Category: Event Recap

Mason’s Got Talent Showcases Creativity and Connection During Family Weekend

Photo by Ayman Rashid/Creative Services/George Mason University

By Tiffany Boggs, Student Media. Edited by Chelsea Xu, University Life Marketing and Communications.

On October 18, families in green “Mason Dad,” “Mason Mom,” and “Family Weekend 2025” T-shirts filled the HUB Ballroom, chatting around black-clothed tables and enjoying dinner as music played overhead. More than 250 family members attended the event, creating an atmosphere that was lively and full of anticipation for one of George Mason University’s Family Weekend highlights—Mason’s Got Talent.

Hosted by Mason Families under New Student and Family Programs (NSFP), the program invited student performers to share their creativity and brought families and supporters together in celebration of the George Mason community. Part of the broader Family Weekend schedule from October 17–19, the event offered a chance to connect, unwind, and create lasting memories.

Family Student Coordinator Dae’Quon Shines described Mason’s Got Talent as an engaging, welcoming experience for students and their loved ones to enjoy together. He noted that it also provides space for students outside the performing arts to share their skills, reflecting the diversity of creativity within Mason’s arts community.

Building on that idea, fellow coordinator Karen Araya-Porras said the program helps families see another side of student life. One of NSFP’s goals, she explained, is to highlight the non-academic opportunities available to students and to encourage families to continue supporting those experiences, especially in the arts.

Both coordinators kept the audience entertained with humor and lively banter between acts. Five performers—Mandy Taxis, Pilar Fonseca, Makeda Phipps, Jebb Sylvester, and the Latin dance group Adrenalina—showcased their talents before an audience of more than 250 family members. Each performance was evaluated by three judges on creativity and stage presence. By evening’s end, Sylvester earned first place for his cover of “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra.

Senior Cheyenna Degross and her family have attended Family Weekend every year. Degross said she’s proud that George Mason continues to create events like Mason’s Got Talent that foster community and connection. “I think campus life makes your college experience and immersing yourself in as many possible experiences is worth it,” she said.

Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services/ George Mason University

This year’s Family Weekend welcomed 1,228 attendees, a milestone that reflects George Mason’s growing sense of community. Through laughter, music, and shared memories, Mason’s Got Talent reminded families and students alike that the George Mason experience is strongest when celebrated together.

Doggy Noses & Yoga Poses Brings Students Together for Well-Being and Wagging Tails

Photo by Itzel Reyes/Counseling and Psychological Services

By Chelsea Xu, University Life Marketing and Communications

In recognition of National Depression Awareness Month, George Mason University’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Graduate Student Life invited students to unwind and de-stress during Doggy Noses & Yoga Poses, held on October 14 at the Johnson Center Bistro. The event combined two scientifically proven mood-boosting practices—spending time with dogs and doing yoga—to promote well-being and balance during a busy semester.

More than 100 students rolled out their mats for a half-hour yoga session led by Kimberly Evering, a Yoga Sculpt Certified and Power Yoga Certified instructor (RYT 200). As Evering guided participants through gentle movements and breathwork, puppies from the Doggy Noses & Yoga Poses Company and the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation roamed freely around the room, offering playful distractions and heartwarming companionship.

Photo by Itzel Reyes/Counseling and Psychological Services

Following the yoga class, attendees enjoyed open puppy playtime, creating a joyful space for connection and stress relief.

This year’s collaboration between CAPS and Graduate Student Life focused on encouraging participation from George Mason’s graduate community—an audience that often faces challenges finding events that align with their schedules and interests. To meet that goal, targeted outreach and flexible event timing helped make the program more accessible to graduate students across disciplines.

“Doggy Noses & Yoga Poses” reflected George Mason’s ongoing commitment to being a Well-Being University, supporting students’ mental health through creative, community-centered programming.

Career Influencers Network Guides Career-Ready Students toward Success

Career Fair 2025, Fairfax Campus. Photo by: Ron Aira/Creative Services/ George Mason University

This article originally appeared on The George on October 9, 2025 / By Lauren Reuscher.

The Career Influencers Network at George Mason University empowers faculty and staff to provide career development support to students throughout their academic journey. The network is open to instructors, advisors, success coaches, supervisors, and any others across campus who are positioned to help students achieve their professional goals.

University Career Services hosted a reception in early October honoring the network’s 10th anniversary. The network started in 2015 with 19 members, and it has now grown to include more than 500 faculty and staff.

The network exemplifies George Mason’s approach to preparing career-ready graduates.

“The Career Influencers Network was the beginning of a ‘career ecosystem’ or ‘career everywhere’ approach,” said Saskia Campbell, executive director of University Career Services. “Preparing career-ready graduates is not confined to one office; it’s a shared responsibility of every faculty and staff member.”

The Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education (ACE) has named George Mason to the highest tier of its list of Opportunity Colleges and Universities: Higher Access, Higher Earnings, in recognition of the university’s commitment to accessibility, return on investment, and upward mobility. Positive, high-earning career outcomes contribute to that recognition.

Career Influencers offer students job-search advice, refer them to career advising, promote employer recruitment efforts at George Mason, and share career resources with students.

“Campus partners have helped students connect the dots between their academic experiences or on-campus jobs and their professional futures—and that is transformative,” Campbell said.

The Career Influencers Network has garnered national attention—other institutions reach out for guidance to replicate its success on their own campuses. George Mason’s network has been highlighted by organizations supporting career services in higher education, including the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.

The network’s ability to reach students wherever they are has been instrumental to its success.

“It’s a common challenge many career services offices face: how to serve a large student population with limited staff and resources,” said Kristin Leonato, associate director of programs and outreach in University Career Services. “Utilizing career services is optional and not a required part of a degree program. The network allows us to connect with campus partners who students already know and trust.”

To join the network, faculty and staff participate in an interactive, 4.5-hour training covering topics like career readiness, how employers recruit George Mason students, and strategies to support students at various stages of their career development.

Engagement with the network does not end with the initial training. Career Influencers receive ongoing support from University Career Services, including workshops on related topics and monthly updates on career-related events and services.

The 10th anniversary event included words of appreciation from Campbell and Rose Pascarell, vice president of University Life, who presented two awards recognizing faculty and staff contributions to the Career Influencers Network.

Erin McSherry, assistant dean in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), received the Star Recruiter Award for having referred the most new members to the network. About 50% of the faculty and staff in the network are referred by a colleague or supervisor.

Erin McSherry, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (pictured at left), received the Star Recruiter Award for having referred the most new members to the Career Influencers Network. Pictured at right is Kristin Leonato, associate director, University Career Services. Photo provided

Larry Guerin, adjunct faculty in the Criminology, Law, and Society Department within CHSS, received the Outstanding Influencer Award for demonstrating the impact career influencers can make on students’ personal and professional lives.

“It takes a strong network of committed professionals to support students in achieving their short-term and long-term professional goals in a wide range of career fields,” said Leonato. “The more than 500 faculty and staff in the Career Influencers Network are an important part of this work.”

A Braver Campus Dialogue: Navigating Political Involvement in George Mason University’s Leadership and Governance 

The Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement, in partnership with Braver Angels, Bridge USA, and the American Council of Trustees and Alumni, has launched the A Braver Campus Series at George Mason University. The series aims to promote understanding across differences within our campus community and supports the university’s commitment to creating spaces for dialogue.

By aligning with the goal of the university’s Dialogue Across Differences (DxD) initiative to foster peaceful and just societies, the A Braver Campus series offers facilitated dialogues that include structured debates and conversations, helping to build community through open and respectful exchanges. The series aims to equip participants with the skills and experiences necessary for sustained involvement in civic and community activities.

The series kicked off the fall 2025 semester on Wednesday, September 17, on George Mason’s Fairfax campus with a robust dialogue titled “How Should Our Campus Community Navigate the Risks and Benefits of Political Involvement in Mason’s Leadership and Governance?”

This event brought together students, faculty, staff, and community members to share perspectives, ask questions, and listen with curiosity and respect. The richness of voices and viewpoints underscored the importance of dialogue in building understanding and shaping a stronger, more inclusive community. A trained moderator from Braver Angels, experienced in leading respectful and solution-focused discussions across political differences, led the conversation.

Thoughtful Discussion

According to attendees, one of the event’s most impactful aspects was the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations across differences. “The event allowed people to come together to discuss their thoughts and concerns about Mason’s current place in the political world,” said Andy Brown, a senior majoring in theater. Brown serves as a leadership consultant for the Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement, helping to organize and run these events.

For others, this was their first opportunity to engage in a discussion about political involvement and governance in the U.S., and they expressed gratitude for being part of such an open and inclusive environment. “As an international student, I was surprised by how openly people shared their political views. What stood out most was the respect shown across differences. This encouraged me to be more open-minded in my own conversations,” said Minsoo Kim, a senior majoring in computational and data sciences and elementary education.

Participants also noted the value of being informed about the complexities of leadership at George Mason and how events like this help foster a more connected and engaged campus.

Through these discussions, participants:  

Develop skills for engaging in respectful dialogue across political differences

Practice active listening, constructive speaking, and finding common ground

Explore the complexities of political involvement in university governance

Recognize the value of viewpoint diversity in addressing controversial issues

Apply collaborative problem-solving strategies to real-world campus challenges

The next event in the series, A Braver Campus Debate, will take place on October 29th, offering another chance to engage across differences in an inclusive setting.

To learn more about upcoming programs, visit clie.gmu.edu/bravercampus.

Interested in helping shape future topics for debates and dialogues? Share your ideas at bit.ly/bravercampusideas. 

University Life Celebrates Jim Green’s Legacy with Tree Dedication Ceremony

Vice President for University Life Rose Pascarell, together with UL Advisory Board member Jim Green, his wife Gigi Green, members of the University Life Advisory Board, University Life staff, supporters, and friends, gathered on George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus to plant a tree in honor of Jim’s outstanding contributions and impactful service to the university community. Photo by Emily Campos for University Life.

Written by Anna MacNiven, Advancement Operations Manager, University Life. Edited by Chelsea Xu, University Life Marketing and Communications.

On Tuesday, September 16, members of George Mason University Life Advisory Board, staff, supporters, and friends gathered on the Fairfax Campus to plant a tree in honor of their fellow board member Jim Green.

Leading the way with passion, vision, and a big heart, Jim helped found University Life’s annual golf tournament and worked tirelessly for 30 years to ensure its success. His volunteer leadership helped raise critical support for first-generation students who are forging new paths and brighter futures through education. With his help, the golf tournament raised one million dollars in scholarships for Early Identification Program (EIP) and Student Transition Empowerment Program (STEP) students, changing the lives of students and their families for years to come.

The tree serves as a lasting symbol of Jim’s legacy, rooted in generosity, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to generations of student success.

George Mason University Hosts Successful 13th Annual 9/11 Day of Service

The 13th annual Mason Nation 9/11 Day of Service for students, faculty, staff, and alumni to participate in a variety of service projects. Photo by Evan Cantwell/George Mason University

Original article by Lisa Snyder, Associate Director for the Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement. Edited by Chelsea Xu, UL Marketing and Communications.

On September 11, 2025, George Mason University held its 13th Annual 9/11 Day of Service in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall. The event drew over 200 participants, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members, all united in their commitment to fostering positive social change through service. This year’s event featured a diverse array of service projects, allowing participants to engage directly with the community and recognize the impactful contributions individuals can make.

A highlight of the day was a partnership with the P.O.P. Club at Pattie Elementary where fourth- and fifth-grade students joined campus volunteers to package nearly 300 supplemental food bags, generously donated by Van Metre Companies, to support students in need at their school. These young volunteers also took the stage during the opening ceremonies, inspiring the audience with their dedication to service.

Other service highlights included:

Blood drive with INOVA Blood Donor Services, registering 34 donors and collecting 27 units of whole blood, 12 units of red cells, and 1 unit of plasma, totaling 40 blood products, impacting nearly 120 lives.

Sustainability projects, including cardboard recycling, to support University Sustainability and supporting the George Mason’s Greenhouse and Gardens Program.

Partnership with Mason Chooses Kindness to submit 91 Pats for Patriots notes to first responder, health, military, and veteran offices on campus.

Clothing drive in collaboration with Sorting Women Giving Back, sorting and donating more than 800 articles of clothing.

Making chew toys and blankets to support the Prince William Animal Shelter.

Decoration of flowerpots and notecards for senior residents at Potomac Place.

Participants left the event with a renewed sense of purpose, having engaged in active self-reflection about their leadership roles and how they can continue to contribute to positive change within their organizations and society at large. The George Mason 9/11 Day of Service continues to be a powerful tradition of community building and social impact, embodying the university’s commitment to service and leadership.

This event’s success was made possible by the leadership, creativity, and support of our dedicated planning team: Jana Biever (Schar School of Policy and Government), Jonathan Carmona (International Programs and Services), Diane DiPietro (Human Resources), Hannah Ford (Student Involvement), Amar Gandhi (Office of Community Engagement and Civic Learning), Shanelle Highsmith (Office of Community Engagement and Civic Learning), Susan Pilley (University Life Project and Process Management), Caroline Simpson (New Student and Family Programs and Services), Tisheika Snow (Student Involvement), Lisa Snyder (Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement), Whitney Sublett (Information Technology Services), Jakeh Traylor (Disability Services), and Dorothea Tyree (Child Development Center). Their contributions were instrumental in creating a meaningful and impactful day of service.

Convocation Speakers Welcome Students to Mason Nation

This article has been edited by Chelsea Xu, originated as an email from Succeed Insights.

George Mason University President Gregory Washington kicked off fall 2025 New Student Convocation on August 22 by welcoming the largest incoming class in the university’s history. “This institution stands out,” he said. “George Mason transforms more lives than any other Virginia university.”

Rose Pascarell, vice president for University Life (pictured below), told the class of 2029, “This is an amazing community. You are going to thrive here, and we’re going to do everything we can to support you in that.” She noted that University Life has ample resources to support students through challenges and successes.

“Remember, Patriots thrive together, and this is your community now,” Pascarell said. “We are, you are truly altogether different. Each and every one of you belongs here. Show the world what altogether different truly means. That’s the Mason spirit.”

Vice President for University Life Rose Pascarell addresses class of 2029

Pascarell also introduced one of the traditional highlights of Convocation—a George Mason-branded sweatshirt given to every first-year student—this year showcasing the university’s well-being initiative Patriots Thriving Together. A new element for the 2025 Convocation was the involvement of the George Mason community—including a parade of 41 student organizations and a spoken word performance by faculty, staff, students, and alumni sharing their Mason experiences and what makes our community special. 

After the ceremony, the UL Welcome2Mason steering committee hosted the Kick Off to Success Resource Fair on Mason Pond Drive and Holton Plaza, where first-year students explored tables and displays from numerous offices, organizations, and campus initiatives.

This year, a new initiative, a Mason360-based digital planner called “Plan Your Year,” encouraged students to utilize the student engagement platform to discover events, connect with others, and get involved.

Mason Day 2025 Recap

Funnel Cakes, Rides, and MAX: Mason Day 2025 Brings the Energy

By Tiffany Boggs, Student Media, Photo courtesy of Mitchell R

The scent of funnel cakes wafted through the air as students screamed with delight on spinning rides, and the beat of live music pulsed across George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus.

Mason Day is the longest-running tradition; this is an event that’s filled with a carnival of sights, sounds, and flavors, culminating in high-energy performances. It’s a special day to many and brings students together as one large community before the end of the year.

On Friday, April 25, Mason Day took place at Parking lots K and L, hosted by Student Involvement. The event is set every April before finals begin, and it’s a time for students to “let off some steam around the end of the year and enjoy live music, and be outside having a good time,” said Executive Director Lauren Long.

Mason Day included a wide array of activities, DIY, tie dye stands, and Midway Mania games. To name a few, 9-hole mini golf, friendship bracelet stamping, and coin toss case game. There were food trucks, epic rides, and performances by Mason students who opened for headliner artist and actor MAX. Over 4723 people attended, some students volunteered, and some who attended for the first time shared what they enjoyed most.

Sophomore, Biruk Mengistu, who attended his first Mason Day shared that it was an interesting experience seeing all of George Mason come together. “I feel like I haven’t been able to see all of Mason’s 4,000 students in one place, which is kind of cool. You definitely run into a lot of people that you know, a lot of people from classes. A lot of people from the area, co-workers, family, and friends,” he said.

Most students expressed what Mason Day meant to them. For Sophomore Yohanna Hawaz, it means unity. “Mason Day gives me the opportunity to sit back, relax, and see the school do something entertaining and enjoyable for all students,” she said.

Senior Scott Tatum expressed his appreciation for George Mason having an event he feels is like a reward for all the hard work he’s done. “It’s been like a massive community event the entire time. It’s basically the combination of all the hard work we do all year, we’re able to just let loose and have a great time. It’s like the university is saying here is your reward for making it through the year, you spend your time doing games, getting food, doing any number of activities, and listening to good music,” he said.

Juniors Trinity Webber and Hannah Johnson described their favorite part of Mason Day as riding the cliff hanger, the fried Oreos, and the caricature of MAX’s performance. “It was very fun and exciting. MAX is a great performer and got the crowd hype, and the caricature was really nice to get and funny to look at,” said Webber.

According to Long, around 200 volunteers between students and staff, helped make Mason Day happen. She said the event took three days to set up adding the extra activities and increasing the food trucks to reflect the diversity of the school. “This takes a village to lift this,” Long said. Many University Life departments were involved, including Housing and Residential Life and University Career Services. She commented on how intense planning an event like Mason Day is, but it’s one of her favorites, and it’s worth seeing her entire staff, students, and volunteers coming together to celebrate the event.

Long had this to say about what Mason Day is all about. “Our unit is about enhancing that student experience. It’s about involvement and engagement and creating a sense of belonging, and it’s so exciting…standing back and looking, and seeing the smiles on students' faces,” she said.

Students Webber and Johnson said they would attend Mason Day next year. “Honestly, yeah, it was cool and they had a lot more pop-ups [activities at Mason Day included mini-golf, laser tag, and gaming truck for e-sports fans] if I were to go again, I would go just for the pop-ups”, said Johnson.

We look forward to Mason Day 2026 and hope we can make more memories with our students next year!

Health and Fitness Expo 2025 Recap

The Health and Fitness Expo is an annual event that promotes health and well-being by connecting members of the George Mason community with vital well-being services. This year, at the 28th annual event, we had around 350 faculty, staff, students, and members of the surrounding community in attendance.

"Over the last few years, the HFE planning team has been working to bring the Health and Fitness Expo back to its full capacity. This year's event was the largest Expo since 2019," said Stephanie Amirsoltani, Health and Wellbeing Coordinator. The Expo features George Mason departments and community partner organizations with a total of 62 exhibitors that provide health and well-being services to the George Mason community.

The Health and Fitness Expo really takes a holistic approach to health, fitness and well-being. Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to take home a plant from Greenhouse and Gardens Program. Other highlights included interactive fitness activities with Mason Recreation, and the opportunity to sample a tasty and nutritious snack following a cooking demonstration from Mason Dining. Student Health Services and the School of Nursing also offered cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and vision screenings to attendees.

Community organizations also donated attendee door prizes this year. Sun and Moon Yoga Studio donated two free yoga classes and Dental Cosmetix donated a Sonicare toothbrush.

The Health and Fitness Expo planning team is represented by faculty and staff from Student Health Services, Mason Recreation, Mason Dining, Risk, Safety, and Resilience, Human Resources, Counseling and Psychological Services, and the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. The Health and Fitness Expo Planning Team would like to thank Michael Galvin, who annually volunteers as the event DJ.

Next years Health and Fitness Expo is currently scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026. To learn more, please visit our website at hfe.gmu.edu

International Week 2025 Recap

By Tiffany Boggs, Student Media

What began as an international night in the 1970s turned into a weeklong celebration in 1981.

For 44 years, international students from around the world have come together to celebrate their cultural background with music, dance, food, and sports. It’s a week of recognition, learning, and appreciation for diversity at George Mason University.

A variety of events took place from March 28 through April 6. The iWeek Committee hosted three events: the traditional Parade and Festival, a tour around the world, and the international dance competition.

The parade and festival had three hundred students participating, walking across the Mason campus representing their home country. The event was followed by a ceremony and a table fair, in which thirty organizations signed up for students to connect with multicultural groups hosted by Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) and other departments at Mason, according to the Assistant Director for International Engagement, Office of International Programs (OPS), Jonathan Carmona.

Tour around the world, the food tasting event where students visited tables representing a country, learned about the cultural foods from different continents and regions. Finally, the international dance competition. Eight teams competed, incorporating unique dance styles from diverse cultures. The winners of the 2025 iWeek dance competition was Mason Ke Rang, the South Asian dance group.

A few international students shared their experiences participating in Iweek and the pride they take in their country.

“I feel very proud. As an international student, I’m very proud to represent Uzbekistan, plus in the U.S. and at George Mason, not a lot of people are familiar with this country,” said Gulbanhor Nortojieva, who participated in the parade and festival. Nortojieva shared she came to the United States three years ago, and everything was a culture shock from the food and language. Nortojieva feels iWeek gives international students the opportunity to know one another, how diverse Mason is, and to reunite.

International student clubs come together to compete in the annual International Dance Competition at the Center for the Arts. Photo by: Ayman Rashid/Creative Services/George Mason University

Chengeng Yin and Xiyas Huang celebrated iWeek in the parade and dance competition, representing their home China.

“As for me, I think it’s such an opportunity for us to spread our culture because during this competition we used the Chinese song and the traditional clothes, and the traditional dance positions. So, we want many friends to see how Chinese dances are and how we would perform so that they can better understand our culture,” said Yin.

For non-international students, iWeek is a meaningful time for them too. Awareness of students who come from all over the world and acknowledging global issues.

Tara Zamani, born in the United States, but her family is from Iran. She would visit Iran “a couple of times every year” before Covid-19, but due to the conflict in the Middle East, it’s unsafe for Zamani to visit. Despite the global issues, she looks at iWeek as a time of “unity.”

“Every country has some sort of issue, whether that be political or economic. In general, there’s always going to be an issue, however, we are being united by how proud we are of our culture and roots. So, I think it’s very important we take time to celebrate that and take time to celebrate the beauty in each of our cultures instead of the hardships,” Zamani said.

Carmona ended with appreciation for the fact that international students feel connected to iWeek, and the hard work is paying off.

“It makes me see the purpose of the work I do and makes me feel that I’m doing my job correctly. Even though how busy it is and how much time, work, and hours it takes, I’m always very grateful for that. I’m always very grateful that students feel celebrated and represented in any way we can in that week, and I think that’s just priceless,” he said.