Lauren Reuscher

9/11 Day of Service was a day of reflection and community service—for all ages

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 14:12:01 +0000

9/11 Day of Service was a day of reflection and community service—for all ages Lauren Reuscher Thu, 09/19/2024 - 10:12

��AV students, faculty, staff, and alumni gathered on Wednesday, Sept. 11, for the 12^th 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.

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

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.

The event was hosted by University Life, and the planning team included campus partners from departments and offices around the university.

George Mason ROTC's Patriot Battalion Color Guard at the 9/11 Day of Service ceremony. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

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.

Volunteers work in the Innovation Food Forest for the 9/11 Day of Service. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

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.

Students from Pattie Elementary School shared remarks on stage. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

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.

Students from the Pattie Elementary School P.O.P. Club joined the service activities. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“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.” –Trey, Pattie Elementary School student

Watch a video from Prince William County Public Schools to learn more about the P.O.P. Club and their visit to George Mason.

Topics

Faculty and Staff News

Prince William County

Volunteerism

Mason ROTC

Community Service

Favorite Photos of the Year

Lauren Reuscher — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 17:00:57 +0000

Favorite Photos of the Year Lauren Reuscher Fri, 08/02/2024 - 13:00

All year long, photographers in ��AV’s Office of University Branding capture the moments that make Mason All Together Different. We asked our photographers to share their favorite photos from the 2023–24 school year.

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.

Ron Aira, senior photographer, Office of University Branding

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“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.”

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“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.”

Evan Cantwell, senior photographer, Office of University Branding

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“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.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“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.”

Cristian Torres, videographer/photographer, Office of University Branding

Photo by Cristian Torres/Office of University Branding

“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.”

Eduardo Macedo, student photographer, Office of University Branding

Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding

“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 is majoring in business with a concentration in finance.

Ayman Rashid, student photographer, Office of University Branding

Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

“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.” Rashid is a graphic design major with a minor in photography.

Topics

Around Mason (E-Files)

Faculty and Staff News

Office of University Branding

Photography

Off the Clock: Volunteering at a community farm, Carissa O’Neill is a good seed

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 16:11:10 +0000

Off the Clock: Volunteering at a community farm, Carissa O’Neill is a good seed Lauren Reuscher Wed, 07/17/2024 - 12:11

Carissa O’Neill started her job at ��AV as an office assistant in University Life one year ago. In this role, she manages schedules, plans events, and more. Outside the office, O’Neill volunteers to do a different variety of tasks: planting seedlings, sinking stakes, laying out irrigation hose, harvesting crops, and weeding greenhouses.

O’Neill volunteers at The JK Community Farm in Purcellville, Virginia—a 150-acre working farm that donates 100% of its produce to local food pantries. The farm is managed by three staff members, and most of the farm work is done by volunteers. Produce is donated for distribution to community members facing food insecurity.

Carissa O'Neill (with husband Justin O'Neill) volunteers at JK Community Farm in Purcellville, Virginia. Photo provided

How did you first get started with this volunteer activity? How long have you been doing it?

I had never worked on a farm before! But I like to work with my hands, have a great desire to learn about growing and harvesting food, and there are a good number of small farms around this part of Virginia. I found JK Community Farm when I was looking for farming jobs one day. I didn’t find a job that made sense for me, but volunteering has been a great alternative. I’ve been doing it since 2021. It's a great way to get outside, and what a boost to know that you're helping someone get access to fresh fruit and vegetables.

What's a typical day look like when you volunteer at the farm? How many different crops have you harvested?

I spend a few hours a month there, usually on a Saturday or Sunday. When you get there, you gather with the other volunteers and wait for one of the staff members to assign you a task. They take time to show you how to do it, and off you go! I've helped harvest produce like potatoes, asparagus, and sunflowers, and I've planted crops like onion and bell peppers.

O'Neill did not have any prior experience working on a farm, but she wanted to learn about growing and harvesting food. Photo provided

What has been the most memorable experience you’ve had in this volunteer work?

Harvesting asparagus for the food banks—I never knew how it grew, or that it can regrow itself from the stalk you cut.

What lessons have you learned?

I’ve learned the importance of addressing the lack of fresh produce available for those who need food assistance. Of course, food banks have shelf-stable items, but what a blessing to also have fresh fruit and veggies to offer.

What else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I also love to sew, cross stitch, watch television, and do escape rooms.

Did you know? George Mason’s Greenhouse and Gardens Program offers volunteer opportunities for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. The program partners with the Patriot Pantry to help address food insecurity within the George Mason student population. Volunteers grow food sustainably, harvest and distribute produce, and more. Visit the University Sustainability website for more information.

Nominate someone for Off the Clock

Topics

Off the Clock

University Life

Faculty and Staff News

Volunteerism

food insecurity

Off the Clock: Kim Paul makes a doggone difference at the animal shelter

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 14:35:51 +0000

Off the Clock: Kim Paul makes a doggone difference at the animal shelter Lauren Reuscher Thu, 06/27/2024 - 10:35

As an Institutional Review Board (IRB) compliance manager in ��AV’s Office of Research Integrity and Assurance, Kim Paul ensures that research projects involving human subjects comply with all regulations. Outside of work, one of her hobbies revolves around nonhuman subjects: dogs eligible for adoption.

Kim Paul volunteers at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, where she helps train both dogs and the volunteers who take care of them. Photo provided

As a volunteer with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, Paul, who has a graduate certificate in forensic science from George Mason, spends time taking care of the dogs—taking them for walks, offering socialization, and training them. After volunteering at the organization for more than four years, she also mentors new volunteers and has started spending time with adoptable cats, too.

How did you first get started with this volunteer activity? How long have you been doing it?

I have always loved animals and previously worked at a doggy daycare in New Orleans. When I moved to Alexandria in 2016 for graduate school, I wanted to get back into hanging out with dogs in some capacity. I am waiting to adopt a dog until I have a fenced yard of my own, but in the meantime, I wanted the opportunity to play and cuddle with some dogs.

What is the time commitment?

At the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, volunteers must commit to at least four hours of service each month. I average 8–10 hours a month. Outside of the standard dog walking and cat cuddles, volunteers also complete the never-ending laundry and dish washing. We also work at the front desk, do field trips, assist with adoptions, etc. There are a lot of things to do, depending on what interests you! Each opportunity is preceded by training.

It's not all playtime and dog cuddles—there is lots of laundry to do at an animal shelter. Photo provided

What has been the most meaningful or memorable experience you’ve had in this volunteer work?

Being asked by staff to become a dog volunteer mentor was incredibly meaningful to me. I love to teach and mentor people, so I am grateful that I can elevate my time at the shelter in an even more meaningful way.

I also love when I come to the shelter and see all the “I’ve been adopted” signs, meaning that these precious fur babies are finding their forever homes.

What lessons have you learned through this experience?

I have learned not to personalize interactions with shelter animals too much and not to take any sad emotions home. People often ask me if it is hard to not adopt every animal I work with, and to be honest, that was one of my biggest hesitancies before signing up to become a volunteer. Fortunately, I can separate shelter and personal time and not become emotionally attached to the animals—that is the biggest hurdle to overcome. Otherwise, I would have a house full of fur, and the shelter would be empty!

What else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love acting and have been soaking in the spotlight with community theatre. I have been doing theatre since I was a kid, all through college, and even did professional theatre when I lived in New Orleans.

I love going for long walks and listening to thrillers, suspense, and mystery audiobooks. I also enjoy spending time with friends and their pets, going on adventures to places I have never been, and new dining or social experiences. I recently went to Busch Gardens for the first time and went on many roller coasters that scared me, but what a thrill it was! I am trying to push myself further and take in new experiences while I have the energy.

Topics

Off the Clock

Faculty and Staff News

Volunteerism

Around Mason (E-Files)

Meet the Mason Nation: Mihee Cho

Colleen Rich — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 12:19:13 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Mihee Cho Colleen Rich Thu, 06/20/2024 - 08:19

Name: Mihee Cho

Job: Assistant Manager for Student Involvement and Leadership Development, Mason Korea

Mihee Cho, assistant manager of student involvement and leadership development in Mason Korea’s University Life Office. Photo provided

Mihee Cho has been working at ��AV Korea almost as long as the campus has existed. In June 2015, just one year after the campus opened, she started working as an administrative assistant in the Office of Academic and Student Affairs. Currently, Cho serves as the assistant manager of student involvement and leadership development in Mason Korea’s University Life Office, managing its daily operations and programming for students.

Time overseas. “My interest in working higher education sparked during my time as an international student in the United States,” said Cho. She earned a master’s degree in educational technology from Missouri State.

Home away from home. Joining a campus community as an international student gave Cho a unique perspective. “Being part of the campus community, both receiving assistance and offering support to fellow international students, was incredibly rewarding,” said Cho. “I discovered the value of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students adjusting to life abroad.”

Paying it forward. Cho saw the opportunity to work at Mason Korea as a chance to share the knowledge and experiences she had gained as an international student. "I wanted to create a similar supportive atmosphere for students at Mason Korea, helping them navigate the challenges of studying in a new country and encouraging their involvement in campus life,” said Cho.

As of April 2024, approximately 1,000 undergraduate students study at Mason Korea, and 40% of them live on campus. International students compose approximately 14% of the study body.

Hearing student voices. Part of Cho’s job is ensuring that students have a dynamic campus experience. She collaborates with student involvement groups, including the Patriot Activities Council, Student Government, The Voice—the official student-run English media outlet), and n-Lingual, a student-led organization for language and cultural exchange.

Cho also assists in planning university-wide events like Mason Day and provides strengths advising as a certified strengths coach.

Ideas always flow. Working on a university campus, Cho values the exposure to new ideas and perspectives. “Being surrounded by students, professors, and staff from diverse backgrounds fosters an intellectually stimulating atmosphere,” she said.

No two days are the same. Interacting with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and cultures is one of Cho’s favorite parts of her job. “Being part of an international community like Mason Korea offers a rich and dynamic environment for learning and collaboration,” said Cho.

Finding her own strengths. Cho has also enjoyed the chance to expand her own skills and help students in new ways. Becoming a certified strengths coach has enhanced the support Cho can offer students as they explore their abilities and develop their leadership potential.

Outside work, Cho enjoys traveling and listening to different genres of music. She also enjoys exploring the artsy cafes around Mason Korea’s campus.

Learn more about Mason Korea

Meet more of the Mason Nation

Meet the Mason Nation: Mihee Cho
June 19, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Kevin Brim
April 26, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Rachel Wernicke, associate dean and chief mental health officer
February 23, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Doug McKenna, University Registrar
January 12, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Will Gautney, assistant master electrician and Staff Senate chair
October 20, 2023

Topics

Faculty and Staff News

Mason Korea

University Life

Meet the Mason Nation

George Mason earns solid gold in sustainability

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 13:56:18 +0000

George Mason earns solid gold in sustainability Lauren Reuscher Thu, 06/06/2024 - 09:56

For its commitment to campus sustainability, ��AV has earned a Gold rating in the STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System) Assessment. STARS is a self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance and is offered by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). George Mason has received four consecutive STARS Gold ratings and was the first Virginia university to earn that rating in 2014.

George Mason earned a Gold rating in the STARS assessment for the fourth consecutive time, Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

STARS was administered by staff from University Sustainability and University Business Consulting. This year, George Mason demonstrated improvements in several performance categories, earning a total of 73.66 points. The university’s score increased 13% since the last assessment in 2021. The threshold for earning a Gold rating is 65 points, and George Mason is only 11.34 points away from earning the highest honor, STARS Platinum. Rankings are valid for three years.

Amber Saxton, program manager in University Sustainability, co-led the university-wide assessment with Minh Le, senior consultant in University Business Consulting.

“STARS recognizes what we are doing well, puts our sustainability planning and execution in context with peers nationwide, and helps us create a roadmap for continued improvement,” Saxton said. “Mason’s Gold rating reflects a comprehensive effort from stakeholders across the university, from research to operations.”

Sustainable purchasing is part of George Mason's STARS Gold rating. Locker room renovations for the men's soccer team included sustainable upgrades like lockers made from recycled content and responsibly sourced materials and energy-efficient lights. This project was supported by the Patriot Green Fund. Photo by Shelby Burgess/Office of University Branding

Consistent success in campus sustainability

George Mason has consistently earned high scores in the STARS categories for sustainable transportation programs, stormwater management, and academics and research. George Mason also scored highly in the innovation category for its on-campus gardens, food bank (the Student Support and Advocacy Center's Patriot Pantry), and sustainability project grant funds (Facilities’ Patriot Green Fund and the Institute for a Sustainable Earth’s new Mason as a Living Lab fund).

The on-campus gardens help Mason score consistently high in the innovation category on STARS. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

High marks in these categories reflect the commitment of stakeholders across the university.

“Mason departments and colleges have prioritized sustainability as a strategic part of their performance criteria and benchmarks for progress,” said Greg Farley, director of University Sustainability. “Mason has set a goal to be the highest-scoring AASHE STARS school in Virginia by 2030, so University Sustainability and its partners will need to keep pushing forward.”

Measuring the culture of sustainability

This year, George Mason earned new points in the sustainability literacy and culture category for launching a survey to measure students' sustainability literacy, culture, and behavior. Recent graduate Nikita Lad, PhD Environmental Science and Policy ’24, and K.L. Akerlof, associate professor of science communication, administered the survey to a representative sample of undergraduates in fall 2022 and spring 2023.

“The survey measured what factors affect students' sustainability behaviors and whether their knowledge and behaviors changed through formal or informal programming during their college careers,” said Lad.

The theoretically informed survey model found that time spent on campus and informal program participation influenced students’ nature connectedness and norms, which in turn affected sustainability behaviors. Lad shared the research study through a webinar with other members of AASHE and hopes to collaborate with other universities on future iterations of the survey.

Through Bioblitz, the Mason Nation crowdsources the identification of species across campus. Photo by Cristian Torres/Office of University Branding

Bioblitz made an impact

George Mason earned new points in biodiversity this year thanks to Bioblitz, a crowdsourced assessment of plant and animal species on campus. Through an app, the Mason Nation helped identify and monitor endangered and vulnerable species around the university. In spring 2024, more than 500 biodiversity observations were entered into the Bioblitz app by 107 observers, documenting 273 species.

Bigbelly solar waste stations were recently installed across George Mason's campuses. Photo by Facilities

Moving toward zero waste

New efforts to improve waste diversion boosted George Mason’s score in that category. Facilities Management, University Sustainability, Auxiliary Services and Operations, and other campus partners worked to expand composting, reduce single-use plastics, and promote the use of certified compostable and aluminum products.

George Mason is expected to improve further in this category in the future, with the installation of new Bigbelly solar waste stations across its campuses, the development and implementation of new design standards for “zero waste” bins, the addition of glass recycling, and the future launch of a reusable food container pilot and paper towel composting.

Mason earned one of the highest STARS ratings among Virginia universities. As of April 2024, the University of Virginia earned 74.85 points, ��AV earned 73.66 points, and Virginia Commonwealth University earned 66.4 points. Participating institutions can earn points toward a STARS Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Rating, or earn the STARS Reporter designation.

Sustainability at George Mason

Topics

Sustainability

Campus News

Facilities

Greenhouse and Gardens Program

Patriot Green Fund

Mason as a Living Lab

Institute for a Sustainable Earth (ISE)

Strategic Direction

George Mason Retirees: February to June 2024

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 29 May 2024 19:25:04 +0000

George Mason Retirees: February to June 2024 Lauren Reuscher Wed, 05/29/2024 - 15:25

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

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

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

February 2024

Dieter Bilitza, Physics and Astronomy, 16 years, 7 months

Joyce Bland-French, Operational Risk Management, 23 years, 11 months

Suzanne Carbonneau, School of Art, 28 years, 4 months

Betsy DeMulder, College of Education and Human Development, 29 years, 4 months

Stephen Gurdak, Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy, 5 years, 11 months

Gail Haller, College of Education and Human Development, 22 years, 5 months

Mahesh Joshi, Costello College of Business, 21 years, 4 months

Richard Klimoski, Costello College of Business and Psychology, 28 years, 4 months

Anne Lauer, Costello College of Business, 6 years, 4 months

George Malenich, Facilities Management, 27 years, 2 months

Timothy Porter, Costello College of Business, 13 years, 4 months

John Schreifels, Chemistry and Biochemistry, 35 years, 4 months

Richard Vollmer, Facilities Management, 10 years, 4 months

Michael Wolf-Brannigan, Social Work, 20 years, 5 months

March 2024

Cynthia Bentley, University Libraries, 28 years

Ron Carmichael, Science and Technology Campus Executive Office, 24 years, 6 months

Miriam Costas De Zorilla, Housekeeping, 8 years, 10 months

April 2024

Encarnita Arguelles, Mason Student Services Center, 17 years, 8 months

Paul Stebick, Facilities Management, 13 years, 6 months

David Thompson, Facilities Management, 25 years, 1 month

May 2024

Kathleen Butler, University Libraries, 11 years, 6 months

June 2024

Paul Ammann, Computer Science, 34 years, 8 months

Brenda Bannan, College of Education and Human Development, 27 years, 8 months

F. Brett Berlin, Volgenau School of Engineering, 7 years, 9 months

Steve Dang, University Libraries, 38 years, 5 months

Yariv Ephraim, Electrical and Computer Engineering, 32 years, 8 months

Gregory Foster, Chemistry and Biochemistry, 34 years, 9 months

Martin Ford, College of Education and Human Development, 30 years, 10 months

Manako Fujiwara, Modern and Classical Languages, 16 years, 9 months

Robert Handler, Mechanical Engineering, 7 years, 9 months

Nancy Hanrahan, Sociology and Anthropology, 29 years, 3 months

Joy Hughes, College of Engineering and Computing, 26 years, 10 months

Mark Katz, Schar School of Policy and Government, 35 years, 8 months

Qiliang Li, Electrical and Computer Engineering, 16 years, 9 months

Anthony Maiello, Dewberry Family School of Music, 37 years, 8 months

Andrzej (Andre) Manitius, Electrical and Computer Engineering, 35 years, 8 months

Riki Morikawa, Information Sciences and Technology, 8 years, 9 months

Robert Oerter, Physics and Astronomy, 26 years, 9 months

Eric Pankey, English, 27 years, 8 months

Samuel Puffenbarger, Facilities Management, 10 years

Jeremy Rabkin, Antonin Scalia Law School, 16 years, 9 months

Elaine Rendler, Dewberry Family School of Music, 20 years, 9 months

Carmen Rioux-Bailey, College of Education and Human Development, 25 years, 6 months

Beth Rooney, College of Education and Human Development, 19 years, 3 months

Stephen Ruth, Schar School of Policy and Government, 45 years, 8 months

Zafer Sabbgh, Facilities Management, 14 years, 10 months

Andrew Sanavaitis, University Police, 7 years, 4 months

Valeriu Soltan, Mathematical Sciences, 22 years, 9 months

Peter Stearns, History and Art History, 24 years, 4 months

Clifton Sutton, Statistics, 36 years, 8 months

Kenneth Thompson, English, 30 years, 8 months

Susan Trencher, Sociology and Anthropology, 35 years, 4 months

Masoud Yasai, Costello College of Business, 20 years, 9 months

Topics

Faculty and Staff News

Around Mason (E-Files)

Retirement

Human Resources

Faculty/Staff Announcements

Five no-cost ways to use the new George Mason logo in your work

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 29 May 2024 19:06:35 +0000

Five no-cost ways to use the new George Mason logo in your work Lauren Reuscher Wed, 05/29/2024 - 15:06

In late April, ��AV unveiled a redesigned logo as the capstone of its three-year-long comprehensive rebrand. The new look includes a single logo for the university and its athletics program.

Not sure how to start using the new logo in your daily work? Here are some ways to do so—without spending a dime.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

1. Pump up that presentation.

Try out the new George Mason PowerPoint template. (George Mason login required to download.)

2. Don’t end that email with just “regards.”

Add an updated email signature to your George Mason email account.

3. TLDR?

Download a brand cheat sheet and post it near your desk for easy reference.

4. Spice up that blurred backdrop.

Download a virtual meeting background for Zoom or Teams to show your Patriot pride.

5. Get your questions answered.

Attend brand training to learn more. The Office of University Branding is hosting regular office hours to answer questions, provide a brand overview, and offer tips for writing and designing in the brand.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Check out the Brand Guide

Topics

Faculty and Staff News

Office of University Branding

Junior Patriots visited campus for ‘the best day ever’

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 02 May 2024 15:25:26 +0000

Junior Patriots visited campus for ‘the best day ever’ Lauren Reuscher Thu, 05/02/2024 - 11:25

��AV welcomed more than 200 “Junior Patriots” to its campuses on Thursday, April 25, for Take Your Junior Patriot to Work. Faculty and staff brought the youth in their lives to campus to learn what it's like to work at George Mason.

Photo provided

The Faculty and Staff Engagement team in Human Resources collaborated with campus partners to offer activities for many ages and interests. One young attendee said it was “the best day ever.”

Take Your Junior Patriot to Work coincided with the reveal of George Mason's new logo on Wilkins Plaza that day. Photo provided

Participants enjoyed a scavenger hunt, reading circles, crafts, a tour of the Fuse at Mason Square construction site, a soccer clinic with George Mason men’s soccer players, touch-a-truck with Mason Police, seed-sowing in the Potomac Heights vegetable garden, a Junior Patriot Pitch competition, and more.

Photo provided

“Gideon loved his day as a Junior Patriot, from climbing the Mason Police truck to eating at the dining hall, but his favorite moment was meeting the Patriot. He had a truly special day. Thank you to the those who helped organize such a memorable event.” –Julia Tungli, Information Technology Services

Photo provided

“My son's favorite activity was meeting and playing with the men's soccer team!” –Valerie Barr, Office of Admissions

Junior Patriots enjoyed a practice session with members of the George Mason men's soccer team. Photo provided

“My little one is just one and a half, so she was honestly just happy to have a fun day with Mommy! That said, I so appreciate the thought and care that went into planning the activities for this year. It was a great lineup for lots of different ages.” –Kristen Wright, Office of Community Engagement and Civic Learning (CECiL)

Junior Patriot Pitch participants. Photo provided

Photo provided

Next year’s Take Your Junior Patriots to Work event is planned for Thursday, April 24, 2025.

More about Take Your Junior Patriot to Work

Parenting resources for Mason faculty and staff

Topics

Faculty and Staff News

Around Mason (E-Files)

Human Resources

Meet the Mason Nation: Kevin Brim

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:06:43 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Kevin Brim Lauren Reuscher Wed, 04/24/2024 - 10:06

Kevin Brim

Job: Recycle/Waste Management Supervisor, Facilities Management

Kevin Brim leads the recycle/waste management team in Facilities Management as they help foster a culture of sustainability at Mason. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Can I recycle this? At some point, anyone who has approached a recycling bin (or set of bins) with good intentions has asked this question, either aloud or in their mind.

Helping the community understand the parameters of recycling and composting is one of the biggest challenges in recycling and waste management, according to Kevin Brim, supervisor in Facilities Management at ��AV. “It can be confusing trying to decide what is recycling, trash, or compostable,” said Brim.

His team is working hard to change that.

Keeping it clean. Putting the wrong items in a recycle or compost bin can lead to contamination of waste streams. Brim and his colleagues in Facilities Management are making it easier for the George Mason community to recycle, compost, and properly dispose of items.

Waste no time. Brim knows he is part of something impactful, and interacting with the George Mason community is what he likes best about his job. “I’ve been at Mason for 18 years, and I learn something new every day,” Brim said.

Protecting the Earth isn’t a one-person job. Waste diversion efforts stretch across the university and rely on the involvement of many units—and the actions of individuals. Mason Facilities, University Sustainability, Mason Dining, and others are working to help George Mason reach its Zero Waste goal: diverting 90% or more of all waste items away from the trash through reuse, recycling, and composting.

Learning the ins and outs. Brim’s first job in George Mason Facilities was as a quality assurance inspector for the university’s housekeeping contract. Brim moved to the waste/recycle team in 2011, learning every aspect of the operation from the ground up. That knowledge and experience led him to his current role as the supervisor of that team.

Spreading the word. Brim takes pride in his team and how they help foster a culture of sustainability at Mason. “I ensure my team knows just as much as I do about waste and recycling here at Mason,” Brim said. His team’s interactions with others on campus help inform the community about the proper disposal of different items, protecting Mason’s recycling and composting streams.

It all comes back to serving George Mason students, according to Brim. “Students are the reason we are here, so they’re our target audience,” said Brim. “I’m always interested in hearing their input on what we can do better, or what they would like to see.”

Harnessing the sun. Expanded composting access is part of a long-term strategy to improve George Mason’s waste diversion rate. Brim’s team recently installed new Bigbelly zero waste stations on the Fairfax and Mason Square campuses, some of which include solar-powered, waste compacting compost bins. Brim’s team plans to install more Bigbelly stations, expanding their availability across all of Mason’s Virginia campuses.

Saving the scraps. Composting efforts will also increase in campus dining locations. “Mason Facilities is looking to expand our composting programs with all food vendors on campus, with a main focus on behind-the-scenes food waste,” Brim said. These composting streams are often easier to control, ensuring a clean composting product.

The glass is half full. This spring, George Mason launched a glass recycling program, with purple recycling trailers parked on the Fairfax Campus. Brim says the glass recycling program has expanded to collect glass bottles at catered events on campus.

“We will continue to divert as much away from landfill and incinerator as we can,” Brim said.

Reduce, reuse . . . relax. Outside work, Brim spends time with his wife of 33 years (his high school sweetheart), three adult children, five grandkids, and two dogs. “They all keep me pretty busy,” he said. Relaxing in the backyard tops the list, too. “It’s the little things in life,” Brim said.

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