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Nandini Koka joined ����AV in April 2023 as executive director of Student Health Services, where she leads a staff of nearly 50 that includes doctors, nurse practitioners, counselors, and nurses. As a medical doctor with training in family medicine and urgent care, she is passionate about helping patients get better quickly and enhancing access to care. At the largest and fastest-growing public research university in Virginia, Koka has found a place where the need for that care continues to grow.

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

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

Kristina Ryder has worked as an administrative specialist in ����AV’s Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations for almost two years, where she supports the Advancement communications team. Outside work, Ryder has spent time on the basketball court at EagleBank Arena—but not shooting free throws. Ryder is a singer, and she has performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at sporting events at George Mason and beyond.

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.

Congratulations to the ����AV faculty and staff retirees from July to September 2024.

The Hylton Performing Arts Center opened its doors at ����AV in 2010, and Marit Majeske, education coordinator, has been along for the ride ever since. Located on George Mason’s Science and Technology Campus in Manassas, Virginia, the Hylton Center is managed by the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Debbie Cohen started working in ����AV’s Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations in fall 2023. Before coming to George Mason, she worked in another realm of education: as a middle school teacher. 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.

����AV students, faculty, staff, and alumni gathered on Wednesday, Sept. 11, for the 12th annual Mason Nation 9/11 Day of Service.

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.