By Jane Rooney, UL Marketing and Communications.
George Mason University welcomed its newest Patriots at New Student Convocation on August 21 at EagleBank Arena, where university leaders and current students offered advice about navigating college and finding community, and the Green Machine Pep Band treated students to spirited performances.
Griffin Crouch, student body president and a senior political science and international politics major, advised the students to try new things. “This is the time to lean into uncertainty,” he said. “Find your people who encourage you to say yes to opportunities.”
George Mason University President Gregory Washington congratulated the incoming students on choosing an institution that lives its values, including putting students first, creating a community that prioritizes belonging, and acting with integrity.
“George Mason University prepares you for success better than any institution in the Commonwealth of Virginia,” he said. “Diversity is our strength.” Amarda Shehu, a computer science professor and the university’s inaugural vice president and chief artificial intelligence officer, noted that this generation will need to learn to understand AI well enough and leverage it effectively enough to stay in charge. “Keep asking questions,” she said. “Be a beginner on purpose.”
Several current students shared their stories of finding community as Patriots. The student speakers were followed by a parade featuring many of the more than 500 Registered Student Organizations on campus.
“Convocation showed me that I was a part of something big. Coming together to celebrate, even getting a cool sweatshirt, allowed me to show my Patriot Pride in a fun way,” said Jon Mason, a first-year Mason LIFE student. “I love the Green Machine. As a percussionist, I hope to be part of many convocations to come, building school spirit and the sense of community that helped me feel part of it all.”
Michael “Doc Nix” Nickens, who leads the Green Machine, concluded the event by teaching the new students the George Mason fight song.