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George Mason showcases data center research leadership to Japanese delegation

tdonnel — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 19:39:52 +0000

George Mason showcases data center research leadership to Japanese delegation tdonnel Tue, 09/15/2026 - 15:39

In This Story

Liling Huang

As part of an international mission focused on data center technology, infrastructure, and supply chain opportunities in Virginia, 91�� welcomed a delegation of nearly 50 Japanese business leaders to Mason Square in Arlington. The visit was organized by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in collaboration with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance.

The delegation, which included representatives from 40 companies and nine JETRO staff members, spent the morning exploring Northern Virginia's renowned "Data Center Alley" in Loudoun County, the world's largest concentration of data centers and a critical hub for global internet traffic. The tour highlighted the infrastructure, power systems, and connectivity that established Northern Virginia as a leading center for digital infrastructure investment.

JETRO delegation at 91�� Mason Square. Photo provided.

In the afternoon, the group visited the Mason Square, where Liling Huang, associate professor and director of energy-related research initiatives, led tours of the university's advanced research facilities. During the visit, attendees explored the E2 Center, which features education and simulation capabilities related to small modular reactors, and the Smart Grid and Renewable Energy Lab, where researchers are advancing work in power systems, grid modernization, energy protection, and renewable technologies.

Delegates also received an overview of George Mason's developing AI Data Center Research Lab and its focus on next-generation power infrastructure and energy systems for artificial intelligence applications.

“Virginia’s leadership in data centers creates a unique opportunity and responsibility to shape the future of digital infrastructure,” said Huang. “By connecting George Mason’s expertise in power, energy, and AI data centers with Japan’s technology and industry leadership, we can accelerate innovation, develop the workforce, and build more resilient and sustainable infrastructure for the AI era.”

The tours showcased how George Mason is helping address one of the industry's most pressing challenges: developing the workforce, technologies, and energy solutions needed to support rapid growth in data center capacity. The demonstrations highlighted opportunities for research collaboration and talent development at a time when demand for reliable power and computing resources continues to accelerate worldwide.

Huang (left) and graduate students (center, right) led tours at Mason Square. Photo provided.

Following the tours, George Mason hosted an industry panel that brought together leaders from Virginia's data center and electrical infrastructure ecosystem to share perspectives on market growth, facility development, power requirements, engineering, construction, and technology integration. The panel also explored opportunities for Japanese companies to contribute expertise and innovation to Virginia's expanding digital infrastructure sector.

“Having toured data centers in Japan while I worked for NTT, it was pretty clear to me that the Japanese infrastructure and service suppliers have many innovations to share with the U.S. market,” said Phillip Sandino, a senior vice president and head of utility development with Tract. “The Japanese have dealt with land constraints that have driven innovation in density and multi-story construction, which can help U.S. companies make the most of entitled land that we currently have.”

“Engaging with the Japanese business delegation was a powerful reminder that technical collaboration is more than the exchange of ideas. It is the foundation for innovation, operational excellence, and long-term strategic partnership,” said Jim Stage, a strategic advisor for Dominion Energy. “I meet with people of various business backgrounds and scheduled several meets based on the information that we shared.”

The program concluded with an industry exchange session, where members of the delegation presented challenges and emerging needs facing their companies. The interactive discussion gave industry representatives, faculty, and guests the opportunity to identify areas for collaboration and explore solutions to evolving technology and infrastructure demands.

JETRO visit panelists. From left to right: Barker, Kevin Hatcher, Sandino, Stage, and Wernli. Photo provided.

“The JETRO delegation visit was a great opportunity to connect with leaders from Japan's energy, technology, and infrastructure sectors and talk about the growing power and infrastructure demands of the data center market,” said Michael Barker, operations manager at Hensel Phelps. “The reverse-pitch session was especially valuable because it allowed us to hear directly from the Japanese companies about the solutions they're developing and how some of those ideas could potentially be applied here in the U.S., and I'd like to thank Dr. Liling Huang and 91�� for bringing together the Japanese delegation and Virginia industry leaders for a truly worthwhile exchange.”

“It was exciting to hear about the technologies and solutions being developed to address some of the most pressing issues for data center and electrical infrastructure development. The reverse pitches highlighted innovative approaches to sound mitigation, infrastructure monitoring, and site development, along with emerging technologies that could help future projects operate more sustainably while remaining good neighbors within their communities,” said David Wernli, a project manager at Dewberry.

The event constituted JETRO's largest delegation visit to Virginia to date. Organizers reported many attendees were visiting Virginia for the first time and were particularly impressed by the region's hospitality, industry expertise, and innovation ecosystem. The visitors highlighted the value of both the industry panel discussions and the tour of George Mason's research assets.

The visit underscored 91��'s expertise in power and data center research, workforce development, and industry engagement, while strengthening connections between Virginia's innovation ecosystem and leading companies from Japan's technology and energy sectors.

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George Mason alum Rhea Seehorn wins Emmy for portrayal of Carol in AppleTV’s Pluribus

ckearney — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 18:43:24 +0000

George Mason alum Rhea Seehorn wins Emmy for portrayal of Carol in AppleTV’s Pluribus ckearney Tue, 09/15/2026 - 14:43

Capping a year of recognition, George Mason alum Rhea Seehorn, BA Art (Studio) ’94, received an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards Monday, September 15, in Los Angeles.

George Mason alumna Rhea Seehorn, BA Art (Studio) ’94, won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards. Photo by Gilbert Flores/Getty Images

Seehorn won for her role as romantasy author Carol Sturka on the AppleTV series Pluribus, a post-apocalyptic show set in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in which most of the world’s population has been assimilated into a hive mind. Carol and a handful of others have not, and she works to find a way to undo what the series calls the Joining.

Seehorn is widely known for her acclaimed portrayal of Kim Wexler in AMC’s Better Call Saul, a role that earned her two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. After years of collaboration, Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul creator Vince Gilligan wrote the role of Carol Sturka specifically for her.

This is her second award for the series, after taking home a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Television Drama in January—the first Golden Globe win by a George Mason alum. She also was named to the TIME100 list of the Most Influential People of 2026.

In interviews about Pluribus, Seehorn has often pointed to her time at George Mason as the spark that ignited her passion for acting. On NPR’s Fresh Air, she recalled having to take an elective in the arts outside of her art studio major. She chose to take an acting class with theater professor Lynnie Raybuck.

Hers is believed to be the first Primetime Emmy win for a George Mason alum.

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George Mason partners with Oxford-based TreQ to bring the first open-architecture quantum computing system to Virginia

ckearney — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 22:03:14 +0000

George Mason partners with Oxford-based TreQ to bring the first open-architecture quantum computing system to Virginia ckearney Tue, 09/01/2026 - 18:03

91�� and Oxford-based frontier computing company TreQ announced a groundbreaking partnership this week to bring open-architecture quantum infrastructure to the Commonwealth of Virginia beginning with the first open-architecture quantum computing system in the state and National Capital Region.

“The opportunity for the Commonwealth of Virginia is significant. Experts project that quantum will create a multi-trillion-dollar economy within the decade, and the states that build workforce and infrastructure now will lead in the future,” said George Mason President Gregory Washington. “George Mason has spent nearly a decade boldly building the foundation for this moment. Bringing an open-architecture quantum computing system to our university and making it available to our students and faculty, our partners, the region, and state is the kind of collaborative innovation that will advance Virginia’s continued successes.”

Dean Cody Edwards, President Gregory Washington, TreQ CEO Mandy Birch, QSEC Director Patrick Vora, and George Mason Rector Sumeet Shrivastava. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Located on one of George Mason’s Northern Virginia campuses, the system will be the first U.S. deployment of a computing system based on TreQ’s proprietary Open Architecture Quantum (OAQ) framework. With strategic support from Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation (VIPC) and TreQ, George Mason is investing in the new $7.7 million system planned for delivery and installation in early 2027, with commissioning expected by late summer 2027. The university commercialization and researcher recruitment grant from VIPC is helping to catalyze and attract strategic industry investment and additional philanthropy support for Virginia’s ecosystem.

“Open architecture widens the path for innovation, allowing for different quantum processors, software, networking, and other technologies as they mature, rather than a single integration approach,” said TreQ CEO and Founder Mandy Birch. “That gives established companies, startups, and researchers a place to build, test, and integrate, and move the field forward faster. This first deployment creates a foundation Virginia can keep building on, and we’re glad to be part of George Mason’s vision for what comes next.”

TreQ will design, deploy, and operate the new built-to-evolve quantum computing infrastructure at George Mason, collaborate on research and curriculum, and connect Virginia and the region with companies and innovators across the global quantum technology ecosystem.

Photo by Jackie Cross/TreQ

“VIPC’s mission is to grow Virginia’s innovation ecosystems through public–private partnership. This unique collaboration with George Mason, TreQ, and other partners will help attract industry investment, accelerate research commercialization, develop next-generation talent, and empower entrepreneurs and startups to advance cutting-edge quantum technology in the commonwealth,” said VIPC President and CEO Joe Benevento. “VIPC is proud to provide catalytic funding to help unlock these exciting opportunities for Virginia’s future.”

Quantum computing is expected to reshape fields including public health and medicine, emergency response, logistics, national security, and infrastructure. Quantum computing is predicted to generate up to $2.7 trillion in economic value internationally by 2035, limited only by two barriers: a shortage of trained talent and the high cost of specialized infrastructure. Alongside ambitious research and interdisciplinary quantum curriculum, the investments at George Mason will help expand access and accelerate discovery, building toward a quantum-enabled future that overcomes both those obstacles.

“The open architecture system provides needed infrastructure to work across the full quantum stack, and fuels rapid innovation that no single organization could tackle alone, advancing the region as a magnet for the quantum supply chain,” said College of Science Dean Cody Edwards. “Open architecture isn’t about being vendor-neutral. It changes what’s possible by opening the system to more technologies and innovators. With the infrastructure and curriculum to train the workforce, George Mason can help drive the advanced computing economy forward.”

This partnership builds on George Mason’s Quantum Science and Engineering Center (QSEC), where 24 faculty across seven departments and several colleges have developed the university’s foundation in quantum. QSEC also recently signed an MOU with two of Korea’s leading quantum organizations, the Future Quantum Convergence Forum and the QCI Quantum-AI Convergence Center (QCI), establishing an international relationship with a key U.S. ally in technology and workforce.

Quantum is a priority area within George Mason’s Grand Challenge Initiative — a university-wide effort to focus talent and resources on problems of regional and national consequence — and the university is backing it with a $2.4 million catalyst investment, six new postdoctoral positions, and three new faculty positions. The university also launched Virginia’s first interdisciplinary master’s degree in quantum science and engineering. With 80-85% of George Mason graduates working in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the region, the university is creating a talent pipeline to meet the region’s workforce needs.

“George Mason engineering is advancing the frontiers of quantum computing through pioneering research, transformative student experiences, and strategic partnerships with innovators such as TreQ,” added College of Engineering and Computing Dean Ken Ball. “We are preparing the next generation of engineers to turn quantum breakthroughs into practical solutions that will shape the future of technology and society.”

As a top-ranked university, George Mason is already working with regional and industry partners across the state to formalize a broader quantum coalition that is shaping quantum research and workforce development. The new system will also serve as foundational infrastructure for international companies exploring expansion into Northern Virginia.

“Our partnership with TreQ gives QSEC faculty and students access to true quantum computing hardware for the first time,” said QSEC Director Patrick Vora. “We can now launch ambitious new research initiatives, build globally unique workforce training programs, and team with our industry colleagues to grow the Virginia quantum ecosystem. This will truly let Virginia take a quantum leap and drive the future.”

Learn more about George Mason's Grand Challenge Initiative

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New NEA Grants Support Veterans and the Arts Initiative Programs This Fall

Tionge Johnson — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 22:21:30 +0000

New NEA Grants Support Veterans and the Arts Initiative Programs This Fall Tionge Johnson Mon, 08/31/2026 - 18:21

This summer, 91��’s Veterans and the Arts Initiative, based at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, received two grants from the National Endowment for the Arts to support programs for veterans, servicemembers, military families, and caregivers. The workshops and community events, taking place both virtually and at the Hylton Center this fall, support the work of the initiative, which has served more than 20,000 military-connected people across Northern Virginia through programming that presents new artistic opportunities in a setting that also supports social connections with community members.  

U.S. Army Field Band. Photo provided

Beginning September 23, College of Visual and Performing Arts Dean Rick Davis will lead In Service of Theater: A Staged Reading Program for the Military and Veteran Community. In weekly sessions, participants will explore texts about military life and service and develop a rehearsed reading that culminates in a public performance on October 28.

"I'm looking forward to working with our Veterans and the Arts community to create a meaningful montage of dramatic scenes, narratives, and poetry that connects the workshop participants with an audience through the medium of language,” said Davis. “The 'staged reading' format is an elegant but simple way to focus on the stories and images of the texts without the extra bells and whistles of a full production."

The program, funded in part by Creative Forces^®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network, an initiative of the National Endowment in partnership with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, will be presented in partnership with Virginia Department of Veterans. The Creative Forces Community Engagement Grant program is managed by Mid-America Arts Alliance.

“For our servicemembers, veterans, and their families, the arts offer an opportunity to create, to express, and to perform, and especially, to do so collaboratively. The In Service of Theater staged reading program is the latest initiative of 91��'s exceptional Veterans and the Arts Initiative. The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS) is proud to support it,” said Steven Combs, VDVS Deputy Commissioner.   

George Mason alumnus Col. Scott McKenzie directs the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own." U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Rachel Minto

The second grant from the National Endowment for the Arts supports three U.S. Military Band performances at the Hylton Center. On September 16 and 17, the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” will present two free daytime educational concerts for middle and high school students across the region. On September 27, community members of all ages will also have the opportunity to enjoy The U.S. Army Field Band’s 80th Anniversary Concert, featuring multiple Field Band ensembles, and favorite works such as Respighi’s Pines of Rome and the finale of Beethoven’s Ninth, as well as the Hylton Center debut of the Army Rappers. Tickets for the U.S. Army Field Band concert are free and general admission (limit four tickets per order). Each patron must have a ticket to attend. Tickets are available online or in person at the Hylton Center Ticket Office.

“This season marks another exciting milestone for the Veterans and the Arts Initiative as we received two grants from the National Endowment for the Arts. This support allows us to innovatively expand the impactful programming that brings our veterans, servicemembers, families, and caregivers, as well as local students, together through creativity, collaborative storytelling, and shared artistic experiences,” said Niyati Dhokai, program director for the Veterans and the Arts Initiative and research associate professor at 91��.

The grant-supported workshops and concerts are just a few of the returning and new Veterans and the Arts Initiative programs at the Hylton Center this fall. Some of the additional workshops to look forward to this year are:

Instructor Glen McCarthy will be leading weekly Level I and Level II Veterans Virtual Guitar workshops for beginning and experienced musicians beginning September 22.
On October 17, veterans, servicemembers, and military family members can join artist, U.S. Air Force veteran, and George Mason alumnus Patrick Sargent for the Laser Engraved Relief Print Workshop and create relief prints based on self-portraits or beloved pets.
On October 24, the Screen-Printed Luminaries Workshop will offer the opportunity to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a hands-on class focused on the design and printing of patriotic-themed paper luminaries.
On November 4 and 5, artist, U.S. Air Force veteran, and George Mason alumnus Steven Luu will facilitate The Ritual of Mask Making: Play, Performance, and Self-Permission, which enables participants to share stories through mask creation and personal reflection.

The fall Veterans and the Arts Initiative programming concludes with two concerts honoring veterans. On November 6, The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” returns with a free performance for the general public. Col. Scott McKenzie, a Prince William Public Schools graduate who received his master of music degree from 91��, is the Leader and Commander of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” On November 14 the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra presents To Swing Through the Sky, which will provide free tickets to veterans and servicemembers.

For more information on upcoming events, visit HyltonCenter.org.

Learn more about the Veterans and the Arts Initiative

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Andre Marshall to join National Science Foundation; Aurali Dade named Interim Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact

ckearney — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 14:56:34 +0000

Andre Marshall to join National Science Foundation; Aurali Dade named Interim Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact ckearney Thu, 08/27/2026 - 10:56

91�� Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Marion Underwood today announced that Andre Marshall, vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact, has accepted an assignment with the National Science Foundation (NSF) as program director, Strategic Partnerships Hub.

Andre Marshall. Photo by Office of University Branding

Since joining George Mason in 2021, Marshall has played a pivotal role in advancing the university’s research enterprise and entrepreneurial ecosystem and strengthening the university's reputation as a leading public R1 institution, including launching the Grand Challenge Initiative and empowering institute-driven initiatives like Nexus234 and the Virginia Climate Center.

During Marshall’s tenure, George Mason expanded research activity and strategic partnerships, increased engagement with federal agencies and industry partners, strengthened innovation and technology commercialization efforts, and elevated the university's national visibility in several emerging areas of research and discovery, including quantum research and space exploration.

“Andre has been instrumental in accelerating George Mason’s research excellence and economic impact. He has been a pivotal partner with me in driving our investments in quantum and the innovation district anchored by the Science and Technology Campus,” said President Gregory Washington. “Through the Grand Challenge Initiative, Andre has brought together faculty, researchers, students, and external partners through interdisciplinary collaboration and impactful scholarship, helping to solidify George Mason as a leader in driving innovations that will transform lives and the planet.”

To ensure continuity of leadership, Provost Underwood has appointed Aurali Dade as interim vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact, effective August 31.

Aurali Dade. Photo by Office of University Branding

"I want to thank Andre for leading the research enterprise, central to George Mason’s mission and future, and transforming our internal infrastructure to drive excellence and increased support to local units. We remain committed to faculty research, strengthening partnerships, and advancing the discoveries that serve our students, our communities, and the world," Underwood said. “Aurali’s leadership experience and commitment to research excellence make her exceptionally well suited to guide the enterprise during this transition.”

Dade brings extensive experience in research administration, strategy, and operations and previously served as interim vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact in 2020-21. She currently serves as the vice president for enterprise risk management and chief risk officer, which she will continue in during this interim period, and recently spent 3.5 years at the NSF as a program director in the Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) directorate.

The university will launch a national search for the next vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact. Additional information regarding the search process and timeline will be shared in the coming months.

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Take your Patriot Pride on the road with a George Mason license plate

lclarkg — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 14:04:11 +0000

Take your Patriot Pride on the road with a George Mason license plate lclarkg Tue, 08/25/2026 - 10:04

Show your Patriot pride every mile of the journey: New 91�� license plates are now available through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and every license plate purchase helps support student scholarships.

Two George Mason license plate designs are available at select Northern Virginia DMV locations and online. As part of a revenue-sharing program, $15 of every $25 license plate fee goes straight to George Mason student scholarships. Plates can be personalized for an additional $10 annually.

Anyone registering a vehicle in Virginia can purchase a George Mason license plate. Alumni, faculty, staff, current students, community members—all are welcome to make their vehicles stand out as All Together Different.

The first George Mason license plate was released in 1996, and by 2025, the program had raised more than $346,000 for George Mason student scholarships. Under a new agreement with DMV, license plate proceeds will be directed to the 91�� Foundation, enabling matching funds to be applied that can amplify the impact of the scholarship donations. Scholarships will be awarded by the 91�� Alumni Association.

“These license plates are a wonderful way for our alumni and friends to share what George Mason University means to them,” said Trishana E. Bowden, vice president of university advancement and alumni relations and president of the George Mason University Foundation. “Even better, the license plate campaign provides critical dollars for the scholarships that make a George Mason education accessible for even more students.”

Redesigned by graphic designers in the Office of University Branding, the license plate promotion includes support of partners across George Mason, including alumni, Intercollegiate Athletics, Advancement, Parking Services, University Life, and Integrated Enrollment Management.

“Over the past five years, public support for 91�� has soared to record levels. That community pride can now be expressed in a way that directly helps students,” said Paul Allvin, vice president and chief brand officer. “These new plates showcase our new brand expression, which has proven very popular to wear and display since its debut two years ago.”

George Mason has grown from a small regional college in the 1970s into Virginia’s largest public research university. George Mason was named to the Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education (ACE) highest tier of Opportunity Colleges and Universities: Higher Access, Higher Earnings, in recognition of the university’s commitment to accessibility, return on investment, and upward mobility—one of only 21 schools in the country to receive this designation.

George Mason license plate purchases showcase the Mason Nation’s Patriot Pride and help the next generation of students achieve their dreams. For more ways to support the university, visit Mason Now.

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Visitor Shawn Chambliss Purvis honors family legacy with investment in future engineers

Katarina Benson — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 16:47:36 +0000

Visitor Shawn Chambliss Purvis honors family legacy with investment in future engineers Katarina Benson Mon, 08/24/2026 - 12:47

Where can a degree from 91�� take you? For students in the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC), Board of Visitors member Shawn Chambliss Purvis, MS Information Systems ’99, offers a powerful example.

Purvis is president and CEO of Sabel Systems, a leading provider of digital engineering, acquisition, manufacturing, supply chain, and logistics solutions. Her career spans 30 years of leadership and corporate governance at organizations including QinetiQ US, Northrop Grumman, SAIC, and Lockheed Martin.

Purvis and her father. Photo provided

Now, Purvis has made a gift to George Mason that honors one of the exemplars in her life: her father. Established through her generous $50,000 gift, the Spencer Chambliss Sr. Scholarship Endowment will support students in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, with preference given to student leaders in CEC-affiliated student organizations.

Like Purvis, Spencer Chambliss Sr. was an engineer. A graduate of Norfolk State University in the 1960s, he moved his young family from their hometown of Portsmouth, Virginia, to the Northern Virginia region for a position at IBM Federal Systems in the company’s Manassas facility. He worked at IBM for more than 20 years as a chief engineer before retiring.

Purvis recalled her father’s trademark curiosity—and his remarkable ability to repair anything electronic in their family home. “He had a spirit of being able to look at something to understand its interconnections and then be able to go and build it, with this mindset that he could solve anything,” she said. “It’s just bringing the right solutions and the right kind of combinations together to get to the answer you’re trying to reach, whatever it is you’re trying to fix.”

Spencer Chambliss Sr. was an engineer at IBM. Photo provided

Chambliss’s tenacity served him both as a pioneer at IBM, where he designed microchips on a production line, and more broadly. “Both my parents were among the first Black people to integrate IBM,” said Purvis. “It was rare to have a person of color in a technical field, in particular, and to be an engineer in that environment, to show up with professionalism and to be able to handle all that was presented to him. He was a quiet soul; he was patient. He built camaraderie, and he tried to make those who were around him better. It’s something that I will always admire.”

By endowing a scholarship in her father’s name, Purvis hopes to create opportunities for aspiring engineers who share the courage and curiosity that he embodied. The scholarship will help attract and support talented students in electrical and computer engineering while advancing the commonwealth’s Tech Talent Investment Program, which aims to expand the number of graduates in computer science, computer engineering, and software engineering.

Purvis’s endowment also supports Mason Now: Power the Possible, the university’s $1 billion comprehensive campaign to expand student opportunity, strengthen academic and research programs, and address complex challenges facing communities in Virginia and beyond.

“The College of Engineering and Computing is deeply grateful to Visitor Shawn Chambliss Purvis for this visionary endowment supporting electrical and computer engineering students,” said Dean Kenneth Ball. “This scholarship, which honors her father’s life and work, will open doors to opportunity, easing financial burdens and empowering students to pursue research, internships, innovation, and leadership experiences. Visitor Purvis’s generosity will help talented students thrive, graduate with confidence, and shape the future of engineering and technology.”

A member of the university’s Board of Visitors since January 2026—and previously from 2015 to 2019—Purvis has long supported George Mason students and programs. She is a member of the CEC Advisory Council and has served as a speaker at the college’s degree celebration ceremony. In 2022, she was named CEC Distinguished Alumna, and in 2025, she was inducted into the CEC Academy of Engineering and Computing Excellence as part of its charter class.

Purvis earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Hampton University and a master’s degree in information systems from George Mason. Her time at George Mason coincided with former Virginia Gov. Douglas Wilder’s and then-president George Johnson’s efforts to strengthen technological innovation at the university. “I really liked the idea that Mason was emerging into this next phase: implementing a strategy to produce top technologists in the field of engineering,” she said.

Purvis also valued her campus experience. “It feels like home,” she said of her alma mater. “And when I worked with President [Ángel] Cabrera and now with President [Gregory] Washington, I appreciate the George Mason vision to serve all that desire to further their education. The inclusiveness of George Mason is unprecedented in the state of Virginia.”

Through the Spencer Chambliss Sr. Scholarship Endowment, Purvis is creating a lasting tribute to her father while investing in the next generation of George Mason engineers. Her gift will help students pursue their ambitions, develop as leaders, and carry forward the qualities that defined Chambliss’s life and career. As Purvis said of those who follow, “I hope that they will embody my father’s love for engineering, his passion for helping others and his tenacity to improve the world, one innovation at a time."

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Board of Visitors

Athletics celebrates record-breaking year of philanthropic support

Katarina Benson — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 13:34:27 +0000

Athletics celebrates record-breaking year of philanthropic support Katarina Benson Mon, 08/24/2026 - 09:34

Over the past fiscal year, 91�� Athletics raised a record $4.4 million, the highest fundraising total in department history, topping last year's record $3 million. The milestone represents a significant investment in the future of George Mason Athletics and will provide critical resources that enhance the student-athlete experience, strengthen competitive excellence, and position the department for long-term success.

Athletics reached an all-time fundraising record at $4.4 million.

"Our success is built on the incredible generosity of our alumni, donors, fans, and friends," said Marvin Lewis, assistant vice president and director of athletics. “Surpassing last year's historic total demonstrates the growing momentum behind our mission and the continued strength of NOVA's Team.”

The year's fundraising efforts were punctuated by a historic Giving Day in April when more than 1,200 supporters came together to contribute $2,057,632 in just 24 hours. The total marked the largest single-day fundraising effort in George Mason Athletics history and showcased the collective power of the university community. This philanthropic momentum contributed to Mason Now: Power the Possible, the university's $1 billion comprehensive campaign to expand student opportunity, strengthen academic and research programs, and address complex challenges facing communities in Northern Virginia and beyond.

Patriot Club membership increased from 622 to 926 members, a nearly 50% increase over the previous year. The expansion of the Patriot Club reflects a growing base of supporters committed to providing transformational opportunities for George Mason student-athletes.

Donor support continues to fuel several key initiatives that directly impact student-athlete success across all 22 varsity sports programs. These include:

Basketball Greatness—Advancing championship-level resources for George Mason men's and women's basketball programs through investments in facilities, recruiting, player development, and competitive excellence.
Athletics Opportunity Fund—Providing flexible resources that address the department's greatest needs while enhancing the overall student-athlete experience.
Patriot Pathways—Supporting career development, leadership programming, internships, networking opportunities, and life skills initiatives that prepare student-athletes for success beyond graduation.
Sports Performance Ecosystem—Investing in cutting-edge strength and conditioning programs, sports medicine, nutrition, mental performance, and recovery resources that allow Patriots to perform at their highest level.

The record-breaking fundraising year comes during a period of significant momentum for George Mason Athletics. Philanthropic investments continue to play a vital role in strengthening the department's ability to recruit, develop, and support more than 500 student-athletes.

Learn how you can support George Mason student-athletes through the Patriot Club.

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philanthropy

Northern Virginia entrepreneur Anil Sharma and his wife, Anupama, provide transformational support for Costello College’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Katarina Benson — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 16:23:47 +0000

Northern Virginia entrepreneur Anil Sharma and his wife, Anupama, provide transformational support for Costello College’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Katarina Benson Fri, 08/21/2026 - 12:23

Anil Sharma is many things: an entrepreneur, cybersecurity expert, angel investor, and philanthropist.

Although the 22nd Century Technologies CEO and his wife, Anupama, are not 91�� alumni, they have strong ties to the university through Anil’s membership on the President’s Innovation Advisory Council and the 91�� Foundation Board of Trustees.

Anupama and Anil Sharma. Photo by Duane Bailey/Costello College of Business.

They believe in education, entrepreneurship, and creating opportunity for the next generation. And that commitment has led them to commit to a gift that will name the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at the Costello College of Business in their honor. The center supports local innovators and entrepreneurs by providing resources and connecting regional stakeholders.

“Today’s college students are graduating at one of the most transformative moments in modern history,” Anil Sharma said. “Artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation are reshaping every industry… and the future will belong to those who can learn faster, adapt continuously, think critically, and stay resilient during change.”

Anil Sharma came to the United States from India in 1997 with $100 and the determination to build a future in a new country. Later that year, he founded McLean-based 22nd Century Technologies. What began as an IT consulting business has grown into a $600 million government contracting firm providing IT, cybersecurity, cloud, and digital transformation solutions to federal, state, and local government agencies across all 50 states, Canada, and Mexico.

That experience has shaped the Sharmas’ desire to give back by helping others pursue opportunities of their own.

With the Sharmas’ gift, the center is poised to advance into a nationally recognized hub where innovation, entrepreneurship, and partnership-driven impact converge. By building on programs like the Patriot Pitch Competition, the Honey Bee Initiative, and the SOAR Initiative, the investment will allow the center to help strengthen the region’s innovation economy by creating a space where students, faculty, entrepreneurs, and partners collaborate, mentor one another, and develop new ventures.

The Sharmas with CIE faculty and staff. Photo by Duane Bailey/Costello.

“This is a significant milestone for both the Costello College of Business and the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and one that will ensure our center’s role as the preeminent place at George Mason where the future takes shape for innovators, aspiring entrepreneurs, and industry leaders,” said Costello Dean Ajay Vinzé. “I know I speak on behalf of all of us at Costello when I say how grateful we are to Anil and Anupama for their leadership in strengthening the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem, expanding opportunities for our students, alumni, and community members, and creating an engine of innovation that will fuel long-term value and opportunity for generations to come.”

For Anil Sharma, that connection between opportunity and responsibility is an important part of what comes next.

“Building a business taught me that success is never only about one person,” Sharma said. “People give you opportunities, people trust you, people teach you, and communities create the conditions in which you can grow. At some point, you have a responsibility to help create those opportunities for someone else. That is what Anupama and I hope this center will do.”

As the Costello College of Business approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, the Sharmas’ gift represents an investment in the college’s next 50 years, supporting expanded opportunity, greater access, and the real-world impact that will continue to shape its future. Their gift is part of Mason Now: Power the Possible, the university’s one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign.

The Costello College of Business plans to hold a formal naming event and celebration this fall.

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