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.