Office of Community and Local Government Relations / en Building community and connections in Arlington /news/2023-11/building-community-and-connections-arlington <span>Building community and connections in Arlington</span> <span><span>Lauren Reuscher</span></span> <span>Wed, 11/08/2023 - 13:44</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="26568b86-b5bd-469d-b05f-4084b8215168"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://masonsquare.gmu.edu/"> <h4 class="cta__title">More about Mason Square <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">Campus News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/15406" hreflang="en">Mason Square</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/201" hreflang="en">Community Engagement</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2306" hreflang="en">Office of Community and Local Government Relations</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3841" hreflang="en">Arlington</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/366" hreflang="en">麻豆国产 Life</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/456" hreflang="en">Around Mason (E-Files)</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">The Movers and Shakers Mixer event returned to Mason Square in late September, connecting George Mason 麻豆国产 students with Arlington鈥檚 business, government, and community leaders. </span></p> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2023-11/230928821.jpg?itok=JveHdwnT" width="1480" height="987" alt="A small group has a conversation during the Movers and Shakers Mixer at Mason Square " loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>The Movers and Shakers Mixer gave students the opportunity to connect with leaders in the local Arlington community. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of 麻豆国产 Branding</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span>Since its inception in 2019, the Movers and Shakers Mixer has become a highly anticipated networking event for the <a href="https://masonsquare.gmu.edu/">Mason Square</a> community. This year, more than 150 students, faculty, staff, and community members participated.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Bryanna Buker, a graduate student pursuing a <a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/programs/masters-programs/international-security-ma">master鈥檚 degree in international security</a>, aspires to work in transnational crime at an intelligence agency. As a new resident, Buker said the event was an ideal opportunity to engage with other community-focused Arlingtonians. Her future career prospects also motivated her to attend. </span></span></span></p> <figure role="group"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2023-11/230928819.jpg?itok=ExiHDo30" width="1480" height="987" alt="A group of people gather together for conversation on the plaza at Mason Square" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Ron Aira/Office of 麻豆国产 Branding</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span>鈥淚 wanted to meet people who could help shape my ideas of potential career opportunities post-graduation,鈥 Buker said. 鈥淚鈥檝e been debating going to law school after I finish my program. Meeting the recruitment team from the <a href="http://www.law.gmu.edu/">Antonin Scalia Law School</a> allowed me to learn how to transition to law school.鈥 </span></span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/medium/public/2023-11/2309288111.jpg?itok=ssvmnayr" width="560" height="373" alt="A group of people take a selfie together on the plaza at Mason Square " loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Ron Aira/Office of 麻豆国产 Branding</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span>Caroline Wesson, a <a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/programs/phd-programs/political-science-phd">doctoral candidate in political science</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span>,</span></span> regularly attends Movers and Shakers. 鈥淚 always leave with several business cards and excitement about ways I can get involved and engage my community through my research and skills,鈥 Wesson said. 鈥淚 was fortunate to speak with individuals from business and government who are passionate about economic growth and inclusion in our community, and those interested in how technology is transforming our society.鈥 </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Attendees had the opportunity to enter a raffle for one-on-one networking lunches with Arlington leaders. Amber Pittman, a graduate student in <a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/programs/masters-programs/global-commerce-and-policy-ma">global commerce and policy</a>, was one of the drawing winners. She recently connected with Jennifer Owens, president and CEO of Arlington Community Foundation, for their lunch meeting. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Owens expressed gratitude for the opportunity. 鈥淭hanks to the staff for creating events and opportunities, like Movers and Shakers, to foster connections between community members and students,鈥 she said.</span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 08 Nov 2023 18:44:02 +0000 Lauren Reuscher 109656 at These pathbreaking teams give a new look and feel to Mason鈥檚 public spaces /news/2023-04/these-pathbreaking-teams-give-new-look-and-feel-masons-public-spaces <span>These pathbreaking teams give a new look and feel to Mason鈥檚 public spaces</span> <span><span>Lauren Reuscher</span></span> <span>Thu, 04/20/2023 - 12:13</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p>The Patriot Pathbreakers Award, established by Human Resources and the Staff Senate, honors high-performing staff teams that embody the George Mason 麻豆国产 value of 鈥淭hriving Together.鈥 These innovative teams use individual talents to overcome obstacles and make progress toward their goals. They have adapted their services and processes when necessary to meet the changing needs of the Mason community. Their work makes Mason All Together Different.</p> <p>The Patriot Pathbreakers Award recipients will be recognized with other faculty and staff honorees at Mason鈥檚 Outstanding Achievement Awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 25, from 10鈥11:30 a.m. in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall. The ceremony will also be live streamed on GMU-TV; the link to watch the ceremony is posted on the <a href="https://hr.gmu.edu/reward-and-recognition/formal-recognition/outstanding-achievement-awards/">Outstanding Achievement Awards website</a>.</p> <hr /><h2><span><span><span><span><span>Creative Services, Office of 麻豆国产 Branding</span></span></span></span></span></h2> <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/medium/public/2023-04/220407039_0.jpg?itok=8p3avfV3" width="560" height="373" alt="A female student takes a selfie in the Johnson Center atrium at Mason's 50th anniversary celebration" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Creative Services designed the signage and banners displayed at Mason's 50th anniversary celebration in the Johnson Center. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Team members: </span></span></strong><span><span>Ron Aira, Claire Brandt, Melissa Cannarozzi, Evan Cantwell, Priyanka Champaneri, Joan Dall鈥橝cqua, Brian Edlinski, Sierra Guard, Rebecca Kobayashi, Jeeun Namgoong, Kerianne Plunkett, Michaela Reilly, DeRon Rockingham, Corey Schaut, Rebecca Siddon, Azriel Towner</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>The </span></span><a href="https://oub.gmu.edu/creative-services"><span><span>Creative Services</span></span></a><span><span> team provides creative support, brand stewardship, resources, and consulting to departments, schools, and colleges across Mason. This team of graphic designers, writers, editors, photographers, videographers, and production staff creates materials that capture and convey the university鈥檚 brand to internal and external audiences.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span><a href="https://50th.gmu.edu/">Mason鈥檚 50th anniversary celebration</a> was one of the team's biggest projects to date.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>鈥淭he 50th anniversary was a momentous occasion in Mason鈥檚 history, and Creative Services was tasked with creating materials that both celebrated Mason鈥檚 past while also generating excitement in our community toward the future,鈥 wrote a nominator. 鈥淭he production staff researched new and innovative media and delivery methods to mark the anniversary in ways that Mason had never showcased before, including large-scale environmental advertising.鈥 </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Creative Services helped set the scene for the anniversary celebration with window <a>clings</a> on Mason buildings, new light pole banners, sidewalk stickers, column wraps in EagleBank Arena, staircase decals, and more. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Through a cohesive campaign of print, digital, and large-scale environmental collateral, Creative Services succeeded in creating an environment that celebrated Mason鈥檚 50th anniversary and generated excitement and energy about the university鈥檚 next 50 years鈥攁nd beyond. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>鈥淭he 50th anniversary celebration was an all-in effort for every team in the Office of 麻豆国产 Branding, and the work of the Creative Services team was absolutely pivotal to our success,鈥 said Paul Allvin, vice president and chief brand officer. 鈥淔rom designing the now-familiar event graphics to giving the celebration both graphics and audiovisual excitement, the work of this team helped to make this university-wide celebration an unqualified success.鈥</span></span></span></span></span></p> <hr /><h2><span><span><span><span><span>Mason Square Plaza Activation Initiative </span></span></span></span></span></h2> <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/medium/public/2023-04/220408800.jpg?itok=g1IYmaoj" width="560" height="373" alt="Photo of a group of adults and children gathered on the plaza at Mason Square, with small green tent that says 麻豆国产 Life. The children are blowing bubbles and playing" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Mason students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered for a concert on the plaza at Mason Square. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><strong><span><span>Team members: </span></span></strong><span><span>Toni Andrews, Kenneth Darby, Margaret Duke, Sophie Gorshenin, Sara Hawes, Cathy Pinskey, Colin Stucki, Melissa Thierry</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>The <a>Mason Square plaza</a> activation initiative focused on the outdoor programming space at George Mason 麻豆国产鈥檚 campus in Arlington, Virginia. With the construction of </span></span><a href="https://masonsquare.gmu.edu/innovate/fuse-mason-square"><span><span>Fuse at Mason Square</span></span></a><span><span> underway鈥攚hich will add more than 345,000 square feet of space to the campus鈥攙ibrant new programming has already arrived on the plaza, making it a lively gathering place for the campus and nearby community.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>The launch and continued success of </span></span><a href="https://ulmasonsquare.gmu.edu/plaza/"><span><span>new public programming on the plaza</span></span></a><span><span> is due to the work of a collaborative team of staff from 麻豆国产 Life, Mason Square Administration, Facilities, and the Office of Community and Local Government Relations.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>The activation project was modeled after a similar project at Bryant Park in New York City, with a goal of turning <a>Mason Square鈥檚 plaza</a> into a gathering place that would revitalize its neighborhood, offering free events and activities for the community. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2023-04/220825523_thumb_0.jpg?itok=yqzc7yql" width="350" height="233" alt="Two men are sitting together at a table on the plaza at Mason Square playing chess. A third man is standing next to the table looking at the game board. In the background, the front of the building says George Mason 麻豆国产" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Chess game on the plaza at Mason Square. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span>The schedule includes exercise classes, musical performances, a farmers鈥 market, informal speakers, and more. The team did not have a manual or a guidebook when building this initiative, a nominator wrote. They learned as they went along. They visited Bryant Park to see ideas in action. They followed their instincts and tested ideas to discover what would work best for Mason and the local neighborhood.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>By turning the plaza into a lively gathering place, they are helping establish Mason as an anchor for the local community.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>鈥淢ason is always looking for innovative pathways to engage our community partners,鈥 said Paul Liberty, vice president for government and community relations. 鈥淲ith the plaza activation and the development of Fuse at Mason Square, Mason students and staff and the Arlington community are coming together for a unique experience due to the efforts and creativity of this partnership. The Mason Square plaza activation team has brought Mason to the community and the community to Mason.鈥</span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17911" hreflang="en">Outstanding Achievement Awards</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7436" hreflang="en">Patriot Pathbreakers Award</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17671" hreflang="en">Human Resources</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/15406" hreflang="en">Mason Square</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/15871" hreflang="en">Office of 麻豆国产 Branding</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2306" hreflang="en">Office of Community and Local Government Relations</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/6826" hreflang="en">Facilities</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/366" hreflang="en">麻豆国产 Life</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/14441" hreflang="en">Masonat50</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Thu, 20 Apr 2023 16:13:35 +0000 Lauren Reuscher 105106 at Classes and city council are in session for this senior /news/2023-03/classes-and-city-council-are-session-senior <span>Classes and city council are in session for this senior</span> <span><span>Colleen Rich</span></span> <span>Tue, 03/21/2023 - 10:52</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">While most college seniors are counting the days until graduation and finishing up coursework, George Mason 麻豆国产 physics major Billy Bates decided to take on new challenge. In fall 2022, he ran for <a href="https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/mayor-city-council/councilmember-billy-m-bates">Fairfax City Council</a> and won. He was sworn in in January.</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2023-03/Billy%20Bates%20insert%20square%20230316502.jpg?itok=2Hc5IDMS" width="350" height="350" alt="photo of Billy Bates in the Johnson Center sitting on a table" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Physics major Billy Bates is one of the newest members of the Fairfax City Council. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span><span><span>This was not an impulsive move for Bates. He said he has been involved in politics and the Young Democrats since he was 14. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 when I started paying attention to politics, volunteering, and emailing the city council about different issues,鈥 said Bates, who attended nearby Fairfax High School.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Bates didn鈥檛 waste any time immersing himself in the Virginia political process. He has worked for OneVirginia2021 (now <a href="https://upvoteva.org/about">UpVoteVirginia)</a> and interned on the campaigns of U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly and former Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe. He also campaigned for State Delegate Alfonso Lopez (49th district) and then worked in Lopez鈥檚 district office conducting policy research. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>One of Bates鈥檚 first political supporters was </span></span><a href="/news/2023-03/she-has-ideas-bring-mason-and-fairfax-city-together"><span>Mason alum Catherine S. Read</span></a><span><span>, the new mayor of the City of Fairfax, who was also sworn in January.</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>鈥淪he was one of the first people to urge me to run for city council,鈥 said Bates, 20, who plans to graduate in December. 鈥淪he really did a lot to help me out throughout the campaign.鈥</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>鈥淗e is smart, he is committed, and he鈥檚 about as geeky, wonky, and in the weeds about local government as you can imagine,鈥 said Read of Bates. 鈥淗e鈥檚 so smart and plugged in. Everyone is finding out how smart Billy is.鈥</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Bates鈥檚 commitment to the City Council involves three or four weekly meetings a month and an occasional weekend retreat. And for right now, Bates isn鈥檛 thinking about going into politics full time. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>鈥淚 don't really have any interest in going beyond City Council because the way I see it, it's kind of like cake, you know?,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 look forward to it every week, but if I had it all the time, I'd get tired of it.鈥</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Since coming to Mason, Bates has dabbled in several majors, taking courses in government, business, and bioengineering. He has even considered law school. He said he decided on physics in part for the challenge of it. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>鈥淲riting and that kind of analytical thinking are already kind of a strong suit of mine so I decided that I'd get more out of doing a major like engineering or physics, which strengthens a side of my skillset that doesn't really come as naturally to me.鈥</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Bates鈥檚 concentration is in computational physics, and he plans to continue with physics in graduate school. He aspires to do theoretical research and ultimately earn a PhD. This spring, he is taking Physics 402 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics with Professor</span></span><span> Mingzhen Tian.</span><span><span> 鈥淭hat's honestly my favorite class so far. I really enjoy it.鈥</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>When not doing school work or handling council responsibilities, Bates hits in the gym. He finds the physical activity is critical for managing stress. He also enjoys hiking with family and friends. One of his favorite trails is in Daniels Run Park in Fairfax near his high school. And it鈥檚 obvious he is a big fan of Fairfax. </span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>鈥淭here are some really beautiful spots,鈥 he said of his hometown. 鈥淚t has a lot of character, a lot of history. It鈥檚 my home.鈥</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Other alums serving on the Fairfax City Council are </span></span>Kate G. Doyle Feingold, PhD Criminology, Law and Society 鈥20, who is serving her first term on the council, and the first Mason alum to sit on the City Council鈥擩effrey C. Greenfield, BA Political Science 鈥89, MPA 鈥92, who is serving his 13th term.</span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="7b894b9e-b0e9-428d-b328-e4b4912e2e91"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="/admissions-aid/apply-now/?utm_medium=cpa&utm_source=oub-spirit-magazine&utm_campaign=sum23&utm_content=article"> <h4 class="cta__title">Apply Now <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="faff829d-ed85-44f7-83db-29a59157b3b6"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="/admissions-aid/request-information/?utm_medium=cpa&utm_source=oub-spirit-magazine&utm_campaign=sum23&utm_content=article"> <h4 class="cta__title">Request Information <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="fabe03b5-922a-419c-97a9-467e50ae2c32" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/336" hreflang="en">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/291" hreflang="en">College of Science</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/4746" hreflang="en">City of Fairfax</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2306" hreflang="en">Office of Community and Local Government Relations</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/536" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/15216" hreflang="en">Mason Spirit</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18176" hreflang="en">Spirit Summer 2023</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17511" hreflang="en">At Mason</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 21 Mar 2023 14:52:28 +0000 Colleen Rich 104616 at She has ideas to bring Mason and Fairfax City together /news/2023-03/she-has-ideas-bring-mason-and-fairfax-city-together <span>She has ideas to bring Mason and Fairfax City together</span> <span><span>Colleen Rich</span></span> <span>Wed, 03/01/2023 - 10:49</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">"Just so you know," Catherine Read said casually during a recent conversation, 鈥淚鈥檝e got more ideas than a dog has fleas.鈥</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/2023-03/230216901.jpg" width="400" height="380" alt="portrait of Catherine Read" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Fairfax Mayor Catherine Read in her office. Photo by Cristian Torres/Strategic Communications</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span>And new ideas are exactly what she said is needed for George Mason 麻豆国产 and Fairfax City to come together in a partnership that will benefit both.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>鈥淵ou look at our downtown and where are the students, where is the activity, where is the energy?鈥 said Read, the first Mason alum, and first woman, to be Fairfax mayor. 鈥淚鈥檓 thinking, 鈥榃e live next door to the largest public university in Virginia, so what is the city not doing well? What kind of things can we do between the campus and the city?鈥 That鈥檚 what we should be asking ourselves.鈥</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Read, BA Government and Politics 鈥84, is passionate about building that relationship, as it is so much a part of her personal and career arc.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>She did, after all, meet her first husband at Mason during a work-study job researching 19th-century literary reviews in the old New York Tribune. She is on the board of Fall for the Book and has her Mason degree framed and proudly displayed in her City Hall office.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>鈥淚t is so important to have local politicians who have a connection to both the town and the university,鈥 said Professor Michele Greet, who directs Mason鈥檚 Art History Program and is Read鈥檚 long-time neighbor. 鈥淐atherine is the perfect person to seek paths toward greater collaboration.鈥</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Read, who grew up in Southwest Virginia, came to Mason as a transfer from Emerson College in Boston, where she was a theater major. She knew of Mason only because Emerson鈥檚 forensics team, of which she was part, was consistently beaten by the powerful Patriot squad.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>While at Emerson, though, Read took a class, 鈥淧olitical Thought,鈥 that she called 鈥渁 clarion call to switch from a course of study focused on my passion for theater and think about another passion I鈥檝e had since my elementary school: history and politics.鈥</span></span></span></p> <div alt="Mayor Catherine Read talks about her political inspirations" style="min-width: 50%;"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-video-embed-field field--type-video-embed-field field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="video-embed-field-provider-youtube video-embed-field-responsive-video"><iframe width="854" height="480" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oL-VNPwf1Xo?autoplay=0&start=0&rel=0"></iframe> </div> </div> </div> <p><span><span><span>That background, nurtured and expanded at Mason, guided the legislative advocacy work with nonprofits that occupied much of Read鈥檚 past 10 years.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Her biggest wins include successfully helping the Virginia Autism Project lobby for autism insurance reform that, when it passed in 2011, required insurance companies to provide medically necessary behavioral therapies.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Read also helped the Virginia Alliance for Breastfeeding Laws successfully push for a 2015 law that allows mothers to breastfeed their children anywhere the mother is lawfully present.</span></span></span></p> <figure class="quote"><span><span><span>鈥淲hen you talk about what are you going to do with a degree in government and politics, you have to understand how the political system works and you have to help other people understand how good policy gets made,鈥 Read said. 鈥淏eing mayor is being able to make that kind of difference, but I have a bigger platform.鈥</span></span></span></figure><p><span><span><span>That platform, Read said, includes building a bench of young, hungry political talent in Fairfax City and establishing a 鈥21st-century culture in a city that has been very traditional up until this point.鈥</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>And that鈥檚 where Read鈥檚 ideas to build bridges between Mason and Fairfax come in.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Already there are plans for a June Pride celebration in the city, and something informally called the 鈥淐UE Crawl: A pub crawl without alcohol鈥 that will take place in August during Mason鈥檚 Welcome Week.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>That鈥檚 when incoming students will have a chance to get a taste of the city by riding the free CUE (City-麻豆国产 Energysaver) Bus through Fairfax, stopping at pubs and restaurants that will serve food, mocktails, and non-alcoholic beer.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>鈥淲e are thrilled to work with Mayor Read and her team to create the first Fairfax Pride celebration this June,鈥 said Josh Kinchen, director of Mason鈥檚 LGBTQ+ Resource Center. 鈥</span><span><span><span>While we are still in the planning stage, we expect to have multiple ways for folks to engage with local LGBTQ+-owned businesses and have a space to dance. We are proud to work with Mayor Read as an engaged alum to further deepen the relationship between Mason and the Fairfax Campus鈥檚 home city.鈥</span></span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>鈥淚鈥檝e got skin in the game,鈥 Read said. 鈥淢y Mason degree has grown in value as Mason has grown in stature in Virginia and globally. I consider it an amazing return on investment.鈥</span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="4e23fe40-56c4-41d4-9fc9-c4b5e6cfd3d7"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://alumni.gmu.edu/?utm_medium=cpa&utm_source=oub-spirit-magazine&utm_campaign=sum23&utm_content=article"> <h4 class="cta__title">Get involved with our Alumni Association <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:text" data-inline-block-uuid="413bd359-84cb-4ae7-a154-7fd9e57b82ba" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocktext"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="e21e5da1-9d70-4024-9f18-9911cf3a9580" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Related News</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-f20aac9f54cd308b0263a6b0cfaaedc338594ebe5560dfad151446620829e70d"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"><li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-04/graduate-student-uses-healing-power-art-help-other-veterans" hreflang="en">Graduate student uses the healing power of art to help other veterans </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 29, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-04/george-mason-entrepreneurs-win-big-2025-patriot-pitch-competition" hreflang="en">George Mason entrepreneurs win big at the 2025 Patriot Pitch Competition </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 24, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-04/science-service-and-strategy-how-one-soldier-shaping-future-biodefense" hreflang="en">Science, Service, and Strategy: How One Soldier Is Shaping the Future of Biodefense</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 23, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-04/cehd-alumnus-finds-success-waves" hreflang="en">CEHD alumnus finds success on the waves</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 15, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-04/chemistry-phd-receives-us-department-defense-smart-scholarship" hreflang="en">Chemistry PhD receives U.S. Department of Defense SMART Scholarship </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 14, 2025</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/536" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">Campus News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2306" hreflang="en">Office of Community and Local Government Relations</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/4746" hreflang="en">City of Fairfax</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/15216" hreflang="en">Mason Spirit</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/18176" hreflang="en">Spirit Summer 2023</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17516" hreflang="en">MS Profiles</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 01 Mar 2023 15:49:14 +0000 Colleen Rich 104441 at Students get front-row seat to legislative process at Mason Lobbies /news/2023-02/students-get-front-row-seat-legislative-process-mason-lobbies <span>Students get front-row seat to legislative process at Mason Lobbies</span> <span><span>Colleen Rich</span></span> <span>Wed, 02/01/2023 - 13:05</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">The 40 George Mason 麻豆国产 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鈥檚 diversity and production of STEM and workforce-ready graduates. </span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/styles/medium/public/2023-02/230126041.jpg?itok=m7i3wIwF" width="560" height="434" alt="group shot before the State Capitol" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Mason Lobbies group poses for a group shot outside the State Capitol. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span>This was the first in-person Mason Lobbies since 2019 due to the COVID pandemic. The joint effort is led by the <a href="https://si.gmu.edu/">Office of Student Involvement</a> and the <a href="https://relations.gmu.edu/">Office of Government and Community Relations</a>. Students were accompanied by Mason President Gregory Washington, Vice President for 麻豆国产 Life Rose Pascarell, and members of Mason鈥檚 Community and Government Relations team.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>鈥淚n 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,鈥 said Lauren Posey, associate director of state government relations at Mason.聽 </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Paul J. Wyche, a sophomore cybersecurity engineering major 聽and speaker of Mason鈥檚 43rd Student Senate, helped plan the day. 鈥溌槎构 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,鈥 he said.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Following the spirited welcome, students split up into groups and made their way to lawmakers鈥 offices.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Students met with Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera and Mason alumni Delegate Charniele Herring, BA Economics 鈥93, and Senator Jeremy S. McPike, BA Public Administration 鈥97, MPA 鈥06. </span></span></span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/2023-02/230126070.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="students in Richmond" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span>鈥淕et engaged in the political process now,鈥 McPike told the students. 鈥淓verything we, as legislators, do touches your lives. Policy, regulations, and education it鈥檚 all intertwined.鈥 </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>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. 鈥淚t鈥檚 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.鈥</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>For freshman <a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/programs/undergraduate/government-and-international-politics">government and international politics</a> major Gabriella Grabovska, a native of Ukraine, Mason Lobbies was a front-row seat to American democracy. 鈥淚t 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.鈥</span></span></span></p> <figure class="quote"><span><span><span>鈥淟egislators are just like us,鈥 Wyche added. 鈥淭hey may seem like intimidating individuals who don鈥檛 have time to hear your concerns, but that鈥檚 certainly not the case. Most of them enjoy hearing from people, even if they aren鈥檛 their direct constituents.鈥 </span></span></span></figure><p><span><span><span>Delegate Michelle <a>Maldonado</a> said events like Mason Lobbies are valuable for legislators because they hear diverse perspectives that help them make better decisions. 鈥淣o one group should be burdened with changing society. It鈥檚 all of our responsibility to make society better. Listening to diverse groups of people helps us to make better decisions.鈥 </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>She encouraged students to believe in themselves. 鈥淵ou have all that you need to succeed,鈥 she said 鈥淪urround yourself with people who will bring out your skills and talents. There are more people that want you to succeed than fail.鈥</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Posey echoed Maldonado鈥檚 assessment.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>鈥淭he students were professional, organized, and effective,鈥 Posey said. I know we鈥檙e all going to be in good hands with this next generation of leaders and advocates.鈥</span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="dc265c5f-11dd-4ed9-8071-c6bc1ebe228b"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://sg.gmu.edu/?utm_medium=cpa&utm_source=oub-spirit-magazine&utm_campaign=sum23&utm_content=article"> <h4 class="cta__title">See all that Student Government is doing <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="cf1097cb-1fa8-40c8-99b1-656ce67e2ef3"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://si.gmu.edu/?utm_medium=cpa&utm_source=oub-spirit-magazine&utm_campaign=sum23&utm_content=article"> <h4 class="cta__title">Connect with Student Involvement <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </h4> 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href="/taxonomy/term/17511" hreflang="en">At Mason</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 01 Feb 2023 18:05:20 +0000 Colleen Rich 104081 at Mason alum Debbie Jones reflects on 32 years of leadership at Prince William County Chamber /news/2022-12/mason-alum-debbie-jones-reflects-32-years-leadership-prince-william-county-chamber <span>Mason alum Debbie Jones reflects on 32 years of leadership at Prince William County Chamber </span> <span><span>Colleen Rich</span></span> <span>Fri, 12/09/2022 - 16:52</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="3a89690f-b259-4a2a-836b-9329084b420b" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Read about more Mason Alumni</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-1ace3ce59c23a9ccbbeabf5112a094ef28c9d00d40031b42641dba59bf603a7f"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"><li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-04/graduate-student-uses-healing-power-art-help-other-veterans" hreflang="en">Graduate student uses the healing power of art to help other veterans </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 29, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-04/george-mason-entrepreneurs-win-big-2025-patriot-pitch-competition" hreflang="en">George Mason entrepreneurs win big at the 2025 Patriot Pitch Competition </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 24, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-04/science-service-and-strategy-how-one-soldier-shaping-future-biodefense" hreflang="en">Science, Service, and Strategy: How One Soldier Is Shaping the Future of Biodefense</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 23, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-04/cehd-alumnus-finds-success-waves" hreflang="en">CEHD alumnus finds success on the waves</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 15, 2025</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2025-04/chemistry-phd-receives-us-department-defense-smart-scholarship" hreflang="en">Chemistry PhD receives U.S. Department of Defense SMART Scholarship </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">April 14, 2025</div></div></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">Business advocate. Connector. Artist. Proud Mason alumna. </span></p> <p><span class="intro-text">Those are a few words that describe Prince William Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Debbie Jones, BA 鈥78. After more than 32 years of service in the Chamber of Commerce, Jones is retiring this December. </span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"><div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img src="/sites/g/files/yyqcgq291/files/2022-12/2021%20Debbie%20Jones%20Photo%202%20Scarf.jpg" width="401" height="350" alt="Debbie Jones headshot" loading="lazy" /></div> </div> <figcaption>Debbie Jones. Photo provided</figcaption></figure><p><span><span><span>She began her Chamber career in 1990 as the communications coordinator at the Prince William County鈥揋reater Manassas Chamber. She was promoted to president and CEO in 1993. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>鈥淎s an art major who never took a business class, I never expected to spend most of my career running a business organization,鈥 said Jones. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Mason鈥檚 hallmarks of innovative problem-solving and collaborative teamwork are universal, Jones said, and students across every discipline learn and carry them with them into the workforce. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Jones reflected, 鈥淚 pride myself on always finding creative ways to solve a problem, work with others, and form a team to get things accomplished.鈥 </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>In 2010, she faced one of the greatest challenges in her career鈥攎anaging the merger of the Prince William鈥揋reater Manassas and the Prince William Regional Chambers of Commerce. As chief operating officer, she worked to transition Chamber members, staff, and Board of Directors into the newly created Prince William Chamber of Commerce. In July 2014, she was promoted to the Prince William Chamber鈥檚 top job, president and CEO. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Jones is a renowned connector. 鈥淥ver the years, I helped to connect the business community, governments, educators, and not-for-profit organizations.鈥 She鈥檚 most proud of the work that鈥檚 been accomplished at the Prince William Chamber to make it a go-to resource for organizations seeking collaborative relationships and partnerships. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Her work with the Prince William Chamber expanded her relationship with Mason. She is the membership chair of Mason鈥檚 Science and Technology Campus Advisory Board, where she has been a member since the board鈥檚 inception in 1999. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The Prince William Chamber has also sponsored SciTech Campus events, such as the 50th Anniversary Celebration that was held earlier this fall. 聽</span></span></span></p> <figure class="quote"><span><span><span>鈥淒ebbie and the Prince William Chamber are big supporters of Mason,鈥 said Molly Grove, associate director of community and local government relations at the Science and Technology Campus. 鈥淭hrough Debbie and the Chamber, we鈥檝e been able to make connections to key regional partners that have positioned Mason for success in the years to come. She鈥檚 a real gem and a great partner. She鈥檚 a special friend!鈥</span></span></span></figure><p><span><span><span>Jones鈥檚 impact also extends to Mason students. Mason School of Recreation, Health and Tourism students have held internships at the Chamber, where they can apply their classroom knowledge in the real world. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>She encourages all students to 鈥渢ake advantage of every opportunity, take chances, do new things, and meet people. You never know whom you will meet and how they will change your life.鈥 </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>In 2019, Mason鈥檚 Alumni Association recognized Jones鈥檚 accomplishments with the Thomas W. Iszard IV, Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Visual and Performing Arts. She calls upon fellow alumni to, 鈥淢ake a difference! Get out there, meet people, and give back鈥攜our time, treasures, and talent.鈥 </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>What鈥檚 next on the horizon for Jones?</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The next phase of her life, 鈥淒ebbie 2.0,鈥 features plenty of self-care, specifically walking and traveling, spending time with family and friends, devoting more time to her art, and making time to relax and regroup. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>While her time at the Chamber is concluding, Jones plans to continue to use her connections and skills to make a difference. </span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/536" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/336" hreflang="en">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/16836" hreflang="en">Science and Technology Campus</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2306" hreflang="en">Office of Community and Local Government Relations</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Fri, 09 Dec 2022 21:52:11 +0000 Colleen Rich 103511 at Mason Speakers reaches out to local community with virtual lectures and presentations /news/2020-07/mason-speakers-reaches-out-local-community-virtual-lectures-and-presentations <span>Mason Speakers reaches out to local community with virtual lectures and presentations</span> <span><span>Colleen Rich</span></span> <span>Fri, 07/10/2020 - 05:00</span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2311" hreflang="en">Mason Speakers</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/201" hreflang="en">Community Engagement</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2306" hreflang="en">Office of Community and Local Government Relations</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/196" hreflang="en">coronavirus; COVID-19; News; Editorial</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">Campus News</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Fri, 10 Jul 2020 09:00:34 +0000 Colleen Rich 3516 at