Award (’23), Juan Megna showcases musical influences from across the Americas with the Juan Megna Trio. The Argentinian-born percussionist/drummer studied music at the State University of Campinas in São Paulo, Brazil, before continuing his musical and educational odyssey in the United States. At George Mason, he leads the School of Music Latin American Ensemble. The Juan Megna Trio will perform a mix of Megna’s original compositions, blended jazz, Argentinian and Afro-Brazilian rhythms.

JigJam
Friday, March 14, at 8 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, JigJam, “the best Irish group in bluegrass” (Irish American News), guarantees foot-stomping, heart-pounding feel-good tunes. The quartet made its Grand Ole Opry Debut in 2023 to a sold-out crowd, where they were joined by Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Steve Earle, and Lauren Alaina, among others. These talented multi-instrumentalists have released three albums and are winning over audiences with their infectious blend of bluegrass and American folk. Celebrate the rich musical heritage of the Irish with “Ireland’s answer to New Grass Revival” (Midwest Records).

Chloé Arnold’s Syncopated Ladies LIVE
Saturday, March 22, at 8 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Founded by D.C. native Chloé Arnold, an Emmy Award-nominated tap dancer and choreographer, and protégé of Golden Globe winner Debbie Allen, Syncopated Ladies LIVE is a spellbinding and inspirational all-female tap dance celebration of sisterhood, empowerment, rhythm, and joy. These dynamic performers are reinvigorating the artform of tap, weaving together inspiring stories, electric energy, and intricate footwork, while dancing to everything from pop and hip-hop to salsa and R&B.

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Today@Mason calendar

Around Mason: Week of March 4, 2025
March 4, 2025
Bonnie Madden is March Employee of the Month
March 3, 2025
Meet the Mason Nation: Traci Kendall
February 28, 2025
Around Mason: Week of Feb. 25, 2025
February 25, 2025
Turning “trash” into treasure: diverting surplus property from the waste stream
February 21, 2025

Topics

Turning “trash” into treasure: diverting surplus property from the waste stream

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:27:59 +0000

Turning “trash” into treasure: diverting surplus property from the waste stream Lauren Reuscher Thu, 02/20/2025 - 10:27

When it’s time to clear out the garage or basement, some people might host a yard sale, selling old clothes, furniture, or housewares—whatever needs to go. After a successful yard sale, they might hope to have some extra pocket money.

Selling or redistributing surplus items from a public university is a bit more complicated, but the payoff is worth it. Since the arrival of Steve Pulis, purchasing manager in Facilities and Campus Operations, ��AV has earned more than $1 million in surplus property sales—including furniture, equipment, and more.

In 2023 and 2024, Pulis partnered with Housing and Residence Life to transfer used residence hall furniture to Virginia State University. Photo by Facilities and Campus Operations

Pulis started working at George Mason in 2017 and has helped the university add money to its general fund by effectively managing the commonwealth’s surplus sales process.

We are careful stewards

Pulis earned a Silver Impact Award from his department for his efforts to partner with units inside and outside the university to increase the amount of surplus property sold, donated, or otherwise diverted from the waste stream.

As a result, George Mason is now ranked at number 7 among higher education state agencies for total surplus sales in the Commonwealth of Virginia through GovDeals.

Shopping for “free”

Commonwealth agencies must follow strict procedures when it comes to the reallocation of surplus property. When offices and departments at George Mason no longer need equipment, furniture, or other supplies, those items are declared as “surplus.”

Staff from Central Receiving, part of Facilities Management, pick up the unneeded items and store them in the warehouse on the Fairfax Campus. Surplus items are made available to internal departments and other state agencies for free. Pulis is often contacted by university departments and state agencies seeking specialized items.

“In some cases, I do reach out directly to other state agencies to see if there is an interest to transfer the items from George Mason to the agency,” Pulis said.

Steve Pulis, purchasing manager, Facilities and Campus Operations. Photo provided

Going once, going twice . . .

Surplus property may be sold at auction through the GovDeals website, and this is where the earning really happens. Pulis examines the resale market to determine whether an item will sell at auction.

The sale of surplus state property through auction or direct sales sends money back into the university’s general fund.

“Steve has increased the amount of university surplus sold through GovDeals by roughly $69,000 a year,” said Kat Sirotin, director of purchasing and fiscal services in Facilities and Campus Operations. “Initiatives like this help infuse funding back into the university’s general fund while also supporting our sustainability goals by diverting used equipment and furniture from the waste stream.”

Giving items a new life

Decommissioned spaces are one source of surplus property. Upon the closure of the university’s instructional site in Loudoun, and the former library space in the Johnson Center, university staff planned for the repurposing or sale of surplus items.

Another recent surplus sale? Extra personal protective equipment (PPE) purchased during the COVID pandemic, such as disinfectant wipes, masks, and wipe dispensers. Items not sold on GovDeals were donated to Serving Each Other, a nonprofit organization that distributed items to clinics, assisted living facilities, and to support hurricane relief in North Carolina after the devastation of Hurricane Helene.

Surplus property also results from regular upkeep and replacement of furniture and equipment. In 2023 and 2024, Pulis partnered with Housing and Residence Life to transfer used residence hall furniture to Virginia State University, an HBCU near Petersburg, Virginia.

Going where help is needed

When students move out of their residence halls, the Patriot Packout offers an easy way for them to donate unwanted items, instead of tossing them into the trash. Through Pulis’ efforts, some of those unwanted items are sold on GovDeals, transferred to other state agencies, or donated to nonprofit organizations.

In accordance with state policies and procedures, Pulis helped redirect clothing, furniture, and household items from the Patriot Packout to Serving Each Other, which directed the items to displaced individuals impacted by a fire at a housing development in southeast Washington, D.C.

Repurposing for a purpose

After receiving a request to remove furniture from Fenwick Library’s A Wing, Pulis came up with a creative way to repurpose the items. He collaborated with the City of Fairfax Fire Department and asked if they could use the furniture for their training exercises. The answer? “Yes.”

Sometimes, surplus property gets to take a heroic turn in its second life.

Topics

Housing and Residence Life

Sustainability

Facilities

Around Mason: Week of Feb. 18, 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 17:16:12 +0000

Around Mason: Week of Feb. 18, 2025 Lauren Reuscher Fri, 02/14/2025 - 12:16

Faculty/Staff Announcements

Have something to share? Review announcement guidelines and submit an announcement from your unit through the online form.

Campus Updates

President's Town Hall Sessions with Faculty/Staff

��AV President Gregory Washington will host two 90-minute town hall sessions to discuss the state of the university and to engage with faculty and staff.

The first town hall, for faculty and staff working in academic units, will take place on Wednesday, March 19, at 9 a.m., on the Fairfax Campus, The Hub, Ballroom.
The second town hall, for employees working in nonacademic units, will take place on Tuesday, March 25, at 1:30 p.m., on the Fairfax Campus, The Hub, Ballroom.

Captioning will be available on the livestream. If you are in need of sign language interpreters for this event, please reach out directly to the Office of Disability Services. If United Language Group (ULG) services are needed, please reach out directly to the Office of Human Resources.

Harvard COACHE Faculty Satisfaction Survey

This spring, full-time ��AV faculty can once again make their voices heard by participating in the Collaboration on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) Faculty Satisfaction Survey, a national survey designed specifically to understand the job satisfaction of instructional and research faculty. The survey launched in early February and will be open until early April. Faculty were emailed a unique link to the survey. Learn more.

Final Call for Outstanding Achievement Award Nominations: Submit by Feb. 21

Time is running out to nominate outstanding faculty and staff for the 2025 Outstanding Achievement Awards. With new categories this year—like the Rising Star Award, Wage Employee Service Award, and Campus Culture Champion—there are even more opportunities to recognize the hard work and dedication of your colleagues.

Submit your nominations by Friday, Feb. 21. Save the date for the ceremony on Tuesday, April 15, from 10–11:30 a.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall. For any questions, contact awards@gmu.edu.

Inaugural Promotional Vendor Fair

Nominations for the Jack Wood Award for Town-Gown Relations

The Jack Wood Award highlights the outstanding contributions of faculty, staff, students, businesses/not-for-profits, community members, and elected officials/staff who demonstrate leadership in fostering mutually beneficial relationships between the university and the community.

This distinction honors former Mayor Jack Wood, who played an instrumental role in establishing George Mason in the City of Fairfax and establishing town-gown relations between the university and the community.

Nominations are due March 19. Self-nominations are welcome. Community relations/outreach professionals are not eligible. Awardees will be notified by April 1, and the Board of Visitors will honor awardees on May 1. Questions? Contact Traci Kendall.

Spring Career Fair

Students and alumni are encouraged to attend the Spring Career Fair on Feb. 18, 19, and 20. Participants can network with employers, gain insight from alums, find part-time gigs, internships, and full-time jobs. This three-day event will host more than 50 employers each day, seeking to fill job vacancies. The fair will happen on the Fairfax Campus in the Johnson Center, lower level.

Each day of the fair will have its own focus: Tuesday is STEM, Wednesday covers all interests, and Thursday is business, government, and nonprofits. Learn more.

Celebrating the Life of President Jimmy Carter

Join the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution on Tuesday, Feb. 18, to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter. This special event will reflect on his unparalleled contributions to peace, human rights, and humanitarian service. The event will be hosted at Mason Square, Van Metre Hall, auditorium, from 6–8 p.m.

This gathering offers a moment to celebrate President Carter’s centennial legacy and his enduring impact on the world. Through stories, reflections, and shared memories, we will pay tribute to a leader who exemplified compassion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to building a more just and equitable society. Learn more.

The Eaterie is Now Open

The Eaterie, a new dining venue on the Fairfax Campus in Student Union I (SUB I), is now open. This location features seven stations, including an expanded kosher station—the first certified Kosher Kitchen in Virginia. Committed to sustainability, The Eaterie will use reusable containers and source 80% of its items locally. Customers are encouraged to sign up for the ReusePass program to participate in The Eaterie’s waste-free dining initiative. Payment options include card, cash, Dining Dollars, Swipes, and Mason Money.

New Student Strengths Coaching Program

The Center for the Advancement of Well-Being announces the launch of the Student Strengths Coaching program, which will build a collaborative team of students from across George Mason to be trained and hired as paid Strengths Coaches.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to share this new opportunity with their students. Students may apply through Feb. 28. For more information, visit the website. Information sessions are also available.

Hayden Center Open Forum rescheduled for Feb. 24

The open forum originally scheduled for Feb. 12 will now take place on Monday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m. at Mason Square, Van Metre Hall. A reception will follow the event. The forum will also be livestreamed. RSVP.

Training and Professional Development

Forward Thinking as a Supervisor: Strategies for Success Managing Staff Evaluations

Teaching Opportunity with University Studies

University Studies is now accepting applications from George Mason staff to teach first-year students in UNIV 100 Introduction to George Mason courses during fall 2025. UNIV 100 faculty play a crucial role in assisting first-year students succeed in both their academic and social transition to George Mason. Sign up for an information session to learn more about making a difference in the lives of first-year students. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, Feb. 19. Contact univ@gmu.edu with questions.

Title IX Mason Employee Mandatory Reporter Training

Wednesday, March 19, 1–3 p.m. Register

Resources for You

George Mason Night with the Washington Capitals

Celebrate George Mason night with the Washington Capitals as the Patriots fill the arena to watch the Caps take on the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday, March 20, at 7 p.m. Special ticket pricing options are available. A George Mason and Capitals co-branded beanie hat is available to those who purchase the special George Mason night ticket.

Join the ��AV Alumni Association for a pregame reception at Clyde's Gallery Place before the hockey game on Thursday, March 20. Learn more.

Support Group for Working Mothers at George Mason

Patriot Perks Basketball Watch Parties

The Patriot Perks Basketball Watch Parties are in full swing! Catch the excitement at Commonwealth Brewing on Saturday, Feb. 22, as the men’s basketball team takes on VCU. Or, come to PJ Skidoos on Sunday, Feb. 23, for the first-ever women’s basketball watch party for the away game against Saint Joseph’s. Enjoy giveaways, food, and exclusive discounts with your Mason ID. Let’s come together and cheer on the Patriots. Bring your Mason ID to enjoy discounts, giveaways, and cheer with fellow fans. RSVP.

Fall for the Book Mini Fest

Fall for the Book will host its third annual Mini Fest on Thursday, Feb. 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Fenwick Library, Reading Room. Five events will feature writers TJ Butler, Daniel Bedrosian, Matthew Gabriele, Samuel Kọ́láwọlé, and Steve Almond. The events are free and open to the public. Check out the full schedule.

Statistics Open House for Prospective Graduate Students

Are you considering advancing your education in statistics, biostatistics, or data science? Join a Statistics open house for prospective graduate students on Friday, Feb. 21. Learn about MS and PhD programs, research opportunities, and funding options.

Attendees will connect with faculty and current graduate students and gain insights into career paths in statistics, biostatistics, and data science. The open house will be hosted on the Fairfax Campus, Nguyen Engineering Building, Room 4201, and also online. RSVP.

Kritikos Anti-Racist Reading Group: Spring Sessions

Join them for the topic “Imagining Abolition: Violent Systems Will Not Make Us Safe” on Friday, Feb. 21, from 1–2:30 p.m. via Zoom. This event is free and open to the public.

Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George Mason

National Pan-Hellenic Council 2025 Step Show
Saturday, Feb. 22, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Join the Divine 9 as they compete for the title of 2025 National Pan-Hellenic Council Step Show Champions. This year's theme, “Icon: Celebrating Black Music,” honors legendary artists and unforgettable moments in Black music history.

Faculty Artist Series: Duo-Piano Silver Anniversary Concert (Anna Balakerskaia and Linda Apple Monson)
Dewberry School of Music
Sunday, Feb. 23, at 3 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
The Dewberry Faculty Artist Series showcases the talents of our School of Music professional faculty. The series is presented every spring semester. This recital celebrates the 25 years that Anna Balakerskaia and Linda Apple Monson have performed and taught together at ��AV and features duo-piano works.

Czech National Symphony Orchestra
Sunday, Feb. 23, at 4 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
The 2022 Gramophone Orchestra of the Year nominee, Czech National Symphony Orchestra makes its Hylton Center debut with a masterful program of fiery, powerhouse works under the direction of Music Director Steven Mercurio. The Czech National Symphony Orchestra ranks among the most highly sought after orchestras in Europe and the United States and is consistently praised for its versatile programs that include classical, film scores, jazz, musicals, and more.

Mason Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band Concert
Dewberry School of Music
Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Join the Mason Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band for Suite Dreams, a concert inspired by the unique compositional genre of the suite—a musical form that unites a collection of distinct movements or sections, often reflecting a variety of moods, themes, or styles. From powerful overtures to delicate folk melodies, the program invites you to experience the timeless appeal of the suite in a concert that promises to be as dynamic as it is captivating.

Cherish the Ladies
Saturday, March 15, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Kick up your heels with U.S.-based Celtic music sensation Cherish the Ladies in a rousing program of traditional Irish melodies and original arrangements performed with virtuoso instrumentation, beautiful vocals, and spirited step dancing. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025, this all-female ensemble has captivated audiences with its “passionate, tender, and rambunctious” (Washington Post) sound that has earned a Grammy nomination, recognition as the BBC’s “Best Musical Group of the Year,” and the Irish Music Awards’ “Top North American Celtic Group.”

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President's Town Hall Sessions with Faculty/Staff

Lauren Reuscher — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 16:04:48 +0000

President's Town Hall Sessions with Faculty/Staff Lauren Reuscher Fri, 02/14/2025 - 11:04

��AV President Gregory Washington will host two 90-minute town hall sessions to discuss the state of the university and to engage with faculty and staff.

The first town hall, for faculty and staff working in academic units, will take place on Wednesday, March 19, at 9 a.m., on the Fairfax Campus, The Hub, Ballroom.
The second town hall, for employees working in nonacademic units, will take place on Tuesday, March 25, at 1:30 p.m., on the Fairfax Campus, The Hub, Ballroom.

Topics

Off the Clock: For Buz Grover, the call to explore echoes—right into the world’s longest known cave

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 15:17:30 +0000

Off the Clock: For Buz Grover, the call to explore echoes—right into the world’s longest known cave Lauren Reuscher Thu, 02/13/2025 - 10:17

As director of contracts and special projects for Auxiliary Services and Operations at ��AV, Buz Grover manages the university’s contracts for print, mail, and on-campus banking and ATMs. He also coordinates oversight of camps and youth programs on campus.

Buz Grover during an expedition in Crystal Cave, part of Mammoth Cave National Park. Photo provided

On the job, Grover has managed plenty of new and experimental projects. When faculty and staff returned to campus during the COVID pandemic, he led the creation of a temporary, on-campus child care facility where the children of faculty and staff could attend virtual school while their parents worked, known as the Patriot Learning Pod.

Outside work, Grover’s expeditionary spirit goes beneath the surface. As a volunteer with the Cave Research Foundation, Grover explores caves on federal lands, mapping the unknown twists and turns of the earth’s darkest—and coolest—corners.

How did you get started with this hobby? How long have you been doing it?

As a result of my misspent youth, the town I grew up in “invited” me to take part in a diversionary program modeled after Outward Bound. We’d head into the woods with the town’s police officers and members of a local Special Forces reserve unit to learn outdoor skills like climbing and rappelling. I eventually became one of the program’s leads.

Several years later, I moved to Champaign, Illinois, where I worked as a lead cook and kitchen manager at the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign. That area of the Midwest is known as the flatlands; there is absolutely nothing to climb up or rappel down. There are, however, caves that you can rappel into and ascend out of. I got connected with a local cave “grotto” group.

Expedition participants gather in Crystal Cave’s Grand Canyon within Mammoth Cave National Park. Photo provided

One of my fellow cavers was involved with the Cave Research Foundation (CRF). The CRF is an elite group of cavers, so I was surprised when I was asked to attend an expedition in the mid-1980s. I’ve been caving with the CRF for more than 40 years and am now a Fellow with the organization.

Entrance to Crystal Cave in Mammoth Cave National Park. Photo provided

When and where do you participate in these adventures?

The CRF is chartered by the National Park Service to explore caves on federal land. I do most of my work at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky. The CRF has mapped over 400 miles of cave at Mammoth Cave, making it the longest known cave on the planet and a prominent tourist destination. I have also spent time at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico.

Given the length of Mammoth Cave, it can take 8–10 hours to get to an unexplored part of the cave. Once there, we spend at least eight hours surveying and exploring new parts of the cave. It takes longer to get out than it did to get in, so it’s not uncommon for a trip to last 24–30 hours. The longest trip I’ve been on lasted 36 hours. Mammoth Cave expeditions happen almost every holiday weekend, with the exception of Christmas.

What lessons have you learned?

The power of effective teamwork and the importance of supporting the group effort. I cooked professionally when I began with the CRF and swore I’d never take on the surface job of camp management, as it was too much like my day job. But returning to camp after long, exhausting trips underground only to find glops of unidentifiable mush, I decided it was time to share some of my cooking skills with the CRF.

Grover has provided provisions during many expeditions, including Thanksgiving turkeys. Photo provided

For close to 40 years, I’ve been cooking for the Thanksgiving expedition, smoking turkeys with all the fixings for 35–60 cavers each year. I’m working on a CRF camp manager’s manual to codify and pass on effective caver care and feeding techniques.

What have been the most meaningful or memorable experiences?

I’ve confronted what I thought were my limits and exceeded them. I’ve crawled through wet, muddy chert tubes for hours, waded in hip-deep water censusing crayfish, read my compass and clinometer in water-filled passages with limited breathing space, fractured a finger and then completed a 100-foot climb, among many other challenges.

A substantial amount of scientific inquiry has occurred at Mammoth Cave and other project areas. None of it can happen until folks like me go in and map the cave, as that allows the scientists to identify where their inquiries took place.

As a parent, it’s been wonderful to watch my children grow up attending CRF expeditions and become cavers themselves. I don’t think they realized it at the time, but my kids were in “school” for the length of any expeditions they attended, learning lessons that stuck with them well after we returned home.

I’ve formed lifelong friendships with fellow cavers, entrusted my life to them, as they have entrusted theirs to me. There are few other endeavors where you and a couple of friends can go out and be the first people to explore a portion of the planet. Few people get to make that claim, and I count myself as fortunate for being able to be one of them.

Grover at the former Crystal Cave ticket office in Mammoth Cave National Park. Photo provided

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Faculty asked to participate in Harvard COACHE Faculty Satisfaction Survey

Katarina Benson — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 16:49:41 +0000

Faculty asked to participate in Harvard COACHE Faculty Satisfaction Survey Katarina Benson Mon, 02/10/2025 - 11:49

In This Story

Kim Eby, PhD

Supriya Baily

This spring, ��AV full-time faculty can once again make their voices heard by participating in the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) Faculty Satisfaction Survey, a national survey designed specifically to understand the job satisfaction of instructional and research faculty. The survey launched in early February and will be open until early April.

Results from prior cycles of the COACH survey (2019, 2022) allowed George Mason to focus on areas of growth around promotion and tenure, recognition and appreciation, faculty mentoring, and salary and compensation. Headway continues to be made on these efforts in part due to the robust data from the COACHE survey.

In the 2025 survey, all full-time tenure-line and instructional faculty will report their satisfaction with their experiences at George Mason across several domains including reappointment, promotion and tenure; the nature of their work, inclusive of teaching, research, and service; shared governance; and the general climate, culture, and level of collegiality.

“It is critical that we continue to gain insight into how faculty feel that we are doing, as an institution, in helping them meet their professional goals,” said Kim Eby, vice provost for faculty affairs and development and cochair of the Mason COACHE Faculty Engagement Initiative. “Our strong response rates in the past not only gave us confidence in the findings, but quite frankly served as a call to action to make improvements in several areas. George Mason cannot meet our strategic goals and aspirations for student success and R1 growth without continuing to support and invest in our faculty.”

The confidential survey is administered by COACHE, a national research-practice partnership in the Harvard Graduate School of Education that dedicated to improving outcomes in faculty recruitment, development, and retention. Under COACHE, more than 250 colleges, universities, and state systems have strengthened their capacity to identify the drivers of faculty success and implement informed changes, including multiple Virginia schools and R1 institutions.

Harvard COACHE will provide a summary report and findings to George Mason in the summer. The Mason COACHE Leadership team, a group of faculty and administrators from across the campus—including representatives from multiple colleges and schools—will facilitate engaging the George Mason community in reviewing the findings and drafting those action plans.

Supriya Baily, a professor in the College of Education and Human Development, is cochair of the COACHE Leadership Team. “Our action plans have provided tangible ways for departments, local academic units and university administrators to change practice and update policy,” she said. “In this critical time, hearing from faculty members about what matters to them can have a profound effect on how George Mason shapes priorities moving forward.”

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Around Mason: Week of Feb. 11, 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 17:23:23 +0000

Around Mason: Week of Feb. 11, 2025 Lauren Reuscher Fri, 02/07/2025 - 12:23

Faculty/Staff Announcements

Have something to share? Review announcement guidelines and submit an announcement from your unit through the online form.

Campus Updates

President's Town Hall Sessions with Faculty/Staff

��AV President Gregory Washington will host two 90-minute town hall sessions to discuss the state of the university and to engage with faculty and staff.

The first town hall, for faculty and staff working in academic units, will take place on Wednesday, March 19, at 9 a.m., on the Fairfax Campus, The Hub, Ballroom.
The second town hall, for employees working in nonacademic units, will take place on Tuesday, March 25, at 1:30 p.m., on the Fairfax Campus, The Hub, Ballroom.

Harvard COACHE Faculty Satisfaction Survey

Final Call for Outstanding Achievement Award Nominations: Submit by Feb. 21

Spring Career Fair

Each day of the fair will have its own focus: Tuesday is STEM, Wednesday covers all interests, and Thursday is business, government, and nonprofits. University Career Services is also hosting a Resume Clinic and a Prepare for the Fair Workshop the week before the grand event. Learn more.

The Eaterie is Now Open

Hayden Center Open Forum

The third annual Hayden Center open forum is an event where the audience controls the discussion with their questions. Join General Michael Hayden (former CIA and NSA director) and other Schar School faculty for a conversation about 2025’s national security challenges. The open forum will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m. at Mason Square, Van Metre Hall. A reception will follow the event. The forum will also be livestreamed. RSVP.

Calling All Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi Members

The Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies welcome faculty and staff to participate in George Mason’s local chapters. Members should complete this short survey to get connected with local chapters and stay up to date on upcoming chapter events. Learn more about the honor societies on the George Mason Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi websites.

Southside Dining becomes a Certified Green Restaurant

Southside Dining is officially a Certified Green Restaurant®, recognized by the Green Restaurant Association for its commitment to sustainability. Restaurants generate more than 300 million tons of garbage every year, but Southside is working to reduce waste through recycling, water efficiency, and sustainable food practices. Mason Dining has also eliminated all polystyrene foam products, ensuring a greener dining experience for the campus community. This semester, dine “green” at Southside! Contact Sophia Nelson, Mason Dining, with questions.

Training and Professional Development

Request for Proposals: 17th Annual Innovations in Teaching and Learning Conference

Title IX Mason Employee Mandatory Reporter Training

Spring 2025 Title IX Virtual Training Schedule:

Tuesday, Feb. 18, 10 a.m. to noon. Register
Wednesday, March 19, 1–3 p.m. Register

Apply for the Leadership Legacy Program

Thrive at Mason Boot Camp: Call for Workshop Proposals

This year's Thrive at Mason boot camp is dedicated to fostering a growth mindset as we navigate an evolving landscape. This theme aims to inspire resilience, adaptability, and innovative thinking for personal and professional development. Faculty and staff are invited to submit creative and engaging workshop proposals. These contributions will play a pivotal role in encouraging the George Mason community to embrace the power of a growth mindset.

Proposals should be submitted through the online form by Friday, Feb. 21, at 5 p.m. All submitters will receive notification of their proposal status by Friday, March 7. For questions, contact Daniel Labriola, Fiscal Services.

Suicide Prevention Training for Students, Faculty, and Staff

SOS (Signs of Suicide) for Higher Ed is a suicide prevention training program, which includes two 30-minute, self-guided, online training courses for students, faculty, and staff.

The trainings provide video and interactive learning to teach everyone on campus how to ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) in their role in suicide prevention. SOS for Higher Ed uses real and diverse stories of mental health struggles and recovery, along with modeled scenarios, to provide all learners with actionable steps to help someone in need.

Members of the George Mason community are encouraged to participate and learn:

How to recognize signs of suicide risk
How to have caring conversations that encourage someone to seek help
How to build community connections that foster positive mental well-being
An overview of available student mental health resources, on and off campus

For more details and to access the training, visit the Counseling and Psychological Services website.

Resources for You

Support Group for Working Mothers at George Mason

Institute for Immigration Research: Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Arrival of the Vietnamese Boat People

Join the Institute for Immigration Research on Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 7–8:30 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall, Room 1201, for an evening commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the Vietnamese Boat People. From 1975 to 1992, almost two million Vietnamese risked their lives to flee oppression and hardship after the Vietnam War. Escaping by boat, many were captured or did not survive the journey, found freedom in other countries, or were resettled in refugee camps.

The event will include a discussion of the Vietnamese Boat People resettlement experience, a viewing of the Closing the Gap documentary, a conversation on the current state of refugees around the world and in the United States, and an art and book display. The evening event will follow afternoon panels with online speakers. Learn more and RSVP.

Patriot Perks Basketball Watch Parties

Bring your Mason ID to enjoy discounts, giveaways, and cheer with fellow fans. RSVP.

Fall for the Book Mini Fest

Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George Mason

Virginia National Ballet: Snow White
Friday, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Virginia National Ballet’s delightful production of Snow White is a whimsical, enchanting ballet which follows the story of the Disney film and features its instantly recognizable music. Brought back by popular demand, the whole family will enjoy this upgraded production featuring gorgeous new backdrops and scenery, with world class choreography and dancing.

Mason Jazz Festival
Saturday, Feb. 15, all day
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
The Mason Jazz Festival is a yearly invitational, non-competitive event open to middle school, high school, collegiate, and community jazz ensembles. All concerts and events are free and open to the public (no tickets are required). The closing concert is at 7 p.m. and will feature the Mason Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Jim Carroll and the U.S. Army Blues.

Versa-Style Street Dance Company
Saturday, Feb. 15, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Named “Los Angeles’ Best Dance Troupe for Hip Hop Empowerment” by LA Weekly, Versa-Style Street Dance Company immerses its audience in the electrifying world of hip hop and street dance culture. To mark its 20th anniversary, the troupe presents Rooted Rhythms, a mixed repertory program of its most popular works, paying homage to street dance styles such as whacking, popping, and house dance, as well as a blend of Afro-Latin styles including salsa and West African. As a Mason Artist-in-Residence, Versa-Style Street Dance Company will engage the community and students through a variety of events, classes, and discussions.

The Acting Company: The Comedy of Errors
Saturday, Feb. 15 at 8 p.m.
SciTech Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
The Acting Company presents 2022 Tony Award nominee Christina Anderson’s delightful modern verse translation of one of Shakespeare’s earliest works. In this farcical romp, separated families and mistaken identities create hilarious mayhem.

Faculty Artist Series: The Spheres Project
Dewberry School of Music
Sunday, Feb. 16, at 3 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
The Dewberry Faculty Artist Series showcases the talents of our School of Music professional faculty. The series is presented every spring semester. The Spheres Project is a musical collaboration between George Mason string faculty and students. The project embraces both the differences and commonalities of our lived experiences. Each performance is created from the synergy between participants as they explore the intersections of their worlds. In this performance, The Spheres Project will present the Prokofiev String Quartet No. 2, Op. 92.

The Acting Company: August Wilson’s Two Trains Running
Sunday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The Acting Company returns with August Wilson’s Tony Award-winning play. Set amid the Civil Rights Movement, the drama centers on Memphis Lee, an African American diner owner whose business is set to be demolished for an urban renewal project. While Lee fights for fairness and dignity, his customers struggle with how gentrification is changing their lives in unpredictable ways. Two Trains Running is a poignant tribute to the spirit and perseverance of the people who make our country great even when faced with overwhelming odds.

Mason Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band Concert
Dewberry School of Music
Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The Mason Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band open their spring 2025 performance season with a joint concert performance, conducted by Director of Bands William L. Lake Jr.

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