Category: Sponsorship or Award Announcements

This article has been edited by Teron Buffington, original article April 18, 2025 / By Lauren Reuscher

George Mason University’s Outstanding Achievement Awards celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of faculty and staff in support of the university's values and mission. Awards are sponsored by Human Resources and other university departments. 

A ceremony honoring this year’s awardees was hosted on the Fairfax Campus on Tuesday, April 15. View the complete list of award recipients.

The Sustainability Hero Award acknowledges the contributions of individuals and teams who have gone the extra mile to seek creative solutions that have promoted healthy, sustainable living or reduced George Mason’s environmental impacts. 

Sustainability Hero Award

Makenzie Gold Quiros, Assistant Director of Housing Operations and Special Projects, Housing and Residence Life

Makenzie Gold Quiros was recognized for leadership, collaboration, and partnership with Patriot Packout, the annual campus move-out program that helps divert items from the waste stream and reallocates them to those who can use them. Donations include household items, food, clothing, and more.

Gold Quiros played an instrumental role in integrating Patriot Packout into Housing and Residence Life operations. Collaborating with members of the Patriot Packout planning committee to develop marketing and educational materials about the program, Gold Quiros' efforts helped spread the word among residential students. 

The result was increased awareness and participation in the program. In 2024, Patriot Packout received more than 13,000 pounds of donations, more than double the amount received in 2023 (5,700 pounds). 

“Makenzie’s incredible leadership to grow and integrate Patriot Packout within Housing and Residence Life operations dramatically improved the amount of goods and supplies diverted away from trash incineration, reducing the university’s environmental impacts while putting useful donations into the hands of George Mason Patriots,” said Colleen Regan, zero waste specialist with University Sustainability.

Portions of this article originated  from The George, March 14, 2025, by Anne Reynolds, and further edited by Teron Buffington

George Mason University’s staff and faculty bring their generosity to their work each day, and many go a step further 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. One of the recipients, Philip Wilkerson from University Life, received an award for his outstanding kindness and positive attitude, which inspires those around him. 

“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 University Foundation. “We are incredibly fortunate to benefit from this culture of philanthropy, and we created the Spirit of Giving Award to let us tell the stories of individuals whose giving serves as an inspiration to us all.”  

Bowden announced the 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 University Life. 

“Philip's charitable giving supports initiatives benefiting student success, including the College of Education and Human Development Dean’s Excellence Fund, University 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 University 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. Our faculty and staff offer an extraordinary commitment to the university, and it is an honor to highlight their service—and to thank them.”