Mason Now campaign

Generous gift will name School of Computing, support scholarships

Katarina Benson — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 19:31:52 +0000

Generous gift will name School of Computing, support scholarships Katarina Benson Mon, 04/28/2025 - 15:31

George Mason �鶹�� received a gift with an impact of $36 million from the Kimmy Duong Foundation to name the Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong School of Computing within the College of Engineering and Computing. The university’s Board of Visitors approved the name change on April 1, and it will become official pending approval from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia this summer.

Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of �鶹�� Branding

“We are so grateful to Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong for their continued support of the College of Engineering and Computing, now culminating in this generous gift,” said Dean Ken Ball. “We are proud to steward this gift in support of our students and the commonwealth’s Tech Talent Investment Program. George Mason is honored to be part of their legacy in Northern Virginia.”

This is not the first significant gift to George Mason from Duong and her husband, who gave $5 million in 2009 for the state-of-the-art Nguyen Engineering Building, a facility providing cutting-edge research and education spaces for a new generation of engineering, computing, and information technology professionals.

"Kimmy Duong and Long Nguyen have been good friends to George Mason, recognizing the opportunity our university provides for students to succeed,” said George Mason �鶹�� Gregory Washington. “Kimmy came to this country with very little and climbed her way to success, not unlike how many of our students who—whether they are first generation or come from difficult socioeconomic circumstances—overcome their own challenges. George Mason has been a leader in computing for many years, and this transformational gift will help ensure that remains the case for many more years to come.”

The naming of the Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong School of Computing represents a significant milestone for Mason Now: Power the Possible, George Mason’s historic $1 billion comprehensive fundraising campaign. Designed to enhance the university’s capacity and broaden its impact, Mason Now focuses on expanding access to education, driving innovation, and deepening the university’s influence across the region and beyond.

“This transformational gift from the Kimmy Duong Foundation marks a pivotal moment in the Mason Now campaign,” said Trishana E. Bowden, vice president for advancement and alumni relations and president of the George Mason �鶹�� Foundation. “The naming of the School of Computing stands as a powerful testament to their belief in George Mason’s mission and their commitment to expanding access—particularly in fields that shape innovation and prepare students for the future.”

Duong was born in Nha Trang, Vietnam, in 1945 and earned a bachelor of science in economics and law from the �鶹�� of Saigon in 1966. She joined IBM in 1968, where she worked until she left the country in 1975, when she fled Vietnam and arrive in the United States with only $30.

From a refugee camp, she traveled back to the United States, moving to Northern Virginia and continued her work with IBM. In 1994, she joined Pragmatics, where she served as vice chairwoman and CFO. For 30 years, she has overseen their finance, legal, facilities management, and human resources departments, playing a key role in the company’s continued growth.

In 2015, she established the Kimmy Duong Foundation, which supports a range of health, education, and welfare initiatives in the United States and Vietnam. It has given more than $4 million toward scholarship programs with endowments to Washington, D.C.-area universities. According to the foundation website, “Influenced by her Buddhist background, Kimmy Duong has always been concerned about the poor and sick. Being raised in a poor family and coming to the U.S. as a refugee, Mrs. Duong knows the many challenges that poverty brings.”

She has been awarded the Mason Medal, George Mason’s highest honorary award for service to the community, state or nation, and the Glen Martin Medal from the �鶹�� of Maryland.

“Education is the cornerstone of life,” Duong told a gathering of George Mason students, noting that many in her generation worked multiple jobs to send their children to college. “Now, we are giving back.”

The gift will establish three endowments: two within CEC to provide lasting support for scholarships and student success initiatives—both of which support the commonwealth’s Tech Talent Investment Program—and one for �鶹�� Life to provide scholarships through the Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong Scholarship Endowment especially with a preference for students majoring in nursing, education, or journalism

With some of the funds dedicated to computing-specific majors, a portion of the gift would be eligible for matching funds from the Tech Talent Investment Program, thereby amplifying the impact of the gift. The Tech Talent Investment Program of the commonwealth aims to increase the number of graduates with computing degrees and strengthen the workforce by providing financial incentives to colleges and universities that enroll and graduate more students with these skills.

George Mason’s School of Computing is known for its strengths in computer science, artificial intelligence (AI), and software engineering. It plays a key role in Northern Virginia’s thriving tech ecosystem, particularly due to its proximity to Washington, D.C., and partnerships with major government and industry partners. Among the strengths of the school:

AI and machine learning, with strong research and academic programs in AI, robotics, and human-computer interaction.
Designated National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Research by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.
Its analytics faculty and students engage in cutting-edge big data research, particularly in health care.
One of the most robust software engineering programs in the region.

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Mason Vision Day: one day, extraordinary impact

Katarina Benson — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 15:09:59 +0000

Mason Vision Day: one day, extraordinary impact Katarina Benson Thu, 03/27/2025 - 11:09

Once a year, every corner of George Mason �鶹�� unites for a 24-hour period, Mason Vision Day, coming together with the singular goal of moving George Mason forward.

“We have the entire community in mind,” said Zavin Smith, BA ’00, MA ’03, assistant vice president for annual and constituent giving and strategic initiatives, “both for their generosity and for the recipients of that generosity. It is truly an opportunity for everyone in the Mason Nation, whether alumni, staff, faculty, parents, or steadfast friends, to support whatever it is they love at the university.”

Mason Vision Day kicks off at noon on April 3 and continues for 24 hours. Across George Mason’s campuses, units have organized structured challenges, matching opportunities from generous donors and leadership, and specific initiatives—and they have been letting their constituents know about those opportunities. The Schar School of Policy and Government and the College of Public Health, for example, are noting their Student Emergency Assistance Funds, and the College of Visual and Performing Arts is highlighting several initiatives. The College of Science offers opportunities around the goal of supporting scientific innovation. Each unit encourages donors to join matching challenges and support the areas at George Mason that resonate with them.

Smith emphasized that what matters most is the community nature of Mason Vision Day. “George Mason has a host of initiatives that support students, research, and programs. Everyone in the Mason Nation has been touched by one or more of them, and every donor can help them grow.” A complete listing of all George Mason �鶹�� giving opportunities is available through masonvisionday.gmu.edu.

“Mason Vision Day is a yearly reminder of the impact we can make when the entire community comes together,” said Smith. “It truly is the power of YOU.”

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Advancement launches new awards to recognize faculty and staff giving

Katarina Benson — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 19:10:28 +0000

Advancement launches new awards to recognize faculty and staff giving Katarina Benson Fri, 03/14/2025 - 15:10

George Mason �鶹��’s staff and faculty bring their generosity to their work each day, and many go a step farther by contributing to George Mason through financial giving. Each year, the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations holds a celebration of faculty and staff generosity and commitment, and this year debuted two awards highlighting a faculty member and a staff member who embody the many ways in which the George Mason community gives to its students and programs.

Kim Eby and Philip Wilkerson with their awards. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of �鶹�� Branding

“George Mason’s success streams directly from the many ways that our faculty and staff give of themselves,” said Trishana E. Bowden, vice president of advancement and alumni relations and president of the George Mason �鶹�� Foundation. “We are incredibly fortunate to benefit from this culture of philanthropy, and we created the Luminary Award and the Spirit of Giving Award to let us tell the stories of individuals whose giving serves as an inspiration to us all.”

The Luminary Award honors faculty donors whose philanthropy and advocacy serve as a shining example for the George Mason community, she said. These faculty members go beyond their professional roles to champion George Mason students and programs, inspiring students, colleagues, and the broader university community to engage in meaningful giving through their leadership, advocacy, and their own commitment to giving.

The inaugural Luminary Award was given to Kim Eby, vice provost for faculty affairs and development.

“Kim truly embodies the ethos of the arts at George Mason,” said Rick Davis, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, as he presented the award. “For years, Kim has served as the co-chair of the Dance Fête, our annual celebration of dance and philanthropy. Through her leadership, this event has grown in both impact and visibility, ensuring that our dance students have the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to excel.

“Kim’s support of George Mason students extends across and beyond the arts, from dance to music, from undergraduate research to supporting student food and housing insecurity issues. She has given not only her resources but also her time, energy, and leadership to ensure that the students continue to thrive at George Mason.”

Eby appreciated that the award reflected the length and breadth of her service to the university. “It is an honor to be recognized with the inaugural Luminary Award, particularly since George Mason has been my professional home for nearly 30 years,” she said. “The knowledge that I am part of making a difference for our students brings me a sense of purpose and gives hope. I know that together we can have a tremendous impact on our community.”

Bowden also announced a Spirit of Giving Award to recognize staff members who embody the university’s philanthropic spirit and actively contribute to the university through charitable giving, service, and engagement. Their deep commitment to supporting George Mason’s mission, whether by donating, leading fundraising efforts, or encouraging a culture of giving within their departments, exemplifies selflessness and generosity, strengthening the George Mason community and inspiring others to give back.

The first Spirit of Giving Award was given to Philip Wilkerson III, MEd ’23, an employer engagement consultant with the Office of Career Services, and was presented by Lewis Forrest II, associate dean of �鶹�� Life.

“Philip's charitable giving supports initiatives benefiting student success, including the College of Education and Human Development Dean’s Excellence Fund, �鶹�� Life Student Emergency Assistance Fund, the Black Scholars Endowment, and the Career Readiness Fund,” said Forrest. Moreover, he said, Wilkerson "literally knows everyone on campus. His light and energy make it easy for others to be inspired to give their time, talents, or gifts to George Mason.”

Forrest described a particular effort of Wilkerson’s that has made a positive impact: “The Pats for Patriots initiative enables members of our community to send kind messages to colleagues. These are easy ways to show someone you see them, and it costs nothing,” said Forrest. “This is what Phil does, he gives of himself so that others can benefit. Because of his leadership, more than 2,000 George Mason Patriots have submitted recognition to colleagues and friends. This is what it means to give in a variety of ways.”

Wilkerson said that George Mason was the place where he found his life’s work in helping others. "This award made me feel seen, heard, and valued as someone who contributes to George Mason �鶹�� through my day-to-day efforts. That means the world to me because George Mason has given me so much—a community, a career, and a profound sense of purpose and belonging,” he said. “I’m honored to be recognized in this way, and I will continue to do the work that helps the next generation of students feel empowered, just as George Mason has empowered me. It’s about sustaining the thriving community that has given us so much.”

That thriving community, said Bowden, is “a reflection of care, dedication, and belief in our students, our mission, and our future that makes an impact far beyond the classroom or office. �鶹�� faculty and staff offer an extraordinary commitment to the university, and it is an honor to highlight their service—and to thank them.”

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Rick Davis

Kim Eby, PhD

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The College of Visual and Performing Arts Launches Initiative to Renovate Center for the Arts

Kirstin Franko — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 21:53:20 +0000

The College of Visual and Performing Arts Launches Initiative to Renovate Center for the Arts Kirstin Franko Mon, 02/03/2025 - 16:53

George Mason �鶹��’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) announces the public launch of the Give Voice initiative, a $35 million fundraising effort to renovate and modernize the Center for the Arts into a state-of-the-art venue. The Give Voice initiative is part of Mason Now: Power the Possible—the university’s first one-billion-dollar comprehensive fundraising campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship.

“For decades, our Center for the Arts has been a beacon for talent and innovation, a proving ground for students learning their craft and pursuing their passions, and home to world-class performances as the cultural hub of our region," George Mason �鶹�� President Gregory Washington said. “The Give Voice initiative will ensure that the arts remain a front door to the university, as they have been for 6.5 million patrons who have been enriched and inspired by their shared experiences in this storied building.”

Built in 1990, the Center for the Arts has supported the early work of George Mason �鶹�� students whose careers led them to Broadway, and has hosted Grammy, Tony, Emmy, and Academy Award-winning artists—and U.S. presidents. The modernization aims to improve and enhance the venue’s ability to support the needs of artists, audiences, and the students and faculty of CVPA. It will include major technological and acoustical upgrades; improved accessibility, sightlines, and aesthetics; additional aisles on Orchestra and Balcony levels; a remodeled lobby; expanded teaching and rehearsal spaces; a new donor lounge; expanded restrooms; and more.

Architectural concept rendering of the Center for the Arts Concert Hall by Quinn Evans.

“So many people have told us that there are really two eras in George Mason history—before and after the Center for the Arts opened its doors,” CVPA dean Rick Davis said. “I think this transformation will be thought of in the same way in years to come, as we create a modern, technology-rich, visually stunning, and artist-and-audience friendly home for all who enjoy the arts, whether as a creator or an audience member.”

The Give Voice initiative quietly began with a $10 million gift from Barry Dewberry and Arlene Evans, which was announced in April 2022 as part of George Mason’s 50th anniversary celebration. Their transformative gift set the stage for this capital initiative towards the reimagining of the Center for the Arts for future generations. Upon the conclusion of its renovation, the Center for the Arts will be renamed the Barry Dewberry and Arlene Evans Center for the Arts in recognition of their visionary support.

“My father, Sid Dewberry, was one of the founding fathers of George Mason and he had a special fondness for music,” said Barry Dewberry. “Towards the end of his life, Arlene and I saw the need to pick up the baton and continue supporting George Mason and Mason Arts. We recognize the important role the Center for the Arts plays and what this renovation will do to heighten the experience for students, visiting artists, and the public. Arlene and I are honored to make the lead gift for the Give Voice Initiative, and we look forward to seeing the exciting results.”

Arlene Evans and Barry Dewberry. Photo by Chia-Chi Charlie Chang.

In addition to the Dewberry/Evans gift, the Center for the Arts has also secured a $6 million gift from the Peterson Family Foundation. The Peterson Family gift—announced in May 2024—specifically supports enhancements to the Center for the Arts’ Concert Hall and lobby. These spaces will be renamed the Peterson Auditorium and the Peterson Family Lobby, respectively.

With the Dewberry/Evans and Peterson gifts, along with many other instrumental philanthropists pledging support, Give Voice has raised nearly $18 million of its $35 million goal. An additional $35 million toward the reimagination of the Center for the Arts is anticipated to come from George Mason �鶹��.

The Give Voice initiative was officially announced at the Mason Arts Elevated event held on February 5 at the Center for the Arts. The event brought together distinguished donors, university and local leaders, and VIP guests. At the event, President Washington spoke about the importance of this renovation initiative for Mason Arts and was joined by Dean Davis, who highlighted the new plans for modernizing the Center for the Arts. Also in attendance during the event were Provost James Antony and President of the George Mason �鶹�� Foundation and VP for Advancement and Alumni Relations Trishana E. Bowden.

Mason Arts is the collective presence of the arts embedded throughout George Mason. In addition to CVPA, Mason Arts includes seven community arts programs, galleries across three campuses, and multiple performance venues—both physical and digital.

Part of the Mason Now: Power the Possible campaign, the event also brought awareness to additional fundraising priorities across Mason Arts, including student scholarships; the development of a George Mason Arts District with sculpture installations on the Fairfax Campus; expanding facilities for the growing Film and Video Studies and Computer Game Design programs; support for chair positions and professorships to recruit and retain outstanding faculty; funds to create a concept plan for an art museum; and the Hylton Center for the Performing Arts Endowment Fund supporting its performances and arts education opportunities for the public, veterans, and students of all ages.

Additional information about the Center for the Arts renovation is available on the Give Voice initiative website. Project specifics including the renovation timeline will be announced at a later date and updated on the website.

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Gregory Washington

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Victor and Diane Hoskins make a gift to fuel the future of George Mason students—and Northern Virginia

Colleen Rich — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 15:41:37 +0000

Victor and Diane Hoskins make a gift to fuel the future of George Mason students—and Northern Virginia Colleen Rich Wed, 12/18/2024 - 10:41

“I don't think there's another university in the state of Virginia or in the region that offers opportunity the way that that George Mason does,” said Victor Hoskins, president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. With his deep involvement in the business of Northern Virginia, Hoskins’s impression is informed by experience. As a member of George Mason �鶹��’s President’s Innovation Advisory Council (PIAC), he sees the important role that George Mason plays in helping the region grow.

Victor and Diane Hoskins. Photo provided

Victor and his wife, Diane Hoskins, are actively contributing to George Mason’s work to spur the innovative expansion of opportunity in Northern Virginia. In honor of their generous gift of $50,000, a conference space in the Mason Enterprise Suite will bear their name.

"Victor Hoskins has been a champion for the Fuse project and its impact on the region since its inception during the time when he led Arlington Economic Development,” said Liza Wilson Durant, associate provost for strategic initiatives and community engagement. “His early insights were invaluable as we developed the vision for a building that would bring together a diversity of thought and expertise and accelerate innovation through collisions between industry, government, and academia. We are thrilled that Victor and Diane have chosen this additional personal support for the project."

Hoskins is positive about the opportunities presented by Fuse, a 345,000+-square-foot building that will serve as a hub for research, learning, and entrepreneurship. “It’s an innovation center,” he said. “It could really capitalize by connecting directly to these companies that want research, that are looking for innovation, that are trying to get out of their own box.”

Paula Sorrell, George Mason’s associate vice president of innovation and economic development, enthusiastically agreed. “As an R-1 university with a reputation for creativity and innovation, we take very seriously our partnerships with the business community and with our local private and public organizations. Fuse is a stage set for the interplay of ideas that will advance the success of these partners. Victor is a brilliant guy and a fantastic partner for Mason in economic development, and I’m so excited that it’s his named conference room we will use every day.”

Hoskins’s career is an illustration of moving businesses forward. He has held executive leadership ranks in the public and private sectors, working in real estate finance, housing development, economic development, international business investment, strategic planning, and team management. When he was deputy mayor, planning and development, for the District of Columbia—a position he held from 2011-14—his team transformed Washington, D.C., with projects such as CityCenterDC, the Wharf, and Union Market.

Fuse at Mason Square. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of �鶹�� Branding

Serving as the director of economic development for Arlington County, Virginia, from 2015 to 2019, Hoskins led the team that brought the second headquarters of Amazon to the region; a massive economic development deal that will generate $4 billion in investment and create more than 100,000 jobs.

In Fairfax County, his leadership has attracted or retained the headquarters of Hilton, Volkswagen of America, StarKist, Amentum, and the Aerospace Corporation, and major operations of Microsoft, AWS, Google, Meta, Blue Origin, and Qualtrics.

PIAC is a group of industry, community, and government leaders who offer leadership, vision, and guidance regarding George Mason’s Arlington Innovation Initiative. As a member, Hoskins sees George Mason as integral to helping to connect skilled, educated workers with all of the industries making their homes in Northern Virginia.

“The talent supply that George Mason provides for the region is pretty amazing. Something like 70% of the students who finish at George Mason stay in the region, and that means that you’re our university,” he said. “Any investment in George Mason is actually an investment in the state economy and an investment in the private as well as the public sector.”

Fuse, Hoskins said, is a way to integrate students and research with industry. “To me, it is the university’s opportunity to bring together the ideas of the private sector with deep research to solve problems,” he said. “Very few companies have R&D programs that are strong enough to do that kind of work individually.”

Even beyond Fuse, Hoskins believes in George Mason’s commitment to first-generation students. “Diane and I were in the first generation in our families to attend a university,” he said. “In addition, we were blessed to be able to earn master’s degrees. Without the support of scholarships, research fellowships, and internships, we would not have been able to attend our universities.”

Diane Hoskins, the global co-chair of architecture and design firm Gensler, is a registered architect who has been covered by the Washington Post Magazine, Fortune, and other news sources as one of the most influential and powerful women in business.

The couple’s parents were catalysts for their educational aspirations, and the Hoskins’ support for educational opportunities is driven by their desire to honor them. “�鶹�� parents focused on education as the path to a successful career and the way to achieve the American dream,” Hoskins said. “Unfortunately, they weren’t able to go to college, but it’s something they wanted for all their kids.”

Moreover, Hoskins appreciates George Mason’s emphasis on inclusivity. “The diversity of the school is amazing, and that diversity is attractive to me.” At George Mason, he added, “it’s really access to anybody who is interested in education.”

The Hoskins’ gift to support George Mason students through their investment in Fuse at Mason Square is certain to make a lasting impact on how George Mason �鶹��—and its students—will be able to serve the community into the future.

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Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones invest $1.4M in George Mason for STEM education and research

Colleen Rich — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 16:19:45 +0000

Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones invest $1.4M in George Mason for STEM education and research Colleen Rich Wed, 12/04/2024 - 11:19

Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones continue their legacy of philanthropy at George Mason �鶹�� with a transformative $1 million gift to establish the Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones Networking Testbed Lab within the Fuse at Mason Square building.

Photo by William Gallagher

The Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones Networking Testbed Lab will be dedicated to network applications including secure communications, advanced antennae systems, next-G and O-RAN innovations, with applications in air transportation, high-speed and autonomous vehicles, smart power grids, intelligent buildings, manufacturing, technology and national defense. Expected to open by June 2025, the lab will support both faculty and student research efforts.

"George Mason �鶹�� is deeply grateful for the Jones family's generous investment in our students and faculty and in empowering innovators from across our region," George Mason President Gregory Washington said. "Their support of the testbed lab reflects a commitment to advancing critical research in rapidly developing technologies and fostering a diverse, well-prepared workforce that will serve Northern Virginia employers for decades to come."

The investment qualifies as part of George Mason’s contribution to the commonwealth’s Tech Talent Investment Program (TTIP), a statewide initiative aimed at increasing degrees in computer science, computer engineering, and software engineering in the College of Engineering and Computing by 2039. The gift also activates a match from the commonwealth through TTIP, increasing the impact to bolster Northern Virginia’s tech talent pipeline. Through TTIP, higher education institutions, private donors, and corporate partners will collectively contribute more than $2 billion to expand Virginia’s tech workforce, starting from early education and extending through college, internships, and employment.

Stanley Jones, a former a surveillance and communications engineer and first-generation college graduate, is dedicated to providing opportunities for future generations.

“Throughout my career in engineering, I saw the power of access to advanced research and technology. I’m excited about the possibilities this new testbed lab will bring, providing George Mason students with hands-on experiences in a cutting-edge field,” he said. Rosemary Hayes Jones, who served the Northern Virginia community as a real estate agent for more than 35 years, shares this commitment to advancing education and community impact. “We believe that investing in education and innovation is essential to fostering a thriving community and a strong workforce.”

This gift follows a $400,000 commitment to the Early Identification Program (EIP) given to George Mason in 2023. The EIP funding supports two program initiatives: the EIP STEM Fusion Expansion, a K-12 program to increase the number of first-generation students pursuing STEM fields, and the Stanley and Rosemary Jones STEM Scholars Program, which provides direct support to EIP students pursuing STEM majors.

“Stanley Jones exemplifies the potential of first-generation students. When given opportunities, these students excel,” said Rose Pascarell, vice president of �鶹�� Life for George Mason. “This investment in EIP will expand access to STEM fields, and the impact will extend beyond George Mason �鶹�� to benefit the Northern Virginia community."

Established in 1987, EIP provides critical resources to first-generation middle and high school students in partnership with seven Virginia school districts. The program serves more than 900 students annually, providing them and their families with the resources and guidance needed to navigate postsecondary education.

The Joneses’ gift to EIP accelerates George Mason’s efforts to close the achievement gap for first-generation college students in STEM and supports the STEM Fusion program, which offers students supplemental STEM coursework and expands the program’s reach to serve more students in neighboring counties.

Additionally, the Stanley and Rosemary Jones STEM Scholars initiative will support a cohort of 10 EIP graduates attending George Mason as STEM majors. With professional mentoring, cultural and career programming, and internship opportunities—including placements at MITRE, Jones's former employer—the program is designed to strengthen retention and career readiness for these students.

“As a first-generation student, I worked my way through undergraduate school and then received a fellowship to attend graduate school. The fellowship made all the difference—it allowed me to pursue a successful career as an engineer,” said Stanley Jones. “Through our support for the George Mason �鶹�� Early Identification Program and the internship and mentorship support from MITRE, we are hoping to give a similar opportunity to other deserving students.”

The Joneses' gifts are part of Mason Now: Power the Possible, George Mason’s historic billion-dollar campaign to advance student success, research, innovation, stewardship, and community engagement—laying the foundation for a transformative legacy that will shape the future of the university and uplift the entire region for generations.

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George Mason expands partnership with GDIT to build a skilled and diverse technology workforce

Colleen Rich — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 17:02:19 +0000

George Mason expands partnership with GDIT to build a skilled and diverse technology workforce Colleen Rich Wed, 10/30/2024 - 13:02

George Mason �鶹�� announced this week an expanded partnership with General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), a business unit of General Dynamics, to enhance career development opportunities for university students and GDIT’s workforce. The focus areas include cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and government contracting.

The partnership strengthens George Mason’s role as a key economic driver in Northern Virginia and a critical source of tech talent, while broadening GDIT’s efforts to cultivate a skilled and diversified talent pipeline.

“George Mason has been recognized over the years in numerous college rankings as Virginia’s top public university for diversity, innovation, cybersecurity, homeland security, service to military veterans, and service to students outside the traditional college ages," said George Mason President Gregory Washington. “We are committed to partnering in the region to meet the pace of change in the today’s workforce, providing opportunities for students of all ages and backgrounds to pursue a rigorous education and lead successful careers, and attracting and keeping talent in Virginia.”

This collaboration also aligns with GDIT’s technology investment strategy, which emphasizes employee growth and upskilling. It also enhances government contracting capabilities by leveraging George Mason’s Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting, located within the Costello College of Business. The center is the nation’s first dedicated to addressing business, policy, and regulatory issues in government contracting.

“Expanding our partnership with George Mason demonstrates our commitment to investing in the future workforce,” said Amy Gilliland, GDIT’s president. “As the largest and most diverse educational institution in Northern Virginia, George Mason has played a pivotal role in shaping our talent pipeline for more than a decade. We look forward to further strengthening our relationship so GDIT will continue to be a top employer of choice for George Mason students.”

U.S. News & World Report, the Wall Street Journal, and Washington Monthly all rank George Mason as a top public university for the upward mobility of its graduates.

As part of the expanded partnership, GDIT will collaborate with George Mason on several programs, including:

Partnering with the College of Engineering and Computing, as well as Costello College of Business, to expand recruitment opportunities, career mentorship programs, networking sessions, technology open houses, and capstone projects.
Offering students, faculty, and staff opportunities to participate in various GDIT events and initiatives, such as cyber hackathons, career development seminars, and technology showcases at the GDIT Emerge Innovation Center.
Providing industry expertise for George Mason’s Clearance Readiness Program to prepare students interested in a career in the cleared space.
Hosting leadership insight sessions focused on mental health, career pathways, work-based communication skills, and resiliency.

This partnership is part of GDIT’s workforce initiative, which collaborates with high schools, colleges, and universities across the country. GDIT has formed similar partnerships with institutions in Louisiana, Colorado, Texas, and Missouri to foster the next generation of technology innovators and make a positive impact in these communities.

George Mason, one of the largest universities to receive state funding through the Tech Talent Investment Program, has committed to increasing its computing graduates, in both undergraduate and graduate computing programs, to almost 16,000 students over the next two decades. With flourishing partnerships with leading companies like General Dynamics and initiatives supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship across the state, George Mason is building on the more than 15,000 paid or stipend-supported internships available to students annually.

George Mason �鶹�� has committed to increasing graduates in both undergraduate and graduate computing programs to almost 16,000 students as part of the state's Tech Talent Investment Program.

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Jimmy Hazel, steadfast George Mason alum and friend, looks to the future with a foundational gift

Colleen Rich — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 15:05:24 +0000

Jimmy Hazel, steadfast George Mason alum and friend, looks to the future with a foundational gift Colleen Rich Mon, 10/07/2024 - 11:05

James W. “Jimmy” Hazel, JD ’84, has led a life of service to the Commonwealth of Virginia—and to George Mason �鶹��. In July 2024, as his term on the university’s Board of Visitors concluded, Hazel added to his considerable legacy with a gift of $1 million for the Smithsonian–Mason School of Conservation (SMSC).

James Hazel speaking at the university's 50th anniversary event. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of �鶹�� Branding

The gift, reflecting Hazel’s wishes to advance the important work of the school, creates two funds. The first will provide support for graduate or undergraduate students enrolled at SMSC, and the second will support the operations of the school’s programs.

“This gift represents my personal passion for conservation and my hope is that it will allow George Mason to draw in a diverse group of new PhD students to the program,” Hazel said.

Hazel is a cochair on the Advisory Board for SMSC, a research and academic facility in Front Royal, Virginia, that operates under a partnership between the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and George Mason. The facility covers more than 3,000 acres of forest, grassland, and pasture, and houses a range of endangered mammals, birds, and amphibians.

SMSC conducts research and offers proactive methodologies of conservation biology education and training, providing hands-on interdisciplinary programs to undergraduates, graduate students, professionals, and high school students. It draws from the educational innovation of George Mason faculty and the established work of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute to create a transdisciplinary approach to conservation leadership that is research-based, forward-looking, and ethical.

Students conducting field work at the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of �鶹�� Branding

Cody Edwards, SMSC executive director and interim dean, College of Science, understands the immediate impact of Hazel’s generosity.

“With this gift, he opens doors for students passionate about conservation and sustainability,” Edwards said. “Jimmy’s continued support helps ensure SMSC can continue to bring together internationally renowned experts who can offer those students an educational experience that will enhance their futures and ultimately, help preserve the world’s biodiversity.”

SMSC’s graduate programs include practical training in the tools necessary to conduct and report research, and allow students to work directly with experts and practitioners from all over the world. Students become part of a community of conservation scientists and leaders, developing relationships with these mentors and with each other, forming networks to help them launch into a wide variety of careers.

“My family has, and will always have, deep ties to George Mason and the Fairfax Campus,” Hazel said, “but I think one of the best university programs sits in Front Royal at the Smithsonian Mason School of Conservation. With the groundbreaking research being conducted at the facility, we have the potential to put this initiative on the map in a big way. I would like to think that this gift will help increase that momentum.”

“Jimmy’s impact on SMSC and its students goes well beyond this single thoughtful gift,” added Edwards. “His continued support has helped transform this program and placed it on a trajectory not envisioned when it was originally conceived.”

Hazel has been a dedicated, engaged member of the George Mason community. He served twice on the Board of Visitors: from 1994 to 2002, and his most recent appointment, from 2016 to 2024, included chairmanship of the Development Committee, a term as vice rector, and service as rector from 2020-22. He is a past president of the George Mason �鶹�� Alumni Association and the Law Alumni Association, and he served for 18 years on the George Mason �鶹�� Foundation Board of Trustees.

Hazel chaired George Mason’s successful Faster Farther Campaign, which closed at nearly $700 million—$200 million more than its original goal. He cochaired the presidential search committee that brought George Mason’s president Gregory Washington to campus in 2020. In recognition of his more than three decades of service to the university, Hazel was awarded the George Mason Medal in 2017.

Hazel, a lifelong outdoorsman who has served on the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (chairing the agency for three years), and on the boards of the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia and George Mason’s Potomac Science Center, is determined to make a lasting difference through SMSC.

Power the Possible

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Getting to know BOV Rector Stimson

Colleen Rich — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 16:48:16 +0000

Getting to know BOV Rector Stimson Colleen Rich Wed, 10/02/2024 - 12:48

In July Charles “Cully” Stimson, JD ‘92, was elected as rector of the George Mason �鶹�� Board of Visitors. A businessman and attorney, Stimson is the deputy director of the Edwin Meese III Center for Legal and Judicial Studies, Senior Legal Fellow, manager of the National Security Law Program, and senior advisor to the president at The Heritage Foundation.

A third-generation naval officer, Stimson formerly served as deputy assistant secretary of defense for detainee affairs. He advised then-Secretaries of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates and coordinated the Pentagon’s global detention policy and operations, including at Guantanamo Bay and in Iraq and Afghanistan. You can read a more complete bio on the Board of Visitors' website.

The George caught up with Stimson to talk about his background, plans as rector, and his love of soccer.

Charles “Cully” Stimson. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of �鶹�� Branding

Rector is a volunteer position and a time-consuming one. What drew you to this type of public service? What do you hope to accomplish as rector during your two-year term?

I've served my country in uniform for 30 years. I've volunteered for a variety of charities over the years. I like giving back. When my name was put forward, I was honored to serve the commonwealth.

I'm in learning mode right now. Since I've been asked to lead the team, I've probably made a hundred phone calls to every single board member combined. I'm meeting with every single dean of every single college before my first full board meeting. I pledged to the student representatives, who are nonvoting members of the board, that I'll be taking them out for pizza every quarter so they can bring their friends and tell me what's going on. We need to be more involved and informed so we can perform our governance.

As board members, we are fundraisers and cheerleaders and recruiters for the school. You can't be an advocate for a place if you don't know about the place. You either lean in and learn your craft and help make the place a better place for everybody in the community, or you sit back and you're a potted plant. I've never been a potted plant.

You earned a law degree from George Mason’s Antonin Scalia Law School and taught there as an adjunct for five years. How has your George Mason law degree served you in your career?

The law school professors I've kept in touch with have helped me think through legal issues, ethical issues, career issues. I thought that those teachers were ahead of their time at the school. They were national treasures, and they've been my friends my whole professional life. And I'm just starting to find out more about those types of gems on the faculty at the undergraduate level and other places at Mason.

What do you most hope to see the university achieve in your time leading the board?

We're a collegial board, and we're going to remain that way. I'm going to give everyone the opportunity and invite everybody to speak at every board meeting, just like I did when I was a judge. I wanted all the advocates to put their thoughts on the record.

We have a fiduciary duty to act on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia. But more specifically, we have to act in the best interest of George Mason �鶹��.

George Mason has continued to grow each year for more than a decade. What makes George Mason so attractive to so many different types of students?

An education is a credential that should prepare you for the job market. �鶹�� students have the benefit of being in a job market mecca. We're affordable. We shed the commuter school mantra a while ago. And we're moving in the direction of a much more vibrant residential campus. You hear the Northern Virginia Technology Council and other people who represent the private sector and the public partnerships say that Mason is producing the type of graduates they need and they want.

So you have the benefit of the location, and the burden of the location with its cost of living. I hope Richmond knows that. We deserve to attract and retain and pay faculty at a competitive rate. Otherwise, we're going to lose them. You see how many colleges and universities have footprints in Washington, D.C.? We're not just competing against Virginia and Virginia Tech and the rest, we're competing against the globe.

The governor recently released new performance expectations for Virginia’s public universities, including goals that focus on affordability and career development for students, many of which George Mason is already leading on. With that said, what else should George Mason do to meet these new performance expectations?

I think we're doing exactly what the governor is challenging us to do. The quest for human capital is a competitive, ever-changing dynamic. We are fulfilling that demand signal. We're big, but we're not so big that we can't move with dispatch to fulfill that growing demand.

Look at what we're doing with [artificial intelligence (AI)], how we're leaning into it and understanding that we have to not only adopt and embrace AI but also figure out the rules and parameters of how we're going to responsibly use that, not only at the research level, but at the teaching level and student level.

What skill would you like to see all George Mason students graduate with to succeed in the ever-changing work landscape of the future?

Understanding how the government works, from its founding, and having a thorough undergraduate level understanding of what a republic is, what the key moving parts of the Constitution are, what the Federalist Papers say. George Mason's role in writing the Virginia Declaration of Rights. Understanding the separation of powers and how it is defined here is unique from anywhere else in the world. And why that's a strength. Understanding the difference between vertical separation of powers and horizontal separation of powers, and how that is the definition of a federalist government. It matters more now than ever. It's irrelevant whether you're Republican or Democrat or independent.

That's on the one end of the spectrum. The other end is, I don't care what your major is, I think you have to have in your toolkit some facility with computer programming. You can equip these young men and women with tools that a lot of other colleges are not equipping their students with.

Soccer is a passion of yours. You captained the team at Kenyon College, and you’re Chairman Emeritus of the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the charitable arm of U.S. Soccer. What is it about soccer that appeals to you, and what lessons and values do you find are transferable to your leadership role at George Mason?

Soccer is the world's best sport, in my opinion. It doesn't matter how big you are, doesn't matter where you're from, doesn't matter how much money you have. It matters how big your heart is and how hard you're willing to work. It has a low to almost no barrier to entry. It's the perfect metaphor for life. How you play on the pitch depends on how much work you put in way ahead of time. How much time you spend alone with your craft, juggling, dribbling, passing against the wall. It requires syncopation and communication and collaboration.

The U.S. Soccer Foundation serves about 120,000 kids in 25 or 30 cities, all of whom are minorities, in underserved neighborhoods, for our Soccer for Success program. We're using soccer to help these kids make healthy choices, become better citizens. Next to being a husband and a father, it's the most meaningful thing I do.

The university’s Mason Now: Power the Possible fundraising campaign is in full swing, and in one of your first acts as rector, you encouraged your fellow board members to support the university financially. Tell us why this commitment is so important to you.

Because it's called public service and you have to serve the public. We have a great board. We have 16 terrific people. We're all super busy, but we said yes when asked to serve. And yes means capital Y, capital E, capital S. And that means you lean in for the short period of time you're on the board, and you give to your ability and get as much as you can for the school. People on this board have massive Rolodexes. The comprehensive campaign--we have to succeed. It's not an if, it's how big do we surpass it by? You said yes because you believe in the school. And so the best proof of that is to raise money for the school. And that should be an easy sell.

Get to know the Board of Visitors

Historic gift speaks volumes about George Mason’s Forensics Team

Colleen Rich — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 17:34:55 +0000

Historic gift speaks volumes about George Mason’s Forensics Team Colleen Rich Fri, 08/23/2024 - 13:34

Decades of success for the George Mason �鶹�� Forensics Team are being rewarded through a landmark gift from Bruce Manchester and his partner and husband of 46 years, James “Fred” Emory. During Manchester’s tenure as director of forensics at George Mason, students won more than 10,000 individual and team awards in intercollegiate competition.

This historic planned gift from Manchester and Emory is the largest commitment to date pledged by a George Mason faculty member.

Professor Emeritus Bruce Manchester stands next to a photo of himself in the Horizon Hall exhibit: "Past, Present, Future: Mason's Core Remains Constant." Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of �鶹�� Branding

Their gift will establish endowments to support the nationally recognized team in perpetuity. The pledge, in the form of a future bequest, will create endowed funds to support the positions of program director and assistant director, as well as provide lasting student support to the program through an existing endowed fund. Creating endowed faculty positions helps attract the best professors in the nation to George Mason to teach and lead this prestigious program.

“I could not have asked for a more rewarding career than I had at George Mason. I know how incredibly valuable the forensics program is to students, and I simply want to give back as much as I can to that program,” Manchester said. “As an educator, I want to make sure that George Mason students will always have the opportunity for a strong forensics education.”

Manchester arrived at George Mason in 1975, a time when the young university was eager to find exemplars of success to establish its reputation and credibility. He served as the director of the forensics program from 1975 through 1993, aided by assistant director Sheryl Friedley. The named endowed faculty positions honor Manchester, the George Mason team’s longest serving director, and Friedley, the team’s longest serving assistant director.

“I came here because I was fascinated by the idea of the challenge that George Mason was offering,” recalls Manchester, who is now retired and living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “Here was a chance to be on the ground floor in a place that didn’t even have a communication degree, and to be directly involved in developing the degree program.”

Sheryl Friedley and Bruce Manchester, holding the trophy, and the winning Forensics Team members celebrate their national championship victory in 1979. Photo provided

The previous forensics director, Margaret Duffner, who started the program, had been affectionately called “Ma” by her students, Manchester says. “So when I got there, the team decided to call me ‘Doc’ since I had a PhD and was too young to be called ‘Pa’!”

Together, Manchester and Friedley put George Mason forensics in the national spotlight, winning the East Coast Championship an extraordinary 18 consecutive years. George Mason finished in the national top five for 16 of those years, including winning the American Forensic Association national championship in 1979. The pair coached a total of 119 national finalists.

Remarkably, the teams achieved these results even though at least half the team members over the years had no previous forensics experience, Manchester said. “In all the years I was director, we did not have a single student on scholarship for forensics. They were just regular students—they would see our recruiting signs on campus and decide to give it a try.”

“Forensics made them better speakers, better writers. They got better at their academics, their time management,” said Manchester. “If they were willing to put in the work and grow, I was willing to work with them. And I’m very proud of what they did and were able to achieve.”

Professor Emeritus Bruce Manchester (seated) gets a standing ovation at the Forensics Program's 50th anniversary celebration. Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of �鶹�� Branding

“Cocurricular programs such as George Mason’s Forensics Team give students the opportunity to learn and collaborate across disciplines, to uncover insights and gain rich experiences that will contribute to their success after graduation,” said Ann Ardis, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. “This extraordinary commitment from Manchester and Emory represents the ideals of how philanthropy can support teaching, students, and programs, to ensure support over generations.”

In the years since, the Forensics Team has continued its outstanding showings and is currently under the direction of Dawn Lowry.

After stepping down as forensics director, Manchester continued as a full-time faculty member in the Department of Communication through 2004, serving as associate chair. He was twice named Faculty Member of the Year by the George Mason �鶹�� Alumni Association and also received George Mason’s David J. King Teaching Award, among other honors. The Communication Department’s student award for outstanding academic achievement is also named in his honor.

For more than 20 years, Manchester was the vice chair of the American Forensic Association’s National Speech Tournament (AFA-NST) Committee. In 2004, the association permanently renamed its annual scholarly research grant as the Dr. Bruce Manchester Scholar Series.

Many of his Forensics Team members remain in touch with Manchester to this day. “Whether you were new to the team or a four-year veteran, the expectations were the same, and you were valued the same,” Manchester said. “We had a saying: ‘The most important thing is not to win, but to struggle.’ That was a motto we lived by. I wanted my students not necessarily to win, but to struggle—both on the team, and in the classroom. And if you do, I promise you that success will come from that.”

For 50 years, the team members have had as their highest goal a top five team award at the national championship. Manchester added, “As a result, teammates learn to count on each other, to help and support each other. The strength of George Mason’s Forensics Team is definitely its camaraderie.”

The gift from Manchester and Emory was announced at a reunion event marking 50 years of the forensics program at George Mason, which was attended by more than 140 alumni who traveled from 16 states and overseas.

“I feel so incredibly blessed to have experienced a career path and location for my work that was so fulfilling,” Manchester said.

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