New Activities Building creates opportunity for campus community connections

Katarina Benson — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:52:09 +0000

New Activities Building creates opportunity for campus community connections Katarina Benson Wed, 04/22/2026 - 18:52

The new Activities Building on 91��’s Fairfax Campus officially opened its doors on April 16 with a ribbon cutting and community celebration also attended by alumna Charniele Herring, BA Economics ’93, majority leader of the Virginia House of Delegates, and members of the Board of Visitors.

Students playing basketball at the opening event. Photo by Emily Campos/University Life

Students and guests enjoyed food, live music, gaming and esports, and recreational activities that showcased the building’s versatility.

George Mason President Gregory Washington spoke about what the building represents. “Students who are involved—who find ways to connect, who plug into campus life—they’re more likely to stay. They’re more likely to succeed. They’re more likely to feel like they belong here. And that matters,” he said. “Belonging does not come from where you sleep. It comes from where you connect. And this building is meant to be one of those places where that connection can happen every day.”

Activities Building ribbon cutting. Photo by Andani Munkaila/Office of University Branding

Vice President for University Life Rose Pascarell noted, “When we step back and look at what this building represents, it really comes down to one thing. At the center of all this is engagement: creating space for students to come together and be part of something that matters. And that is what will ultimately shape how students experience their time at George Mason.”

The 25,000-square-foot building features two large multipurpose spaces with collapsible dividers to allow flexible use. There are small, medium, and large conference rooms, all providing event space for Registered Student Organizations, student engagement activities, the Green Machine pep band, and recreation activities. The additional space will host activities such as the Health and Fitness Expo, Career Fair, and IVth Night.

“This effort reflects an extraordinary level of coordination, collaboration, and commitment from teams across the university," said Pam Patterson, associate vice president for University Life. "While this building was designed to bring people together, our work now is to bring that vision fully to life.”

Senior Amanda Leach, an integrative studies major and Green Machine member, said she sees the extra space for student groups as a huge asset. “Having that space just for student groups will make running the groups so much easier,” she said. “It will foster people’s interest in those groups knowing that they have a dedicated space to think of as their own.”

Other students said they appreciated the expanded recreation offerings that the new building can accommodate, as well as additional communal space. “I think it’s great to see the university prioritizing students’ well-being in terms of encouraging us to spend time together outside of class,” said Chloe Chong, a graduate professional assistant with the Office of International Programs and Services. “I think that really benefits us and improves mental health.”

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New Activities Building creates opportunity for campus community connections

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