Faculty and Staff News

Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of April 29, 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 18:42:49 +0000

Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of April 29, 2025 Lauren Reuscher Fri, 04/25/2025 - 14:42

Faculty/Staff Announcements

Have something to share? Review announcement guidelines and submit an announcement from your unit through the online form.

Campus Updates

Celebration of Student Scholarship and Impact

Undergraduate students will share their research projects at the Celebration of Student Scholarship and Impact on Tuesday, May 6, from noon to 3:30 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus in the Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall.

The event will feature poster presentations, musical performances, videos, food trucks, and more. This event is presented by the Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR).

Patriot Packout Happening through May 14

Patriot Packout is an opportunity to donate like-new and gently used items at the Fairfax Campus, Science and Technology Campus, and the Smithsonian-�鶹��Ƶ School of Conservation. During residential move-out, Patriot Packout diverts items from the waste stream and makes them available to those who can use them. Learn about accepted donation items, campus drop-off locations, and volunteer opportunities.

Students, faculty, staff, and community members are welcome to donate items. Donations are redistributed to George �鶹��Ƶ Patriots, on-campus resources, and local community organizations, preventing useful items from ending up in the trash. Patriot Packout’s donations this spring will support the Patriot Pantry, Trans Clothing Closet, Art Supply Sharing Cabinet, First Gen+ Center, The MIX, Parking and Transportation's bike programs, and Food for Others, and more.

Open Enrollment Is Coming Soon

It’s almost time to make important choices about your benefits for the upcoming year. Open Enrollment starts Friday, May 16, and ends Friday, May 30, so be sure to mark your calendar. This is your annual opportunity to:

Review and update your health insurance
Add or remove dependents
Choose new benefits or make changes to existing ones
Take advantage of flexible spending accounts Health FSA and Dependent FSA

Keep an eye out for more details, plan guides, and enrollment instructions. Don’t miss out—this is your once-a-year chance to ensure your benefits meet your needs. For questions, contact benefits@gmu.edu.

Degree and Certificate Milestones: Let’s Celebrate Your Success

George �鶹��Ƶ classified staff, A/P faculty, I/R faculty, adjunct faculty, and non-student wage employees are invited to share information regarding degrees or certificates (trade certification/license, associate's, bachelor's, master's, graduate certificate, doctorate, etc.) that they have earned during this current academic year. Human Resources would like to share the great news and feature stories of George �鶹��Ƶ faculty and staff who are seeking continual education and professional development.

Complete the Celebrate Degree/Certificate Milestones Survey by Friday, May 16, and the Faculty and Staff Engagement team will follow up with you on your successes! For questions, contact awards@gmu.edu.

Training and Professional Development

University Life Student Success Symposium

The University Life Student Success Symposium is a chance to connect with colleagues, learn about innovative practices to support your work, and explore strategies to foster student engagement. The symposium will take place at the Fairfax Campus on Wednesday, June 4, with pre-conference sessions on Tuesday, June 3. Get the details and register.

Stearns Center Workshop: High-Impact Practices

Are you interested in developing learning experiences where students can apply their skills and competencies in and beyond the classroom? Participate in a two-part workshop series from the Stearns Center. Fundamentals of Effective Teaching explains the critical elements of teaching today’s students. High-Impact Practices and Applied Learning shows you how to use transparent assignment design for courses with internships, undergraduate research, and project-based learning. This is a two-part series, and the first workshop will be offered on Monday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to noon via Zoom. Learn more and register.

Join �鶹��Ƶ 101

Are you new to the �鶹��Ƶ Nation, or want to enhance your knowledge about the university? �鶹��Ƶ 101 is a two-hour information session that covers the history of �鶹��Ƶ, the university's organizational structure, resources, and looks ahead to the future. The next session is Friday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to noon (in-person, Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall, Room 2001). Get more information and register.

Resources for You

Resource Expo for Federal Employees and Contractors

Community members can discover job opportunities, resources, and career-themed workshops at the Next Steps: Resource Expo at �鶹��Ƶ Square on Wednesday, May 28, from 12:30–5:30 p.m. More than 40 employers and service providers will be in attendance. Sessions will be available on transferable skills, using AI for a job search, activating your resilience for well-being, and more.

Contact jobseeker@arlingtonva.us with questions. This event is brought to you by Arlington County Government and Employment Center, City of Alexandria Government and Workforce Development Center, �鶹��Ƶ, and Virginia Career Works Alexandria/Arlington Region. Registration is not required, but is available to you should you wish to receive updates from the event host. Learn more.

Heal Together

Heal Together is an event that brings together individuals for a day dedicated to healing, self-care, and wellness. Through curated experiences that blend movement, mindfulness, and cultural insights, the event provides an inclusive space where individuals can restore balance and build community.

This event will take place across the Fairfax, �鶹��Ƶ Square, and SciTech campuses on Wednesday, April 30. RSVP. Highlights include:

Guided yoga and meditation
Creative spaces and sensory-friendly areas with hands-on activities like painting and coloring
Breakout sessions
Panel discussion exploring Indigenous and non-western healing traditions
A full day of free refreshments, including lunch and morning/afternoon snacks

Esports Summer Camp for Teens at George �鶹��Ƶ

Gamers and parents of gamers: �鶹��Ƶ Esports is hosting an Esports Summer Camp in June and July for ages 13–18. If your child is passionate about gaming and is interested in exploring college gaming opportunities, this is a great way to introduce them to structured gaming experiences and skills development workshops, as well as other great things happening on campus. Camp is intended for all skill levels, and sizable discounts are available for George �鶹��Ƶ community members. Get more information.

Celebrate Commencement with the Alumni Association

The Alumni Association invites the �鶹��Ƶ Nation to upcoming events to celebrate the Class of 2025. Check the full list of events for registration and ticket information, if applicable.

Pancakes for Patriots
Monday, May 12, 7–10 a.m.
Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall Lawn
Stop by Merten Hall Lawn to receive a complimentary breakfast box to kickstart your day. Enjoy networking with alumni and volunteers and fuel up for a productive day. While supplies last.

Grad Toast
Wednesday, May 14, 6–8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Merten Hall Lawn
Graduates are invited to come together with their family and friends to celebrate the completion of their degree. The Grad Toast is a chance for graduates to share their excitement for the future, thank mentors or loved ones for their support, and bond with peers before moving on to the next chapter. Tickets are available for purchase and include food, beverages, spirit items, and entertainment.

Zoom Your City
Tuesday, June 3, 7–9 p.m.
Virtual
Alumni are invited to connect with fellow Patriots in their new hometowns. George �鶹��Ƶ is virtually visiting cities around the country, so graduates can register for their city's breakout room to meet other alumni.

Cinema on the Plaza: Mamma Mia!

Grab your lawn chairs and picnic blankets and come to �鶹��Ƶ Square Plaza for a free outdoor movie night. Families and friends are welcome. The movie on Friday, May 9, will be Mamma Mia! The movie starts at 8 p.m. Learn more.

Seed Library at Fenwick

The new Seed Library is located on a cart on the first floor of Fenwick Library on the Fairfax Campus. The library includes books and online resources that can help you learn to garden. Seed libraries have grown in popularity around the country, found in public libraries, community centers, community gardens, makerspaces, and university libraries. A seed library is stocked with seeds, which patrons take, grow, and then, if possible, return seeds to the library. The emphasis, however, is on the taking and growing of seeds, and less on the drying and returning of seeds. Seed libraries promote growing your own food, well-being, community, and learning in a hands-on way.

Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George �鶹��Ƶ

George �鶹��Ƶ School of Theater: 12 Angry Jurors
April 30 to May 4, multiple performances
Fairfax Campus, de Laski Performing Arts Building, TheaterSpace
Trapped together in a sweltering jury room, the tensions rise along with the heat as 12 ordinary people must decide the guilt or innocence of a young person accused of murder. What begins as a seemingly simple decision becomes more complex as ingrained ideas, systemic racism, and diverging perspectives collide. A thoughtful and poignant look at the consequences of our actions (or lack thereof), this show asks how you determine the truth when faced with a life-or-death decision.

Spring: Dance Innovations
George �鶹��Ƶ School of Dance
Friday, May 2, at 2 p.m.
Saturday, May 3, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
The creative School of Dance students present their own choreography. Always relevant and fresh, this evening of adjudicated works will have something for everyone.

Virginia Opera: Loving v. Virginia
Saturday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 4, at 2 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Virginia Opera and Richmond Symphony present the the highly anticipated world premiere of Loving v. Virginia. A young couple's interracial marriage in 1958 sparks a case that leads to the Supreme Court and a victory for civil rights in the United States. This operatic retelling is based on the true story of Mildred and Richard Loving.

�鶹��Ƶ Symphony Orchestra Concert: Concerto Competition Winners
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Monday, May 5, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Join the spring finale concert featuring the �鶹��Ƶ Symphony Orchestra, with conductors Soo Han and Michael Stern. The �鶹��Ƶ Symphony Orchestra will feature three winners of the 2025 �鶹��Ƶ Concerto Competition: Bolun Zhang (piano) will perform the third movement of Saint-Saëns' Piano Concerto No. 2 in G Minor; Nathan Plapinger (euphonium) will perform the first movement of Cosma's Euphonium Concerto; and Kai Shi (piano) will perform the first movement of Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major.

May Studio Series
School of Dance
Tuesday, May 6, at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, de Laski Performing Arts Building, Dance Performance Studio
Enjoy an evening of student work in one of the School of Dance studios, transformed into an intimate theater.

Dewberry School of Music Honors Recital
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Saturday, May 10, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
The Honors Recital is a premier recital opportunity for Dewberry School of Music exceptional student performers in the vocal, instrumental, and piano areas. These outstanding student artists (soloists and chamber musicians) have been selected for this prestigious Honors Recital by audition.

American Festival Pops Orchestra: Armed Forces Day Celebration
Saturday, May 17, at 8 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Center
Commemorate Armed Forces Day with a patriotic musical tribute performed by the American Festival Pops Orchestra in collaboration with �鶹��Ƶ’s Veterans and the Arts Initiative. The orchestra will perform a salute to the community’s veterans featuring the music of Barber, Copland, and John Williams, plus other patriotic classics. Special guests Anthony J. Maiello and Darden Purcell join Maestro Wilson and the orchestra.

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Patricia King is May Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 15:47:05 +0000

Patricia King is May Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Wed, 04/23/2025 - 11:47

For the past two years, Patricia King has been the office manager in Research and Innovation Initiatives in the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact (ORIEI). During that time, she has taken on incredible amounts of responsibility with ease and revolutionized the office. Her Employee of the Month nomination included nine letters of support from her colleagues.

President Gregory Washington with May Employee of the Month Patricia King. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“If ORIEI had its own employee of the month award, Patricia would have been a worthy choice in almost any month over the last two years. As much as any employee I have worked with in 14+ years at George �鶹��Ƶ, Patricia's daily conduct and demeanor exemplify integrity, careful stewardship, and thriving together,” said Christopher DiTeresi, associate vice president for Office of Research Integrity and Assurance (ORIA).

Rebekah Hersch, associate vice president of Research and Innovation Initiatives, said, “You know when you interact with Patricia, you will be met with graciousness and an openness to address your question or concern.”

David Myers, animal care program manager for ORIA, echoed Hersch’s praise “For the two years I have been working with Patricia, I have been very fortunate to have the support she brings to my unit. Patricia is extremely hard-working, dedicated, friendly, and supportive. She has always responded with enthusiasm and a smile even when I knew she already had a bunch of other tasks on her plate.”

“Patricia listens attentively to our problems, engages in thoughtful discussions on best practices and solutions, and keeps us informed every step of the way,” said Peng Warweg, assistant director of research operations in the Center for Advancing Human-Machine Partnership. “On numerous occasions, we had faced situations where new knowledge and skills were needed. Patricia takes on these challenges by seeking advice from experts or learning new skills on her own.”

Andre Marshall, ORIEI vice president, said, “Ms. King has provided leadership during an incredibly difficult time of transition... She has been critical to our continued support of researchers throughout the university.”

“Patricia consistently demonstrates exceptional work ethic and integrity by going above and beyond to support and help her colleagues. When I reach out to Patricia with a question about a process or adjacent office matter, Patricia doesn’t simply tell me what I need to do, she initiates the legwork and provides a personal introduction to the person with whom I need to connect,” said Heather Arnold, research development associate, who also called working with Patricia “a bright spot in my work week.”

Alison Landsberg, a professor in the Department of History and Art History and director of the Center for Humanities Research (CHR), said, “I’ve worked on a range of tasks with Patricia and in every case she has performed above and beyond expectations. We at the CHR have benefited enormously from her ever-growing skillset, and her positive attitude. �鶹��Ƶ is lucky to have her!”“Over the years that we have worked together, I found Patricia to be a dependable, honest, and enthusiastic colleague. Even in these times of change and uncertainty, Patricia manages to stay on track with deadlines, ensuring the ORIEI units continue to operate efficiently. She is currently supporting three large units under ORIEI which is an incredibly heavy lift!” said Heather Aleknavage, administrative assistant and project coordinator in the Office of Risk, Safety, and Resilience.

How did you come to �鶹��Ƶ:

I came to �鶹��Ƶ after 12 years working in the Virginia Community College System. I was excited by the opportunity to work with and support research at �鶹��Ƶ. I grew up in Northern Virginia and was very much aware of George �鶹��Ƶ’s excellent reputation and was particularly attracted to the idea of supporting the amazing research work being done by the university.

Best day on the job:

My best day on the job was the day I found out I would be receiving this award. I was very surprised, and I am deeply touched that members of the team I support took time from their very busy schedules to submit nominations on my behalf. I am grateful to work with my team and deeply appreciate this award.

What do you like best about working at �鶹��Ƶ:

What I like best about working at �鶹��Ƶ would be the employees and students I work with. My colleagues are brilliant, professional, and kind people. Respect and kindness are modeled by the leadership in ORIEI, and they set the tone and serve as examples for our employee team. We support each other and work to help each other be successful in our jobs. I frequently work with other George �鶹��Ƶ offices, and I have been fortunate to meet many good people who are willing to help when needed and are happy to collaborate. Working with the student employees is also very rewarding. Our student employees bring energy and fresh ideas with them and are a joy to work with.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

I love to read. I also enjoy puzzles and board games. I am a novice knitter. I love both cats and dogs, and enjoy spending time with my feline companion Louie, and my grand dog Rodeo. I love music and I collect vinyl records. I enjoy genealogy, and I am a big fan of Finding Your Roots with Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. I also enjoy UK comedy panel shows.

Nominate a colleague for Employee of the Month

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George �鶹��Ƶ Retirees: October 2024 to April 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 13:47:31 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ Retirees: October 2024 to April 2025 Lauren Reuscher Wed, 04/23/2025 - 09:47

Congratulations to the �鶹��Ƶ faculty and staff retirees from October 2024 to April 2025. The list below includes retirees, the department from which they retired, and years of service.

We hope you’ll come back to visit sometimes. Once a Patriot, always a Patriot!

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

October 2024

Mary Liles, School of Art, 5 years, 6 months

Wendy Watkins, Office of University Audit, 7 years

November 2024

Robert Counts, Office of University Registrar, 30 years, 1 month

Stephen Morehouse, Student Centers, 16 years, 4 months

December 2024

Jane Barton, Antonin Scalia Law School, 32 years, 1 month

Daryl Corley, �鶹��Ƶ Enterprise, 5 years

Dennis Herring, Facilities and Campus Operations, 32 years, 5 months

January 2025

Corinne Hurst, Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact, 32 years, 3 months

Julie Roberts, Department of Economics, 9 years, 3 months

February 2025

Maria Amaya de Amya, Housing and Residence Life, 15 years

John Arnett, Information Technology Services, 32 years, 11 months

Robert Baker, School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management, 19 years, 5 months

Orrin (Tony) Barton, University Police, 25 years, 5 months

Michael Briggs, Information Technology Services, 20 years, 4 months

Magdaleno Castillo, Facilities and Campus Operations, 9 years, 7 months

Calvin Chandler, University Police, 21 years

Cheng Cheu, Information Technology Services, 25 years, 2 months

Manuel De Paz Hernandez, Housing and Residence Life, 15 years

Deborah Goodings, College of Engineering and Computing, 15 years, 4 months

Wally Grotophorst, University Libraries, 42 years, 5 months

David Hart, Schar School of Policy and Government, 20 years, 5 months

Nina Joshi, Counseling and Psychological Services, 27 years, 1 month

Mills Kelly, Department of History and Art History, 23 years, 4 months

Linda �鶹��Ƶ, Kellar Institute for Human disAbilities, 7 years, 4 months

Curtis McNay, Information Technology Services, 25 years, 10 months

Debbie Penny, Information Technology Services, 34 years, 9 months

Art Pyster, College of Engineering and Computing, 8 years, 5 months

Joyce Rose, College of Engineering and Computing, 21 years, 7 months

Louise Shelley, Schar School of Policy and Government, 17 years, 5 months

John Stout, Center for Earth Observing and Spatial Research, 26 years, 9 months

Clare Talbert, Kellar Institute for Human disAbilities, 29 years, 1 month

March 2025

Jeanette Blanchard, Information Technology Services, 39 years, 1 month

Timothy Caldecott, GMU-TV, 12 years

Christina Lehnertz, Office of International Programs and Services, 19 years

Susan Muller, Smithsonian–�鶹��Ƶ School of Conservation, 16 years, 6 months

April 2025

Naomi Arlund, Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations, 18 years, 10 months

Dolores Horn, Department of Cyber Security Engineering, 19 years, 7 months

Dina Lozano, Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center, 25 years, 5 months

Cheryl Medina, Department of Modern and Classical Languages, 17 years, 6 months

Warren Prescott, Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center, 16 years, 11 months

Joyce Price, University Libraries, 19 years, 1 month

Dennis Stater, Biomedical Research Lab, 14 years, 8 months

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Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of April 22, 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 13:47:55 +0000

Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of April 22, 2025 Lauren Reuscher Fri, 04/18/2025 - 09:47

Faculty/Staff Announcements

Have something to share? Review announcement guidelines and submit an announcement from your unit through the online form.

Campus Updates

Campus Notice: �鶹��Ƶ Day Is Friday, April 25

�鶹��Ƶ will celebrate �鶹��Ƶ Day on Friday, April 25, from 3–10 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus. The event will feature a carnival with rides, games, treats, food trucks, inflatables, novelties, and performances. Admission is free for students, faculty, and staff with a valid George �鶹��Ƶ ID. Guest tickets are available at the EagleBank Arena box office.

The event will take place from 3–10 p.m. in Parking Lots L and A near EagleBank Arena. Plan your trip with shop�鶹��Ƶ’s guide to �鶹��Ƶ Day.

Parking and Traffic Advisory
Expect increased traffic on and around the Fairfax Campus. Lot L will be closed from Sunday, April 20, at 11 p.m. through Sunday, April 27. The western side of Lot A will be closed starting on Tuesday, April 22, at 1 p.m., and will reopen Sunday, April 27. Po River Lane between Roanoke River Road and Lot A will be closed on Friday, April 25.

Signage has been posted in affected areas. Any vehicles left in Lot L after 11 p.m. on Sunday, April 20, will be relocated at the owner’s risk and expense. If you have purchased a daily, weekly, or monthly Lot L and K permit, please park in Lot K during this time. Get more details from Parking and Transportation.

Celebration of Student Scholarship and Impact

The event will feature poster presentations, musical performances, videos, food trucks, and more. This event is presented by the Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR).

Patriot Packout: April 21 to May 14

Bike to �鶹��Ƶ Is Back

Celebrate Earth Month by biking to campus for Bike to �鶹��Ƶ Days on Tuesday, April 22 (Fairfax Campus), and Thursday, April 24 (�鶹��Ƶ Square). Enjoy free food and drinks, get helpful biking tips, and connect with fellow George �鶹��Ƶ cyclists. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just getting started, this is your chance to embrace sustainable commuting. RSVP to secure your spot and perks.

April Is Earth Month

Join University Sustainability and Facilities and Campus Operations, along with many campus partners, for fun, educational, and engaging activities and events during Earth Month. Learn about Zero Waste �鶹��Ƶ, Patriot Packout, the Patriot Green Fund, sustainable agriculture on campus, the Better Bins Preview, enhancements to recycling and composting, and much more. Make a sustainable impact, celebrate success, and learn about ongoing initiatives and how you can get involved. Visit University Sustainability’s Earth Month page for details.

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Resources for You

Celebrate Commencement with the Alumni Association

The Alumni Association invites the �鶹��Ƶ Nation to upcoming events to celebrate the Class of 2025. Check the full list of events for registration and ticket information, if applicable.

Cinema on the Plaza: Mamma Mia!

Travel Well Vaccine Clinic: Vaccines for International Travelers

The Travel Well Vaccine Clinic provides travelers with a convenient opportunity to get up-to-date on routine vaccines and receive any recommended travel-specific immunizations. The clinic will take place on Tuesday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Peterson Hall, Population Health Center. Advance registration is required. Sign up today. This clinic is organized by Employee Health and Well-Being.

�鶹��Ƶ Square Markets

�鶹��Ƶ Square Markets have returned for the spring season. Community members will find goodies such as handmade items, sweet treats, art, and more, while enjoying performances from local musicians.

Upcoming dates include Tuesday, April 22, and Tuesday, May 27, from 3–7 p.m. The market is hosted by �鶹��Ƶ Square and �鶹��Ƶ Dining in collaboration with Arlington Economic Development.

Seed Library at Fenwick

Axe-Throwing with Alumni Association

Join the Alumni Association for the next Engage Patriots in Conversation (EPIC) event, and enjoy an afternoon of connecting with others in the George �鶹��Ƶ community in a fun, relaxed setting! This family-friendly event is open to alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends.

EPIC Axe-Throwing
Sunday, April 27, 2–5 p.m.
The Farm Brewery at Broad Run (16015 John Marshall Highway, Broad Run, Virginia)

The event will start with networking while enjoying food and beverages. Then, those who sign up for axe-throwing will take some turns in the Big Axe Barn. There's nothing like throwing an axe at a wooden wall to relieve stress at the end of a long week. Purchase tickets.

Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George �鶹��Ƶ

‘Spheres of Engagement’
Tuesday, April 22, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Fenwick Library, Main Reading Room
Spheres of Engagement is an innovative and collaborative performance project between the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music and the University Libraries Special Collections Research Center. The Spheres Project, a collaborative music ensemble, will perform new student compositions inspired by the Special Collections Research Center. Spheres of Engagement is coordinated by June Huang, director of the Spheres Project; Cindy Badilla-Meléndez, music and media librarian; and Andrea Reinkemeyer, director of composition. A reception will follow. Free admission.

Exhibit: ‘Cross-Pollination’
Open through April 25
Fairfax Campus, Fenwick Library, Fenwick Gallery
Held in conjunction with the opening of the Seed Library at Fenwick, Cross-Pollination explores the relationship between the earth’s natural elements and the creative process, featuring works by George �鶹��Ƶ faculty. This exhibition draws on both the literal and metaphorical meanings of cross-pollination, emphasizing the continuous exchange between the organic world and artistic creation.

Exhibition: ‘Offerings to the Potomac—Acknowledging Indigenous Place’
Fairfax Campus, Buchanan Hall, Atrium Gallery
Curated by Gabrielle Tayac and Public History in Action students. Co-curated and designed by �鶹��Ƶ Exhibitions.
This exhibition grew out of the “IndigenoUs Northern Virginia: Activating Local and Diasporic Native Identities at �鶹��Ƶ” project of Alison Landsberg and Gabrielle Tayac. “Indigenous Northern Virginia” began with a Summer Research Institute of students who connected with diverse indigenous communities in Northern Virginia through experiential listening and dialogue. Join a closing reception for this exhibit on Thursday, April 24, from 7–9 p.m. in the Buchanan Hall Atrium Gallery.

�鶹��Ƶ Artist Alley
Sunday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall
Stop by an art convention featuring more than 60 student artists selling self-made creations like stickers, prints, zines, jewelry, and more. Fun art activities and beautiful, one-of-a-kind artwork will be available. This family-friendly day of fun is free and open to the public, so come support our student artists.

International Jazz Day
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Wednesday, April 30, at 8 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Center
Share the vibrancy and vitality of jazz music with �鶹��Ƶ Jazz students and faculty. George �鶹��Ƶ’s Jazz Studies celebrates International Jazz Day with performances by the �鶹��Ƶ Jazz Ensemble, �鶹��Ƶ Jazz Vocal Ensemble, Steel Pan Ensemble, Braddock Road Brass Band, and Jazz Combo I.

‘Spring: Dance Innovations’
George �鶹��Ƶ School of Dance
Friday, May 2, at 2 p.m.
Saturday, May 3, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
The creative School of Dance students present their own choreography. Always relevant and fresh, this evening of adjudicated works will have something for everyone.

May Studio Series 2025
School of Dance
Tuesday, May 6, at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, de Laski Performing Arts Building, Dance Performance Studio
Enjoy an evening of student work in one of the School of Dance studios, transformed into an intimate theater.

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Campus Notice: �鶹��Ƶ Day is Friday, April 25

Lauren Reuscher — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 13:36:46 +0000

Campus Notice: �鶹��Ƶ Day is Friday, April 25 Lauren Reuscher Fri, 04/18/2025 - 09:36

The event will take place from 3–10 p.m. in Parking Lots L and A near EagleBank Arena. Plan your trip with shop�鶹��Ƶ’s guide to �鶹��Ƶ Day.

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Remembering William Reeder, College of Visual and Performing Arts founding dean

Colleen Rich — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 18:07:14 +0000

Remembering William Reeder, College of Visual and Performing Arts founding dean Colleen Rich Thu, 04/17/2025 - 14:07

William Reeder, the founding dean of �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), died April 12, 2025, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 80.

William Reeder. Photo provided

Reeder joined George �鶹��Ƶ in 2001 to lead the newly formed college after a distinguished career as an operatic tenor and arts administrator. Prior to joining George �鶹��Ƶ, Reeder served as vice president and general manager of the Washington Performing Arts Society, executive director of the Levine School of Music in Washington, D.C., president of the Saint Louis Conservatory of Music, and executive director of Opera Music Theatre International.

For eight years, Reeder was a leading operatic tenor in the Zurich Opera Company. As a professional singer, he performed more than 40 leading tenor roles in 15 major opera houses throughout Europe.

Through his efforts, the college grew its operating budget from $9 million to $30 million and oversaw the development of $150 million in new facilities, fueled by both philanthropic and public investment.

Reeder had a hand in physically transforming the arts landscape on the Fairfax Campus, securing for CVPA the planned Academic V facility, now known as the award-winning Art and Design Building, and coordinating philanthropic, state, and university support for the de Laski Performing Arts Building addition and renovation of what became the Music Theater Building.

Some say his crowning achievement was the successful realization of a long-held community vision for an arts center serving Manassas and Prince William County—the Hylton Performing Arts Center on the Science and Technology Campus.

“Bill's tenacious, loquacious, always-optimistic advocacy, expressed in countless breakfast meetings in diners, neighborhood gatherings, political forums, and rounds of golf with prospective supporters, led to the creation of the Hylton Performing Arts Center,” said CVPA Dean Rick Davis. “At times it seemed as if Bill was almost single-handedly willing the center into existence—but it was really his tireless behind-the-scenes coordination of university, civic, and volunteer energy that carried the day.”

Davis said Reeder was honored for his accomplishment at the Hylton Center’s fifth Anniversary Gala in 2015.

“At this year's gala, we will take a moment—or three—to remember Bill's foundational contributions,” Davis said.

Reeder also held the Heritage Chair of Cultural Criticism and was named a Virginia Eminent Scholar.

After stepping down as dean in 2015, he continued to teach at George �鶹��Ƶ as a faculty member in the Arts Management Program, one of three new academic programs (including Film and Video Studies and Computer Game Design Programs) launched under his leadership. These programs have helped shape CVPA into the comprehensive arts college that it is today.

“Bill will be remembered for his energetic and passionate advocacy for artists of all kinds and at every stage of their journeys,” said Davis. “I will always be grateful for his friendship and mentorship over 25 years of personal and professional collaboration.”

Details regarding memorial arrangements are forthcoming.

The college is inviting the university community to share memories and photographs of Reeder through this form.

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Faculty and Staff News

College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)

Outstanding Achievement Awards honor the dedication of faculty and staff

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 18:52:55 +0000

Outstanding Achievement Awards honor the dedication of faculty and staff Lauren Reuscher Wed, 04/16/2025 - 14:52

�鶹��Ƶ’s Outstanding Achievement Awards celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of faculty and staff in support of the university's values and mission. Awards are sponsored by Human Resources and other university departments.

A ceremony honoring this year’s awardees was hosted on the Fairfax Campus on Tuesday, April 15. View the complete list of award recipients.

John Crocker of Risk, Safety, and Resilience received a Presidential Citation for his service to a fellow employee during a medical emergency. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

This year’s awards included several new categories and garnered a 146% increase in nominations compared to last year, reflecting the university’s culture of engagement and appreciation. Learn more about Reward and Recognition programs at George �鶹��Ƶ.

The Sustainability Hero Award acknowledges the contributions of individuals and teams who have gone the extra mile to seek creative solutions that have promoted healthy, sustainable living or reduced George �鶹��Ƶ’s environmental impacts.

Makenzie Gold Quiros, Housing and Residence Life, received the Sustainability Hero Award. Photo provided

Sustainability Hero Award

Makenzie Gold Quiros, Assistant Director of Housing Operations and Special Projects, Housing and Residence Life

Makenzie Gold Quiros was recognized for leadership, collaboration, and partnership with Patriot Packout, the annual campus move-out program that helps divert items from the waste stream and reallocates them to those who can use them. Donations include household items, food, clothing, and more.

Gold Quiros played an instrumental role in integrating Patriot Packout into Housing and Residence Life operations. Collaborating with members of the Patriot Packout planning committee to develop marketing and educational materials about the program, Gold Quiros' efforts helped spread the word among residential students.

The result was increased awareness and participation in the program. In 2024, Patriot Packout received more than 13,000 pounds of donations, more than double the amount received in 2023 (5,700 pounds).

“Makenzie’s incredible leadership to grow and integrate Patriot Packout within Housing and Residence Life operations dramatically improved the amount of goods and supplies diverted away from trash incineration, reducing the university’s environmental impacts while putting useful donations into the hands of George �鶹��Ƶ Patriots,” said Colleen Regan, zero waste specialist with University Sustainability.

New this year, the Wage Employee Service Award recognizes non-student wage staff who have consistently demonstrated excellence, dedication, and exceptional organizational citizenship, contributing significantly to the university's operations and mission.

Rose Aubery, Office of Admissions, received the Wage Employee Service Award. Photo provided

Wage Employee Service Award

Rose Aubery, Transfer Admissions Assistant, Office of Admissions

Rose Aubery has served as an invaluable resource for prospective transfer students, offering personalized guidance through the complex transfer process. Aubery’s unwavering commitment to supporting students—especially those balancing work, family, and personal challenges—has made a lasting impact.

Putting students first, Aubery ensures that every student she assists receives tailored support and clear, accurate information. She helps them understand the admissions process, explains pathways to a degree, and empowers students in their journey to higher education.

“Rose is a source of positivity and helps many students find their way to a bachelor’s degree at George �鶹��Ƶ, students for whom higher education might otherwise not be an option,” said Melissa Bevacqua, director of admissions for transfer recruitment in the Office of Admissions. “Her work is impactful and makes a difference for students, for our team, and our university.”

Wage Employee Service Award

Susan Bannan, Recruitment Specialist, Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations

Susan Bannan, Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations, received the Wage Employee Service Award. Photo provided

Susan Bannan has transformed talent recruitment in her office by streamlining operations, reducing external search costs, and improving the candidate experience. Her proactive, customer-focused approach has supported George �鶹��Ƶ’s billion-dollar campaign, �鶹��Ƶ Now, and contributed to long-term talent retention.

“One of Susan's most notable contributions is her unwavering commitment to ensuring that candidates have a positive experience with �鶹��Ƶ,” said Sara Snyder, associate vice president for administration and finance in the Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations.

“She meticulously manages the recruitment process, providing clear communication and support at every stage. Her efforts have resulted in a seamless and enjoyable experience for candidates, which has been instrumental in attracting top talent,” said Snyder.

Learn more about Reward and Recognition at George �鶹��Ƶ

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Outstanding Achievement Awards

Announcing the recipients of the 2025 Presidential Awards for Faculty Excellence

Lauren Reuscher — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 14:49:41 +0000

Announcing the recipients of the 2025 Presidential Awards for Faculty Excellence Lauren Reuscher Mon, 04/14/2025 - 10:49

�鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington has announced the recipients of the 2025 Presidential Awards for Faculty Excellence, honoring 12 George �鶹��Ƶ faculty members for their work on behalf of the university, students, and the broader community.

The awards honor faculty with up to six years of service, six to 12 years of service, and more than 12 years of service.

This is the ninth year for the Presidential Awards for Faculty Excellence. Recipients are selected by a review committee that includes prior award recipients and senior leaders from relevant areas. They will be honored at a reception May 13.

“Faculty excellence is an undeniable reason why George �鶹��Ƶ is consistently ranked as one the country’s top 50 public universities,” President Gregory Washington said. “We honor these faculty members’ scholarship and dedication to help students achieve their highest potential with the university’s highest faculty recognition.”

The John Toups Presidential Medal for Excellence in Teaching is presented to a faculty member whose teaching inspires and stimulates students in the finest tradition of higher education.

The Beck Family Presidential Medal for Excellence in Research recognizes extraordinary contributions by members of the �鶹��Ƶ faculty to consequential research of high impact. The award is presented annually to a George �鶹��Ƶ faculty member whose research represents groundbreaking advances in their field.

The United Bank Presidential Medal for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion recognizes extraordinary contributions in teaching, research, scholarship, creative works, or service that directly advances diversity and inclusion inside and outside the George �鶹��Ƶ community.

The Earle C. Williams Presidential Medal for Excellence in Social Impact is presented to a faculty member in any discipline who makes extraordinary efforts to use their scholarship to solve real-world problems.

The complete list of 2025 honorees is below. See prior recipients for 2017 to 2024.

Bethany Cieslowski

Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award Recipient

Bethany Cieslowski

Chief Innovation Officer for Immersive Technologies and Instructional Associate Professor, School of Nursing

Bethany Cieslowski joined the faculty of the School of Nursing as an instructional faculty member in 2021. She serves as the chief innovation officer for immersive technologies and the bachelor of science in nursing director in the College of Public Health. Since 2017, when she received the Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) certification, she has devoted herself to educating the nursing workforce of the future using simulation and technology. Cieslowski has been a pioneer at George �鶹��Ƶ in the use of virtual reality (VR) simulations that immerse students in clinical nursing scenarios. To aid this effort she established the College of Public Health’s VR SIM lab, which is the first lab in the country to receive accreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare for the use of immersive technologies in medical scenarios.

Angela Miller

John Toups Presidential Medal for Excellence in Teaching Recipient

Angela Miller

Associate Professor, College of Education and Human Development

Angela Miller is an associate professor in the College of Education and Human Development. Her primary teaching focus is on quantitative research methods. She has taught 13 different courses in her time at George �鶹��Ƶ, and she took the lead in redesigning the research methods curriculum for PhD students and developed three new courses to that end. While her own teaching has been focused on the graduate level, she took a lead role in developing, teaching, and now mentoring graduate students and other faculty in an undergraduate statistics course that is part of the �鶹��Ƶ Core for Quantitative Reasoning. Miller makes deliberate efforts to tailor her instruction to the unique needs of her students and she consistently receives outstanding evaluations. She has made significant contributions to graduate mentoring, having chaired six dissertation committees, served as the methodologist on an additional 18 dissertation committees, and chaired six MA thesis committees, as well as an additional 16 MA capstone projects. She was also a recipient of the 2017 �鶹��Ƶ Teaching Excellence Award.

Weiwen Jiang

Faculty Excellence in Research Award Recipient

Weiwen Jiang

Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department

Weiwen Jiang, an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering and Computing, received his PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 2019 and spent two years at the University of Notre Dame as a postdoctoral researcher. Jiang’s research is in the relatively new field of quantum computing, which uses quantum mechanics to enable computers to solve more complicated problems. Jiang’s research has important applications. For example, one of his recent papers combines quantum computational techniques with machine learning to solve problems relating to the discovery of new medicines. Jiang has an impressive research record of top-tier conference presentations and publications, some of which are in the most selective journals in his field (Nature Communications, Nature Electronics, Scientific Reports).

Xuesu Xiao

Faculty Excellence in Research Award Recipient

Xuesu Xiao

Assistant Professor, Computer Science Department

Xuesu Xiao received his PhD in Computer Science in 2019 from Texas A&M University, and after three years in industry as a roboticist with Everyday Robots, an Alphabet/Google company, he joined the Computer Science Department in the College of Engineering and Computing. His research aims to develop intelligent mobile robots that can navigate in challenging terrain with minimal human oversight. His cutting-edge work in the field of social robot navigation seeks to develop robots that can navigate human-occupied public spaces safely while respecting social norms. At George �鶹��Ƶ, he established the RobotiXX Lab, in which he works with postdocs, graduate students, and high school students to develop deployable robots. An outstanding researcher, he was awarded the New Generation Star recognition at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Conference on Robotics and Automation.

Aarthi Narayanan

Faculty Excellence in Research Award Recipient

Aarthi Narayanan

Professor, Biology Department

Aarthi Narayanan joined the George �鶹��Ƶ faculty as a tenure-line faculty in 2013 after spending six years at the National Centre for Biosecurity and Infectious Disease. She is currently a professor in the Biology Department in the College of Science. Her research focuses on the impact of viruses–including SARS-CoV-2, Ebola, Dengue, and HIV–on disease progression at the tissue and cell level. Her work has led to important discoveries in vaccine development, drug discovery, and biomarker identification for infectious diseases. Narayanan has an exceptional record of publications and external funding for her research. Moreover, she has been an exemplary citizen of the university and her profession. She has been a dedicated mentor to emerging scientists in academic and industry settings; a leader in mentoring junior faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and students; a vital contributor to curriculum development for undergraduate and graduate programs; and dedicated to outreach to the local community, participating in STEM programs for girls.

Allison Redlich

The Beck Family Presidential Medal for Faculty Excellence in Research Recipient

Allison Redlich

Professor, Criminology, Law and Society Department

Founder and Director, Modeling Decision-Making in the Legal System (MoDiLS) Lab

Allison Redlich is a professor in the Department of Criminology, Law and Society in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and is the founder and director of George �鶹��Ƶ’s Modeling Decision-Making in the Legal System (MoDiLS) Lab. Her research is deeply interdisciplinary. Trained in psychology, she brings insights from that field to address critical issues facing the legal system. For example, she has published influential research about interrogations and confessions in police and military contexts. This scholarship has been widely cited in amicus briefs to states and the Supreme Court, and Redlich herself has provided expert testimony in important cases involving contested confessions. She has produced similarly influential research on topics such as guilty pleas and mental health courts. Her work is credited with transforming scholarly thinking on these topics, and by all accounts is having a significant impact on current practices within the legal system. A prolific scholar and researcher, she has been elected a Fellow to the three most influential organizations in her academic fields: the American Psychological Association, the Association for Psychological Science, and the Academy of Experimental Criminology. Redlich has also distinguished herself as a mentor and has received mentoring awards from George �鶹��Ƶ and from the American Society of Criminology and the American Psychology-Law Society.

Daphne King

Faculty Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award Recipient

Daphne King

Assistant Professor, Social Work Department

Daphne King joined the faculty at George �鶹��Ƶ’s Department of Social Work in the College of Public Health in 2020 as an assistant professor and also serves as the MSW Online Program director. Prior to arriving at George �鶹��Ƶ, she had an impactful career as a social worker working with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, with homeless and incarcerated populations, and in school social work settings. King’s scholarship and national contributions focus on the intersection of social work practice, clinician identity, and pedagogical strategies. Within the Social Work Department at George �鶹��Ƶ, she has been proactive in providing leadership in course development, course refresh processes, and faculty training, particularly around online teaching to ensure that there is adequate support for diverse learners in digital and hybrid learning environments.

Janani Umamaheswar

Faculty Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award Recipient

Janani Umamaheswar

Associate Professor, Criminology, Law and Society

Janani Umamaheswar joined the Department of Criminology, Law and Society in 2021 as an assistant professor in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She is also an affiliate faculty member in the Women and Gender Studies Program. She is an accomplished scholar whose research addresses issues relating to social inequality, punishment and incarceration, and qualitative research methods. In her teaching she makes a point to include a broad range of perspectives on whatever subject matter she is teaching, and in her course design she creates assessment methods that give students of diverse backgrounds and viewpoints the opportunity to share their learning in different modalities. She has also created experiential co-curricular activities designed to help students grasp issues relating to inequality. For example, she worked with the Douglass Project, the country’s foremost prison visitation program, to take George �鶹��Ƶ graduate students for a guided dialogue session in the Washington, D.C., jail. She has been an active member of the mentoring programs run by multiple divisions of the American Society of Criminology.

Jacqueline McDowell

United Bank Presidential Medal for Faculty Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Recipient

Jacqueline McDowell

Associate Professor, School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management

Assistant Dean for Faculty Success

Jacqueline McDowell is assistant dean for faculty success and associate professor in the School of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management in the College of Education and Human Development. A well-respected scholar, her work focuses primarily on diversity and inclusion in organized sports and recreation organizations. She has published widely in this field, particularly on the experiences of women and sport, such as athletic administrators and coaches. One of her articles was awarded the 2017 President’s Award for Article of Distinction at the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association. In McDowell’s teaching, issues of inclusion are central. She has also been active in advancing inclusion in her professional service, both here at George �鶹��Ƶ and in external professional organizations. For example, she serves on the American Kinesiology Association’s Membership Committee, where she has led efforts to bring more Historically Black Colleges and Universities into the field by developing outreach strategies. Due to the effectiveness of these efforts, she was asked to chair this committee for the American Kinesiology Association.

Margarita Tadevosyan

Faculty Excellence in Social Impact Award Recipient

Margarita Tadevosyan

Research Assistant Professor and Executive Director, Center for Peacemaking Practice, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

Margarita Tadevosyan received her PhD in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from �鶹��Ƶ in 2019 and is a research assistant professor and executive director of the Center for Peacemaking Practice at the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. She is a scholar-practitioner of conflict resolution and local peacebuilding, with a focus on South Caucasus and other post-Soviet areas. Specifically, she focuses on long-term peacebuilding, local conceptions of peace, local practices to build peace, and ways that international and local peacebuilders can work together respectfully. Tadevosyan’s social impact involves fostering dialogue and cooperation between communities that have experienced long-standing conflicts. She has also brought Carter School students into her work as co-planners, co-facilitators, and co-evaluators of conflict resolution and media literacy programs.

Susan Howard

Faculty Excellence in Social Impact Award Recipient

Susan Howard

Instructional Associate Professor, School of Integrative Studies

Susan Howard joined George �鶹��Ƶ as a full-time faculty member in the School of Integrative Studies in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences in 2016. Howard is an educator, behavioral scientist, and entrepreneur-innovator who leverages and humanizes technology for social impact. Her teaching, research, and entrepreneurial focus is broad, ranging from global health to environmental science and design thinking. Her impact beyond the university has come primarily through the free digital gaming platform that her company has produced for an audience of marginalized youth in India and Nepal. The games, which are free to play, are designed to educate youth about the social and public health decisions they face in their own lives. To extend the impact of her work, Howard has formed partnerships with stakeholders in the adolescent health sector, including NGOs, women entrepreneurs, and nonprofits. Howard’s gaming platform, “Games of Choice, Not of Chance,” has received multiple accolades for its work, including the 2024 Innovation Award at the Global Digital Health Summit.

Rebecca Goldin

Earle C. Williams Presidential Medal for Faculty Excellence in Social Impact

Rebecca Goldin

Professor, Mathematical Sciences

Rebecca Goldin is Professor of Mathematics in the Department of Mathematical Sciences in the College of Science. For many years she has served as a driving force behind a global effort aimed at promoting statistical literacy among journalists and connecting the scientific community to the media. In that capacity she has written more than 100 articles, appeared in dozens of high-profile news shows and podcasts (CNN, NPR, ABC News, and PBS), and given a great number of public talks and interviews to audiences at major conferences and mathematics festivals. In addition to her far-reaching communication and outreach efforts, Goldin has done extensive volunteer work locally. Her efforts have been widely recognized by professional organizations in her field. In 2013, she was given the Association for Women in Mathematics Service Award for her contributions to the cause of educating women and girls in mathematics. In 2019, she was named a Fellow of the American Mathematical Society, an extraordinary honor that goes to only a few mathematics scholars per year, for both her scholarly contributions to the field of differential geometry and for her efforts to promote mathematical and statistical thinking to a wide audience.

�鶹��Ƶ the Presidential Awards for Faculty Excellence

Patricia King is May Employee of the Month
April 30, 2025
Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of April 29, 2025
April 29, 2025
George �鶹��Ƶ Retirees: October 2024 to April 2025
April 25, 2025
Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of April 22, 2025
April 22, 2025
Campus Notice: �鶹��Ƶ Day is Friday, April 25
April 18, 2025

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Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of April 15, 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 15:51:44 +0000

Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of April 15, 2025 Lauren Reuscher Fri, 04/11/2025 - 11:51

Faculty/Staff Announcements

Have something to share? Review announcement guidelines and submit an announcement from your unit through the online form.

Campus Updates

Patriot Packout: April 21 to May 14

Bike to �鶹��Ƶ Is Back

Celebrate Earth Month by biking to campus for Bike to �鶹��Ƶ Days from April 22–24. Enjoy free food and drinks, get helpful biking tips, and connect with fellow George �鶹��Ƶ cyclists. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just getting started, this is your chance to embrace sustainable commuting. RSVP to secure your spot and perks.

Peace Week

In today’s global landscape, persistent conflicts, the escalating impacts of climate change, and the rise of artificial intelligence are significantly posing new dynamics for the stability of our global society. These challenges necessitate a fundamental rethinking of the concept of peace and how it can be achieved and sustained.

Throughout the Carter School’s Spring 2025 Peace Week from April 14–18, participants have the opportunity to engage in a variety of seminars, workshops, and interactive sessions. These activities are designed to present innovative strategies, effective practices, and cutting-edge innovations in the field of conflict resolution. Learn more.

�鶹��Ƶ Energy Forum

The �鶹��Ƶ Energy Forum will address the complex relationship between artificial intelligence (AI), data centers and the data economy, and the changed energy transition environment. It will be a day of panels from leading policy makers, academics, and private-sector players on the energy promises and potential difficulties of AI, as well as local challenges for public resources and engagement.

�鶹��Ƶ Energy Forum
Wednesday, April 23, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
�鶹��Ƶ Square, Van Metre Hall, Room 125
RSVP

This year's keynote speaker is David Sandalow, inaugural fellow, Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University. Sandalow has served in senior positions at the White House, State Department, and U.S. Department of Energy.

Encourage Students to Participate in the Campus Climate Survey

George �鶹��Ƶ faculty and staff should encourage their students to participate in the Campus Climate Survey. Students will have an opportunity to provide feedback and opinions on their experience at George �鶹��Ƶ, providing insights for future developments on campus. The survey should take approximately 10–15 minutes to complete. All respondents are entered in a giveaway for a chance to win �鶹��Ƶ Money, a gift card to the George �鶹��Ƶ Bookstore, or a choice of Dell laptop or MacBook.

April Is Earth Month

�鶹��Ƶ Empty Bowls

Empty Bowls is a grassroots movement by artists in cities around the world to raise money for food-related charities that feed the hungry in their communities. All funds raised through George �鶹��Ƶ Empty Bowls will be donated to the Student Food and Housing Insecurity Fund, which serves George �鶹��Ƶ students experiencing food insecurity.

�鶹��Ƶ Empty Bowls will be hosted on Wednesday, April 30, from 6–9 p.m. at the Center for the Arts on the Fairfax Campus. The event includes dinner, dessert, and sounds of Green and Gold Soul. Guests will choose a handmade bowl to take home as a reminder of the students in our community who struggle with food insecurity. For more information and purchase tickets, visit the website.

Training and Professional Development

Join �鶹��Ƶ 101

To register for an upcoming session:

Go to masonleaps.gmu.edu
Login with your �鶹��Ƶ credentials.
In the search bar in upper right corner of the page, search for “�鶹��Ƶ 101.”
On the screen that opens, click “�鶹��Ƶ 101.”
Available �鶹��Ƶ 101 dates will appear.
Click on the “Request” button next to your preferred training date.

University Life Student Success Symposium

Beyond the Numbers: Reporting through Storytelling

Join the University Life Supervision Collective for the April Manager Meetup: “Beyond the Numbers: Reporting through Storytelling,” on Thursday, April 17, at 2 p.m. This virtual, interactive session will focus on how to leverage storytelling as a reporting tool to better share the success of your team. The conversation will be centered around understanding the components of storytelling, importance of narrative development, and reviewing provided case studies to build understanding. Register. Contact Meeghan Milette with questions.

Resources for You

Travel Well Vaccine Clinic: Vaccines for International Travelers

The clinic will take place on Tuesday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Peterson Hall, Population Health Center. Advance registration is required. Sign up today. This clinic is organized by Employee Health and Well-Being.

Stearns Center Podcast and Raffle

Keystone Concepts in Teaching is a higher education podcast from the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning at �鶹��Ƶ, focused on discussing and sharing impactful teaching strategies that support all students and faculty.

For the month of April, a raffle is available for faculty based in the United States and those based in �鶹��Ƶ Korea. Visit the website for more details and to enter. Submissions close May 1.

Join the Stearns Center for conversations with experienced educators who discuss actionable, impactful, and evidence-based teaching strategies. Podcast episodes are published every other Thursday on the website, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Amazon Music.

�鶹��Ƶ Square Markets

Heal Together

This event will take place across the Fairfax, �鶹��Ƶ Square, and SciTech campuses on Wednesday, April 30. RSVP. Highlights include:

Guided yoga and meditation
Creative spaces and sensory-friendly areas with hands-on activities like painting and coloring
Breakout sessions
Panel discussion exploring Indigenous and non-western healing traditions
A full day of free refreshments, including lunch and morning/afternoon snacks

Seed Library at Fenwick

Take Your Junior Patriot to Work

Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day is Thursday, April 24. Invite the youth in your life to campus to learn what it's like to work at George �鶹��Ƶ. Activities are planned at the �鶹��Ƶ Square, Fairfax, and Science and Technology campuses. Visit the website for guidance on participation, to complete the consent form, and view a schedule of activities. Register by Tuesday, April 22, to give your junior Patriots a peek into life at George �鶹��Ƶ.

Axe-Throwing with Alumni Association

EPIC Axe-Throwing
Sunday, April 27, 2–5 p.m.
The Farm Brewery at Broad Run (16015 John Marshall Highway, Broad Run, Virginia)

Upcoming Performances and Arts Events at George �鶹��Ƶ

Exhibition: ‘Offerings to the Potomac – Acknowledging Indigenous Place’
Fairfax Campus, Buchanan Hall, Atrium Gallery
Curated by Gabrielle Tayac and Public History in Action students. Co-curated and designed by �鶹��Ƶ Exhibitions.
This exhibition grew out of the “IndigenoUs Northern Virginia: Activating Local and Diasporic Native Identities at �鶹��Ƶ” project of Alison Landsberg and Gabrielle Tayac. “Indigenous Northern Virginia” began with a Summer Research Institute of students who connected with diverse indigenous communities in Northern Virginia through experiential listening and dialogue. Join a closing reception for this exhibit on Thursday, April 24, from 7–9 p.m. in the Buchanan Hall Atrium Gallery.

�鶹��Ƶ Opera: ‘27,’ an opera by American composer Ricky Ian Gordon
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
April 25–27, multiple performances
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
Featuring �鶹��Ƶ’s talented vocal students in collaboration with an instrumental chamber ensemble, these live, in-person performances will showcase great vocal skill and dramatic ability. Follow American writer Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas as they weather two wars in their famed Paris home at 27 Rue de Fleurus. As the paintings sing, meet Picasso, Matisse, Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and other great artists and writers who Stein hosted and mentored.

International Jazz Day
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Wednesday, April 30, at 8 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Center
Share the vibrance and vitality of jazz music with �鶹��Ƶ Jazz students and faculty. �鶹��Ƶ’s Jazz Studies celebrates International Jazz Day with performances by the �鶹��Ƶ Jazz Ensemble, �鶹��Ƶ Jazz Vocal Ensemble, Steel Pan Ensemble, Braddock Road Brass Band, and Jazz Combo I.

George �鶹��Ƶ School of Theater: ‘12 Angry Jurors’
April 30 to May 4, multiple performances
Fairfax Campus, de Laski Performing Arts Building, TheaterSpace
Trapped together in a sweltering jury room, the tensions rise along with the heat as 12 ordinary people must decide the guilt or innocence of a young person accused of murder. What begins as a seemingly simple decision becomes more complex as ingrained ideas, systemic racism, and diverging perspectives collide. A thoughtful and poignant look at the consequences of our actions (or lack thereof), this show asks how you determine the truth when faced with a life-or-death decision.

Virginia Opera: ‘Loving v. Virginia’
Saturday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 4, at 2 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Virginia Opera and Richmond Symphony present the the highly anticipated world premiere of Loving v. Virginia. A young couple's interracial marriage in 1958 sparks a case that leads to the Supreme Court and a victory for civil rights in the United States. This operatic retelling is based on the true story of Mildred and Richard Loving.

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Remembering George �鶹��Ƶ’s former vice president and chief operating officer Maurice “Morrie” Scherrens

Katarina Benson — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 16:23:49 +0000

Remembering George �鶹��Ƶ’s former vice president and chief operating officer Maurice “Morrie” Scherrens Katarina Benson Wed, 04/09/2025 - 12:23

Maurice “Morrie” Scherrens, a beloved educator, collegiate athletics official, and transformational leader in higher education, died on April 6, 2025, at the age of 76. He served as president of Newberry College in South Carolina and previously as senior vice president and chief operating officer at �鶹��Ƶ.

Maurice Scherrens. Photo provided

"Throughout his life, Morrie was guided by a deep commitment to students, ethical leadership, and the transformative power of education,” said Tom Hennessey, former chief of staff to President Alan Merten, “He embodied the best of �鶹��Ƶ."

Scherrens spent more than 30 years at George �鶹��Ƶ, where he played a central role in the university’s rise to national prominence. As senior vice president, he helped lead George �鶹��Ƶ through a period of extraordinary growth and innovation. He also taught ethics and graduate-level finance courses and mentored countless students. In recognition of his leadership, he was named CFO of the Year for large nonprofit organizations in 2009 by Virginia Business magazine.

Among his proudest George �鶹��Ƶ memories was witnessing the men’s basketball team’s thrilling run to the NCAA Final Four in 2006—a moment that united the university community and reflected his lifelong love of athletics. Scherrens was a dedicated fan as well as a longtime NCAA football and basketball official. In addition to officiating countless high-stakes games, he served as an official in the Fiesta Bowl, one of college football's most prestigious postseason matchups—a testament to the respect he earned across the national athletics community.

He believed deeply in the role of athletics in building character and community and was an advocate for increased recreational opportunities for students. During his tenure, the Aquatic and Fitness Center was renovated in 2007, Skyline Fitness Center opened in 2008, and the Recreation and Athletic Complex (the RAC, formerly the PE Building) was renovated in 2009.

In 2012, he became the 22nd president of Newberry College, where he led the institution through a transformative era. His tenure was marked by expanded academic offerings, increased enrollment, enhanced campus infrastructure, and a culture that placed students at the center of every decision.

Scherrens’ own academic journey reflected his devotion to learning. He earned an EdD from the University of Southern California, a JD from The George Washington University, and an MBA from Central Michigan University—credentials that informed his wide-ranging leadership and teaching throughout his career.

Kingsley Haynes, founder of what is now the Schar School of Public Policy and Government and a longtime colleague of Scherrens, noted, "Morrie lived with vision, humility, and a profound sense of responsibility to others. His legacy will live on in the institutions he shaped, the students he inspired, and the countless lives he touched."

Scherrens shared his personal and professional journey with his wife, Sandy Scherrens, who also served the George �鶹��Ƶ community with distinction as vice president for University Life. Together, they dedicated their lives to serving students and advancing education. They were inducted into the �鶹��Ƶ Recreation Hall of Fame in 2024.

He is survived by his wife and their four children.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Wiles Chapel at Newberry College in Newberry, South Carolina.

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