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The George �鶹��Ƶ alumni behind SOSS Bros and their secret sauce

Katarina Benson — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:30:05 +0000

The George �鶹��Ƶ alumni behind SOSS Bros and their secret sauce Katarina Benson Mon, 02/02/2026 - 11:30

For the �鶹��Ƶ alumni founders of SOSS Bros, it wasn’t necessarily love at first sight—but it was lunch.

In their first year, Hesham Hafez, BS Community Health ’09, and Lance Ahmadian, BS Finance, Management ’12, went head-to-head in an eating competition at the Taco Bell in the Johnson Center. “We had a competition for who could eat the most chalupas. And we both ate, like, eight, and then we died,” Lance said, laughing.

Despite the pain, the experience cemented their friendship, which grew to include Hesham’s brother Karim Hafez, BS Civil and Infrastructure Engineering ’12, MS ’13. Along with being fraternity brothers at George �鶹��Ƶ’s Pi Kappa Alpha chapter, the three bonded over food.

“We’re all foodies,” Hesham said. “When we sit and eat a meal, we see it as kind of a sacred moment.”

From left, Lance Ahmadian, Hesham Hafez, and Karim Hafez in the Johnson Center Market with their SOSS. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

That pursuit of a perfect meal—and the perfect accompanying sauce—was the initial spark behind SOSS Bros. The recipe for SOSS—which stands for smoked original secret sauce—originated with Hesham, who’d perfected it over the years and would often share it with family and friends. Lance was immediately hooked: “It was unhateable.”

It took a few more years to convince Hesham to take the product commercial, but once he and Lance committed, they were all in—and they leaned on Karim to corral and guide their creativity.

“I’m the part of the business that is more coming from an engineering background,” Karim said. “I put all the operational and logistics stuff together.”

Still, challenges awaited, especially as the trio looked for partners to scale up production. “Ninety-nine of them said ‘No, we can’t do this the way that you guys want to do it. It’s not going to work,’” Karim said. But the trio refused to compromise on ingredients or their recipe. Their grit and persistence paid off when they at last found a bottler willing to do it their way.

Their first public event was in May 2025 in Richmond, Virginia. “We did over 2,000 samples,” Lance said. “And I can count on one hand how many people said they didn’t like it.”

And they gained even more fans when they brought the sauce along to a Patriots men’s basketball game at EagleBank Arena. Fast forward six months and many conversations with George �鶹��Ƶ’s Intercollegiate Athletics and David Atkins, executive director of brand development and licensing at George �鶹��Ƶ’s Office of University Branding, and the Brave & Bold blend of SOSS was born. An official collaboration between SOSS Bros and �鶹��Ƶ, the blend can be found online and at on-campus convenience stores. A percentage of sales go back to the university.

SOSS Bros couldn’t be more homegrown. All three grew up in Northern Virginia, and their existing roots in the area played a major role in their decision to come to George �鶹��Ƶ. They also cite the university’s ample and diverse social opportunities. “I wanted to be part of a community,” Lance said.

Karim credits opportunities through the Volgenau School of Engineering for his career after graduation. “I spent about seven years with Turner Construction, and I think George �鶹��Ƶ really set me up,” he said, mentioning hands-on experiences like concrete testing and bridge design that gave him the skills he needed as a civil engineer.

He continues to use these skills as a consultant while working for SOSS part-time. Lance works full time in commercial real estate as a senior investment associate for the Greysteel Company, where he’s worked since graduating from George �鶹��Ƶ, and Hesham works for SOSS full time.

Asked about their advice for current Patriots, all three mention patience and determination. “You have to give a minimum of six months…to what you’re doing,” Lance says. “You can't just do something and give up and try something else, because you haven't given it time.”

As for the secret sauce that makes up SOSS Bros? “We're a team that has a ton of fun,” Karim said. “I think we're truly the definition of work hard, play hard, but we really do play first—I mean, eat first.”

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College of Public Health

George �鶹��Ƶ online graduate programs rank among Virginia’s best

ckearney — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 18:27:58 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ online graduate programs rank among Virginia’s best ckearney Mon, 01/26/2026 - 13:27

�鶹��Ƶ earned top Virginia placements across business, nursing, and education, and leads in the region as a college destination for veterans and working professionals in the 2026 Best Online Programs rankings by U.S. News & World Report, released today.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Recognized as the No. 1 public university in Virginia and the Washington, D.C., region for upward mobility, George �鶹��Ƶ translates access into outcomes through its nationally ranked online programs. Ranked in 13 U.S. News online graduate program categories, the university appears in highly selective fields statewide; in eight of those categories, only a small number of Virginia universities are included, sometimes as few as two or three.

A National Leader for Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students

As a designated Military Friendly® School, George �鶹��Ƶ demonstrates a long-standing commitment to serving military-connected students at scale. Approximately 14% of George �鶹��Ƶ’s 40,000-plus students are current or former service members or military dependents, and approximately one in five freshmen, transfer, and graduate students this year has military ties, making George �鶹��Ƶ a leading destination for military-affiliated learners in Virginia and the Washington, D.C., region.

That commitment translates into nationally recognized outcomes across multiple programs:

Master’s in business programs for veterans ranked No. 1 in Virginia, including both MBA and non-MBA options. The master’s in business (non-MBA) for veterans debuted 18th nationally and 14th among public universities.
The master’s in nursing for veterans pathways was ranked No. 1 in Virginia and among public universities in the Washington, D.C., region.
The master’s in information technology for veterans program ranked 19th nationally and 13th among public universities.
The master’s in education for veterans program ranked 18th nationally and among public universities, placing 2nd in both Virginia and the Washington, D.C., region.

Overall, four of six veteran-focused programs included in the rankings placed in the top 20 nationally, with all six ranking in the top 50, underscoring George �鶹��Ƶ’s role as a regional and national leader in education designed for those who have served.

Beyond rankings, George �鶹��Ƶ provides comprehensive support for military-connected students and their families, grounded in an understanding of the academic, professional, and lived experiences they bring to the university. Through the Military, Veterans, and Families Initiative and the Office of Military Services students are connected to academic advising, career preparation, and regional resources that recognize the realities of military service and transition.

“These rankings are a testament to both the strength of the faculty and curriculum, as well as the overall student experience that we provide for our veterans,” said Keith Renshaw, senior associate provost for undergraduate education and professor of psychology. “They’re reflective of our comprehensive approach to serving those who have served our nation.”

Preparing Business Leaders

George �鶹��Ƶ’s master’s in business programs within the Costello College of Business posted some of the strongest gains this year, with the master’s in business (non-MBA) program climbing 19 spots nationally to 37th, rising 12 spots among public universities to 27th, and ranking 2nd in Virginia.

At a time when many traditional MBA graduates face prolonged job searches, George �鶹��Ƶ’s business programs emphasize practical, career-aligned learning designed for working professionals. This year, two of the university’s four business programs ranked No. 1 in Virginia, with all four placing among the top five statewide, reflecting a consistent focus on applied skills, flexible online delivery, and workforce-aligned preparation.

“We continue to innovate across our online programs and the significant rise in our master’s in business ranking, along with our online business programs placing within Virginia’s top 5, are indicative of Costello’s growing prestige among business schools in our region,” said Cheryl Druehl, interim dean of the Costello College of Business. “These rankings reinforce our success in delivering an educational experience that meets learners' needs—with graduate programs that emphasize career outcomes, flexibility, and affordability.”

Excellence Across Key Academic Disciplines

Strong national and regional standing was also evident across multiple master’s programs, including education, nursing, engineering, and information technology.

In education, George �鶹��Ƶ stands out for its national leadership in special education, a field facing persistent workforce shortages in Virginia and across the country. The master’s in special education ranked 7th overall and 8th among public universities, being only one of two Virginia universities included in the category.

That leadership aligns with George �鶹��Ƶ’s broader efforts to address special education workforce challenges. Through innovative training programs, the university is helping prepare the next generation of special education leaders through a focus on evidence-based practice, policy expertise, and leadership training.

"National recognition matters because it affirms the responsibility we carry,” said Ingrid Guerra-López, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “These rankings reflect the depth of our faculty’s expertise and our focus on preparing educators and leaders who think critically, continue learning and adapting, and work across boundaries to solve real-world challenges.”

The School of Nursing within George �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Public Health also earned strong recognition as demand for nurses remains high across Virginia and the country. The master’s in nursing ranked No. 1 in Virginia and among public universities in the Washington, D.C., region, placing 41st nationally among public universities. The master’s in nursing for veterans program ranked 15th nationally and 10th among public universities, reinforcing George �鶹��Ƶ’s role in preparing nurses to meet growing health care demands.

"At the School of Nursing, we advance nursing excellence by offering flexible, accessible pathways to advanced degrees,” said Dean Melissa Perry, College of Public Health. “Through online and veteran-focused options, we are strengthening the nursing workforce and preparing graduates to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in a rapidly changing health care environment. The recognition as the top program in Virginia reflects the College of Public Health's commitment to developing tomorrow’s leaders in health care."

George �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Engineering and Computing demonstrated strength across engineering and information technology programs aligned with high-demand technical fields critical to the region’s innovation economy. The master’s in industrial engineering ranked 11th nationally, and several programs placed among the top 50 nationally, including master’s in engineering (50th), master’s in engineering for veterans (34th), and the master’s in information technology (38th).

“We’re happy to be so well represented in this year’s rankings,” said Ken Ball, dean of the College of Engineering and Computing. “Our college has a successful history in online education, which includes offering George �鶹��Ƶ’s first online master’s degree—a master’s in computer science—in 2005. We’re proud to provide flexible learning opportunities that support one of the university’s Grand Challenge [Initiative] solutions: advancing 21st-century education for all.”

Commitment to Access

Taken together, these rankings reflect George �鶹��Ƶ’s sustained investment in education that expands access, strengthens workforce pipelines, and delivers meaningful outcomes. For veterans, working adults, and post-traditional students, George �鶹��Ƶ’s online programs support upward mobility and regional impact across high-demand fields.

View the full list of George �鶹��Ƶ in the Rankings

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George �鶹��Ƶ and MetroStar launch partnership to fuel federal tech talent and innovation

Katarina Benson — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:02:54 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ and MetroStar launch partnership to fuel federal tech talent and innovation Katarina Benson Fri, 12/12/2025 - 11:02

More than two decades ago, three �鶹��Ƶ students launched a company from their dorm room with a belief that technology would drive change in the federal government.

Today, that company—MetroStar, a venture-backed leader in AI enabled services—has come full circle. The company is proud to announce a multi-year strategic partnership with George �鶹��Ƶ, solidifying a shared mission to empower the next generation of tech leaders and public servants.

Through the agreement, MetroStar will support students and programming across George �鶹��Ƶ. It will become a Costello Corporate Partner in the Donald G. Costello College of Business and an Industry Partner in the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC).

Through these partnerships, MetroStar will launch a scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students with preference for those minoring in government contracting or management information systems, and a Clearance Ready Scholarship for students interested in obtaining a national security clearance.

“MetroStar’s investment in the Costello Corporate Partners program aligns closely with our strategic priorities, particularly in fostering innovative business collaboration and advancing career readiness,” said Ajay Vinzé, interim provost and Costello College of Business dean. “Their support will expand access to education in government contracting for our students and strengthen the academic offerings of the Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting, the first university-based center in the nation focused on the business, policy, and regulatory dimensions of this vital sector.”

MetroStar will also support academic initiatives through the Dean’s Excellence Funds in CEC and Costello, in furtherance of strategic academic initiatives. “This gift from MetroStar, which will support the education and training of our students who are interested in serving our nation as federal employees or as employees of our government contractors,” said CEC Dean Ken Ball. “The partnership will also enhance our clearance ready programs by developing additional experiential learning opportunities, including internships and applied research projects involving classified technologies that protect our nation.”

MetroStar’s CEO and co-founder Ali Reza Manouchehri, BA Philosophy '99.

The philanthropic commitment deepens MetroStar’s long-standing relationship with its co-founders’ alma mater while advancing workforce readiness and innovation aligned to national priorities.

MetroStar’s CEO and co-founder Ali Reza Manouchehri, who earned a BA in philosophy from George �鶹��Ƶ in 1999, is the 2025 Winter Commencement Speaker, a privilege that shows his enduring connection to the university and his passion for inspiring the next generation of innovators.

“This is more than a corporate partnership. It’s a personal return,” said Manouchehri. “George �鶹��Ƶ is where we built the foundation for MetroStar. We’re investing in students who will one day shape the digital future of government just like we dreamed about doing back then.”

Manouchehri started MetroStar with fellow Patriots Robert Santos, BA International Relations ’99, who became the company’s president, and Pirooz Javan, BS Systems Engineering ’02, who served as its chief operating officer from 1999 to 2006.

A Vision for the Future Federal Workforce

The three-year partnership, running through 2028, creates a new model of agile collaboration between academia and the public sector, bridging the fast-paced world of government innovation with the grounded mission of education. It reflects the growing need under the new federal administration to build talent pipelines that are not only technically skilled but clearance ready and public service minded.

Earlier this year, George �鶹��Ƶ released its plan for advancing a responsible approach to harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) and driving societal impact. Through AI²Nexus, the university is building a nexus of collaboration and resources on campus, in partnerships like the one with MetroStar, and across the state.

As federal agencies embrace AI, digital transformation, and faster acquisition models, companies like MetroStar are reinforcing the importance of the human side of innovation, ensuring that the workforce of tomorrow is built on a foundation of collaboration, education, and civic commitment.

From College Campus to National Service

The partnership extends into the university’s forward-leaning spaces, places where creativity, entrepreneurship, and service intersect.

MetroStar’s partnership will fuel the �鶹��Ƶ Innovation Exchange (MIX), a hands-on incubator for student-driven ideas, and power events like PatriotHacks, the university’s high-energy hackathon that challenges students to solve real-world problems with code and courage.

“Our partnership isn’t about one-off contributions but investing in people and the future of civil servants who will protect and guide the nation,” said Manouchehri. “We’re creating deliberate pathways from campus to cleared service, from idea to implementation, and from classroom projects to real-world impact.”

Learn More

Q&A with Ali Reza Manouchehri

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This MBA student is already putting her degree to work

Sarah Holland — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:30:18 +0000

This MBA student is already putting her degree to work Sarah Holland Fri, 12/12/2025 - 10:30

Working full-time while getting a graduate degree is no easy feat. But for Air Force veteran and soon-to-be �鶹��Ƶ alum Kathleen Gillmore, hard work is second nature.

Gillmore is graduating from George �鶹��Ƶ in fall 2025 with a master of business administration and a graduate certificate in business analytics from the Costello College of Business. She started her degree at the same time she started as a data analyst at Accenture Federal Services.

What made you choose George �鶹��Ƶ?

I first heard about George �鶹��Ƶ from my husband, who grew up in Reston and knew the school well. When we moved to Virginia after leaving the Air Force, he recommended George �鶹��Ƶ so we could stay close to family and have a solid support system.

Once I researched the university myself, I was really drawn to its strong ties with major tech and business companies in Northern Virginia, as well as its connection to federal agencies. I chose George �鶹��Ƶ because it offers a great pathway into both the local industry and government sectors.

How have your professors impacted your time at George �鶹��Ƶ?

My business analytics professors have made a huge impact on me. They really fueled my love for working with data, and I enjoyed getting hands-on experience with the different analytics software we used in class. Being able to apply what I was learning with real tools made the material come alive and helped me grow both technically and professionally.

How have your classes helped prepare you for your work as a data analyst?

My classes have directly supported my work at Accenture Federal Services. The business-focused courses helped me understand how organizations operate from a strategic and operational perspective, which improved my ability to interpret the “why” behind the data. The business analytics classes taught me to approach data from multiple angles and to think more critically about patterns, insights, and decision-making. These skills have translated seamlessly into my current role.

How do you hope this degree will advance your career?

This degree has expanded my knowledge in both business and analytics, and I’m already applying what I’ve learned in my current role. Looking ahead, I see the MBA as a versatile credential that will help me continue advancing in roles that involve analytical problem-solving and strategic decision-making. It opens doors across many areas of business and gives me the flexibility to pursue opportunities in different industries as my career grows.

What is one piece of advice you would give to an incoming student?

Use everything George �鶹��Ƶ offers: office hours, workshops, software access, and especially the networking events and career fairs. Those resources not only help you stay on track academically, but they also open the door to meaningful professional connections and opportunities.

What's next for you?

Academically, after completing this degree, I will be returning to George �鶹��Ƶ next year to pursue a second master’s degree in data analytics engineering. Professionally, I look forward to applying everything I’ve learned in the MBA to continue growing as a data analyst and to open up new career opportunities. I’m excited to build on the momentum from this program and position myself for roles that allow me to contribute more strategically and analytically within my field.

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Ajay Vinzé, Costello College of Business Dean, appointed interim provost

Katarina Benson — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:27:56 +0000

Ajay Vinzé, Costello College of Business Dean, appointed interim provost Katarina Benson Wed, 12/10/2025 - 16:27

Costello College of Business dean Ajay Vinzé has been named interim provost at �鶹��Ƶ, effective immediately, President Gregory Washington announced Wednesday.

Ajay Vinzé. Photo by Office of University Branding

This follows Provost Jim Antony’s recent announcement that he will become provost of the University of San Diego as of March 1. Vinzé will serve alongside Antony from now through February to ensure a collaborative transition.

“Ajay, a distinguished scholar, is a respected voice among our deans,” Washington said. “I look forward to working closely with him during his time as interim provost. I ask that you extend to him your support and good wishes as he steps into this important role for George �鶹��Ƶ.”

Since joining the university in 2022 as dean of the School of Business, Vinzé has overseen its rapid transformation to a named college, positioning the Costello College of Business as a nationally recognized leader in business education. Under his leadership the college has established a signature interdisciplinary and modular approach to workforce-ready degree delivery; championed student experiences with programs like Costello on Wall Street, Patriot Pitch, and the Camp Costello initiative for incoming first-year students; and a maintained a commitment to cross-campus research and curricular collaborations.

“While my heart remains firmly with the Costello College of Business—and I fully intend to return once a permanent provost is named—this interim role offers an important opportunity to support the broader university community that has championed our college’s growth and success over the past three years,” Vinzé said.

Cheryl Druehl, Costello’s senior associate dean for faculty affairs and research, will serve as interim dean during this time. 

James Anthony. Photo by Office of University Branding

Washington also offered appreciation for Antony’s work as provost, noting that he moved quickly to advance significant initiatives from the Provost’s Office, including implementing the new academic budget model, improving communication across senior teams, and establishing task forces and working groups focusing on several key university initiatives. He also hired Cody Edwards as dean for the College of Science and has put into motion the search for a new Scalia Law School dean, and worked with the Board of Visitors to advance important academic matters.

“I want to thank Jim for serving with such distinction in his time here. While I will miss Jim’s thought partnership, I know his appointment as provost of USD is the fulfillment of a significant life and career aspiration, and I am thrilled for him,” Washington said.

The process to conduct a national search for a permanent provost will be announced after the winter break.

“Please join me in congratulating Jim, Ajay, and Cheryl in their respective leadership roles,” Washington said.

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Patriot Profile: Jaylin Lott

ckearney — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 19:31:43 +0000

Patriot Profile: Jaylin Lott ckearney Mon, 12/01/2025 - 14:31

Jaylin Lott

Year: Sophomore

Major: Business with a minor in sport management

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

The athlete and competitor in her fuel George �鶹��Ƶ’s Jaylin Lott’s love for volleyball, but it’s the inner serenity that singing brings her that she treasures away from the court.

Photo by George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics

An Almost Idol: Lott experiences the best of both worlds as a 5-foot-5 defensive specialist for the Patriots women’s volleyball team who also moonlights as a singer—one talented enough to have performed the national anthem at numerous NBA games and in George �鶹��Ƶ’s EagleBank Arena. Her powerful voice even carried her to the third round of last year’s American Idol tryouts, where she was one of just 15 singers selected from a pool of roughly 300 during an in-person audition in Salt Lake City, Utah.

It’s a Family Affair: Strong vocals run in the family. Lott’s grandmother, Ava, who passed away in 2020, sang in the church choir and remains her inspiration. Lott began singing around age 13 while competing and lettering in both volleyball and track at Clark High School in Texas. Her father, Jason, a former Division I track and field athlete at Texas State University, noticed early on that his daughter was gifted in music as well. “[Sports and singing are] both ways to escape the stress that naturally comes with life,” Lott said. “They’ve each been therapeutic in different ways and at different times. I have a deep love for both.”

At the End of the Day: Lott says it's not uncommon to find her singing along to her karaoke machine to unwind after a long day of classes and practice. Her musical inspirations include Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, and other old-school artists she credits for shaping her style and confidence. “As I’ve gotten older, I look forward to coming home and singing karaoke,” she said. “It’s kind of been my peace, especially after moving so far away from home.”

Taking the Stage: She was just a sophomore in high school when she first sang the national anthem before a San Antonio Spurs game, a moment that felt larger than life. “It was pretty big,” Lott recalled, “I was nervous at first, but it was pretty cool.” She returned to perform at Spurs games many times since, and has even sung for a larger crowd before a Dallas Mavericks game at the American Airlines Center.

Photo provided

Passion on the Court: Lott continues to make an impact on the Patriots team that enjoyed its most successful non-conference season since 2009, surpassing last year’s 11-win total and earning a spot in the Atlantic-10 Conference Tournament that was held in Richmond, Virginia, in November.

“She has such a gift for passing and defense in middle-back,” said George �鶹��Ƶ women’s volleyball Head Coach Megan Shifflett Bachmann, “and she’s one of the most naturally talented individuals I’ve had the pleasure to coach in that position.”

Bachmann first learned of Lott’s musical talent during recruiting and was immediately impressed. “We’re always hoping to hear even more from her, without putting too much pressure around it,” Shifflett Bachmann said, “It’s a joy every time I overhear her singing to herself in the hallway or along with the music at practice.”

Singing Her Own Song: Singing is more than a hobby for Lott, it’s a passion she hopes to turn into a career. Lott continues to reach out to NBA teams in the region and in her hometown about national anthem gigs while also eyeing possible future auditions on The Voice. Lott also wrote songs for fun throughout middle and high school, and she has long imagined taking the next step—writing music professionally and eventually recording her own music in a studio. Finding time between school and volleyball has been tough, but she’s determined. “I want to put in the work it takes to have people one day hear my music,” she said. “It’s a peaceful thing for me to do, and it carries my grandmother’s legacy, too.”

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This Costello student leader is working to create opportunities for all

Katarina Benson — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 20:30:10 +0000

This Costello student leader is working to create opportunities for all Katarina Benson Thu, 11/13/2025 - 15:30

There are few �鶹��Ƶ students as busy as senior Rakibul Alam. A senior majoring in business and concentrating on management and marketing, Alam has become one of the most visible student leaders in the Costello College of Business, where he works as a marketing and communications intern. Recently he was among the speakers welcoming the community at Fuse’s grand celebration in September at �鶹��Ƶ Square.

But when you hear Alam talk about his campus experiences, it is surprising to learn that his first week of college was rocky. As a first-generation student commuting to campus from Centreville, Virginia, Alam said wasn’t he sure how he would fit in.

“I remember thinking, I need to get involved if I want to have the best George �鶹��Ƶ experience,” Alam said, and that he did.

Within weeks, Alam joined Student Government and soon co-founded the student organization Collective Organization of South Asia. A semester later, he joined another student organization, �鶹��Ƶ Consulting Group. As vice president of the �鶹��Ƶ Consulting Group, he has worked to ensure that other students have access to experiential learning opportunities.

Alam spoke at the Fuse’s grand celebration in September. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“George �鶹��Ƶ has such unique individuals with so much talent,” said Alam, who is also a member of the Honors College. “We need to go out into the community and show what we can do. My goal has been to create those opportunities for others.”

�鶹��Ƶ Consulting Group is open to George �鶹��Ƶ students of all majors. Alam said about 210 students are registered, but there is a core group of about 70+ who are the most active members.

Under his leadership—he is now president of the group, the �鶹��Ƶ Consulting Group has grown into more than just a student organization. Over the past few semesters, the organization has brought in representatives from Northern Virginia companies, such as KPMG, one of the area’s top four accounting firms, to talk to students about careers.

And those connections are paying off. He said seven of the group’s members secured high-profile internships in consulting this past summer, including Alam himself who served as a human resources and change management advisory intern at KPMG.

“That says a lot about the kind of pipeline we’re building,” Alam said. “George �鶹��Ƶ students are competing head-to-head with students from Stanford, Cornell, and Harvard—and we’re ending up in the same places.”

That pipeline is expanding beyond the corporate world. Through a formal partnership with the �鶹��Ƶ Consulting Group, Fairfax City Economic Development supports experiential learning opportunities for George �鶹��Ƶ students who consult with local businesses. Program funding is provided to George �鶹��Ƶ, which administers the initiative, ensuring students benefit from real-world experience while businesses gain strategic insights.

“These are the ripple effects,” Alam said. “We’re being recognized not just as students, but as professionals making an impact.”

Rakibul Alam presenting at the 2024 Patriot Pitch competition. Photo by Office of University Branding

Alam himself has a résumé that reflects both ambition and a deep commitment to service. Last year, his summer internship with the U.S. Navy reinforced his interest in government consulting.

“After my Navy internship, I realized how much I wanted to serve the public sector,” he explained. “Administrations change, but the government will always be here. Consulting allows me to use my skills to support the American people.”

That sense of purpose also extends globally. Alam was the recipient of the prestigious Gilman Scholarship, which allowed him to study international development in Morocco in January 2025. He also represented George �鶹��Ƶ at a United Nations Cooperatives Youth conference in India, where he worked alongside students from across disciplines, including public health and business.

“It was incredible to see George �鶹��Ƶ represented on the world stage,” he says. “These experiences showed me how interconnected business, policy, and global development really are.”

Alam’s drive has earned him recognition closer to home as well. Early in his George �鶹��Ƶ career, he won Costello’s Patriot Pitch competition with a social entrepreneurship project. He has since served as a mentor to other entrepreneurs in the annual competition, paying forward the guidance he received from faculty mentors.

“Every opportunity I’ve had, I had to pitch myself for it,” Alam said. “But when I get to the top, I want to throw the rope back down for others. Because there’s always room at the top.”

That mindset—paired with his relentless schedule—has required discipline. Between taking 18 credits, leading a student organization, and juggling multiple internships, Alam relies on strict time management.

“I learned early on that I needed structure,” he said. “I use calendars, I set boundaries, and I make sure to take mental breaks. And I also have mentors—some older, some younger—who keep me grounded.”

In turn, he also mentors undergraduate business students.

Despite his packed calendar, Alam said he finds balance through pickleball, which he plays religiously, and painting, which fills his home with his own watercolor and mixed-media creations. “Sports and arts keep me well-rounded,” he said with a smile.

Looking ahead, Alam is weighing whether to finish his bachelor’s degree early or pursue an accelerated master’s. Either way, he plans to remain in Northern Virginia after graduation, contributing to the same business and government ecosystems that shaped his education.

“Businesses in Northern Virginia should know they don’t need to look far for talent,” he said. “We’re right here, and we’re ready to make an impact.”

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Marketing Faculty Research

How consumers react when they feel ‘betrayed’ by a brand

Katelynn C Hipolito — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 14:52:41 +0000

How consumers react when they feel ‘betrayed’ by a brand Katelynn C Hipolito Mon, 11/03/2025 - 09:52

A pair of �鶹��Ƶ marketing professors have unpacked the surprisingly intense and complicated emotional consequences of brand inauthenticity.

We all know what it’s like to discover—either gradually or all at once—someone else’s insincerity. Jessica Hoppner and Russell Abratt, marketing professors at the Donald G. Costello College of Business at �鶹��Ƶ, have found that an encounter with an inauthentic brand produces much the same effect.

Jessica Hoppner. Photo by �鶹��Ƶ.

“Authenticity is defined within the context of the brand-consumer relationship,” Hoppner says. In other words, it’s in the eye of the beholder—or in this case, the consumer. Inauthenticity occurs when a brand behaves in a way that appears to go against its perceived core values, or the consumer’s baseline expectations for that particular brand.

“This kind of inauthenticity causes problems for brand managers because for each person it’s a little bit different, and that makes it really hard to navigate,” Hoppner says.

In their recently published paper in the Journal of Product & Brand Management, Hoppner and Abratt trace the emotional cause-and-effect of brand inauthenticity, offering rare insight into this slippery phenomenon.

The paper was co-authored by Ryan White of Winona State University.

The researchers recruited 218 survey participants using Amazon’s Mechanical Turk platform. Respondents were asked to write about an experience of brand inauthenticity and answer a series of questions about that experience and steps they took afterward. The results were analyzed in light of concepts drawn from psychological research, such as appraisal theory and balance theory.

Surprisingly, participants named a wide range of brands (156 in all), only 25.2 percent of which appeared on Interbrand’s Top 100 Best Global Brands List. “It covered large brands, small brands, all different sectors,” says Hoppner. “It’s not constrained to consumer products or the brands that we would normally think about.”

The survey responses showed that customers experienced brand inauthenticity as a betrayal of sorts, with emotional implications comparable to those of human-to-human betrayal.

Brand inauthenticity triggered a complex mix of emotional responses in consumers. Anger, anxiety, and disappointment were the principal motifs across the sample, but individual reactions could include one, two, or even all three. The strength of reactive emotions varied according to the perceived severity of the betrayal.

Further, the researchers found that the three main emotional responses led to different behaviors in consumers.

Abratt and Hoppner describe anger as a “hot emotion,” causing consumers to lash out at brands deemed inauthentic, through retaliation, complaints, and withdrawal of loyalty.

Anxiety inspired a less accusatory and more questioning response, as consumers groped for the deeper truth about this apparently two-faced brand. “Anxiety is very ambiguous,” Hoppner says. “When we’re anxious, it’s often because we don’t really know what happened, why it happened, who’s to blame, etc.” Consumers made anxious by brand inauthenticity actually increased their loyalty to the brand, and sought out more information to resolve the ambiguity.

Finally, disappointment led consumers to lapse into a self-protective passivity. Their central concern became not closure or redress, but rather avoiding further disappointment by turning their back on the offending brand.

Russell Abratt. Photo by �鶹��Ƶ.

Abratt and Hoppner advise brand managers to think twice before launching a rote response in hopes of winning back consumers alienated by perceived inauthenticity. Anger and anxiety show up very differently, and disappointment may not show up at all in any conventionally measurable way. When addressing inauthenticity after the fact, a brand’s best bet may be to ask questions and listen closely before attempting to fix the problem.

Of course, the ideal approach would be to avoid being seen as inauthentic in the first place. That would mean understanding the actual relationships consumers have with the brand, which may differ from how managers view the brand’s value proposition. It may also entail intentional, proactive reshaping of those relationships.

“I think the real issue for firms is to understand who they are,” Abratt says. “In other words, brands have to talk about their identity. And once they have figured that one out, they have to have training amongst their employees and say, ‘this is what we stand for. This is what we do.’ Communicate that to your markets and your community, and make sure that you allow the community and customers to talk back with you.”

“I think the real issue for firms is to understand who they are,” Abratt says. “In other words, brands have to talk about their identity. And once they have figured that one out, they have to have training amongst their employees and say, ‘this is what we stand for. This is what we do.’ Communicate that to your markets and your community, and make sure that you allow the community and customers to talk back with you.”

— Russell Abratt, marketing professor at the Donald G. Costello College of Business at �鶹��Ƶ

In This Story

Jessica Hoppner

Russell Abratt

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Skills Learned in Jurisprudence Learning Community Help Student Land Full-Time Position

Andrew J Schappert — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:19:03 +0000

Skills Learned in Jurisprudence Learning Community Help Student Land Full-Time Position Andrew J Schappert Wed, 10/22/2025 - 08:19

Cameron Chambers likes a plan. As a high school senior, the Bethesda, Maryland, native already had his career path mapped out.

Cameron Chambers: “I was looking at any opportunity as an undergraduate to get my foot in the door and also investigate law as a practice and see if it was something I would do.”

Now a Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s (BAM) student majoring in accounting in the Costello College of Business, Chambers chose �鶹��Ƶ specifically for the BAM pathway and the opportunity to jumpstart his education and achieve his goal of practicing tax law.

“People always said, ‘Think of education as an investment,’ so I just researched it,” he said. “George �鶹��Ƶ offered the BAM program and I could apply to be a CPA. It lets me do that faster so I can go to law school. It gave me a good place to do all those things.”

As an undergraduate in the Honors College, Chambers explored avenues that would enhance his interest in a future law career. He is a member of the George �鶹��Ƶ Academic Standards Committee and an editor for the Undergraduate Law Review, part of the Schar School Patriot Pre-Law Program.

He also discovered the Jurisprudence Learning Community (JPLC), one of four faculty-led communities, each with its own academic theme, housed in the Schar School of Policy and Government. JPLC is open to any sophomores, juniors, and seniors who plan on pursuing law school following graduation or are interested in learning how the law pertains to a career in public administration, policy, or politics.

“I was looking at any opportunity as an undergraduate to get my foot in the door and also investigate law as a practice and see if it was something I would do,” he said.

In addition to joining a community of peers interested in law and attending field trips in and around the Washington, D.C., area, Chambers gained something unexpected in the JPLC.

“We were assigned a lot of legal research projects,” he said. “I don’t do that as an accounting major.”

The experience of doing research served Chambers well when he interned for eight weeks last summer at PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) doing mergers and acquisitions.

“There’s a lot of tax code I had to go through,” he said. “That legal research skill set that I got was invaluable. Other people didn’t have it. And I thought ‘Why am I not struggling?’ Because I did this.”

Chambers, slated to graduate in December and begin next semester as a graduate student, credits JPLC with helping him secure a full-time offer from PwC as a tax associate starting in the summer. He reached out to Shea Holman, director of JPLC, to share the good news.

“I told her that the [JPLC] class prepped me for this perfectly,” he said. “It was that legal research ability that differentiated me and definitely helped me get that return offer in a competitive space.”

For more information about the Jurisprudence Learning Community or any of the Schar School’s other learning communities, visit the Schar School Learning Community webpage.

In This Story

Shea M. Holman Kilian

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