Lauren Reuscher / en Meet the Mason Nation: Nandini Koka /news/2024-11/meet-mason-nation-nandini-koka <span>Meet the Mason Nation: Nandini Koka</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/271" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Lauren Reuscher</span></span> <span>Wed, 11/20/2024 - 12:37</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><h2><span><span><span><span>Nandini Koka, MD</span></span></span></span></h2> <h2><span><span><span><span>Job: Executive Director, Student Health Services</span></span></span></span></h2> <hr /><figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-11/241011318.jpg?itok=JLjY13Ov" width="1480" height="987" alt="Nandini Koka at Student Health Services" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Dr. Nandini Koka, executive director of Student Health Services at AV. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><p><span class="intro-text">Nandini Koka joined AV in April 2023 as executive director of <a href="https://shs.gmu.edu/">Student Health Services</a>, 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. </span></p> <p><span class="intro-text">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.</span></p> <hr /><p><span><span><span><strong><span><span><span>The doctor is in: </span></span></span></strong><span><span><span>In her role, Koka provides direction and leadership for </span>Student Health Services<span> 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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><strong><span><span><span>Helping the student body: </span></span></span></strong><span><span><span>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.   </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure class="quote"><span><span><span><span><span><span>“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.”   </span></span></span></span></span></span></figure><p><span><span><span><strong><span><span><span>Appointments on the books: </span></span></span></strong><span><span><span>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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Koka knows this number could go even higher. One of her primary goals is to increase awareness of the health services available to students. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure class="quote"><span><span><span><span><span><span>“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. </span></span></span></span></span></span></figure><p><span><span><span><strong><span><span><span>Addressing the body and mind: </span></span></span></strong><span><span><span>“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.” </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-11/241011317.jpg?itok=mPb-tdxV" width="1480" height="987" alt="Nandini Koka" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Dr. Koka leads a staff of nearly 50 that includes doctors, nurse practitioners, counselors, and nurses. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span><span>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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>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. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><strong><span><span><span>Finding ways to make it cost-free:</span></span></span></strong><span><span><span> 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.”</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Fostering a supportive community:</span></span></strong><span><span> A dynamic campus community is what brought Koka to higher education. “</span></span><span><span>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. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Rest as part of health:</span></span></strong><span><span> 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.   </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="a5c351bd-8d7f-45ee-87f0-08a96bf8d908"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://shs.gmu.edu/"> <h4 class="cta__title">More about Student Health Services <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="f0f4b8e9-eb63-499e-b9b9-0347383fe460" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>More Like This</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-5c8f9c6438ada28fdd87343080f0d8604ad1c0e72c335f6f2e78a6eb97bd780c"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"><li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-11/meet-mason-nation-nandini-koka" hreflang="en">Meet the Mason Nation: Nandini Koka</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">November 22, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-10/clock-kristina-ryder-keeps-calm-and-sings" hreflang="en">Off the Clock: Kristina Ryder keeps calm and sings on</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">November 1, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-10/meet-mason-nation-marit-majeske" hreflang="en">Meet the Mason Nation: Marit Majeske</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 11, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-09/clock-mentor-debbie-cohen-found-new-pathway-connect-students" hreflang="en">Off the Clock: As a mentor, Debbie Cohen found a new pathway to connect with students</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">September 27, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-07/clock-volunteering-community-farm-carissa-oneill-good-seed" hreflang="en">Off the Clock: Volunteering at a community farm, Carissa O’Neill is a good seed</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">July 19, 2024</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/16781" hreflang="en">Meet the Mason Nation</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1651" hreflang="en">Student Health Services</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/366" hreflang="en">University Life</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/766" hreflang="en">Well-Being</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/5166" hreflang="en">Mental Health</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div> </div> </div> Wed, 20 Nov 2024 17:37:27 +0000 Lauren Reuscher 114761 at Doctor’s orders: 8 ways to stay healthy this cold and flu season /news/2024-11/doctors-orders-8-ways-stay-healthy-cold-and-flu-season <span>Doctor’s orders: 8 ways to stay healthy this cold and flu season</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/271" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Lauren Reuscher</span></span> <span>Tue, 11/19/2024 - 15:55</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">Cold and flu season is here—again. <a href="/news/2024-11/meet-mason-nation-nandini-koka">Nandini Koka</a>, 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.</span></p> <hr /><ol><li> <p><span><span><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Scrub, scrub, scrub:</span></span></strong><span><span> Wash your hands often with soap and water.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2024-11/gettyimages-1213615942_hand_washing.jpg?itok=4T7CnAh6" width="350" height="233" alt="Someone washes their hands" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Getty Images</figcaption></figure></li> <li> <p><span><span><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Please, cover up: </span></span></strong><span><span>Cough and sneeze into your elbow, or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </li> <li><span><span><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Hands off: </span></span></strong><span><span>Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />  </li> <li><span><span><span><span><span><strong><span><span>There’s no place like home: </span></span></strong><span><span>If you have a fever or flu symptoms—stay home.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />  </li> <li><span><span><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Wait it out: </span></span></strong><span><span>Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, unless you need to seek medical care.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />  </li> <li><span><span><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Mask up: </span></span></strong><span><span>If you are unable to stay home when sick, then wear a well-fitting mask around others.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />  </li> <li><span><span><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Take care of yourself: </span></span></strong><span><span>Help keep your immune system strong—stay hydrated, eat a nutritious diet, stay physically active, and get enough sleep.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />   <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2024-11/gettyimages-182148744_thermometer_fever.jpg?itok=qGaxCkS7" width="350" height="233" alt="Thermometer reads temperature for a fever" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Getty Images</figcaption></figure></li> <li><span><span><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Protect yourself and others: </span></span></strong><span><span>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 <a href="https://shs.gmu.edu/">Student Health Services</a> 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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li> </ol><p> </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="d5d7ab8b-165d-4295-91f7-7959cf2df575"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://shs.gmu.edu/"> <h4 class="cta__title">More about Student Health Services <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-font-awesome-icon field--type-fontawesome-icon field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="fontawesome-icons"> <div class="fontawesome-icon"> <i class="fas fa-info-circle" data-fa-transform="" data-fa-mask="" style="--fa-primary-color: #000000; --fa-secondary-color: #000000;"></i> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="3c9fb066-4c24-4f66-8b16-8a4a0ef8cfc0"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://rsr.gmu.edu/employee-health-and-well-being/"> <h4 class="cta__title">Employee Health and Well-Being <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">Campus News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1651" hreflang="en">Student Health Services</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/766" hreflang="en">Well-Being</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/5831" hreflang="en">Influenza</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div> </div> </div> Tue, 19 Nov 2024 20:55:04 +0000 Lauren Reuscher 114766 at A fond, feathery farewell: Students help track wetland birds heading south for the winter /news/2024-11/fond-feathery-farewell-students-help-track-wetland-birds-heading-south-winter <span>A fond, feathery farewell: Students help track wetland birds heading south for the winter</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/271" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Lauren Reuscher</span></span> <span>Wed, 11/06/2024 - 14:55</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">On a recent field trip to Patuxent River Park in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, undergraduate students from AV’s <a href="https://smconservation.gmu.edu/">Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation</a> got to view secretive marsh birds up close, including Virginia and sora rail birds. </span></p> <p><span class="intro-text">The <a href="https://smconservation.gmu.edu/programs/undergraduate-residential-semester-away-programs-2/wildlife-ecology-and-conservation/">Wildlife Ecology and Conservation</a> 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. </span></p> <hr /><figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-11/464236594_938872338260683_8916397840784154048_n.jpg?itok=NAiN-Ipc" width="1480" height="1110" alt="Student holds a marsh bird on a field trip" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>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</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span>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.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>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. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-11/464150629_938870918260825_1288504896539166883_n.jpg?itok=K1Y45ncp" width="1480" height="1110" alt="Park naturalist Greg Kearns holds a marsh bird and examines it" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Greg Kearns, senior park naturalist at Patuxent River Park, holds and examines a Virginia rail bird. Photo by Lauren Hughes</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span>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. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-11/464181509_938870911594159_7242709324604133328_n.jpg?itok=v7vp69wf" width="1480" height="1110" alt="Measuring a marsh bird" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Lauren Hughes</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span>Students receive hands-on training in innovative technologies to monitor species and habitats in the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation at the <a href="https://nationalzoo.si.edu/conservation">Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute</a> </span></span><span><span>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 <a href="https://nationalzoo.si.edu/migratory-birds">Migratory Bird Center</a></span></span>, part of the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><a href="https://nationalzoo.si.edu/migratory-birds/what-bird-banding"><span><span>Learn more about bird banding from the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute</span></span></a><span><span>.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-11/464185426_938872314927352_4683883810976782696_n_0.jpg?itok=CP0M-pkW" width="1480" height="1110" alt="Student holds a marsh bird while learning the important conservation skill of bird banding" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Student Elle Farina holds a Virginia rail. Photo by Lauren Hughes</figcaption></figure><p> </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="fc2e3bef-025f-4f0f-bbe1-faf52f361447"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://smconservation.gmu.edu/"> <h4 class="cta__title">More about the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="6129b3d9-fce8-4324-aae8-b396abebaa23" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Read More Like This</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-fa7290369e1b8bb8ba04bde6b4969fa25506d3924a15eb455f82d08d4f397a04"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"><li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-11/fond-feathery-farewell-students-help-track-wetland-birds-heading-south-winter" hreflang="en">A fond, feathery farewell: Students help track wetland birds heading south for the winter</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">November 8, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-10/jimmy-hazel-steadfast-george-mason-alum-and-friend-looks-future-foundational-gift" hreflang="en">Jimmy Hazel, steadfast George Mason alum and friend, looks to the future with a foundational gift</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 7, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-07/business-students-summer-internship-opportunity-practice-sustainability" hreflang="en">Business student’s summer internship is an opportunity to practice sustainability</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">July 31, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-06/george-mason-earns-solid-gold-sustainability" hreflang="en">George Mason earns solid gold in sustainability</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">June 7, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-06/picture-salamander-safety-101" hreflang="en">Picture This: Salamander Safety 101</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">June 7, 2024</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/16026" hreflang="en">Picture This</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1861" hreflang="en">Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI)</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/806" hreflang="en">Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1851" hreflang="en">Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1846" hreflang="en">Conservation Biology</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/716" hreflang="en">Conservation</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/166" hreflang="en">innovative classes</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/336" hreflang="en">Students</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div> </div> </div> Wed, 06 Nov 2024 19:55:03 +0000 Lauren Reuscher 114566 at Off the Clock: Kristina Ryder keeps calm and sings on /news/2024-10/clock-kristina-ryder-keeps-calm-and-sings <span>Off the Clock: Kristina Ryder keeps calm and sings on</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/271" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Lauren Reuscher</span></span> <span>Wed, 10/30/2024 - 13:51</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p class="paragraph"><span class="intro-text">Kristina Ryder has worked as an administrative specialist in AV’s <a href="https://giving.gmu.edu/">Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations</a> for almost two years, where she supports the Advancement communications team. </span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span class="intro-text">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.</span> </span></span></span></span></p> <hr /><figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-10/kristina_ryder_mystics.jpg?itok=ftHe12FD" width="752" height="501" alt="Kristina Ryder performs "The Star Spangled Banner" at a Washington Mystics game" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Kristina Ryder performs the national anthem at a Washington Mystics game. Photo by Monumental Sports</figcaption></figure><p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span>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 </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Pzn0gNJrRU"><span>Washington Mystics game in September</span></a><span> and a </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lyCUQ0owcs"><span>Washington Wizards game in October</span></a><span>. She first performed at professional sporting events in 2023.</span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span>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.’” </span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span>Her talent developed at church plays, school events, talent shows, and around the house.</span> <span>Now, Ryder sings at church, weddings, and more. Her favorite genres to sing are gospel, R&B, and soul. </span></span></span></span></p> <figure class="quote"><span><span><span><span>“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.”</span></span></span></span></figure><p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span>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. </span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span>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.”</span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2024-10/kristina_ryder_.jpeg?itok=CTj_dD7p" width="350" height="233" alt="Kristina Ryder sings" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>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</figcaption></figure><p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span>In addition to her day job and her singing, Ryder stays busy as a graduate student at George Mason. She is pursuing a </span><a href="https://education.gmu.edu/counseling/med-school-counseling"><span>master’s in school counseling</span></a><span> and hopes to work with elementary school students someday. </span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span>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. </span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span>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. </span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="b52e5aa1-18f2-4d1b-b365-5415f641b444"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="/news/faculty-and-staff-news"> <h4 class="cta__title">Read more faculty and staff news <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-font-awesome-icon field--type-fontawesome-icon field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="fontawesome-icons"> <div class="fontawesome-icon"> <i class="fas fa-newspaper" data-fa-transform="" data-fa-mask="" style=""></i> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="534e896e-f615-40df-8877-ea401e86f08c" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>More Like This</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-f42bbe69a30c5123ceb896c788e597f2548fb4353cb44dd6151a61de42319038"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"><li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-11/meet-mason-nation-nandini-koka" hreflang="en">Meet the Mason Nation: Nandini Koka</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">November 22, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-10/clock-kristina-ryder-keeps-calm-and-sings" hreflang="en">Off the Clock: Kristina Ryder keeps calm and sings on</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">November 1, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-10/meet-mason-nation-marit-majeske" hreflang="en">Meet the Mason Nation: Marit Majeske</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 11, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-09/clock-mentor-debbie-cohen-found-new-pathway-connect-students" hreflang="en">Off the Clock: As a mentor, Debbie Cohen found a new pathway to connect with students</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">September 27, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-07/clock-volunteering-community-farm-carissa-oneill-good-seed" hreflang="en">Off the Clock: Volunteering at a community farm, Carissa O’Neill is a good seed</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">July 19, 2024</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17041" hreflang="en">Off the Clock</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17556" hreflang="en">Advancement</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/5206" hreflang="en">Mason men's basketball</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div> </div> </div> Wed, 30 Oct 2024 17:51:34 +0000 Lauren Reuscher 114451 at Running, walking, and thriving together /news/2024-10/running-walking-and-thriving-together <span>Running, walking, and thriving together</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/271" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Lauren Reuscher</span></span> <span>Thu, 10/24/2024 - 11:35</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">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. </span></p> <p><span class="intro-text">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.</span></p> <hr /><figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-10/241019309.jpg?itok=Zh8H4Zxg" width="1480" height="987" alt="President Washington and race participants at the Thriving Together 5K" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span><span>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. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-10/241019302.jpg?itok=_2M2QNGa" width="1480" height="929" alt="The race kicks off on the Fairfax Campus" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>AV President Gregory Washington helped kick off the race. Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span><span>The proceeds from this year’s race will benefit the following programs for students:</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <ul><li><span><span><span><span><span><span>New and improved </span></span><span><a href="https://caps.gmu.edu/mindspa/"><span>MindSpa spaces</span></a></span><span><span> where students can relax, practice self-care, and improve their overall wellbeing.</span></span></span></span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Installing soundproof pods that students can use for telehealth appointments in locations where more private, quiet space is needed.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Providing funding to offset the costs of psychological testing for students who are seeking accommodations.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Scholarships for students who serve in the Peer Empowerment Program, a volunteer opportunity for students to help promote mental health awareness at George Mason.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li> </ul><figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-10/241019305.jpg?itok=2hfu43RS" width="1480" height="987" alt="Race participant crosses the finish line" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span><span>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.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Learn more about </span></span><span><a href="https://thrivingtogether.gmu.edu/"><span>mental health and well-being resources</span></a></span><span><span> at George Mason.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-10/241019306.jpg?itok=iF7oxdI2" width="1480" height="987" alt="Race participants on campus" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><p> </p> <p> </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="d6287833-9caa-4106-87ff-3c4d3b23b538"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://thrivingtogether.gmu.edu/"> <h4 class="cta__title">Learn more about mental health and well-being resources <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="50980624-d025-4305-ac75-7175d2137f75" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>More Like This</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-aea860c23bbbcbac4a7816aed5d6c474e2f7a3058fdd05aa1eb14937e2ba4c81"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"><li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-11/meet-mason-nation-nandini-koka" hreflang="en">Meet the Mason Nation: Nandini Koka</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">November 22, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-11/doctors-orders-8-ways-stay-healthy-cold-and-flu-season" hreflang="en">Doctor’s orders: 8 ways to stay healthy this cold and flu season</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">November 22, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-11/panelists-dive-details-during-presidential-election-debrief-mason-square" hreflang="en">Panelists Dive Into Details During a ‘Presidential Election Debrief’ at Mason Square</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">November 12, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-10/running-walking-and-thriving-together" hreflang="en">Running, walking, and thriving together</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 25, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-09/911-day-service-was-day-reflection-and-community-service-all-ages" hreflang="en">9/11 Day of Service was a day of reflection and community service—for all ages </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">September 20, 2024</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">Campus News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/16026" hreflang="en">Picture This</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18561" hreflang="en">Thriving together</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/366" hreflang="en">University Life</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/766" hreflang="en">Well-Being</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/10256" hreflang="en">Exercise</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div> </div> </div> Thu, 24 Oct 2024 15:35:17 +0000 Lauren Reuscher 114386 at George Mason Retirees: July to September 2024 /news/2024-10/george-mason-retirees-july-september-2024 <span>George Mason Retirees: July to September 2024</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/271" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Lauren Reuscher</span></span> <span>Wed, 10/23/2024 - 10:31</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p class="paragraph"><span class="intro-text">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. </span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span class="intro-text">We hope you’ll come back to visit sometimes. Once a Patriot, always a Patriot! </span></p> <hr /><figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2022-09/150827050_thumb_balloons.jpg?itok=Yxf4Q6px" width="350" height="350" alt="Green and gold balloons against the blue sky" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><h3><span><span><span><span><span>July 2024</span></span></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span><span><span>John (Jack) Lowes, Facilities Management, 25 years</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Jing Lu, Information Technology Services, 17 years, 7 months</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span>     </span></span></span></p> <h3><span><span><span><span><span>August 2024    </span></span><strong><span><span>                       </span></span></strong></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Laura Bell, University Life, 17 years, 5 months</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Christine Creswell, College of Education and Human Development, 7 years, 6 months</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Peggy Kamin, Center for the Arts, 12 years, 8 months</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Martin Kaszubowski, Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program, 9 years, 11 months</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Phyllis Malkiewicz, Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center, 19 years, 3 months</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Patrick McCavitt, Auxiliary Services and Operations, 12 years, 2 months</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Jayshree Sarma, Office of Research Computing, 10 years, 10 months</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span>                                                                                  </span></span></span></p> <h3><span><span><span><span><span>September 2024</span></span></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Ali Andalibi, College of Science, 9 years, 6 months </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Virginia Blair, Health Administration and Policy, 8 years, 7 months</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Steve Burns, Facilities Management, 29 years, 1 month</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="1ceaeed2-0129-47ea-8601-bcfef87c6aa0"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="/news/faculty-and-staff-news"> <h4 class="cta__title">Read more faculty and staff news <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-font-awesome-icon field--type-fontawesome-icon field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="fontawesome-icons"> <div class="fontawesome-icon"> <i class="fas fa-newspaper" data-fa-transform="" data-fa-mask="" style=""></i> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7826" hreflang="en">Retirement</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/456" hreflang="en">Around Mason (E-Files)</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17671" hreflang="en">Human Resources</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div> </div> </div> Wed, 23 Oct 2024 14:31:09 +0000 Lauren Reuscher 114381 at Meet the Mason Nation: Marit Majeske /news/2024-10/meet-mason-nation-marit-majeske <span>Meet the Mason Nation: Marit Majeske</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/271" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Lauren Reuscher</span></span> <span>Thu, 10/10/2024 - 09:52</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><h2><span><span><span><span><span>Marit Majeske</span></span></span></span></span></h2> <h2><span><span><span><span><span>Job: Education Coordinator, Hylton Performing Arts Center</span></span> </span></span></span></h2> <hr /><figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-10/240932356.jpg?itok=BgUJiEl5" width="1480" height="987" alt="Marit Majeske on the staircase at Hylton Center" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>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</figcaption></figure><p class="paragraph"><span class="intro-text">The <a href="https://hyltoncenter.org/">Hylton Performing Arts Center</a> opened its doors at AV in 2010, and Marit Majeske, education coordinator, has been along for the ride ever since.</span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span class="intro-text">Located on George Mason’s Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Virginia, the Hylton Center is managed by the <a href="https://cvpa.gmu.edu/">College of Visual and Performing Arts</a>. 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.</span></p> <hr /><p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Hometown arts:</span></span></strong><span><span> 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. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Getting the house in order: </span></span></strong><span><span>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. </span></span><span><span>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 </span></span><span><span>earned her master’s in </span></span><a href="https://artsmanagement.gmu.edu/"><span>arts management</span></a><span><span> from George Mason.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><strong><span><span>A broad palette:</span></span></strong><span><span> Today, Majeske leads the Hylton Center’s </span></span><a href="https://hyltoncenter.org/programs/education-initiative"><span>Education Initiative</span></a><span><span>, 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.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Arts class: </span></span></strong><span><span>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.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure class="quote"><span><span><span><span><span>“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. </span></span> </span></span></span></figure><p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Peak performance:</span></span></strong><span><span> 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. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/medium/public/2024-10/240932383.jpg?itok=P_UwlVgM" width="373" height="560" alt="Marit Majeske" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>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</figcaption></figure><figure class="quote"><span><span><span><span><span>“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.</span></span></span></span></span></figure><p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Introducing the cast: </span></span></strong><span><span>Majeske’s work intersects with the </span></span><a href="https://hyltoncenter.org/programs/artist-residence-program"><span>Mason Artist-in-Residence</span></a><span><span> program, in which artists participate in </span></span><span><span>creative activities with the community prior to their public Hylton Center performances. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span>“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.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Behind the curtain:</span></span></strong><span><span> Building opportunities for connection between artists and their audiences drives Majeske’s work. And sometimes, it goes off-script. </span></span><span><span>A lifelong fan of Broadway, one of her fondest George Mason memories was when Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell performed at the Hylton Center. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><span><span>“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!</span></span><span><span>”</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p class="paragraph"><span><span><span><strong><span><span>All the world’s a stage—and a classroom:</span></span></strong><span><span> Through her work at Hylton and her own educational experiences, Majeske knows that valuable learning happens outside the confines of a classroom. </span></span><span><span>When she’s not working or taking in performances, she loves to explore, frequently taking in</span></span><span><span> historic sites, museums, and independent bookstores. “I am a firm believer in lifelong learning,” she said.</span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="892000c4-819b-428b-8ac1-c46aa91a2d67"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://hyltoncenter.org/"> <h4 class="cta__title">Learn more about the Hylton Center <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="55675b2e-8d67-4cf6-960c-a2be88758b1e" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>More Like This</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-8027c44708d105913519ec7b0afb35643668b0b31c18d4eaf7752f78e995e6e7"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"><li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-11/meet-mason-nation-nandini-koka" hreflang="en">Meet the Mason Nation: Nandini Koka</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">November 22, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-10/clock-kristina-ryder-keeps-calm-and-sings" hreflang="en">Off the Clock: Kristina Ryder keeps calm and sings on</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">November 1, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-10/meet-mason-nation-marit-majeske" hreflang="en">Meet the Mason Nation: Marit Majeske</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 11, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-09/clock-mentor-debbie-cohen-found-new-pathway-connect-students" hreflang="en">Off the Clock: As a mentor, Debbie Cohen found a new pathway to connect with students</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">September 27, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-07/clock-volunteering-community-farm-carissa-oneill-good-seed" hreflang="en">Off the Clock: Volunteering at a community farm, Carissa O’Neill is a good seed</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">July 19, 2024</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/16781" hreflang="en">Meet the Mason Nation</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1481" hreflang="en">Hylton Center</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/871" hreflang="en">College of Visual and Performing Arts</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3686" hreflang="en">SciTech Campus</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div> </div> </div> Thu, 10 Oct 2024 13:52:36 +0000 Lauren Reuscher 114171 at Off the Clock: As a mentor, Debbie Cohen found a new pathway to connect with students /news/2024-09/clock-mentor-debbie-cohen-found-new-pathway-connect-students <span>Off the Clock: As a mentor, Debbie Cohen found a new pathway to connect with students</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/271" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Lauren Reuscher</span></span> <span>Wed, 09/25/2024 - 14:57</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">Debbie Cohen started working in AV’s Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations in fall 2023 as the development coordinator for planned giving and parent and family philanthropy. Before coming to George Mason, she worked in another realm of education: as a middle school teacher.</span></p> <hr /><figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/medium/public/2024-09/debbie_cohen.jpg?itok=amxYoB6z" width="420" height="560" alt="Gabriella Singh and Debbie Cohen at a College Bound DC event" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Gabriella Singh and Debbie Cohen at a College Bound end of year celebration. Photo provided</figcaption></figure><p>Her passion for education fueled her involvement with another activity outside work: Cohen serves as a volunteer mentor with College Bound Inc., a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit serving public and charter school students in grades 8–12. Through its academic mentoring program, College Bound aims to help students enter college, earn a degree, and achieve their goals.</p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>After leaving the classroom, Cohen felt like something was missing. She learned about College Bound by chance, when she walked by a booth at a street fair in the District. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>“I </span></span><span><span>left my teaching position and moved to this area just before the pandemic, and I was missing ‘my kids’—my former students,” Cohen said. When someone from College Bound asked if she would consider mentoring a high school student, “My answer was a resounding ‘yes,’” Cohen said.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Cohen mentored Gabriella Singh, a former high school student in Washington, D.C. For two years, Cohen and Singh met in-person once a week at a D.C. public library, along with other students and mentors from the program. They kept in touch outside those meetings and attended social activities with College Bound, too. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Since then, Singh has graduated from high school, but her connection with Cohen is now entering a new phase: Singh is a first-year student at George Mason this fall.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>A history major, Singh chose George Mason for its location in Fairfax and proximity to professional opportunities in the nation’s capital. She also hopes to participate in a study abroad program.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure class="quote"><span><span><span><span><span>“Knowing Ms. Debbie is on campus is actually pretty great,” Singh said. “It's nice knowing that if I ever need some advice, want an adult’s perspective on anything, or just want to chat for a bit, I can go down to visit her.” </span></span></span></span></span></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span>Now that Singh has started college, she and Cohen are participating in College Bound’s virtual mentoring program, a critical part of helping students<span><span> continue toward their goals of graduating college and realizing their potential.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Cohen encourages others to consider participating in mentorship programs. </span></span><span><span>“There’s a need for positive role models everywhere, to help the next generation realize their dreams and their potential,” Cohen said. “I’m now an even bigger advocate and cheerleader for bringing others into this kind of mentorship opportunity to help make a difference.”</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>The opportunity to be another caring adult in the life of a young person means a lot, Cohen said. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure class="quote"><span><span><span><span><span>“To be even a small part of Gabriella’s life for the past two years, to be a part of her high school and college preparation journey, has been memorable and very special,” she said. “I’m excited to see what she’ll do next.” </span></span></span></span></span></figure></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="b2b36d16-222e-4032-bd77-8d4aea88ceef"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="/news/faculty-and-staff-news"> <h4 class="cta__title">Read more faculty and staff news <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="e33cb9b7-e2fa-4513-9f11-f2bc12cc1b8f" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Read More Like This</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-ca4e5376ada17fb50103879e97358914e40f315fb6fc7e4955cb870eafeb36d4"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"><li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-11/meet-mason-nation-nandini-koka" hreflang="en">Meet the Mason Nation: Nandini Koka</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">November 22, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span 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class="field-content">September 27, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-07/clock-volunteering-community-farm-carissa-oneill-good-seed" hreflang="en">Off the Clock: Volunteering at a community farm, Carissa O’Neill is a good seed</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">July 19, 2024</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17041" hreflang="en">Off the Clock</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17211" hreflang="en">Volunteerism</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/19461" hreflang="en">Mentorship</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/20341" hreflang="en">Mentoring</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div> </div> </div> Wed, 25 Sep 2024 18:57:44 +0000 Lauren Reuscher 113991 at 9/11 Day of Service was a day of reflection and community service—for all ages /news/2024-09/911-day-service-was-day-reflection-and-community-service-all-ages <span>9/11 Day of Service was a day of reflection and community service—for all ages </span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/271" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Lauren Reuscher</span></span> <span>Thu, 09/19/2024 - 10:12</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span><span><span><span><span><span class="intro-text">AV students, faculty, staff, and alumni gathered on Wednesday, Sept. 11, for the 12<sup>th</sup> annual Mason Nation 9/11 Day of Service. Since its inception, the day of service has been an opportunity to reflect on the value of individual contributions toward social change and the ways in which individuals can support their community through service projects.</span> </span></span></span></span></span></p> <hr /><figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-09/240911513.jpg?itok=G_fCcQe_" width="1480" height="987" alt="Participants in the Mason Nation 9/11 Day of Service gather in the Johnson Center" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>The Mason Nation 9/11 Day of Service took place across locations on the Fairfax Campus, with an opening ceremony and luncheon in the Johnson Center. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span>Over 200 George Mason students, faculty, staff, and alumni joined the day’s activities. Service activities occurred across campus, a service fair provided a chance to learn about year-round volunteer opportunities, and a luncheon honored first responders, active members of the military, veterans, and volunteers. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>The event was hosted by University Life, and the planning team included campus partners from departments and offices around the university.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-09/240911505.jpg?itok=5s3u7qhG" width="1480" height="987" alt="Patriot Battalion’s Color Guard at the 9/11 Day of Service ceremony" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>George Mason ROTC's Patriot Battalion Color Guard at the 9/11 Day of Service ceremony. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span>Service activities included a clothing, diaper, and wipe drive for Women Giving Back; a book drive to benefit the City of Fairfax Regional Library; assembling blankets and chew toys for the Prince William Animal Shelter; creating cards and flower pots for a local assisted living community, working in the campus Greenhouse and Gardens, and more. In partnership with Van Metre Companies, volunteers put together almost 300 snack bags to support children at Pattie Elementary School in Prince William County. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-09/240822107.jpg?itok=fPDjbsRK" width="1480" height="987" alt="Volunteers in the Innovation Food Forest" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Volunteers work in the Innovation Food Forest for the 9/11 Day of Service. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span>Fourth and fifth grade students from Pattie Elementary also participated in the event. Members of the school’s P.O.P. Club (Paws of Positivity), a before and after school service club, visited George Mason for the day. Thanks to a grant from the Harvey S. Lowe, Jr. and Susan Hitchcock-Lowe Foundation, the university provided transportation, lunch, and project supplies for the students. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-09/240911509.jpg?itok=biHaF9Ia" width="1480" height="987" alt="Students from Pattie Elementary School speak on stage" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Students from Pattie Elementary School shared remarks on stage. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span>During the opening ceremony and luncheon, students from Pattie Elementary took the stage to share what 9/11 means to them—children who, like many of today’s college students, were not born before September 11, 2001.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-09/240911507.jpg?itok=HwhoZhFl" width="1480" height="987" alt="Students from Pattie Elementary hold a "thank you" banner" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Students from the Pattie Elementary School P.O.P. Club joined the service activities. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><figure class="quote"><span><span><span><span><span>“</span></span><span><span><span><span>In the P.O.P. club, we give back to our community through acts of service. Service is a way to show kindness and make our communities better. Whether it’s helping a friend, cleaning up trash, or doing something nice for someone, every little act of service counts. When we serve others, we spread positivity and help make the world a better place. So today, let’s think about how we can help out and make a positive change, just like so many people did on that day. Together, we can make a big difference.”</span></span></span></span> –<span><span>Trey, Pattie Elementary School student</span></span></span></span></span></figure><hr /><p><span><span><span><a href="https://fb.watch/uGA800o6ew/"><span><span>Watch a video from Prince William County Public Schools</span></span></a><span><span> to learn more about the P.O.P. Club and their visit to George Mason.</span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><strong> </strong></span></span></span></span></p> <p> </p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">Campus News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/981" hreflang="en">9/11 Day of Service</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/366" hreflang="en">University Life</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/16891" hreflang="en">K-12 Partnerships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/4841" hreflang="en">Prince William County</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17211" hreflang="en">Volunteerism</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2821" hreflang="en">Mason ROTC</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/20296" hreflang="en">Community Service</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="363ca0d1-3413-4503-be15-b8866f8fb8af"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="/news/campus-news"> <h4 class="cta__title">Read more campus news <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-font-awesome-icon field--type-fontawesome-icon field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="fontawesome-icons"> <div class="fontawesome-icon"> <i class="fas fa-newspaper" data-fa-transform="" data-fa-mask="" style=""></i> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div> </div> </div> Thu, 19 Sep 2024 14:12:01 +0000 Lauren Reuscher 113911 at Favorite Photos of the Year /news/2024-08/favorite-photos-year <span>Favorite Photos of the Year</span> <span><span lang="" about="/user/271" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype="" xml:lang="">Lauren Reuscher</span></span> <span>Fri, 08/02/2024 - 13:00</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">All year long, photographers in AV’s <a href="https://oub.gmu.edu/" target="_blank">Office of University Branding</a> capture the moments that make Mason <strong>All Together Different</strong>. We asked our photographers to share their favorite photos from the 2023–24 school year.</span></p> <p><span class="intro-text">As we prepare for a new academic year, let’s look back at these recent memories—skillfully frozen in time for the George Mason vault.</span></p> <hr /><h2><span><span><span><strong><span><span><span><span>Ron Aira, senior photographer, </span></span></span></span></strong><strong><span><span>Office of University Branding</span></span></strong></span></span></span></h2> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-08/240409639_1.jpg?itok=GrHyp7iF" width="1480" height="987" alt="Student models dance at a brand photo shoot" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><figure class="quote"> <span><span><span><span><span>“This photo was taken during a brand shoot, and all of the models were George Mason students,” said Ron Aira, senior photographer in the Office of University Branding. “Someone turned on some music, and they all just started to dance. It was a fun moment that captured the spontaneity of life on campus.” </span></span></span></span></span></figure><hr /><figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-08/240410531.jpg?itok=xgWg2gce" width="1480" height="987" alt="Portrait of a graduating student Moussokour Ouattar" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><figure class="quote"><span><span><span><span><span>“I took portraits of Moussokoura Ouattara to go with a graduation profile video,” said Aira. “She was graduating at the same time as her daughter. This photo captures the joy and pride she was feeling upon reaching this milestone.”</span></span></span></span></span></figure><hr /><h2><span><span><span>Evan Cantwell, senior photographer, Office of University Branding</span></span></span> </h2> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-08/e240413192.jpg?itok=Xn7QThmk" width="1440" height="960" alt="Students are covered in colorful powder at the Holi Moli event" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><figure class="quote"> <span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“Capturing the energy and joy of the Indian Student Association and friends during Holi Moli on campus is always one of my favorite events of the year,” said Evan Cantwell, senior photographer in the Office of University Branding.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></figure><hr /><figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-08/e231130321.jpg?itok=GqtUY8YR" width="1440" height="960" alt="Researcher in a biohazard suit looks through a protective window in a lab" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><figure class="quote"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“One of my first assignments working at George Mason was photographing the Biomedical Research Lab,” said Cantwell. “Twenty years later, I was back—and this time, I was behind the curtains. Even though the lab wasn't ‘hot,’ for illustrative purposes, everyone was wearing biohazard suits. I was just wearing my office clothes.” </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></figure><hr /><h2><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Cristian Torres, videographer/photographer, Office of University Branding</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-08/240116924.jpg?itok=VGUw8_h8" width="1480" height="987" alt="Two students get in a snowball fight on campus" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Cristian Torres/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><figure class="quote"><span><span><span><span><span>“During the winter, on one of those snowy days, the university delayed operations until noon,” said Cristian Torres, videographer/photographer in the Office of University Branding. “Two students took advantage of the extra time and got into a snowball fight. Luckily, I was there to capture that moment.”</span></span></span></span></span> </figure><hr /><h2><span><span><span><span><span>Eduardo Macedo, student photographer, Office of University Branding</span></span></span></span></span></h2> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-08/9d966733-81e4-401c-be4a-e0ff681a092e.jpg?itok=Ps3vr5Df" width="1480" height="987" alt="Student with dolphin face paint looks up at the stage at Mason Day" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><figure class="quote"> <span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“This was my first time attending Mason Day,” said Eduardo Macedo, student photographer in the Office of University Branding. “I was fortunate to have front row access as a photographer, which allowed me to capture this moment. Her eyes just popped with the light.” Macedo </span></span><span><span><span><span>is majoring in business with a concentration in finance. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></figure><hr /><h2><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Ayman Rashid, student photographer, Office of University Branding</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></h2> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2024-08/240126812-1.jpg?itok=p5Xt4Ix1" width="1480" height="987" alt="Students gather at the Homecoming Lip Sync battle" loading="lazy" typeof="foaf:Image" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding</figcaption></figure><figure class="quote"><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>“I saw this opportunity to capture the group’s energy after winning the Homecoming Lip Sync battle,” said Ayman Rashid, student photographer in the Office of University Branding. “It’s a bit messy, there are some funny facial expressions, and a whole lot of blinking, but I like that. I feel like it’s one of the more authentic and lively photos I’ve taken, which is why it’s one of my favorites.<span>” Rashid is a </span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span>graphic design major with a minor in photography</span></span></span></span>.</span></span></span></span></span></figure><p> </p> <p> </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="d8084a80-dec5-41ea-8bfb-85cef36e0a78"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="/news/faculty-and-staff-news"> <h4 class="cta__title">Read more faculty and staff news <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="d985a4b9-00a7-48cd-8b0b-af1f74028340" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Read More Like This</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-8da0c8664cf3bf0c19704f917addb32fbb58fe1ab40e72f5a1f0d43c218119a0"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"><li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-11/meet-mason-nation-nandini-koka" hreflang="en">Meet the Mason Nation: Nandini Koka</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">November 22, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-10/clock-kristina-ryder-keeps-calm-and-sings" hreflang="en">Off the Clock: Kristina Ryder keeps calm and sings on</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">November 1, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-10/meet-mason-nation-marit-majeske" hreflang="en">Meet the Mason Nation: Marit Majeske</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 11, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-09/clock-mentor-debbie-cohen-found-new-pathway-connect-students" hreflang="en">Off the Clock: As a mentor, Debbie Cohen found a new pathway to connect with students</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">September 27, 2024</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2024-09/patriot-pop-quiz-cool-new-campus" hreflang="en">Patriot Pop Quiz: A ‘cool’ new campus</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">September 13, 2024</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/456" hreflang="en">Around Mason (E-Files)</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/15871" hreflang="en">Office of University Branding</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/19926" hreflang="en">Photography</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div> </div> </div> Fri, 02 Aug 2024 17:00:57 +0000 Lauren Reuscher 113301 at