Mason Lobbies

Civic engagement and community service paved road to success for alumni legislators Wiley and McPike

Colleen Rich — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 14:55:24 +0000

Civic engagement and community service paved road to success for alumni legislators Wiley and McPike Colleen Rich Fri, 08/02/2024 - 10:55

As the saying goes “Once a Patriot, Always a Patriot,” and ��AV is proud to have a large group of Patriots serving the Commonwealth of Virginia in the General Assembly.

George Mason’s General Assembly alumni include Majority Leader Delegate Charniele Herring (D-4), BA Economics ’93; Senators Jeremy McPike (D-29), BA Government and Politics ’97, MPA ’06; Stella Pekarsky (D-36), BA Government and Politics ’00, MEd ’03; Bryce Reeves (R-28), MPA ’99; Saddam Salim (D-37), BS Public Administration ’12, MPH ’15; and Glen Sturtevant (R-12), JD ’06; and Delegates Michael J. Webert (R-61), BA Communications ’10; and William “Bill” Wiley (R-32), BS Economics ’93, MEd ’98.

Majority Leader Herring and Senators Salim and Sturtevant were profiled in an article published earlier this year. Here is the second article in the series spotlighting Mason alumni in the legislature:

Bill Wiley

Bill Wiley. Photo provided

Delegate Bill Wiley represents Virginians in the City of Winchester and part of Frederick County. He’s been a member of the House of Delegates since 2020.

Wiley, a business development manager and associate real estate broker, credits his time at George Mason for preparing him for professional success and the university’s diversity for expanding his worldview.

“I graduated from a private high school and stepped into a different world [at George Mason],” he said. “Mason opened my eyes to all the great things our country offers. I met and became friends with many people of different backgrounds and cultures.”

He’s most proud of his work on the House Appropriations Committee during the 2024 General Assembly session, in which he championed a budget amendment that accelerated the timeline for construction projects on Interstate 81 in Winchester and Frederick County.

“I-81 is the main artery for traffic in my district. Without having this highway move traffic efficiently, our daily business and way of life would become stagnant,” he explained.

Civic engagement is a key element to Wiley’s personal and professional development. His path to the House of Delegates began with his service on the Winchester Planning Commission; he served on the board for five years and was chairman for three of those years. He also served on the Winchester City Council from 2014 to 2020, where he was vice president in 2015 and president in 2018.

He encourages fellow Patriots to explore community service. “You do not need to be a politician. Just do something that you are passionate about,” he said.

“Civic engagement and community service will open doors to many opportunities and give you a sense of gratification,” Wiley said. “ You will make contacts and build relationships that will become lifelong connections, some invaluable. Even better, it can enable your career ambitions to enhance your future success.”

Jeremy McPike

Jeremy McPike. Photo provided

Senator Jeremy McPike represents Virginians in parts of Prince William and Stafford counties. He’s been a member of the Virginia Senate since 2016.

For several years, McPike served as a member of the welcome wagon duo greeting Mason students at the General Assembly as part of Mason Lobbies, the annual lobbying campaign spearheaded by the Student Government.

He said he is immensely proud of the university’s commitment to diversity, innovation, and excellence. George Mason also instilled in him a strong commitment to public service and community engagement. McPike has served the citizens of Dale City as a volunteer firefighter and EMT for 20 years with the Dale City Fire Department, where he is an assistant chief.

He’s proud of his work with colleagues across the political aisle during the 2024 General Assembly session to increase teacher pay, protect the environment, and prioritize public education.

Mental health is also a top priority for McPike and his constituents. During the 2024 session, he secured an additional $4.6 million in funding for the Prince William County Crisis Receiving Center to expand to youth services. “The youth of our county and surrounding areas can receive the critical mental health care services they deserve,” he said.

As McPike reflected on his time at George Mason, he emphasize for current and future George Mason students the importance of learning outside the classroom.

“Remember that your time at Mason is a unique opportunity to build a strong foundation for your future career and personal growth,” he said. “Actively engage your professors, participate in internships, and enjoy the vibrant campus life. Stay curious, be resilient, and always strive to make a positive impact in your community.”

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Students visit Richmond to advocate for Mason at annual Mason Lobbies event

Colleen Rich — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 19:26:59 +0000

Students visit Richmond to advocate for Mason at annual Mason Lobbies event Colleen Rich Fri, 02/23/2024 - 14:26

More than 70 ��AV students traveled to Richmond on Thursday, Feb. 15, to advocate for Mason’s legislative priorities during Mason Lobbies.

Mason students Charlotte Bell (left) and Adila Aghayeva (right) visited Delegate Holly Seibold (D-12). Photo provided

The eager group was welcomed to the General Assembly by Mason President Gregory Washington and Mason alumni—Majority Leader Charniele Herring (D-4), BA Economics ’93, and Senator Jeremy McPike (D-29), BA Government and Politics ’97.

Sporting their trademark green and gold scarves and filled with Patriot Pride, students dispersed through the legislative offices prepared to discuss their agenda items with lawmakers and their staff.

^{Mason Lobbies is an opportunity for students to use their voice to improve our university and learn about the Virginia legislative process,” said Adila Aghayeva, a first-year student from Azerbaijan studying government and international politics.}

The primary ask was for an additional $18 million to address historical underfunding concerning appropriations aid for undergraduate students, echoing the State Council of Higher Education of Virginia’s recommendation.

From left Mason student Honestie Kern, Delegate Patrick Hope, and Mason students Isabela Vieira and Griffin Crouch met during annual Mason Lobbies event. Photo provided

Other agenda items included additional funding for the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependent Education Program, increased funding for Mason’s 26 Small Business Development Centers serving the commonwealth, capital investment for the proposed Student Innovation Factory on the Fairfax Campus and Life Sciences and Engineering Building at Mason’s SciTech Campus, and maintenance reserve support funding.

Charlotte Bell, a first-year student studying government and international politics, visited Delegate Holly Seibold (D-12). Bell shared the insights she gained from participating in the lobbying campaign. “Lawmakers are working on many different bills and resolutions simultaneously, just like Mason’s Student Government. They’re also very open to listening to our voices and opinions.”

Legislators said they value the opportunity to meet with constituents.

^{As lawmakers, we need to hear from you,” Seibold said. “We need to know what’s important to you and how our work impacts your life. These visits are very critical to our work.”}

Student Government Vice President Nell Palumbo, a junior government and international politics major, helped plan last year’s Mason Lobbies. “Mason is extremely valuable to the commonwealth, and legislators know we are underfunded,” she said. “After having many great conversations with legislators, I think we are making actual progress toward closing the funding gap for Mason. Every year we get a little bit closer to our goal. I’m proud to be part of that change.”

Zayd Hamid, a senior studying public administration who is pursuing an accelerated master of public policy degree, said he believes students have a role in advocating for Mason. “A great deal of student complaints related to the cost of attendance, building conditions, etc. can be ameliorated through increased support from the commonwealth. Advocating for and ensuring the passage of Mason’s legislative priorities is important to me as a student. Students succeed when the university succeeds.”

Hamid said he encourages more students to get involved with next year’s event. “Help Mason achieve its goals, and it will be in a better position to support you.”

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Mason’s impact flourishes with alumni legislators in Richmond

Colleen Rich — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 18:57:19 +0000

Mason’s impact flourishes with alumni legislators in Richmond Colleen Rich Wed, 02/14/2024 - 13:57

The legislative session is underway in Virginia’s General Assembly. ��AV’s presence continues to make an impact in Richmond, with an increased number of proud Mason Patriots serving the commonwealth.

Mason’s General Assembly alumni include Majority Leader Delegate Charniele Herring (D-4), BA Economics ’93; Senators Jeremy McPike (D-29), BA Government and Politics ’97 MPA ’06; Stella Pekarsky (D-36), BA Government and Politics ’00, MEd ’03; Bryce Reeves (R-28), MPA ’99; Saddam Salim (D-37), BS Public Administration ’12, MPH ’15; and Glen Sturtevant (R-12), JD ’06; and Delegates Michael J. Webert (R-61), BA Communications ’10; and Bill Wiley (R-32), BS Economics ’93, MEd ’98.

Here is the first in an occasional series spotlighting Mason alumni in the legislature:

Charniele Herring. Photo provided

Majority Leader Delegate Charniele Herring

Majority Leader Delegate Charniele Herring exemplifies the alumni motto: Once a Patriot, Always a Patriot. She welcomed students at Mason Lobbies, served as the Winter 2020 Commencement speaker, and hosted ceremonies for President Gregory Washington’s investiture. She also volunteers as a member of the Schar Gender and Policy Advisory Board and University Life Advisory Board.

“George Mason is unlike other universities,” Herring said. “We pride ourselves on the number of people accepted, not the number excluded. Mason pride runs throughout Virginia because of the love and dedication of its alumni. The university continues to fulfill its mission of inclusivity and preparing the next generation of leaders, in science, politics, education, and so much more. That’s why I’m proud to call myself a Mason alumna.”

One of Herring’s priorities this session is expanding broadband internet infrastructure. “Closing the digital divide would expand economic and educational opportunities to disadvantaged communities across Virginia.”

Herring takes pride in being a voice for her constituents. “I am an advocate for women’s rights, voting rights, and looking out for our most vulnerable populations. I’m lucky to be able to have the support of the communities in my district and be an advocate for their interests.”

She urges students to pursue their passion. “If you are passionate about what you do, success will follow. Make a plan, look for and experience opportunities, and do your best to enact change in the world around you.”

Glen Sturtevant. Photo provided

Senator Glen Sturtevant

Senator Glen Sturtevant’s journey to Capitol Square was nurtured at Mason. While pursuing his law degree, he worked to protect citizens by prosecuting crimes in the local Commonwealth Attorney's Office. After his Mason years, he was elected as a member of the Richmond School Board advocating for students and their families. A commitment to public service is at the core of Sturtevant’s legislative work.

His agenda for this session includes empowering parents in educational decisions, reducing taxes, supporting law enforcement, promoting employment opportunities, and ensuring that veterans receive their benefits.

True to his beginnings, Sturtevant challenges students to lean into service. “Advocate for your community, engage in the civic process, and embrace Mason’s spirit of innovation.”

Saddem Salim. Photo provided

Senator Saddam Salim

Senator Saddam Salim is the latest alumnus to join the green and gold contingent in Richmond.

Salim won his Senate seat in the recent 2023 election. His district encompasses the City of Fairfax and Mason’s Fairfax Campus, Falls Church City, and parts of Fairfax County.

“I’m a proud George Mason alumnus and honored to serve in the Senate of Virginia. This milestone underscores the exceptional quality of the education I received at Mason,” said Salim.

His Mason experience paved the way for his career. He’s a senior consultant providing financial advice to federal clients at 11th Hour Service. He previously worked at PenFed Credit Union, Kearney and Company, and the United States Institute of Peace.

His journey as a first-generation Bangladeshi immigrant adapting to life in America informs his views on issues everyday Virginians encounter. When his family settled in Northern Virginia, they endured unexpected hardships—homelessness, economic hardship, and a health care crisis. However, they overcame those barriers with the assistance of community organizations and government programs.

Salim has a history of advocating for the inclusion of diverse perspectives in the political process. Before his Senate run, Salim was active in local politics, where he was the founding member of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee’s Asian and Pacific Islander and Black Caucuses. His advocacy propelled him into public service.

“People like me were not adequately represented in public office. I felt a responsibility to step forward and be a voice for everyday people facing various challenges,” he said. In the current General Assembly session, he is championing legislation addressing affordable housing, public safety, and the overall well-being of all Virginians.

Similar to Herring, Salim encourages Mason students to “always pursue your dreams. Take advantage of opportunities in academics, extracurricular activities, or community engagement. By following your dreams and staying committed to your goals, you can make a meaningful impact on your life and the lives of those around you.”

Students get front-row seat to legislative process at Mason Lobbies

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Students get front-row seat to legislative process at Mason Lobbies

Colleen Rich — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 18:05:20 +0000

Students get front-row seat to legislative process at Mason Lobbies Colleen Rich Wed, 02/01/2023 - 13:05

The 40 ��AV students who traveled to Richmond for Mason Lobbies on Jan. 26 shared their college experience with legislators and highlighted the need for increasing financial aid for Mason students, increased funding per student, and increased staff and faculty salaries for the university to be more competitive in the Washington, D.C., metro area. They also highlighted Mason’s diversity and production of STEM and workforce-ready graduates.

Mason Lobbies group poses for a group shot outside the State Capitol. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

This was the first in-person Mason Lobbies since 2019 due to the COVID pandemic. The joint effort is led by the Office of Student Involvement and the Office of Government and Community Relations. Students were accompanied by Mason President Gregory Washington, Vice President for University Life Rose Pascarell, and members of Mason’s Community and Government Relations team.

“In addition to the policy positions Mason focuses on throughout the year, students brought their own anecdotes and experiences which drove those points home to legislators,” said Lauren Posey, associate director of state government relations at Mason.

Paul J. Wyche, a sophomore cybersecurity engineering major and speaker of Mason’s 43rd Student Senate, helped plan the day. “Our goal was not only to make legislators aware of the lack of funding Mason receives in comparison to similarly sized institutions but also get them energized and passionate about changing this,” he said.

Following the spirited welcome, students split up into groups and made their way to lawmakers’ offices.

Students met with Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera and Mason alumni Delegate Charniele Herring, BA Economics ’93, and Senator Jeremy S. McPike, BA Public Administration ’97, MPA ’06.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

“Get engaged in the political process now,” McPike told the students. “Everything we, as legislators, do touches your lives. Policy, regulations, and education it’s all intertwined.”

Michele Adjei-Fah, a senior biology major who plans to attend medical school, said Mason Lobbies is a unique opportunity for students to use their voices to improve Mason. “It’s important for students to highlight their concerns and ensure Mason receives the support it needs from the state. Being able to address concerns directly to legislators is empowering.”

For freshman government and international politics major Gabriella Grabovska, a native of Ukraine, Mason Lobbies was a front-row seat to American democracy. “It was a great experience for students to look inside how government really works and how decisions are made, while legislators learned more about Mason. Hopefully, they will offer more support for our institution.”

“Legislators are just like us,” Wyche added. “They may seem like intimidating individuals who don’t have time to hear your concerns, but that’s certainly not the case. Most of them enjoy hearing from people, even if they aren’t their direct constituents.”

Delegate Michelle Maldonado said events like Mason Lobbies are valuable for legislators because they hear diverse perspectives that help them make better decisions. “No one group should be burdened with changing society. It’s all of our responsibility to make society better. Listening to diverse groups of people helps us to make better decisions.”

She encouraged students to believe in themselves. “You have all that you need to succeed,” she said “Surround yourself with people who will bring out your skills and talents. There are more people that want you to succeed than fail.”

Posey echoed Maldonado’s assessment.

“The students were professional, organized, and effective,” Posey said. I know we’re all going to be in good hands with this next generation of leaders and advocates.”

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Mason Lobbies promotes students as ‘part of a bigger picture’

Colleen Rich — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 17:10:21 +0000

Mason Lobbies promotes students as ‘part of a bigger picture’ Colleen Rich Wed, 01/26/2022 - 12:10

Dozens of ��AV students are gearing up for the 10th annual Mason Lobbies on Thursday, Feb. 3, when they will meet virtually and discuss legislative issues important to Mason with lawmakers from across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Mason Lobbies recognizes that students are “part of a bigger picture, and it sheds important light on student challenges,” said Steven Zhou, president of Mason’s Graduate and Professional Student Association (GAPSA) and a PhD student in Mason’s Industrial-Organizational Psychology program.

Previously, Mason Lobbies was primarily led by Mason’s undergraduate students in Student Government. This year, however, Student Government collaborated with GAPSA to include graduate students in the event.

Getting more graduate students in front of legislators is important in emphasizing Mason’s great research and advocating for aspects specific to graduate student life, including funding for research and teaching, Zhou said.

Other topics of discussion will include increasing financial aid and increasing faculty and staff compensation, said Sara Heming, associate director of student organizations in Mason’s Office of Student Involvement.

The event will take place virtually to allow attendees and state legislators to interact safely. Instead of being broken into groups, attendees will meet with legislators and speakers all together through Zoom, though Heming said final details are still to be worked out.

“For students, it is an opportunity to share their Mason story and what they are passionate about. For legislators, it is to listen and learn where they can be helpful,” Heming said, adding that involvement in this event has also led some students to career opportunities and a professional network.

While training, facilitated by members of Student Government working with Mason’s State Government Relations team, is required for all attendees before the event as guidance about discussion topics, attendees are free to share anything about their experiences as members of the Mason community, Zhou said.

“Especially from a graduate student perspective, the reputation of the university is quite important,” particularly for future career opportunities, Zhou said.

Mason’s celebration of its upcoming 50th anniversary in April will also be highlighted.

“Having the state legislators recognize the institution and all its progress and success in its tenure is important,” Heming said. “Mason is a special place affording many people a great education, and that’s something to be proud of.”

The deadline to participate in Mason Lobbies or promote specific lobbying initiatives to Student Government is open to all undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, and alumni until Jan. 27. Use this form to apply.

“It’s really cool to see students making an impact in state-level decisions that could directly impact the entire university,” Zhou said.

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Mason Lobbies gives students access to Virginia leaders

Colleen Rich — Wed, 03 Feb 2021 21:22:26 +0000

Mason Lobbies gives students access to Virginia leaders Colleen Rich Wed, 02/03/2021 - 16:22

In This Story

Gregory Washington

About two dozen ��AV students took part in the ninth annual Mason Lobbies on Wednesday, Feb. 3.

About two dozen ��AV students took part in the ninth annual Mason Lobbies on Wednesday, Feb. 3, discussing issues with lawmakers from across the Commonwealth of Virginia, including Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates Eileen Filler-Corn, House Majority Leader Charniele Herring and Secretary of Education Atif Qarni.

This year the program was virtual but still featured opportunities for interaction with state leaders.

Herring and Qarni are Mason alumni, and Filler-Corn hails from Northern Virginia and is a long-time supporter of Mason.

“You are the future leaders,” said Filler-Corn, who has served in state office ever since Mason Lobbies began. “I’ve always been inspired by you all. Challenging times, but I know that we’re going to get through this together. And I just feel better knowing that you all are going to be at the helm.”

Virginia Secretary of Education Atif Qarni speaking to Mason students during a virtual Mason Lobbies on Feb. 3

Organized in part by Maria Hernández and Nicholas Sheets of Mason Student Government’s Government and Community Relations team, this year’s Mason Lobbies also included student body president Shelby Adams and vice president David O’Connell as well as Mason President Gregory Washington, among others.

Washington encouraged the student lobbyists to be “not just lifelong learners but lifelong engaged citizens,” and to understand the impact of their advocacy.

“It begins with individual leadership,” Washington said. “You all have shown that today by putting the time and the effort into this event. Our legislators love hearing from you. I’ve heard personally from them that they really appreciate the ability to engage with you all.”

Washington shared his legislative priorities, including funding for financial aid and to address Mason’s state-leading enrollment growth, increased compensation for faculty and staff, funding to cover costs incurred during the pandemic, and support for Mason’s “Tier 3” management status, which would offer the university the greater financial and administrative flexibility enjoyed by peer universities in the state. Washington also voiced support for a bill that would enable Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students to qualify for financial aid.

In addition to their discussions with legislators throughout the morning, students posed questions to Qarni about Title IX, international students, pay raises for educators, food insecurity and other issues.

Acknowledging his fondness for Mason, Qarni said that his admiration goes beyond his personal ties.

“We’re supportive of [Mason’s] efforts because the leadership is doing great work,” Qarni said. “You all really care about all of your students, you fight hard for them, and you’re doing all the right things.

“We want to support your work, because the values are right.”

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Learning from life’s challenges, Mason senior strives to make a difference

Mariam Aburdeineh — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 18:11:00 +0000

Learning from life’s challenges, Mason senior strives to make a difference Mariam Aburdeineh Thu, 12/17/2020 - 13:11

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Robert J. McGrath

Lucas Núñez

Laura Walker

Members of Student Government, including Cassidy Whitehurst (second from right) and then interim Mason President Anne Holton (left) at the Virginia State Capitol during Mason Lobbies in Feb. 2020. Photo provided.

Cassidy Whitehurst didn’t know if or how life would ever get better. The ��AV senior from Chesapeake, Virginia, said she grew up with parents who were addicted to drugs and alcohol, and from fourth to eighth grade, she was living in hotels and cars.

“I was doing really bad in school and wasn’t involved,” Whitehurst said. “I kind of gave up because my home life was so stressful.”

But a moment of introspection inspired her to take control of the future.

Mason senior Cassidy Whitehurst. Photo provided.

“I moved in with my aunt in seventh grade, and around that time I started realizing that I didn’t want to live this lifestyle anymore,” the government and international politics major said. “It gave me a lot of hope thinking about the future and how I could change the situation.”

It also inspired her to want to go to college and become a lawyer.

“[In middle school] I saw my mom go to jail when she really just needed help,” said Whitehurst, who added that her parents have since been doing better. “I thought she was treated wrong and think addiction is treated wrong. That sparked me to be interested in criminal justice reform.”

Whitehurst said she decided to go to Mason after a campus tour that filled her with excitement for the campus experience. Now that she’s here, she’s been making the most of her education in classes, as the Speaker of the Student Senate, as a Mason Ambassador giving tours to prospective students, and as a Virtual Learning Community mentor.

“I love being involved with Student Government because I get to help people within the George Mason community,” Whitehurst said, adding that she also serves on the Student Advisory Committee for the State Council for Higher Education for Virginia.

“What impresses me most about Cassidy is her ability to be calm and confident in difficult and complex situations, which happen regularly in Student Senate,” said Student Government Advisor Ben Endres. “She is a natural leader and well respected by her peers as well as the professional staff.”

She also works hard to ensure her peers feel heard and accepted, Endres said, and she seeks opportunities for her own personal development.

Next semester, Whitehurst said she will be an undergraduate research assistant working with professors Robert McGrath and Lucas Núñez to create a database of legislation passed in the Virginia General Assembly.

The opportunities Mason has provided, along with the friends Whitehurst has made along the way, have been her favorite parts of her college experience, she said.

Professors like Laura Walker and Sharrell Hassell-Goodman have also been influential, Whitehurst said, citing their engaging teaching styles and how they encourage productive dialogue among students.

“Cassidy is humble, yet confident and extremely capable and talented,” Hassell-Goodman said. “I can’t wait to see what she decides to pursue in the future.”