Lauren Reuscher

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.

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Housing and Residence Life

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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Breaking down the composting process

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 14:46:23 +0000

Breaking down the composting process Lauren Reuscher Thu, 01/23/2025 - 09:46

Cindy Smith, a professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy, took her EVPP 302 Biomes and Human Dimensions students to a composting facility last fall to give them a front-row seat for food and yard waste recycling.

Photo by Cindy Smith/College of Science

In the course, students examine human impacts on ecosystems. Because human activities often have a harmful effect on ecosystems, Smith also aims to show students positive, real-world examples of how humans can help mitigate these impacts.

“I want students to experience successful programs that are doing positive work, like keeping yard and food waste out of our landfills where the breakdown would produce methane, a powerful greenhouse gas,” said Smith.

The field trip also offers insight into a career path for those interested in sustainability.

The Convertus composting facility, located in Manassas, Virginia, produces certified compost, mulch, and soil amendment products in bulk. The facility can process 80,000–100,000 tons of organic waste per year. This includes yard waste, tree branches, and food and restaurant waste.

A milk hauler dumps excess or expired milk products, which Convertus uses in the composting process. The students noted that it made the area smell like vanilla creamer. Photo by Cindy Smith/College of Science

During the field trip, students watched stages of the composting process, from the delivery of waste to the grinding, mixing, aerating, screening, and composting. They observed the different effects of various materials.

“The students were surprised to see a red tint in the leachate pond [during our visit], which resulted from red wine waste being processed,” said Smith.

��AV sends compostable scraps from multiple sources to the Convertus facility. Food waste is collected from campus dining and retail locations and Bigbelly Solar Zero Waste Stations. Two pilot programs collect compost materials in the form of paper towels from restrooms at the Facilities complex at Fairfax, and food waste from Katherine Johnson Hall at the Science and Technology Campus.

“It's great to see all this organic waste getting recycled into an economically viable product, rather than buried in a landfill or sent to a waste water treatment plant,” said Smith.

Learn more about sustainability at George Mason

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Meet the Mason Nation: Nandini Koka

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 17:37:27 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Nandini Koka Lauren Reuscher Wed, 11/20/2024 - 12:37

Nandini Koka, MD

Job: Executive Director, Student Health Services

Dr. Nandini Koka, executive director of Student Health Services at ��AV. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Nandini Koka joined ��AV in April 2023 as executive director of Student Health Services, where she leads a staff of nearly 50 that includes doctors, nurse practitioners, counselors, and nurses. As a medical doctor with training in family medicine and urgent care, she is passionate about helping patients get better quickly and enhancing access to care.

At the largest and fastest-growing public research university in Virginia, Koka has found a place where the need for that care continues to grow.

The doctor is in: In her role, Koka provides direction and leadership for Student Health Services to ensure students receive quality clinical care. She also serves as a medical advisor and resource to campus leaders on health-related matters. In a post-pandemic world, where many aspects of health care remain an urgent community need, her input is essential across George Mason’s campuses.

Helping the student body: Koka knows that learning is not confined to the classroom, and some of the biggest lessons can address a fundamental part of students’ lives: their health.

“I am excited to work at George Mason because of the opportunity to care for a diverse student population,” said Koka. “I want to help guide students as they become advocates for their own health and create goals to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

Appointments on the books: Last year, Student Health Services had 16,500 student interactions—this includes in-person and telehealth visits, lab work, and nurse triage interactions across the Fairfax, Mason Square, and Science and Technology campuses.

Koka knows this number could go even higher. One of her primary goals is to increase awareness of the health services available to students.

“One of the biggest challenges we face is creating awareness around Student Health Services and the fact that we are a full-service medical clinic,” said Koka.

Addressing the body and mind: “We continue to see the need for mental health care as a challenge in the community,” said Koka. “Student Health Services has a unique approach to behavioral health, as we utilize a collaborative care model.”

Dr. Koka leads a staff of nearly 50 that includes doctors, nurse practitioners, counselors, and nurses. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

In this model, medical providers partner with behavioral health counselors to co-manage the care of students. Koka says that this team approach has given students more touchpoints with clinicians and provides a more holistic care model.

Additionally, all patients who visit Student Health Services are given a mental health screening at their first visit, and once a year thereafter. Primary care providers are a key point to identify concerns related to mental health.

Finding ways to make it cost-free: Sexual and reproductive care is another critical area of need at Student Health Services. “We have partnered with a community organization to provide free sexually transmitted infection (STI) services to students throughout the semester,” said Koka. “We continue to look for ways to expand access to services for our students.”

Fostering a supportive community: A dynamic campus community is what brought Koka to higher education. “I have been able to interact with our students and see their excitement about being here at George Mason and wanting to be a part of this community,” said Koka.

Rest as part of health: Outside of work, Koka enjoys spending time with her family. “Our two daughters keep us busy with soccer and dance, and we have fun going to the games and watching the performances,” said Koka. To relax, she might go for a run, play with her dog, or try out new recipes.

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Doctor’s orders: 8 ways to stay healthy this cold and flu season

Lauren Reuscher — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 20:55:04 +0000

Doctor’s orders: 8 ways to stay healthy this cold and flu season Lauren Reuscher Tue, 11/19/2024 - 15:55

Cold and flu season is here—again. Nandini Koka, medical doctor and executive director of Student Health Services at ��AV, is ready to help. Follow Dr. Koka’s self-care steps to stay healthy this respiratory season.

Scrub, scrub, scrub: Wash your hands often with soap and water.

Getty Images
Please, cover up: Cough and sneeze into your elbow, or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.
Hands off: Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
There’s no place like home: If you have a fever or flu symptoms—stay home.
Wait it out: Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, unless you need to seek medical care.
Mask up: If you are unable to stay home when sick, then wear a well-fitting mask around others.
Take care of yourself: Help keep your immune system strong—stay hydrated, eat a nutritious diet, stay physically active, and get enough sleep.

Getty Images
Protect yourself and others: Get vaccinated this fall with the seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine and the updated COVID vaccine. Depending on your age and eligibility, the RSV and pneumonia vaccine are also important. Students can visit Student Health Services to receive the flu vaccine. Faculty, staff, and students can also visit their local pharmacy or primary care doctor if they missed the on-campus vaccination clinics earlier this fall.

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A fond, feathery farewell: Students help track wetland birds heading south for the winter

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 19:55:03 +0000

A fond, feathery farewell: Students help track wetland birds heading south for the winter Lauren Reuscher Wed, 11/06/2024 - 14:55

On a recent field trip to Patuxent River Park in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, undergraduate students from ��AV’s Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation got to view secretive marsh birds up close, including Virginia and sora rail birds.

The Wildlife Ecology and Conservation students learned about a long-term bird banding and radio-tracking study on sora rails and other varieties of birds. Patuxent River Park is part of the Jug Bay Natural Area and Wetlands Sanctuary.

Student Noah Beck holds a sora rail bird, the type of bird tracked for the research study at Patuxent River Park. Photo by Lauren Hughes

The students learned about the annual migratory journey of these beautiful and elusive birds and the efforts to protect them. Soras live in marshes and wetlands throughout North America, and they migrate more than 500 miles to Central and South America for the winter.

Monitoring the movement of species, particularly during migrations, is an essential part of wildlife conservation. During a thorough demonstration from Greg Kearns, senior park naturalist at Patuxent River Park, the students had a chance to watch the important skill of bird banding up close.

Greg Kearns, senior park naturalist at Patuxent River Park, holds and examines a Virginia rail bird. Photo by Lauren Hughes

In bird banding, expert scientists humanely trap the birds, record information about their characteristics, and place a unique aluminum band on each bird’s leg before releasing it. If the birds are recaptured in the future, scientists can gather important information about their migratory habits and lifespan. The sora rails are tagged with a tiny radio transmitter, and their movements are recorded by the Motus wildlife tracking system, giving detailed insight into their long journey south.

Photo by Lauren Hughes

Students receive hands-on training in innovative technologies to monitor species and habitats in the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Virginia. The institute recently set up a new bird banding station, giving students the opportunity to observe bird banding in action. The station is administered by scientists from the Smithsonian’s Migratory Bird Center, part of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.

Learn more about bird banding from the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Student Elle Farina holds a Virginia rail. Photo by Lauren Hughes

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Off the Clock: Kristina Ryder keeps calm and sings on

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Running, walking, and thriving together

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 15:35:17 +0000

Running, walking, and thriving together Lauren Reuscher Thu, 10/24/2024 - 11:35

The annual Mason Nation Thriving Together 5K and 1-mile run/walk took place on ��AV’s Fairfax Campus on Saturday, Oct. 19. This year, more than 400 people registered for the event.

The race was open to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. Proceeds from the event will benefit student mental health and well-being programs.

Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding

The first Thriving Together 5K was hosted in 2020 as a “virtual” race during the pandemic. For the past few years, the event has been hosted on campus with the option to participate from anywhere.

��AV President Gregory Washington helped kick off the race. Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding

The proceeds from this year’s race will benefit the following programs for students:

New and improved MindSpa spaces where students can relax, practice self-care, and improve their overall wellbeing.
Installing soundproof pods that students can use for telehealth appointments in locations where more private, quiet space is needed.
Providing funding to offset the costs of psychological testing for students who are seeking accommodations.
Scholarships for students who serve in the Peer Empowerment Program, a volunteer opportunity for students to help promote mental health awareness at George Mason.

Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding

The Thriving Together 5K planning committee included faculty and staff from across the university, including University Life, Mason Recreation, the College of Education and Human Development, Parking and Transportation, and Mason Police.

Learn more about mental health and well-being resources at George Mason.

Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding

Learn more about mental health and well-being resources

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George Mason Retirees: July to September 2024

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 14:31:09 +0000

George Mason Retirees: July to September 2024 Lauren Reuscher Wed, 10/23/2024 - 10:31

Congratulations to the ��AV faculty and staff retirees from July to September 2024. The list below includes retirees, the department from which they retired, and years of service.

We hope you’ll come back to visit sometimes. Once a Patriot, always a Patriot!

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

July 2024

John (Jack) Lowes, Facilities Management, 25 years

Jing Lu, Information Technology Services, 17 years, 7 months

August 2024

Laura Bell, University Life, 17 years, 5 months

Christine Creswell, College of Education and Human Development, 7 years, 6 months

Peggy Kamin, Center for the Arts, 12 years, 8 months

Martin Kaszubowski, Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program, 9 years, 11 months

Phyllis Malkiewicz, Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center, 19 years, 3 months

Patrick McCavitt, Auxiliary Services and Operations, 12 years, 2 months

Jayshree Sarma, Office of Research Computing, 10 years, 10 months

September 2024

Ali Andalibi, College of Science, 9 years, 6 months

Virginia Blair, Health Administration and Policy, 8 years, 7 months

Steve Burns, Facilities Management, 29 years, 1 month

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Meet the Mason Nation: Marit Majeske

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 13:52:36 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Marit Majeske Lauren Reuscher Thu, 10/10/2024 - 09:52

Marit Majeske

Job: Education Coordinator, Hylton Performing Arts Center

Marit Majeske helps bring the arts to people of all ages as education coordinator at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The Hylton Performing Arts Center opened its doors at ��AV in 2010, and Marit Majeske, education coordinator, has been along for the ride ever since.

Located on George Mason’s Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Virginia, the Hylton Center is managed by the College of Visual and Performing Arts. The center was created in partnership with Prince William County, the City of Manassas, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, with help from private donors and local business members. Today, it boasts 102,000 square feet of space to serve the community through performances and arts programming.

Hometown arts: After graduating from college, Majeske worked on political campaigns. But in 2010, she was ready for a change, and something was calling her to the arts, which had long been her passion. When Majeske heard that George Mason was opening a performing arts center in Prince William County—where she grew up—she decided to apply for a job.

Getting the house in order: Majeske started out as the front of house manager, where she built the volunteer usher and accessibility programs and created procedures to ensure a smooth visitor experience. In 2016, she took the additional role of interim education coordinator, which later became a full-time position. While working at the Hylton Center, Majeske earned her master’s in arts management from George Mason.

A broad palette: Today, Majeske leads the Hylton Center’s Education Initiative, which offers learners of all ages free opportunities to experience and engage in the arts. “Through in-person and virtual programming such as field trips, backstage tours, lecture-demonstrations, and masterclasses led by professional artists, every community member can experience the arts in meaningful ways,” Majeske said.

Arts class: Working with local school districts is one of Majeske’s favorite parts of the job. The Hylton Center hosts students from public schools in Prince William County, the City of Manassas, and the City of Manassas Park, as well as others, for arts programming.

“These schools have impressive arts programs, and I enjoy getting the opportunity to provide additional experiences to students and teachers that support their work in the classroom,” Majeske said.

Peak performance: In the 2023–24 season, nearly 20,000 learners of all ages participated in Hylton Center Education Initiative programming. Majeske says that meeting the growing needs of the community is one of the most fulfilling, but also the most challenging, parts of her jobs.

Marit Majeske has worked at the Hylton Center since it opened in 2010, and she is also a George Mason alum. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“We have seen significant growth in our Education Initiative engagement since 2020, and we hope to continue to expand in a way that provides a wide range of arts experiences reaching learners of all ages—from preschool through lifelong learners,” Majeske said.

Introducing the cast: Majeske’s work intersects with the Mason Artist-in-Residence program, in which artists participate in creative activities with the community prior to their public Hylton Center performances.

“One of my favorite things is getting to know the artists’ interests beyond their art form, which lends itself to creating unique opportunities for engagement with our community members,” Majeske said.

Behind the curtain: Building opportunities for connection between artists and their audiences drives Majeske’s work. And sometimes, it goes off-script. A lifelong fan of Broadway, one of her fondest George Mason memories was when Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell performed at the Hylton Center.

“That evening, while I was addressing our ushers backstage prior to the performance, Mr. Stokes Mitchell stumbled upon our meeting and had been quietly listening in the background,” Majeske said. “Unprompted, he stepped forward, introduced himself, and thanked everyone for welcoming him. What a lovely surprise for our ushers!”

All the world’s a stage—and a classroom: Through her work at Hylton and her own educational experiences, Majeske knows that valuable learning happens outside the confines of a classroom. When she’s not working or taking in performances, she loves to explore, frequently taking in historic sites, museums, and independent bookstores. “I am a firm believer in lifelong learning,” she said.

Learn more about the Hylton Center

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Lauren Reuscher

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

We are careful stewards

Shopping for “free”

Going once, going twice . . .

Giving items a new life

Going where help is needed

Repurposing for a purpose

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

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

When and where do you participate in these adventures?

What lessons have you learned?

What have been the most meaningful or memorable experiences?

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Meet the Mason Nation: Nandini Koka

Nandini Koka, MD

Job: Executive Director, Student Health Services

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Doctor’s orders: 8 ways to stay healthy this cold and flu season

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A fond, feathery farewell: Students help track wetland birds heading south for the winter

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Off the Clock: Kristina Ryder keeps calm and sings on

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George Mason Retirees: July to September 2024

July 2024

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September 2024

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Meet the Mason Nation: Marit Majeske

Marit Majeske

Job: Education Coordinator, Hylton Performing Arts Center

Learn more about the Hylton Center

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