philanthropy

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."

Power the Possible

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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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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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Making every drop count at the campus greenhouse

lclarkg — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 17:03:01 +0000

Making every drop count at the campus greenhouse lclarkg Wed, 07/29/2026 - 13:03

A new rainwater harvesting system is coming to 91��’s Presidents Park Greenhouse, thanks to a donation from the Society for a Secure and Sustainable Water Future, a nonprofit organization based in James City County, Virginia, and dedicated to advancing long-term water sustainability through practical solutions, sound policy, and public education.

The Presidents Park Greenhouse, located on the Fairfax Campus, is managed by University Sustainability's Greenhouse and Gardens program. Alexander Jarvis, a graduate student in George Mason’s MS in Environmental Science and Policy Program, founded the nonprofit and runs it with his parents, Leslie and Tyrone Jarvis.

The Jarvis family is installing the rainwater harvesting system themselves, in collaboration with Facilities and Campus Operations. Photo by Ariba “Zoa” Sharin/Facilities and Campus Operations

“The project is intended to help demonstrate practical sustainability implementation while contributing to broader conversations surrounding resilience, infrastructure demand, and future environmental planning,” said Jarvis.

The rainwater harvesting system will collect, store, and filter rooftop runoff through a solar-powered pumping system. The nonpotable water will be used to water the nonedible plants at the greenhouse and will be transported to other campus gardens during drought. The Jarvis family is completing the installation themselves in coordination with Facilities and Campus Operations staff.

The amount of rainwater recovered by the system will vary, depending on rainfall amounts, but George Mason students or staff could collect data on the system in the future.

In addition to the donation from Jarvis’s nonprofit, the project received approximately $2,000 from the Patriot Green Fund, an sustainability fund that George Mason’s Facilities and Campus Operations unit administers to support sustainable infrastructure improvements and student research projects on campus.

A solar array was installed at the Presidents Park Greenhouse last year. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The Presidents Park Greenhouse, which uses hydroponics and aquaponics to grow produce, has other sustainable features. With support from student researchers and the Patriot Green Fund, a solar array was installed last year to offset the energy consumption for the equipment and temperature controls in the greenhouse.

The rainwater harvesting system further advances the greenhouse as a model for sustainable agriculture and infrastructure.

“This project brings together sustainability, education, and community partnership in a meaningful way,” said Christine Powell, project manager in Facilities and Campus Operations. “This installation will serve as a living demonstration of how rainwater can be captured, treated, and reused, providing educational value for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.”

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Faculty philanthropy fuels quantum innovation with $3 million gift

ckearney — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:50:35 +0000

Faculty philanthropy fuels quantum innovation with $3 million gift ckearney Fri, 07/10/2026 - 14:50

Quantum science is a revolution in the making, and a recent donation by Department of Physics and Astronomy Professor Paul So has placed 91�� at the forefront of understanding and harnessing its capabilities.

Paul So. Photo by Hamiltonian Artists

Through a generous $3 million gift from So’s SYYK Foundation, George Mason’s College of Science will be able to advance the education of the next generation of quantum scientists. The gift will establish an endowed professorship within the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The university seeks an esteemed faculty member to fill this role, with a preference for a scientist who has expertise in quantum sciences, “someone with new ideas,” said So, “who will create a vibrant space in the department.”

“It’s important to think about quantum as a revolutionary and game-changing leap ahead in our ability to compute, to sense the world around us, and to communicate with each other,” said Patrick Vora, associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and director of George Mason’s Quantum Science and Engineering Center.

The goal of the professorship is to build a community of learning around quantum technology, said Vora. “It will catalyze new collaborations between faculty members, but always, at the end of the day, our biggest impact is going to be in training our students.”

Quantum mechanics describes the behavior of subatomic particles and their properties. Understanding and controlling those properties could drive significant advances in engineering and technology, said Vora, who is leading George Mason’s Quantum Leap, one of seven newly funded catalyst projects in the university’s Grand Challenge Initiative.

“Your phone runs on quantum science, your computer runs on quantum science,” So added. “New materials, new technologies, and new applications will all rely on quantum.” That could include enhanced weather prediction as well as faster drug discovery and development.

So founded SYYK with his brother Peter, a professor of mechanical and biological engineering at MIT, to continue their mother’s philanthropic efforts after her death in 2021. The charitable nonprofit has a broad mission but prioritizes gifts to educational and cultural institutions.

“Even when we were growing up in Hong Kong, my parents supported local schools,” So said. “They appreciated that education was the foundation of a kid’s future, the foundation of society’s future.”

So believes that strengthening the quantum science program at George Mason will attract top students to the university and encourage more cross-pollination between disciplines like math, computer science, and engineering.

“One of the biggest challenges of realizing quantum technology is less about the ‘quantum’ and more the people,” Vora said. “Developing the science into an industry will require a significant expansion of the workforce. The only way that you can do that is by expanding representation in the workforce. And there are few things that George Mason does as well as providing opportunity for people who may not have had it before.”

So is optimistic that the investment in quantum will better position students to take advantage of the unique opportunity George Mason offers. “We’re right here in the National Capital region, near so many tech companies,” he said, “and there’s a lot of support from the government to develop quantum.”

Indeed, the federal government recently announced that it would inject $2 billion into quantum development, funding nine domestic computer companies to build quantum infrastructure. The White House, meanwhile, also issued executive orders to accelerate the migration of federal computing systems to systems that can protect them from quantum cyberattacks. Quantum-related job postings have tripled in the last 15 years with an average salary of $131,000.

The structure of the new professorship is a novel one at George Mason. The professor’s salary will be covered by the College of Science, while proceeds from the endowment will serve as discretionary funding to support graduate students. The donation also includes a percentage of the gift applied as “current use” funds, available now to provide support while the endowment yield grows.

“Paul So’s extraordinary generosity gives George Mason the ability to move with both urgency and ambition in quantum science,” said Cody W. Edwards, dean of the College of Science. “This endowed professorship will help us recruit a field-shaping scholar, support graduate students, and accelerate the collaborations needed to prepare the next generation of quantum scientists and innovators. It is a gift with immediate impact, long-term vision, and profound significance for the College of Science, George Mason, and the commonwealth.”

Given the surge in quantum investment and jobs around the country, So hopes the gift will encourage additional giving to support quantum at George Mason. “Compared to what is needed, this is just the start,” he said.

“We’re talking about a generation-scale technological shift,” said Vora. “Bringing on this new faculty member, around which our current and future faculty members can collaborate and coalesce, will really change what it looks like to be a quantum scientist in the future.”

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Honoring achievement, generosity, and impact at the 2026 Scholarship Celebration

Katarina Benson — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 21:00:51 +0000

Honoring achievement, generosity, and impact at the 2026 Scholarship Celebration Katarina Benson Fri, 06/12/2026 - 17:00

For many university students, scholarships are more than financial support. They represent a bridge to opportunity, enabling students to pursue their dreams and aspirations. At 91��, scholarship donors help pave the way for education that will shape students’ futures and prepare them to serve their communities.

President Washington with scholarship recipients. Photo by John Boal Photography.

“As president, I have the privilege of seeing that long arc of what you all are a part of. A single act of generosity becomes a chain of impact for generations,” said Gregory Washington. “When you sow into George Mason soil, the outgrowth is tremendous.”

The 2026 Scholarship Celebration, hosted on April 23 by the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations, brought together scholarship donors and extraordinary students who are the recipients of those scholarships, giving all attendees the chance to connect and hear firsthand how scholarships have made a difference in students’ lives. These students showcased how scholarship support can open doors, remove barriers, and create pathways to experiences that empower both personal growth and future impact.

“Being a scholarship recipient has shaped my college experience and who I am,” said Avery Shippen, BA Art and Visual Technology, BS Conflict Analysis and Resolution ’26, a University Scholar who has also received the Oxford Consortium Scholarship, the Peraton Scholarship, and the Noah J. Seidenberg Endowed Scholarship.

Avery Shippen graduated with dual degrees in Art and Visual Technology and Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Photo by John Boal Photography.

In May, Shippen completed two degrees with a concentration in building peace in divided societies. Her story illustrated how scholarships can connect academic ambition with life-changing opportunities beyond the classroom. Citing her study-abroad experience at Oxford University, Shippen said that her scholarships allowed her to pursue her undergraduate degrees and provided her with opportunities that otherwise would not have been available.

That same sense of opportunity through support was echoed in the arts. Honors College student Lena Rice, who is pursuing dual bachelor of music degrees in classical piano performance and jazz studies in steel pan, is a recipient of the Dr. Linda Apple Monson Scholarship. She performed piano and steel pan selections as part of the Scholarship Celebration.

“As a Monson Scholarship recipient, I have been given something incredibly meaningful…the ability to fully invest in my music, which has really helped me grow as an artist,” Rice said.

Katey Funderburgh, MFA Creative Writing ’26. Photo by John Boal Photography.

For graduate students, scholarship support can also provide the freedom to deepen their craft and expand their impact. Katey Funderburgh, MFA Creative Writing ’26, pursued poetry while teaching creative writing, serving as lead teacher in the Poetry Alive! program, and co-coordinating the Incarcerated Writer’s Project.

She said that receiving the Mary Roberts Rinehart Award allowed her “to breathe and focus on [her] passions.” Funderburgh read her own award-winning poem and spoke of how scholarship support enhanced her education.

“As a recipient, I was able to attend a literary conference to learn about art, community through art, and how to make my own art better,” she said.

91�� Foundation trustee Jason Howell, BS ’97, hosted the event. “Scholarships,” Howell said, “create the conditions for students to discover who they are, pursue what they love, and ultimately make an impact far beyond even their own expectations.”

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Jay and Carolyn Marsh honored with George Mason Medals

ckearney — Thu, 14 May 2026 16:17:00 +0000

Jay and Carolyn Marsh honored with George Mason Medals ckearney Thu, 05/14/2026 - 12:17

The George Mason Medal, the highest honorary award bestowed by the 91�� Board of Visitors, recognizes individuals whose service reflects the character and commitment of George Mason himself. A Northern Virginia native and influential voice for liberty during the Revolutionary War, Mason never held elected office, yet his leadership and dedication to the public good left a lasting mark on the nation. The medal, presented at Commencement with special distinction, honors those whose lives embody that same spirit of service.

Few exemplify that legacy more fully than Jay and Carolyn Marsh.

Jay and Carolyn Marsh in 2021 the men’s basketball film room named for her. Photo by Shelby Burgess/Office of University Branding

Together, the Marshes devoted a combined 90 years to George Mason Athletics before retiring in 2021. Their careers shaped generations of student-athletes, coaches, and staff, leaving an enduring imprint on the university community. Carolyn passed away in 2025, but her warmth and influence remain woven into the fabric of the program she helped nurture for nearly half a century.

Carolyn Marsh began her career at George Mason in December 1975 as a sports information assistant. She soon became executive assistant to the men’s basketball program, serving eight head coaches over the decades. From John Linn to Dave Paulsen, she was a steady and trusted presence. Known for her compassion and personal touch, Carolyn built lifelong relationships with student-athletes, many of whom stayed in contact long after graduation. She often described her role simply: caring for the players like a mother.

Jay Marsh’s journey began as a student-athlete. After serving in the U.S. Army, he enrolled at George Mason, earning a degree in business administration in 1973 while playing two seasons of men’s basketball. After graduation, he briefly worked in construction and coached part-time before returning full-time in 1976. Over nearly five decades, he became synonymous with athletics operations, overseeing facilities, events, and fundraising while ensuring a first-class experience for athletes and fans alike.

Mason Medal awardee Jay Marsh (right) with the student speaker Saniya Darediya before the ceremony. Photo by John Boal Photography

From leading the Patriot Club to serving as senior associate athletic director for events and facilities, Jay earned a reputation for steady leadership and deep institutional knowledge. His expertise extended beyond campus, particularly in managing the Colonial Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament for many years. He also played pivotal roles in historic moments, including the 1985 women’s soccer national championship and the Patriots’ 2006 Final Four run.

The Marshes’ generosity includes an endowed scholarship for basketball student-athletes and support for locker room renovations. The men’s basketball film room now bears Carolyn’s name, honoring her quiet but profound impact. Married since 1967, they built a life intertwined with George Mason. Their legacy—rooted in loyalty, service, and love for the university—continues to inspire the Mason community today.

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91�� Giving Day 2026 races to a record-breaking finish

Katarina Benson — Tue, 05 May 2026 16:36:42 +0000

91�� Giving Day 2026 races to a record-breaking finish Katarina Benson Tue, 05/05/2026 - 12:36

The 91�� community came together in a powerful show of support on April 2, raising a record $2.95 million during the university’s 24-hour Giving Day. More than 1,900 donors made 3,229 gifts to 293 funds across the university, helping expand opportunities for students, strengthen academic programs, and support initiatives that advance George Mason’s mission.

Throughout the day, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends rallied behind the university with enthusiasm and generosity. Among the donors were 864 alumni and 337 faculty and staff members, and 500 donors made their first gift to the university, representing about 25% of all Giving Day participants.

“It was especially meaningful to see so many people choose to support George Mason for the first time,” said Trishana E. Bowden, vice president for advancement and alumni relations and president of the 91�� Foundation. “Every new donor strengthens this community and expands what we can make possible for our students. When people invest in George Mason, they are investing in opportunity—in the students whose lives are changed here and in the impact they will go on to make in the world.”

That spirit of generosity was reflected across the university, with donors supporting scholarships, athletics, academic programs, and other priorities that directly shape the student experience. The General Scholarship Fund attracted the largest number of faculty and staff donors, followed by the Costello College of Business’ Spirit of ’77 Fund and Basketball Greatness.

George Mason Athletics generated the highest totals for both dollars and donors on Giving Day.

“Giving Day captures the very heart of our athletics community—from our athletes and coaches to the fans who fuel our mission,” said Marvin Lewis, assistant vice president and director of Athletics. “The extraordinary growth we see year after year is a testament to the trust our supporters place in us and the deep pride they take in investing in the lives of our student-athletes. We are gratified and humbled by this community’s commitment to our championship culture, ensuring every George Mason athlete has the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential.”

Along with Athletics’ standout results, the Costello College of Business and the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) also received notable support, in both dollars raised and donor participation. CVPA Dean Rick Davis reflected on the lasting impact of the day. “One of our mottoes, that we return to again and again, is that the arts create community. A gift to Mason Arts is one that develops student talent, enhances creative capabilities, and in turn, enriches our community's experience,” he said.

The momentum of Giving Day adds to George Mason’s historic fundraising campaign, Mason Now: Power the Possible, which has raised more than $639 million toward its $1 billion goal.

“Each gift, no matter the size, helps expand student success, support academic excellence, and create opportunities for George Mason students to learn, lead, and thrive,” said Bowden. “Through Mason Now, that generosity is helping George Mason move forward in ways that will shape the university for years to come.”

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Mason LIFE marks 20 years of enduring impact in special education

Katarina Benson — Fri, 01 May 2026 19:40:49 +0000

Mason LIFE marks 20 years of enduring impact in special education Katarina Benson Fri, 05/01/2026 - 15:40

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at 91�� marked the 20th anniversary of the Mason LIFE Program on April 10. To celebrate, a luncheon was held at the Center for the Arts that brought together alumni, families, faculty, and community partners in a powerful show of community and commitment.

The program, Celebrating Mason LIFE’s 20th Anniversary and the Enduring Impact of Special Education: A Legacy of Learning and Community, raised more than $50,000 in support of Mason LIFE and special education scholarships. These funds will directly support students and strengthen programs that continue to expand access, opportunity, and innovation in inclusive education.

Guests included current and former Mason LIFE families, faculty members, alumni, and dedicated supporters who have helped shape the program over the past two decades. The gathering was both a celebration of progress and a shared commitment to the future. Personal stories shared by students and families underscored the program’s lasting impact on students’ academic and career outcomes as well as on their confidence, independence, and sense of community.

Mason LIFE student Amar Malik (right) and his father, George Mason Board of Trustees Member Boz Malik. Photo by Andani Munkaila/Office of University Branding

For 20 years, Mason LIFE has served as a nationally recognized model for inclusive higher education, providing students with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience university life, build independence, and prepare for meaningful careers. The anniversary celebration also honored the broader impact of George Mason’s Special Education Programs and the Kellar Institute for Human disAbilities, both of which have played a vital role in advancing research, practice, and advocacy in the field.

Stephanie Smith Lee, a former Mason LIFE parent and a nationally recognized leader in disability policy and advocacy, gave the keynote. With more than three decades of experience in advocacy, she spoke to the progress made in expanding access to education and employment for individuals with disabilities, while also challenging attendees to continue pushing for greater inclusion and opportunity.

From left, Stephanie Smith Lee, Michael M. Behrmann, and Dean Ingrid Guerra-López. Photo by Andani Munkaila/Office of University Branding

Together with Professor Emeritus Michael M. Behrmann, former Special Education Division Director, Lee was integral to the creation of the Mason LIFE pilot program. That pilot with two Mason PhD candidates and three students has now grown to 60 students and includes on-campus housing options and formal workforce development training.

The event was made possible through the generosity of donors and sponsors whose support continues to sustain and grow the program. Together, these supporters are helping ensure that the next generation of Mason LIFE students and special education scholars have access to the resources, experiences, and opportunities that define the program.

As CEHD looks ahead, the 20th anniversary serves not only as a moment of reflection but as a call to continue building on this legacy and the university’s commitment to accessibility and creating pathways for many.

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Hylton Performing Arts Center Annual Gala: An Evening Above the Clouds

Tionge Johnson — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:06:48 +0000

Hylton Performing Arts Center Annual Gala: An Evening Above the Clouds Tionge Johnson Thu, 04/30/2026 - 15:06

Daniel Tucciarone, Sheyna Burt, and Thomas Sabal, Hylton Performing Arts Center Gala Honorees. Photo by A.E.Landes Photography

On April 25, guests gathered at 91��'s Hylton Performing Arts Center for the 2026 Gala, An Evening Above the Clouds. The night began with a cocktail reception in the event’s themed Cumulus Lounge featuring signature drinks including a “Bourbon Smash” crafted by MurLarkey Distilled Spirits and a “Meyer Lemon Squeeze” mocktail, live piano by George Mason University College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) alumnus Charlie Murdock, BM Music ’24, and a curated Art Walk of works by veteran artists organized by current School of Art graduate student and U.S. Air Force veteran Steven Luu through Mason Exhibitions.

Guests then moved to Merchant Hall stage for a three-course dinner by Well Dunn Catering, surrounded by elegant floral design and custom centerpieces by artist, U.S. Air Force veteran, and George Mason faculty member Patrick Sargent. The evening’s entertainment included an aerialist performance, a Mason Music Productions string quartet, and a featured performance by current CVPA Dewberry School of Music student Joshua Slutsky.

Aerialist from Candescent performing on Merchant Hall stage. Photo by A.E.Landes Photography

This year’s gala celebrated three “high-flying” honorees: Sheyna Burt, Daniel Tucciarone, and Thomas Sabal. Each charmed the audience with charismatic speeches, reflecting a palpable passion for the arts and the vibrant community they have found within the Hylton Center.

Veterans and the Arts Initiative Program Director Niyati Dhokai provided inspiring remarks on the program's impact by sharing two participant testimonials. Regarding the initiative, Dhokai said it “affirms something simple and powerful: that the arts can honor service not only through reflection, but by carrying the integrity of service into the future.”

George Mason President Gregory Washington was then welcomed to the stage by Dean Rick Davis, building upon the idea that the arts are fueled by imagination and innovation.

“By supporting the Hylton Center, you’re doing even more than [supporting the arts]," Washington noted. "You are investing in imagination. You are investing in innovation. You are investing in education.”

In his final gala as executive director, Dean Rick Davis took control as captain for one last flight. He guided guests through the Center’s remarkable achievements, highlighting a 65% growth in participation for the Veterans and the Arts Initiative and the successful landing of the $15 million long-term endowment goal. Before disembarking, he concluded his remarks by clearing the runway for incoming Executive Director Carolyn Hays.

College of Visual and Performing Arts student Joshua Slutsky, bass, accompanied by faculty member Eunae Ko Hann. Photo by A.E.Landes Photography

The evening reached its peak during the Raise Your Paddle event, as guests lifted glowing rings in a moving tribute led by Rick Davis—creating a “night sky” that celebrated their generosity. Along with the Wine and Whiskey Pull and a record-setting silent auction, the gala raised more than $40,000 for the Veterans and the Arts Initiative and $165,000 overall.

Afterward, guests exited through a cloud of fog into the transformed Didlake Grand Foyer for the Club on Cloud 9 afterparty. Treats from Spun Cotton Candy Art and Popcorn Monkey, music by DJ Rio of DC Rhythms, and espresso martinis capped the night, with commemorative luggage tags from Chantilly Air marking a smooth, celebratory journey.

The night would not have been possible without the support of many local businesses and supporters. Thank you to our Anniversary Gala Supporters!

Horizon Sponsor–Compton & Duling
Navigator Sponsor–City of Manassas
Liftoff Sponsors–Carolyn Hays and Jeff Burke; Connery Strategies; Didlake; Dominion Energy; 91�� Foundation; Micron Technology; Rick Davis and Julie Thompson; UVA Health; Wall Foundation
Ground Control Sponsors–Dan Tucciarone and Tom Sabal; Sentara Healthcare; Shirley Rice; Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian; Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh
Boarding Sponsor–Chantilly Air
Club on Cloud 9 Sponsor–Appliance Connection
Cumulus Lounge Sponsor–Avports
Inflight Beverage Sponsor–Whitlock Wealth, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC
Raise Your Paddle Sponsor–APP Jet Center
Wine and Whiskey Pull Sponsor–The Meredith House
Silent Auction Sponsor–Todos Neighborhood Market
Honoree Reception Sponsor–Ron Harris

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