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As campus protests and demonstrations have become increasingly common at universities nationwide, George Mason University has taken a proactive approach to supporting students through these events. The Student Expression Advocacy (SEA) Team, part of the university’s Rapid Response Collaborative, exists to ensure that students are informed of their rights, connected to resources, and supported during campus events — from protests and demonstrations to career fairs and commencement ceremonies.  

The team held its spring kickoff meeting on February 12, 2026, bringing together 20 of its 24 members. Facilitated by University Life (UL) Senior Assistant Dean Lori Scher, the meeting centered on the team’s core mission: providing support for student expression during campus protests, demonstrations involving external groups exercising their First Amendment rights, and planned events such as career fairs and commencement ceremonies. To that end, team members worked to establish clear roles and expectations for Advocates, who serve as frontline supporters engaging with students during events, promoting safety, and helping them navigate university policies and understand their rights.  

SEA Team Advisors include Brent Ericson (assistant dean and director of Student Conduct), Josh Kinchen (director of LGBTQ+ Resources), Phil McDaniel (associate director of Student Involvement), and Colton Goodman (assistant director of Housing and Residence Life). UL Planning Manager Angie Villegas (currently on parental leave) has also been instrumental in forming and developing this team. 

“The Advisors [Brent, Josh, Phil, and Colton] are integral to this work,” said Scher. “They each offer deep expertise, which is critical as we work to advance the team’s strategic direction, ensure alignment with university policies, and foster a truly supportive environment for student expression.” 

Scher also emphasized the value of the kickoff meeting in building community among team members: “By coming together, we are not just establishing roles; we are fostering a strong team-based culture that is essential for the success of our mission.” 

The SEA Team is vital for several reasons: 

• Fostering a culture that supports freedom of expression 

• Ensuring students are well-connected to resources and support 

• Collaborating with Risk, Safety, and Resilience (RSR), Emergency Management (EM), and the Police Department (PD) to cultivate strong relationships 

• Helping students adhere to policies and understand their rights 

The team is also working directly with student leaders to assess perceptions of campus demonstrations and the work of UL Rapid Response through student focus groups and outreach efforts, with the goal of strengthening its visibility and connection with the campus community. 

Looking ahead, the Rapid Response Collaborative will expand with the development of a Compassionate Support Team and an Emergency Response Team. Villegas, along with the Advisors, will work on defining roles, determining activation protocols for the various teams, and organizing training sessions that empower this critical work. 

Interested in joining the SEA Team or getting involved in Rapid Response work? Contact Lori Scher or Angie Villegas. 

 

 

By Lisa Snyder, CLIE associate director for leadership education and development 

The Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement (CLIE), in collaboration with Fraternity and Sorority Life, hosted the Alumni Leadership Speaker Series: Leadership in the Letters: Alumni Stories of Impact, held virtually on March 2. The event brought together current students and alumni to explore how leadership experiences at George Mason continue to shape professional journeys after graduation. 

The program was facilitated by Andy Brown and Nicholas Cuevas, CLIE Student Leadership Consultants, who guided a panel discussion with four alumni representing different fraternities and sororities: Selena Chagolla-Segura (Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc.), Najeeba “Najee” Gassel (Zeta Tau Alpha), Kye Farrow (Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.), and Michael Marino (Delta Chi Fraternity). 

Panelists reflected on how their involvement in Fraternity and Sorority Life and other student organizations helped develop leadership skills that continue to influence their professional lives. They emphasized the importance of leading with empathy, recognizing that leadership is not limited to positional roles, and that everyone has the capacity to lead and create impact within their communities. 

“I was honored to be invited to speak on this panel because I am deeply passionate about service, given my experience in Mason Greek Life and now as a fundraiser for a national nonprofit,” said Gassel, who is campaign development manager for Blood Cancer United. “The skills, lessons, and experiences I gained with FSL have a direct connection to my career, and for that, I am so grateful.” 

Valuable lifelong skills 

Panelists shared that the experiences they gained as students—planning programs, managing budgets, collaborating with student organizations, navigating difficult conversations—directly prepared them for the responsibilities they now manage in their careers. They also highlighted how their time at George Mason allowed them to build meaningful relationships with staff, advisors, and mentors who helped guide their leadership development. 

The alumni discussed the lasting impact of fraternity and sorority membership, noting that the values of brotherhood, sisterhood, service, and accountability continue to shape how they lead teams, support their communities, and approach their work. 

Insights from the panelists reinforced a key message for current students: The leadership opportunities available at George Mason, both inside and outside the classroom, can serve as powerful foundations for future careers and lifelong leadership. 

The Alumni Leadership Speaker Series aims to connect students with alumni whose experiences demonstrate how campus involvement can translate into meaningful professional and community impact long after graduation. If you are interested in collaborating on a future Alumni Leadership Speaker Series, please contact Lisa Snyder.  

 

 

By Lisa Snyder, CLIE associate director for leadership education and development 

University Life’s Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement (CLIE) welcomed 5th and 6th grade students from Terraset Elementary School on February 27 for a dynamic leadership conference centered on leadership development, self-awareness, and community. Designed, organized, and facilitated by Student Leadership Consultants—a group that works with CLIE to provide high-quality leadership training programs—the conference invited students to explore who they are, how they relate to others, and how leadership shows up in their everyday lives. This year, the conference was hosted in George Mason’s new Activities Building on George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus, which provided a welcoming environment for students to engage in the day’s experiences. 

“Our yearly partnership with Terraset Elementary is one of my favorite events,” said Andy Brown, a senior majoring in theater and a CLIE leadership consultant. “It’s a privilege to be able to teach and mentor these students about leadership and positive change and hear about how they want to impact the world around them.” 

Grant funding from The Lowe’s Foundation supports K–12 partnerships and creates meaningful opportunities for George Mason students to engage with the broader community. This support allows Student Leadership Consultants to share their expertise in leadership, ethics, communication, conflict management, goal setting, and values-based decision-making, bringing these practices into the community. 

Rethinking roles 

Students participated in interactive workshops that introduced leadership as something accessible, relational, and grounded in values. The Leadership 101 workshop encouraged students to rethink traditional ideas about leadership, prompting them to consider whether leadership is tied to titles or can emerge through actions, character, and responsibility to others.  

“By showing that leadership is not just something you are born with but a skill you can practice, I am encouraging a new way of thinking that can lead to positive change,” said Minsoo Kim, a student leadership consultant in the elementary education master’s program. Through conversation and hands-on activities, students explored qualities they value in leaders and reflected on how leadership influences their choices at school, at home, and in their communities.    

In the True Colors workshop, students engaged in self-reflection and discovery, learning how different personality temperaments shape communication, teamwork, and leadership styles. This session emphasized the importance of appreciating differences, helping students recognize their strengths while building empathy and respect for others. By connecting personality awareness to collaboration and leadership, students practiced skills essential for working across differences and building inclusive communities. 

Connection and collaboration 

The conference also featured collaborations across campus. In partnership with The EDGE, students participated in the EDGE on Wheels program, engaging in hands-on team-building activities that emphasized communication and working together toward shared goals. Students also met with George Mason Esports, learning about the program’s innovative work.Students connected with Esports members and played video games, demonstrating how teamwork, strategy, and leadership show up in our everyday lives.  

Terraset students left the conference with a stronger sense of confidence, language to describe their leadership identities, and an understanding that everyone has the potential to be a leader. The Student Leadership Consultants activated their own leadership learning through facilitating dialogue, guiding reflection, and modeling ethical, community-centered leadership. The continued partnership with Terraset Elementary highlights the impact of intentional leadership education and the role college students can play in nurturing the next generation of leaders. 

 

This article originally appeared on The George.

Paul Bazzano has worked for Mason Recreation for more than 30 years. He started as a student worker while pursuing his bachelor’s degree in communication at George Mason University and is now assistant director of competitive sports and athletic training.  

Colleagues have applauded Bazzano for his outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing Mason Recreation’s mission. He has made numerous contributions that have strengthened Mason Recreation’s programs, elevated its visibility across campus and beyond, and deepened the university’s commitment to inclusive and adaptive recreation. For these reasons, Bazzano was selected as the March Employee of the Month.  

In their nominations, many of Bazzano’s colleagues talked about how he went above and beyond in coordinating two major university events that brought together campus and community partners in meaningful ways. 

The first event was the National Beep Baseball All-Star Tournament, which brought more than 70 blind and visually impaired athletes, coaches, and volunteers from across the country to George Mason. In addition to the tournament, Bazzano organized a Learn-to-Play Clinic, giving about 25 visually impaired students and community members the opportunity to experience Beep Baseball for the first time. 

“Paul has continued to elevate the profile of our department and the awareness of a wonderful adaptive sport,” said Sheldon Tate, executive director of Mason Recreation. “He has poured himself fully into the Beep Baseball movement and is quickly becoming the quintessential ally for individuals with disabilities. We are proud to follow his lead, and there are dozens of colleagues across campus who would absolutely agree that Paul is raising the bar.” 

“Through his leadership, Paul has strengthened partnerships with organizations such as Game One, MindsEye, Lighthouse for the Blind, and the Metro Washington Association of Blind Athletes,” said Ethan Carter, associate director of programs, well-being, and assessment. “He also began discussions with the Junior Tennis Champions Center to host a wheelchair tennis event in Spring 2026, expanding George Mason’s reach and reputation in adaptive sports.” 

In addition to forging new opportunities for differently abled athletes, Bazzano supports all the students who participate in Mason Recreation’s programs, said Jennifer Tolson, head athletic trainer at Mason Recreation 

“Paul works day and night to help our club teams and intramurals succeed both on and off the field,” said Tolson. “He’s always finding ways to make things happen—even when it seems impossible. A great example of this is when our football team had an opponent forfeit. Paul immediately searched for another team to play, ensuring our athletes still got the experience they deserved. That’s who Paul is—he never gives up on our teams and always fights to give them the best opportunities possible.” 

How did you come to Mason: 

I started at George Mason in 1995 as an undergraduate student and never really left. I worked in athletics and recreation as a student, and after graduation I was offered the chance to continue doing work I loved. Mason has been home ever since. 

Best day on the job: 

It is hard to narrow it down to one day. March 2006 during the Final Four run stands out. I was responsible for supervising the student bus to Dayton, Ohio, for the first round, and what was supposed to be a quick trip turned into something much bigger. The pride on campus during that stretch is something I have never seen before and have not seen since. 

What do you like best about working at Mason: 

Watching students grow and move on to do great things. What means the most is when they come back and reconnect. Knowing you played even a small role in their experience stays with you.  

What do you like to do when you’re not working: 

I enjoy staying active. Whether it is playing a sport or just finding ways to stay healthy, that has always been an important part of my life. I have also taken up sports photography, which has been a fun creative outlet and another way to give back to our students. 

 

This article originally appeared on The George.

For just the second time, more than 70 George Mason University student-athletes have earned the Peter N. Stearns Provost Scholar-Athlete Award for their outstanding academic achievements. Following a record-breaking 78 honorees last year, 74 student-athletes were recognized during a ceremony held in February. 

The Provost Scholar-Athlete Award was established in 2009 by then-Provost Peter N. Stearns to recognize student athletes who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher with at least 38 credit hours. 

The reception, hosted by Keith Renshaw, senior associate provost for undergraduate education, celebrated this year’s Provost Scholar-Athletes and was attended by parents, deans and professors, and senior athletics administrators. 

Interim provost and executive vice president Ajay Vinzé congratulated the group. Jack Chapman, a senior member of the swimming and diving team and a three-time recipient of the award, spoke on behalf of his fellow student athletes.  

Marvin Lewis, George Mason assistant vice president and director of athletics, also congratulated the honorees during the ceremony. “This award represents the very best of what it means to be a George Mason student-athlete,” he said. “Tonight is not just about athletic talent— it’s about discipline, curiosity, leadership, and the mindset required to bring your best in every arena. Keep working hard. Keep pushing forward. And keep inspiring the people around you—because you are the standard.” 

Among this year’s honorees, 31 are first-time recipients, 29 have earned the award twice, and 14 have been named Provost Scholar-Athletes three or more times. 

First-Time Recipients 

Lucas Alberti, Baseball, Business 

Bryson Barnett, Cross Country & Track, Kinesiology 

Regan Bestick, Lacrosse, Biology 

Kaitlyn Bronowicz, Softball, Community Health 

Charles Bunting, Wrestling, Business 

Davian Burke, Indoor/Outdoor Track, Mechanical Engineering 

Owen Clyne, Baseball, Integrated Studies 

Riley Ellis, Lacrosse, Neuroscience 

Shivaani Ganesh, Women’s Tennis, Cyber Security Engineering 

Jack Graham, Women’s Swimming & Diving, Business 

Tess Altevers Harris, Softball, Economics 

David Hill, Men’s Volleyball, Business 

Pierce Hokenson, Golf, Business 

Julia Howe, Rowing, Criminal Justice 

Kaitlyn Kutz, Rowing, Chemistry 

Marta Kux, Rowing, Business 

Alexander Lillie, Men’s Volleyball, Criminology, Law and Society 

Sabrina Liu, Rowing, Nursing 

Jordan Lucas, Women’s Volleyball, Neuroscience 

Michael Madigan, Baseball, Business 

Adelline Oliveira, Women’s Swimming & Diving, Physics 

Helena Santacana, Indoor/Outdoor Track, Mechanical Engineering 

Aleigha Scherber, Women’s Swimming & Diving, Biology 

Ryan Serbia, Women’s Swimming & Diving, Cyber Security Engineering 

Madison Sobota, Softball, English 

Thomas Stofka, Wrestling, Kinesiology 

Noelle Talarek, Women’s Tennis, Integrated Studies 

Giselle Torain, Lacrosse, Psychology 

Kailynn Tyson, Indoor/Outdoor Track, Elementary Education 

Maxwell Vom Saal, Cross Country & Track, Kinesiology 

Camryn Weldon, Women’s Volleyball, Business 

Aidan Weltin, Men’s Volleyball, Business 

Angelina Zeidan, Women’s Swimming & Diving, Kinesiology 

Two-Time Recipients 

Lauren Bailey, Co-ed Cheerleading, Sport and Recreation Studies 

Victoria Bates, Women’s Lacrosse, Special Education 

Kara Becker, Women’s Rowing, Anthropology 

Julia Bike, Women’s Soccer, Business 

Alayna Brooker, Women’s Swimming & Diving, Bioengineering 

Luke Brown, Cross Country/Indoor Track, Economics 

Caitlin Cardin, Co-ed Cheerleading, Government and International Politics 

Mia Casciani, Women’s Soccer, Sports Management 

Haleigh Dellow, Softball, Psychology 

Makenna Diaz, Co-ed Cheerleading, Education 

Brant Ertel, Baseball, Business 

Robert Evangelista, Men’s Volleyball, Business 

Amalia Florou Dimitriadou, Women’s Indoor Track, Psychology 

Marie Franjicic, Women’s Soccer, Kinesiology 

Kaleigh Friend, Softball, Special Education 

Sarah “Midori” Galligan, Women’s Rowing, Kinesiology 

Page Greenburg, Women’s Basketball, Psychology 

Kristen Ivey, Women’s Swimming & Diving, Criminology, Law and Society 

June Johnson, Women’s Rowing, International Security and Law 

Elene Meurmishvili, Women’s Rowing, Economics 

Harlowe Nigh, Softball, Psychology 

Carly Passaro, Women’s Soccer, Government and International Politics 

Isabella Puentes, Women’s Rowing, Electrical Engineering 

Clare Smith, Women’s Swimming & Diving, Psychology 

Casey Tingen, Women’s Swimming & Diving, Business 

Madyson Taylor, Women’s Soccer, Community Health 

Jazmine Vasquez, Women’s Rowing, Business 

Three-Year Recipients 

Megan Baird, Women’s Indoor Track, Computer Engineering 

Kaitlyn Bestick, Women’s Lacrosse, Political Science 

Evan Blanchard, Baseball, Sports Management  

Selamawit Caldart, Women’s Soccer, Integrated Studies 

Pilar Cerritos Gatto, Women’s Rowing, Psychology 

Jack Chapman, Men’s Swimming & Diving, Criminology, Law and Society 

Rachel Eberly, Women’s Soccer, Sports Management 

Peyton Farley, Women’s Lacrosse, Psychology 

Alexandra Hooks, Women’s Soccer, Biology 

Kamryn Inman, Softball, Community Health 

Sierra Matheson, Women’s Indoor Track, English 

Ella (“Marley”) Oare, Women’s Indoor Track, Global Affairs 

Allyson Yeary, Women’s Swimming & Diving, Business 

Georgi Zahariev, Men’s Volleyball, Cyber Security 

 

By Sofya Vetrova, Mason Dining. Edited by Chelsea Xu, UL Marketing and Communications.

This Valentine’s Day, in partnership with the Office of New Student and Family Programs, Mason Dining hosted a Teaching Kitchen designed specifically for first-year and transfer students. The 50 available spots filled immediately, a clear signal that today’s students are looking for connection, not just consumption.

The session was led by Chef William Weaver , Director of Student Engagement, and Chef George Charbel, Campus Executive Chef. Together, they guided students through three hands-on stations focused on practical, confidence-building skills:

• Chocolate Mug Cake – introducing foundational baking techniques
• Overnight Oats – reinforcing wellness and smart meal planning
• Elevated Ramen – teaching students how to transform a staple into a balanced, intentional meal

But the real outcome wasn’t the recipes. It was community.

Mason Dining Voice and Vision survey (Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services) have made it clear that dining is one of the most powerful touchpoints for belonging:

• 60.6% of first-year students say dining helps them adjust to college life.
• 53.1% say dining helps them feel welcome on campus.

For first-year and transfer students especially, the transition to campus can feel isolating. A teaching kitchen changes that dynamic. It creates a shared experience. It lowers barriers. It sparks conversation. It builds confidence. It turns strangers into peers. Events like this don’t just teach students how to cook. They create connection at a moment when connection matters most.

Teaching Kitchen is part of Mason Dining’s ongoing engagement-based programming. The team hosts monthly activations centered on different themes, with this Valentine’s Day event developed in collaboration with New Student Programs. Throughout the year, Mason Dining also offers a variety of experiential events, including its Supper Club series – a fine-dining-style experience hosted in the dining halls.

At George Mason, dining is more than a service. It is a strategy for belonging – one intentionally designed to support student transition, build confidence, and reinforce the university’s commitment to helping every student succeed.

 

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

On February 4, Transfer Nation 2026 welcomed transfer and contemporarystudents for an afternoon focused on connection and reflection. As part of George Mason University’s First-Year Connection programming, the event emphasized community-building and highlighted the academic and personal support systems available across campus. 

First-Year Connection initiatives are designed to enhance engagement, strengthen academic success, and support personal growth for students new to George Mason. For transfer students who often have less time to acclimate than first-year students, the need for early connection is especially critical. 

“This particular event is really a chance for transfer students to meet each other and share that they are not alone in their experience here,” said Caroline Simpson, assistant director of New Student and Family Programs (NSFP). “They’re not the only ones going through different challenges or struggles. They have community.” 

Simpson noted that the gathering also encouraged students to set early goals for the semester – an important step for transfers navigating a new academic environment on a compressed timeline. 

Getting connected 

Richard Tenia, who transferred from Northern Virginia Community College in Sterling, Virginia, entered George Mason in fall 2025 with plans to refine his academic focus in Arts and Visual Technology and push beyond his comfort zone. Adjusting to a larger campus proved challenging at first, he said, but support from resident advisors (RAs) and engagement through Mason360helped him build connections more quickly than he had anticipated. 

Zell Preston, a transfer student from Laurel Ridge Community College in Middletown, Virginia, highlighted the university’s diversity and campus involvement as central to her experience. She credited her success coach with helping her transition from forensic science to criminology and connect with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). The breadth of support at George Mason, she said, made a significant difference in her transition. 

Transfer Nation also highlighted support for working adults balancing professional and family responsibilities. Jennifer Rogel, who manages two full-time jobs while enrolled as a full-time student, said transfer-focused programming eased her transition. After attending two transfer events in November, she gained clarity on course registration and access to follow-up resources. Receiving a free laptop through the Student Support and Advocacy Center proved especially instrumental. 

For Rogel, the experience underscored an important point: resources only matter if students know how to access them. “I believe there are resources for everybody,” she said. “The thing is, are we taking advantage of them? Do we know those resources exist?” 

Transfer Nation addressed that gap directly. By making support visible – and personal – the event helped ensure that services did not remain abstract listings on a website, but tools students felt confident using. For students who arrive at George Mason mid-journey, connection is not incidental. It is structured, supported, and made visible. Transfer Nation reflects a broader institutional commitment: that at George Mason, every student succeeds – including those who began somewhere else. 

 

 

By Minsoo Kim, student leadership consultant, Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement.

“Conversations Across Difference” is a new initiative from the Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement, led by student leadership consultants. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to join small-group discussions on timely and sometimes challenging topics in a respectful setting. These conversations are designed to be welcoming, allowing people to share different viewpoints, challenge ideas, and build understanding. Rather than debating to “win,” the focus is on listening, asking thoughtful questions, and understanding others’ perspectives.  

The first Conversations Across Difference event on February 10, “Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe?” explored how AI tools might help close learning gaps or widen them. Studentfacilitators reported that participants gained an appreciation for new perspectives and a more balanced view of AI. “During the conversation, I realized that perspectives on AI vary depending on the field of work a person plans to pursue,” said Madison Joung, a senior studying computer game design. “I feel that this discussion also showed how we want to approach AI in our lives, which is keeping the human aspects of our lives while using AI as a tool rather than a replacement.”    

The program helps students build empathy, communication skills, and confidence to discuss complex issues. It also supports a stronger sense of belonging and connection. The structure gives participants a safe space to share and connects them with people across diverse experiences and backgrounds. To learn about upcoming topics and to register, visit https://clie.gmu.edu/convoacrossdifference/.  

 

 

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

Homecoming 2026 at George Mason University unfolded as a weeklong celebration. Events included trivia nights, pep rallies, a lip-sync battle, a day of service, a city crawl in downtown Fairfax, and a weekend festival culminating in basketball at EagleBank Arena.

On February 5, laughter filled the campus. As this year’s Homecoming Headliner, The Daily Show correspondent Josh Johnson performed to a packed Center for the Arts, delivering a set defined by control, clarity, and deliberate timing.

The evening opened with one of George Mason’s own, Rahmein Mostafavi, BA Theater ’99, returning as the opener, bridging past and present before Johnson took the stage. The pairing felt deliberate: an alumnus shaped here, followed by a nationally recognized voice.

Johnson’s style resists spectacle. Seated on a stool, leaning slightly forward, he builds long-form narratives rather than chasing quick punchlines. Stories stretch, pivot, and land cleanly. He threaded humor through commentary on national headlines without overplaying the moment. When he shifted toward civic engagement, applause cut through the laughter. The transition felt measured, not theatrical. Johnson trusted the room to follow along.

That balance resonated across generations. Junior Heather Schneider described the impact succinctly: “I was laughing so hard I gave myself a headache. My face hurts.”

Bridget Rose, 65, called Johnson “sharp” and well-informed. When she called out “vote,” Johnson responded with a story about casting a ballot in a local Brooklyn election, the only voter present. The absurdity landed immediately. The implication lingered.

As Johnson closed his set, the audience rose in a standing ovation.

Homecoming brought the George Mason community together across formats: competition, service, celebration, and conversation. Throughout the week, student organizations hosted events, alumni returned to campus, and crowds filled athletic venues and festival spaces. Johnson’s performance added another dimension to that momentum. Bringing a nationally recognized voice like Johnson to campus – alongside alumni talent like Mostafavi – reflects the university’s willingness to connect past and present while highlighting cultural relevance alongside academic and athletic achievement.

 

By Sarah Holland, Office of University Branding.

Experiential learning is one of the ways George Mason prepares its students for life beyond the classroom. It’s a core part of our mission. For Costello College of Business sophomore Iman Chaudhry, it’s also an inspiration that helped shape Mason Consulting Group’s (MCG) new venture: pro bono consulting support for local small businesses in Fairfax City.

MCG began as a means to educate the George Mason community about consulting as a career path. When Chaudhry, the current president of MCG, began an internship with Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED), she came with a vision for the group to expand their impact and reach through free consulting services for local businesses in Fairfax City.

“It was mutually beneficial: we help strengthen our local community and support small businesses, as well as providing experiential learning opportunities aligned with Costello’s strategic priorities,” she said. “We still want to educate the community about business consulting, while providing real, tangible, experiential learning opportunities to students where they’re working with a real-life client.”

As an intern, Chaudhry served as a bridge between FCED and Costello: “A person on the inside,” she said, who helped make the initiative successful.

With support and guidance from FCED, Chaudhry and the group developed the program structure, reviewed applications, selected the inaugural clients, and negotiated a contract deal with FCED to provide funding to support implementation of their recommendations.

MCG completed their first round of consulting in Fall 2025, serving two Fairfax City clients: BE2 Pilates and Make My Day CPA. Throughout the semester, the team held regular meetings with clients to provide updates and pitch ideas; at the end, they presented their final recommendations and deliverables to both businesses and FCED.

“Knowing how to market my business has been my Achilles’ heel,” said Julia Hughes, founder and owner of BE2 Pilates. “I thought I’d toss my hat into the ring when I saw the call for applications for the program.”

The team provided Hughes with a comprehensive social media marketing plan and a range of business development recommendations, such as adding QR codes to business cards and developing a pricing structure for students.

“Everything they gave me in terms of deliverables are things that could be started on the small scale and grown over time,” Hughes said. “And their recommendations helped me think outside of the box for business development, thinking more broadly about with whom I can partner, with whom I can connect.”

MCG’s services are free to those businesses that are accepted through the FCED program. Hughes noted that the quality of the business consulting provided was above and beyond her expectations.

“The level of professionalism, the product presented, and the deliverables MCG provided were all of a caliber that far surpassed their years of experience,” said Hughes. “I was quite  impressed by them at every step of the way.”

“The Mason Consulting Group has done an outstanding job diving deep into the consulting world. The students are getting hands-on experience with real clients to understand the dynamics of consulting and the complexities of the business world,” said MCG’s faculty advisor Katherine Rosenbusch, associate professor of management in Costello.

After the success of this first cohort, FCED has agreed to extend funding for another semester. MCG is selecting their next round of clients for the Spring 2026 semester.

“We’re a young club, but I think Costello and George Mason’s vision of high access and high outcomes makes us stand out,” Chaudhry said. “I want to help put George Mason on the map as a hub for high-caliber student talent delivering real-world impact.”