The 91°µÍř campus community came together at the 2026 Outstanding Achievement Awards on April 14 to recognize faculty and staff whose dedication, innovation, and service shape and strengthen the university.
The Outstanding Achievement Awards serve as a powerful reminder to celebrate not only these accomplishments, but also the everyday contributions that continue to make George Mason an extraordinary place to learn, work, and grow. More than 30 individuals and two teams were recognized at the ceremony.
President Gregory Washington expressed his appreciation for George Mason employees, emphasizing the importance of community, collaboration, and the shared commitment to student success. “What happens here is about impact under constraint,” Washington said. “It’s about creativity when the easy answer is unavailable. It’s about commitment when the work would be simpler somewhere else. You stretch time, you stretch budgets, and most importantly, you stretch yourselves. And somehow what our students experience, is not scarcity, but possibility.”
From emerging leaders to longstanding changemakers, each honoree represents the university’s core values in action, demonstrating what it means to “Thrive Together.”
Recognizing Emerging Talent and Exemplary Service
The Rising Star Award was awarded to Ronae Jones, marketing and events coordinator for the College of Visual and Performing Arts. In her short time at George Mason, Jones has demonstrated exceptional creativity, collaboration, and professionalism.
The Civility Star Award was presented to Kyle Warfield, associate director of community engagement and retention, Office of Access, Compliance, and Community, for his leadership in fostering an inclusive and respectful campus culture.
Ryan Barnett, associate director of the Office of Military Services, received the Martha J. Reiner Quality Customer Service Award for his outstanding support of military-affiliated students and their families.
Honoring Teaching, Leadership, and Innovation
Three faculty members were recognized with the Adjunct Faculty Service Award: AJ Thurston (Department of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences), Kristi Horton (College of Engineering and Computing), and Jerry Pierce (Costello College of Business), each celebrated for their dedication to teaching, mentorship, and student success.
Marci Kinas Jerome of the Kellar Institute for Human disAbilities received the David W. Rossell Quill Award for her decades of leadership and service in advancing student success and program excellence.
The Innovation Award was presented to Birgit Debeerst, director of University Life project and process management, whose data-driven approach and process improvements have significantly enhanced efficiency and the student experience within University Life.
Celebrating Alumni and Community Impact
George Mason’s special community of alumni employees was recognized through the Faculty and Staff Alumni Awards.
Cheryl Hairston, associate head athletic trainer in Intercollegiate Athletics, was honored for her unwavering commitment to student-athlete well-being.
Melissa Mandac, senior assistant director of graduate operations if the Office of Admissions, was recognized for her leadership, mentorship, and dedication to fostering inclusive environments.
The Margaret C. Howell Award was awarded to Sally Lorentson, assistant vice president of University Life, for her exceptional leadership in advancing student success and shaping impactful university initiatives.
Excellence Across Roles and Teams
The ceremony highlighted the essential contributions of staff across the university.
Wage employees Elizabeth Macleod, Leading to Well-Being program coordinator, and Mykola Signayevskyy, graduate professional assistant for internationalization in the Office of International Programs and Services, were recognized for their excellence and dedication.
Four individuals received Exceptional Support Awards for being indispensable resources within their units: Michael Benedict, IT support specialist, University Life; Susan Engel, data integrity manager, Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations; Terri Ann Guingab, instructional designer, College of Public Health; and Jancy Templeton, advisor, Special Education and Disability Research, College of Education and Human Development.
Kristine Neuber, IT accessibility coordinator in the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community, received the Excellence in Action Award for her longstanding commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
Crystal Hall Buckley, director of the Office of Graduate Admissions, was honored with the Mentorship Excellence Award for her impact on professional development and staff growth.
Wonki Hwangbo, associate director of human resources in Mason Korea, joining virtually from the Songdo campus, received the Campus Culture Champion Award for transforming workplace culture and strengthening community connections across campus.
Recognizing Legacy, Spirit, and Service
The Goldie and Diane Hattery Award for Excellence was presented to Maria Cruz of Housing and Residence Life and Karen Soriano-Maginness of Facilities Custodial Services for their outstanding service and commitment to creating welcoming environments for students.
The George Mason Legacy Award recognized Nance Lucas, executive director and chief well-being officer at the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being, and Kim Eby, vice provost for faculty affairs and development, for their long-term transformative impact on the university.
The Nancy Murphy Mason Spirit Award celebrated Kristen Wright, director of the Office for Community Engagement and Civil Learning (CECIL), and Jason Hartsel, assistant director of marketing and communication, Student Media, for their enthusiasm, mentorship, and commitment to building community.
The Sustainability Hero Award was presented to Jonathan Elwell, director of Dining Services.
Melanie Knapp, assistant dean, library and technology, Scalia Law, received the Rick Holt Active Transportation Advocate Award for her dedication to promoting sustainable practices.
Kayla Turner, academic advisor, Child, Family and Community Engagement in CEHD, was recognized with the Jade Barricelli Spirit of Academic Advising Excellence Award for her commitment to student-centered advising.
Teamwork in Action
The Patriot Pathbreakers Award, which celebrates collaboration, was presented to two teams: the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community, and the Mason Minds Matter team. Both groups were recognized for their innovative cross-functional efforts to address complex challenges and support student well-being.
Ann Garner of University Career Services and Olga O’Brien of the Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center were recognized with Outstanding Supervisor Awards for exemplary leadership and support of their teams.