Faculty and Staff News

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Nash is November Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 21:24:27 +0000

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Nash is November Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Tue, 10/28/2025 - 17:24

Jacquelyn (Jackie) Nash is the associate director for �鶹��Ƶ Undergraduate Education's University Studies Program and has been a part of the department since 2008. From teaching the first UNIV College to Career course in 1998 to her responsibilities today, she has been an essential part of University Studies. She is also an alumna, having earned her MEd in Counseling and Development from George �鶹��Ƶ. For her ability to do it all, while championing kindness and positivity, Nash has been named November Employee of the Month.

“Having worked with Jackie for the past 15 years, I have seen firsthand her exceptional dedication, professionalism, and deep commitment to student success,” said Elena Chiru, director of career advising in University Career Services.

Rachel E. Lindsey, assistant director of career education in University Career Services, said, “Since I began in my role, Jackie has been my “go-to”—a source of expertise, sharing institutional knowledge and providing thorough, thoughtful (and timely!) answers to even my most frustrating and complicated questions. She remains an invaluable thought partner in navigating complex issues.”

“Jackie is a dedicated partner to many faculty and staff members who teach UNIV courses,” said Ann Garner, assistant director of career advising in University Career Services. “She deserves to be recognized for the commitment she exhibits every single day to George �鶹��Ƶ students and the larger George �鶹��Ƶ community!”

Katie Clare, director of well-being programs, said, “Jackie is a long-time George �鶹��Ƶ employee who is an integral member of the community and who works tirelessly behind the scenes to make things happen.”

Nina Cox, career advisor and career preparation courses instructor, praised Nash’s commitment to making a lasting, positive impact on the George �鶹��Ƶ community.

“Jackie has consistently demonstrated an exceptional commitment to ensuring the smooth operation of the career courses. Her prompt and reliable assistance has been invaluable to me and the students,” said Angelica Newham, career advisor in University Career Services. “Her ability to uplift and inspire those around her is a testament to the positive and collaborative work environment she fosters.”

How did you come to George �鶹��Ƶ:

My first career was in corporate human resources for 11 years. In the fall of 1997, I contacted the University Career Services office to volunteer with job search preparation activities such as resume writing and interview preparation. I instantly loved it and immediately enrolled in [Counseling and Development’s] counseling master’s program. I piloted the first College to Career course in the spring of 1998 and have taught several career and transition UNIV courses since then. After completing the master’s degree, I went on to work toward my doctorate in holistic college student development. For the last 17 years I have been an associate director for the University Studies Program.

Best day on the job:

It is a tie between being thrilled to talk with anyone who will listen about our University Studies Program (this is our 36th year and we have served more than 65,000 George �鶹��Ƶ students!), and any time that I have been able to assist students in their college journey!

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

Hands down, it is the connection with not only students, but especially with fellow �鶹��Ƶ colleagues with whom I have built long-standing and very meaningful collaborations and friendships.

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

Along with being an avid reader (especially all things mystery) and a lifelong backgammon player (other board and card games, as well), I am a devoted sports championship enthusiast. It started with the famous 2006 �鶹��Ƶ Patriots road to the NCAA basketball championship! My favorites are March Madness and the Little League World Series Championship. I also spend as much time with my three grown sons and family as possible.

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3 things to know about Microsoft 365 storage changes at George �鶹��Ƶ

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:22:19 +0000

3 things to know about Microsoft 365 storage changes at George �鶹��Ƶ Lauren Reuscher Thu, 10/23/2025 - 09:22

�鶹��Ƶ is updating its Microsoft 365 storage policies to ensure sustainability and security. For the most up-to-date information and full project details, see the Microsoft 365 Roadmap.

Here are some updates from Information Technology Services (ITS) about what’s changing for students, faculty, and staff.

Illustration by Getty Images

1. Unlimited storage is ending.

ITS conducted a formal review of George �鶹��Ƶ’s Microsoft 365 (M365) system storage and is implementing rolling changes. Vendors are changing their service offerings and storage pricing, no longer offering free, unlimited storage to higher ed institutions.

2. There are new storage quotas by role.

More than 90% of George �鶹��Ƶ users across OneDrive, Exchange, SharePoint, and Teams use under 5GB of storage. Therefore, the new quotas are designed to meet the needs of most users while encouraging better data management. New storage limits have already been implemented and vary based on your role:

Faculty and Staff: 50GB for OneDrive and Exchange; 100GB for SharePoint and Teams
Students: 50GB for OneDrive, 10GB for Exchange; 100GB for SharePoint and Teams
Part-time staff, emeritus faculty, contractors, and affiliates: Lower limits apply

To determine how much storage you are using and to better manage your data, see Managing Microsoft Storage Use.

3. Consider your data retention—and clean up!

To reduce risk and align with university and commonwealth policies, ITS is refining its data lifecycle and retention strategies in consultation with University Records Management.

It is always a good time to declutter. Keeping unnecessary data can pose security and compliance issues. Delete old, duplicate, or unused files to stay within your quota and avoid service disruptions.

Need more help?

These changes are designed to protect your data and ensure long-term sustainability for the university’s digital infrastructure. Reach out to the ITS project team, or join the Collaboration Collective on Microsoft Teams for guidance and updates.

If you would like a consultation on your storage options, request an appointment via the Data Storage Consultation Form.

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Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of Oct. 21, 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 15:43:19 +0000

Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of Oct. 21, 2025 Lauren Reuscher Fri, 10/17/2025 - 11:43

Faculty and Staff Announcements

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

Campus Updates

Grand Challenge Initiative: Upcoming events

George �鶹��Ƶ has launched its Grand Challenge Initiative, a comprehensive research framework backed by an initial five-year, $15 million investment. The initiative will align university resources, faculty expertise, and educational programs around six interconnected solution areas promoting a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous future. Learn how to get involved at these upcoming events:

Grand Challenge Initiative: RFP town hall and Q&A
Join a virtual town hall and Q&A for an overview of the Grand Challenge Initiative RFP opportunity on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at noon. Register.

Grand Challenge Initiative: Creating your transformative 5-year vision for your GCI proposal
Faculty and staff are invited to attend a webinar on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 1 p.m. to help visualize how their teams can catalyze growth over 5–10 years via the Grand Challenge Initiative RFP opportunity. Register.

Grand Challenge Initiative: Leveraging the university institutes
Faculty and staff interested in submitting proposals to the GCI RFP opportunity can attend this webinar on Monday, Nov. 3, at 10:30 a.m. to learn how to leverage the support of the university institutes to boost the impact of their proposed activities. Register.

Veterans Day Luncheon

Join the Office of the President, ROTC, and the Office of Military Services to celebrate and honor Veterans Day. The annual Veterans Day Luncheon is happening Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 11:45 a.m. in the Center for the Arts lobby. George �鶹��Ƶ community members who have proudly served the country are invited and encouraged to attend the luncheon.

At George �鶹��Ƶ, we aspire to serve our veterans with as much dedication and devotion as they have provided to our country. Veterans, �鶹��Ƶ salutes you! Registration is required. Space is limited, so RSVP today.

November Staff Senate Meeting

The Staff Senate November General Meeting will include guest speaker Mary Ellen O'Toole, professor and director of the Forensic Science Program. Join the meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 10 a.m. to noon. The guest speaker will present from 10–11 a.m., followed by the business meeting from 11 a.m. to noon.

This meeting will take place on the Science and Technology Campus, Life Sciences and Engineering Building, Room 2402. Attendees may also join via Zoom. Get the details.

Internship Week: Oct. 20–24

Internship Week is George �鶹��Ƶ students’ opportunity to learn about internships and attend George �鶹��Ƶ’s Internship Fair. University Career Services will offer virtual and in-person workshops during the week of Oct. 20–24, with free Handshake swag, prizes, and food. Get the details.

October Is Campus Sustainability Month

George �鶹��Ƶ celebrates Campus Sustainability Month every October. Join Facilities and Campus Operations' University Sustainability team, along with campus partners, for a month of engaging activities and events.

Grow food sustainably on campus, opt for reuse rather than single use to support the Zero Waste George �鶹��Ƶ program, donate items you don’t want at a Patriot Packout Swap and Hop, apply for a grant from the Patriot Green Fund, and more. Make a sustainable impact, celebrate success, and learn how you can get more involved. Learn more.

Updates from �鶹��Ƶ Dining

$5 First Fridays are back
Faculty and staff are invited to enjoy lunch at any campus dining hall for just $5 on the first Friday of each month. Take a break, connect with colleagues, and savor a delicious meal—all for a great deal. Faculty and staff can also sign up for a meal plan and enjoy campus dining all year long.

The Difference Baker now located at Rogers Hall
�鶹��Ƶ Dining is excited to share that The Difference Baker has moved to a new location at Rogers Hall on the Fairfax Campus. The bakery known for its gluten-free and allergen-friendly treats now shares space with the campus convenience store, offering easier access, more parking, and a welcoming spot for both students and the Fairfax community. View the hours of operation.

Training and Professional Development

October Manager Meetup: Understanding Work Culture

Join the University Life Supervision Collective for an interactive session focusing on workplace culture as an ongoing process that begins at hiring and continues throughout an employee's time with the organization. Participants will reflect on work culture experiences and the impact on work performance, productivity, and retention, and collaborate by sharing strategies to foster a positive workplace culture. This virtual session will take place on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 2 p.m. RSVP.

Mental Health First Aid

George �鶹��Ƶ students, faculty, and staff are invited to complete Mental Health First Aid training to learn how to help someone suffering from a mental health crisis, increase mental health literacy, and dismantle the stigma associated with mental health and substance use challenges. Register now for the next available session, Nov. 10–13 from 7:30–9:30 p.m.

Civic Learning Teaching Series

Learn to incorporate civic learning and community engagement into your course in this three-part series from the Office of Community Engagement and Civic Learning. Explore fundamentals, best practices, partner collaborations, reflection design, and student learning assessment strategies. Attend all sessions this fall or a single three-hour session in January. Questions? Contact Kristen Wright or visit the website. Register.

Resources for You

Clear the Air(ways): Respiratory virus vaccine clinic

Employee Health and Well-Being will host an on-campus vaccine clinic offering COVID, flu, pneumonia, and RSV vaccines on Thursday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each of these vaccines can be co-administered. Select the vaccine(s) you would like to receive during registration. The vaccine clinic will be located on the Fairfax Campus, Peterson Hall, Population Health Center. Schedule an appointment.

Trunk or Treat: Registration now open

The �鶹��Ƶ Trunk or Treat—the spookiest, cutest, and fastest-growing George �鶹��Ƶ tradition—is back for its fourth year on Saturday, Oct. 25, in Parking Lot L on the Fairfax Campus.

George �鶹��Ƶ offices and departments are invited to decorate a trunk and hand out candy to all of the adorable, costumed kids. The event is open to families in the George �鶹��Ƶ and local communities. The event runs from 4 to 6 p.m., and the best decorated trunks win frightfully spectacular prizes. Sign up today.

Upcoming performances and arts events at George �鶹��Ƶ

Best of Film at �鶹��Ƶ
Thursday, Oct. 23, at 4 p.m.
�鶹��Ƶ Exhibitions Arlington (3601 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia)
Best of Film at �鶹��Ƶ is a showcase of recent notable and award-winning student films from �鶹��Ƶ’s Film and Video Studies. This year’s program captures student work ranging from introductory production, documentary filmmaking, advanced fiction filmmaking, and senior thesis films. A live Q&A with the filmmakers will follow the screening.

�鶹��Ƶ Jazz Ensemble Concert
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Thursday, Oct. 23, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The �鶹��Ƶ Jazz Ensemble, directed by Jim Carroll, offers opportunities for improvisation, performance, recording, writing, leadership and service. The ensemble’s semester has been devoted to exploring what Jelly Roll Morton called “the Latin Tinge”—the vibrant Afro-Latin influences that have shaped jazz from its earliest days to the present. Highlights include Aaron Copland’s stirring “Fanfare for the Common Man” reimagined through a jazz ensemble lens; Dizzy Gillespie’s iconic Afro-Cuban masterpiece “Manteca;” Yoko Kanno’s explosive and genre-blurring “Tank!” from Cowboy Bebop; and “Chucho” by Paquito D'Rivera.

�鶹��Ƶ Exhibitions – Closing Reception: Poetry Reading with Holly �鶹��Ƶ Badra and Zhawen Shali
Saturday, Oct. 25, 5–7 p.m.
�鶹��Ƶ Exhibitions Arlington (3601 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia)
Authors Holly �鶹��Ƶ Badra and Zhawen Shali will read from their books and discuss cultural and artist production and Kurdish communities. The authors will also respond to artworks in the exhibition.

Chatham County Line
American Roots Series
Saturday, Oct. 25, at 5 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater
Established more than 20 years ago in North Carolina, Chatham County Line produces an intoxicating blend of musical genres to create “a bridge between bluegrass traditions and a fresh interpretation of those influences” (NPR). The group has topped the Billboard Bluegrass chart four times and has 11 critically acclaimed albums to its name. Musicians Dave Wilson (singer/guitarist), John Teer (fiddle/mandolin), Greg Readling (bass/pedal steel), and Darren Jessee (drums) will have audiences clapping all night long.

Manassas Symphony Orchestra: ‘Romantic Impressions with Thomas Pandolfi, Piano’
Saturday, Oct. 25, at 7:30 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Under the baton of Maestro James Villani, the Manassas Symphony Orchestra proudly launches its 33rd season with the return of renowned American pianist Thomas Pandolfi performing Rachmaninoff’s iconic “Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor.” Celebrated by the Washington Post as “a master of both the grand gesture and the sensual line,” and lauded by D.C. Metro Arts for his “exhilarating...rare mix of technical accuracy and cool confidence,” Pandolfi promises an evening of unparalleled artistry.

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
Saturday, Oct. 25, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Returning to the Center for the Arts for the first time since 2008, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago aims to awaken the human spirit through contemporary dance. “A perfect storm of movement, music and choreography” (Los Angeles Times), Hubbard Street has performed globally in 19 countries and 44 states, presenting the works of today’s leading choreographic voices.

Time for Three
�鶹��Ƶ Artist-in-Residence
Sunday, Oct. 26, at 2 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Grammy and Emmy Award-winning trio Time for Three (TF3) defies convention and boundaries by showcasing excellence across different genres, including classical music, Americana, and singer-songwriter. Consisting of Charles Yang (violin, vocals), Nicolas "Nick" Kendall (violin, vocals), and Ranaan Meyer (double bass, vocals), TF3 combines their instruments and voices in a remarkable sound, establishing a distinct voice of expression. As a �鶹��Ƶ Artist-in-Residence, TF3 will work with the community through classes and workshops in conjunction with its performance. Their concert at the Hylton Center will feature a special performance by the Gar-Field High School Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Dennis Leoni.

Dewberry School of Music Faculty Artist Showcase Recital
Sunday, Oct. 26, at 3 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music presents its annual showcase recital featuring its stellar faculty artists in magnificent solo and chamber performances. Free and open to the public.

Visual Voices with Kayla E.
Thursday, Oct. 30, from 4:45–6:30 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts, and via Zoom
Kayla E. is an award-winning, Texas-born artist of Mexican American descent. She works as creative director at Fantagraphics and is a recipient of a 2023–24 Princeton Hodder Fellowship. She is the co-founder and former president of Nat. Brut Inc., a non-profit that produces an art and literary magazine. Precious Rubbish, her graphic novel debut, is a work of trauma recollection told in the style of post-war children’s comics. This event will be held at the Center for the Arts and online via Zoom. RSVP is required to receive the Zoom link.

George �鶹��Ƶ School of Theater: ‘Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812’
Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, multiple performances
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
From the celebrated and award-winning composer Dave Malloy comes Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, an electropop opera based on a scandalous slice of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace. In the opulent world of Moscow high society, impetuous and passionate Natasha Rostova awaits the return of her beloved fiancé, Andrey, from the front lines of the war. But after a surprising encounter with a roguishly charming stranger, Natasha’s world is thrown into turmoil. As she is torn between competing futures, Natasha’s friends must come together to help her, and themselves, find their way forward.

Limón Dance Company
Saturday, Nov. 1, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Founded in 1946, the Limón Dance Company is considered one of the world’s greatest modern dance companies. Acclaimed for its dramatic expression, technical mastery, and expansive, yet nuanced movement, the Limón Dance Company illustrates the timelessness of acclaimed dancer and choreographer José Limón’s work. This performance will feature students from the George �鶹��Ƶ School of Dance. As a �鶹��Ƶ Artist-in-Residence, the company will offer workshops and masterclasses to students and community members on and off campus.

Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra with Paquito D’Rivera
Saturday, Nov. 1, at 8 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Multiple Grammy Award winner and critically acclaimed musician Paquito D’Rivera joins the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra for an evening of sizzling Latin jazz. Born in Cuba, D’Rivera is “a marvelous soloist in Latin—and mainstream—jazz contexts” (JazzTimes), with rich skills on clarinet, saxophone, and in composition, all rooted in a background of classical and traditional Cuban music. Founder, artistic director, and virtuoso saxophonist Jim Carroll leads the orchestra.

The U.S. Army Band
Sunday, Nov. 9, at 3 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" returns to the Hylton Center with A Salute to Veterans!— an afternoon of gratitude where memorable music meets heartfelt stories that honor the brave veterans who have served our nation. The U.S. Army Band is teaming up with the Veterans and the Arts Initiative at George �鶹��Ƶ to present this concert. Join an afternoon of music and meaningful moments as we give a thunderous "thank you" to our nation's heroes. Free tickets are available through the Hylton Center ticket office.

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Appreciation: Schar School Professor David Armor

Andrew J Schappert — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 18:16:33 +0000

Appreciation: Schar School Professor David Armor Andrew J Schappert Wed, 10/15/2025 - 14:16

In This Story

David J. Armor

Kingsley E. Haynes

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The Schar School of Policy and Government and the wider academic community mark the passing of Professor Emeritus David J. Armor, whose career combined rigorous scholarship with a commitment to practical public policy. He died October 11, 2025, after a battle with cancer.

Schar School Professor Emeritus David J. Armor

Armor joined �鶹��Ƶ’s School of Public Policy (now the Schar School) in 1993, teaching and mentoring until his retirement in 2010. After retirement he continued to collaborate with Schar School students who assisted his research.

His courses in statistics, policy analysis, and social theory shaped generations of students who valued his clarity, fairness, and intellectual precision. He also directed the PhD program in public policy, guiding doctoral candidates with a demanding but generous hand.

Before coming to George �鶹��Ƶ, Armor held positions at Harvard University, the RAND Corporation, and in the U.S. Department of Defense, where he applied his analytical skills to complex issues of education, defense manpower, and social policy. His research and testimony informed more than 50 desegregation and educational equity cases across the country. His work consistently reflected his belief that sound policy rests on evidence and honest inquiry, not ideology.

Colleagues and students remember him as incisive, forthright, and deeply engaged in the questions that matter most to a democratic society. He was unafraid to challenge conventional wisdom but always did so with respect for data and for differing viewpoints. He also was a longtime vintner, owning Sharp Rock Vineyards in Sperryville, Virginia, where he hosted an annual reception for the faculty of George �鶹��Ƶ’s Institute of Public Policy.

“David and his wife, Marylin, came to Washington, D.C., from California with the Reagan administration; he was an expert in education policy and an outstanding statistician,” said Kingsley Haynes, Schar School University Professor Emeritus. “He was a bright and articulate faculty member with a different perspective but always open to discussion. He was an outstanding teacher especially in statistics and education.”

Armor’s scholarship—spanning books, articles, and policy studies—continues to influence debates about education and equality. His professional legacy lies not only in his published work but also in the many scholars and practitioners he trained to approach public policy with rigor, independence, and integrity.

More information may be found at the website for Found and Sons Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services.

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Meet the �鶹��Ƶ Nation: Rachel Spence

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 14:05:20 +0000

Meet the �鶹��Ƶ Nation: Rachel Spence Lauren Reuscher Wed, 10/15/2025 - 10:05

Rachel Spence

Job: Academic Manager, International Enrollment Partnerships, Global Education Office, and Chair of the Staff Senate

As the academic manager in �鶹��Ƶ’s Global Education Office, Rachel Spence helps international students from partner universities worldwide with the transfer of classes, registration, and advising.

In addition to helping students navigate their experiences in the United States and complete their George �鶹��Ƶ degrees, Spence is also the chair of the Staff Senate, which represents the interests of all classified and non-student wage employees to the administration and Board of Visitors.

Rachel Spence, Global Education Office, and chair of the Staff Senate. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Learning at home and abroad: A career in education felt inevitable for Spence. “My dad taught elementary special education, and my mom taught freshman composition classes at colleges and universities,” said Spence. “Education is in my blood—but I always knew I didn’t want to teach.”

As an undergrad, Spence studied abroad for a semester in Denmark. “It was my first time leaving the United States and was truly transformative,” said Spence. “Especially for developing my sense of independence and my quest to understand different cultures.”

Passport to possibilities: That experience led her to pursue a master’s degree in international and intercultural communication. After graduating, she landed her dream job as a study-abroad advisor at Old Dominion University. “I loved helping students plan their own international experiences and working with them to make it happen,” said Spence.

Global pathways: Since arriving at George �鶹��Ƶ in 2017, she has shifted from helping domestic students plan their time abroad to also helping international students during their time in the United States. She assists students in the China 1+2+1 program, in which undergraduate students earn degrees from both their Chinese and American universities.

“I help students adapt to academic life in the U.S. and build pathways for students from other countries to earn a George �鶹��Ƶ degree,” said Spence.

Even though she does not travel as much and she would like, she said her job lets her have an international experience every day.

Serving all staff: In addition to her job in the Global Education Office, Spence serves as the chair of the Staff Senate, representing the interests of staff across the university.

A time of uncertainty inspired Spence to join the senate. Spence is a military spouse—her husband is in the Navy. When he received a new assignment across the country, Spence received approval from the university to work remotely from California.

“However, just six months after we moved 2,600 miles away from campus, there was a state-level change in policy for remote work,” Spence said. “I thought that my approval might be revoked, and I’d be forced to leave my job.”

Navigating changes: When remote and hybrid work policy for state employees changed in 2022, Spence saw the Staff Senate as an important resource for employees navigating the quickly changing requirements.

“I appreciated how the Staff Senate was advocating and positioning itself as the voice of all classified staff on this issue,” said Spence. “I was so thankful for the special sessions they held that spring, I decided to give back and serve as a senator.”

Spence’s remote work agreement was ultimately approved, and she continued working in California for the duration of her husband’s military assignment. She has since returned to the Northern Virginia area and works on the Fairfax Campus.

Leading the way: Spence was nominated and accepted the role of Staff Senate Chair in spring 2025, after the previous chair left their role at George �鶹��Ƶ. She agreed to cover the remainder of the term, and this summer, she was elected to serve as chair for another two years.

“I’m thankful to my colleagues on the senate for the vote of confidence and their encouragement to keep leading the group,” said Spence.

A seat at the table: Spence also serves as the Staff Liaison to the university’s Board of Visitors (BOV). The Staff Senate advocated for the addition of a staff representative as a nonvoting member in 2020. At the time, nonvoting faculty and student representatives were already part of the board’s membership. The Board of Visitors unanimously approved the change.

“I don’t take for granted that I am often the only staff voice in the room, or that staff only recently earned that seat at the table,” said Spence. “I hope that I can make sure that staff voices are not only heard but are valued and recognized as important members of the team.”

Connecting the dots: To Spence, one of the biggest challenges at a university as large as George �鶹��Ƶ is keeping staff informed of the many changes and updates affecting their work.

“I’m hoping to build a larger network and connect the Staff Senate with other groups on campus,” said Spence. “We already collaborate with Faculty Senate and Student Government, but I’ve also started reaching out to staff councils in the colleges. I think we’ll be even stronger together and can really expand our advocacy and communication efforts.”

Campus outreach: The senate is also bringing its meetings to the regional campuses. The November Staff Senate meeting will take place at the new Life Sciences and Engineering Building at the Science and Technology Campus, and the senate is hoping to host a meeting at �鶹��Ƶ Square in spring 2026. “This will give our constituents on those campuses an opportunity to attend in person and connect with the senate on a more personal level,” said Spence.

Statewide explorer: Outside work and her senate activities, Spence enjoys spending time outdoors. “I completed the Virginia State Parks Trail Quest by visiting all the Virginia State Parks,” she said. That is no small quest—40 different parks participate in the program.

No place like home: Spence’s husband is an engineer, and many of their weekends are spent working on house projects. “For the first time ever, we are starting to realize our current house might be ours for more than a couple of years,” said Spence. “We are working on improving it and making it our own.”

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Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of Oct. 14, 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 16:33:15 +0000

Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of Oct. 14, 2025 Lauren Reuscher Fri, 10/10/2025 - 12:33

Faculty and Staff Announcements

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

Campus Updates

Clear the Air(ways): Respiratory Virus Vaccine Clinic

Statewide Earthquake Drill on Thursday, Oct. 16

�鶹��Ƶ will participate in the statewide earthquake drill at 10:16 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16. Participation is voluntary. This drill includes a test of the �鶹��Ƶ Alert emergency notification system. The drill will end at 10:26 a.m.

Review the Earthquake Preparation and Response Guide provided by Risk, Safety, and Resilience at ready.gmu.edu/be-prepared. Follow the response instructions provided in the guide. For more information about George �鶹��Ƶ's emergency management programs, visit ready.gmu.edu or contact 703-993-8448 or rsr@gmu.edu.

Internship Week Oct. 20-24

2006 Men’s Basketball Final Four Anniversary Autograph Signing

In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Men’s Basketball 2006 Final Four run, stop by the George �鶹��Ƶ Bookstore in the Johnson Center on Friday, Oct. 17, from 3–5 p.m. for an autograph signing event with Head Coach Tony Skinn and Lamar Butler, former Final Four players.

Check out commemorative merchandise available for purchase and receive a complimentary rally towel for the autograph signing. Capture a new memory from this historic Cinderella story.

October Is Campus Sustainability Month

Training and Professional Development

Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day

Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day is happening on Thursday, Oct. 16, from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall. This year’s theme is “The Future We Choose: Courage. Community. Commitment.” The day includes interactive workshops, networking opportunities, a vendor fair, and thoughtful moments to reflect, recharge, and grow alongside colleagues.

All George �鶹��Ƶ employees are invited to participate, and supervisors are encouraged to provide flexibility during work hours so teams can attend. View the agenda and session details. Register in �鶹��ƵLEAPS.

Civic Learning Teaching Series

Values-Driven Explorer: Your Guiding Star

Join the Organizational Development and Knowledge Management program on Saturday, Nov. 15. for a full-day, virtual workshop designed to help participants clarify their “North Star” values and apply them in decision-making, ethics, resilience, and alignment in life and work. Through guided reflection, dialogue, and practical tools, participants will explore values as their compass—discovering detours, staying aligned, and finding the way back. Leave with clarity, courage, and a renewed commitment to living with intention. This workshop is free and open to George �鶹��Ƶ faculty and staff. RSVP.

Intro to Mindfulness Online Cohort

Learn how to manage stress and enhance well-being through the Intro to Mindfulness program from the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. The evidence-based curriculum of this mindfulness meditation program fits well into your busy life and can lead to better concentration, improved sleep, and increased self-compassion.

George �鶹��Ƶ faculty and staff are invited to join the cohort online on Tuesdays from 4:30–5:45 p.m. on Oct. 21, Oct. 28, Nov. 4, and Nov. 11. Learn more and register.

Mental Health First Aid

George �鶹��Ƶ students, faculty, and staff are invited to complete Mental Health First Aid training to learn how to help someone suffering from a mental health crisis, increase mental health literacy, and dismantle the stigma associated with mental health and substance use challenges. Register now for the next sessions, either Nov. 10–13 from 7:30–9:30 p.m., or Nov. 24–25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

October Manager Meetup: Understanding Work Culture

Workplace Stress Management with Sophrology

Learn how to manage stress well, reduce anxiety, and increase your morale at work with “Workplace Stress Management with Sophrology” sessions for George �鶹��Ƶ faculty and staff. Register to join the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being for these online sessions, which will all take place from 9–10 a.m. on the following dates: Oct. 16 and Oct. 23. Learn more and register.

Resources for You

Trunk or Treat: Registration Now Open

More than a Moment: Paint and Sip

Join a Paint and Sip event led by School of Art alum Girasol O’Neill on Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 5–7:30 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus in SUB I, Room 3B. "More than a Moment" offers students the opportunity to craft their understandings of culture through various mediums, reimagining cross-cultural education as a creative, unbounded endeavor. Attendees will receive a small canvas to decorate inspired by belonging and Hispanic/Latin American heritage. At the end, everyone will lay their canvases down to assemble a community tapestry. This will be photographed before attendees leave with their art piece.

All are welcome. This event is hosted by the Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement, �鶹��Ƶ Exhibitions, LGBTQ+ Resources, and the Latino Alumni Chapter. RSVP.

Open Access Publishing and the Humanities: Mapping the Terrain

George �鶹��Ƶ Libraries and the Center for Humanities Research are collaborating on an event series, “Open Access Publishing and the Humanities: Mapping the Terrain.” Join the first discussion, “Models for the Monograph,"on Friday, Oct. 17, from noon to 1:30 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Horizon Hall, Room 6325, and on Zoom. This event will feature leading open access publishers in the humanities. The event will be hybrid, with both an in-person and virtual audience, and with our speakers joining us virtually. Get more details and RSVP.

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

�鶹��Ƶ Symphony Orchestra Concert Fall 2025
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
The �鶹��Ƶ Symphony Orchestra, led by Soo Han, invites you to their first concert of the season. This concert will open with the “Overture” from one of Mozart’s prominent operas, The Marriage of Figaro. Duo-pianists Linda Apple Monson and Anna Balakerskaia will perform the whimsical Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns with the �鶹��Ƶ Symphony Orchestra. The concert will conclude with the majestic Symphony No. 2 by Jean Sibelius.

Upcoming Events with �鶹��Ƶ Exhibitions:

Interdisciplinary Talk on Kurdish History and Identity
Friday, Oct. 17, 6–8 p.m.
�鶹��Ƶ Exhibitions Arlington (3601 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia)
Three Kurdish scholars across George �鶹��Ƶ will talk about their research, making connections to the artwork in the exhibit, Kî me Ez? - Who Am I?: Contemporary Kurdish Art in Diaspora. Join moderator Holly �鶹��Ƶ Badra and panelists Arash Saleh, Golzar Salih, and Omer Pacal for a chance to think more about Kurdish experiences across disciplines. RSVP.
Closing Reception: Poetry Reading with Holly �鶹��Ƶ Badra and Zhawen Shali
Saturday, Oct. 25, 5–7 p.m.
�鶹��Ƶ Exhibitions Arlington (3601 North Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia)
Authors Holly �鶹��Ƶ Badra and Zhawen Shali will read from their books and discuss cultural and artist production and Kurdish communities. The authors will also respond to artworks in the exhibition.

Manassas Ballet Theatre: ‘Frankenstein’
Oct. 17–19, multiple performances
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Manassas Ballet Theatre opens its season with the frightful tale of Frankenstein. Set to an original, evocative score by Kim Reynolds and performed by the Kim Reynolds Band, the ballet brings this legendary classic to life in a thrilling blend of drama, emotion, and artistry. Experience the tragic story of creation and destruction through stunning new choreography and captivating live music that reimagine this frightful masterpiece.

Laurie Berkner Band
Saturday, Oct. 18, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Back by popular demand, “the undisputed queen of kindie rock” (USA Today) Laurie Berkner and her band perform a concert event for the whole family. Trick or treat yourself by wearing your costume for this performance of Halloween songs, as well as classics from the Laurie Berkner Greatest Hits album.

�鶹��Ƶ Opera Scenes Performance
Monday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Join �鶹��Ƶ Opera's talented students for a staged program of favorite opera scenes. The limited audience will have the rare opportunity to be seated on the stage of the Center for the Arts for this intimate presentation. Free and open to the public.

Chatham County Line
American Roots Series
Saturday, Oct. 25, at 5 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater
Established more than 20 years ago in North Carolina, Chatham County Line produces an intoxicating blend of musical genres to create “a bridge between bluegrass traditions and a fresh interpretation of those influences” (NPR). The group has topped the Billboard Bluegrass chart four times and has 11 critically acclaimed albums to its name. Musicians Dave Wilson (singer/guitarist), John Teer (fiddle/mandolin), Greg Readling (bass/pedal steel), and Darren Jessee (drums) will have audiences clapping all night long.

Manassas Symphony Orchestra: ‘Romantic Impressions with Thomas Pandolfi, Piano’
Saturday, Oct. 25, at 7:30 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Under the baton of Maestro James Villani, the Manassas Symphony Orchestra proudly launches its 33rd season with the return of renowned American pianist Thomas Pandolfi performing Rachmaninoff’s iconic “Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor.” Celebrated by the Washington Post as “a master of both the grand gesture and the sensual line,” and lauded by D.C. Metro Arts for his “exhilarating...rare mix of technical accuracy and cool confidence,” Pandolfi promises an evening of unparalleled artistry.

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Career Influencers Network guides career-ready students toward success

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:05:36 +0000

Career Influencers Network guides career-ready students toward success Lauren Reuscher Thu, 10/09/2025 - 10:05

The Career Influencers Network at �鶹��Ƶ empowers faculty and staff to provide career development support to students throughout their academic journey. The network is open to instructors, advisors, success coaches, supervisors, and any others across campus who are positioned to help students achieve their professional goals.

University Career Services hosted a reception in early October honoring the network’s 10th anniversary. The network started in 2015 with 19 members, and it has now grown to include more than 500 faculty and staff.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

The network exemplifies George �鶹��Ƶ’s approach to preparing career-ready graduates.

“The Career Influencers Network was the beginning of a ‘career ecosystem’ or ‘career everywhere’ approach,” said Saskia Campbell, executive director of University Career Services. “Preparing career-ready graduates is not confined to one office; it’s a shared responsibility of every faculty and staff member.”

The Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education (ACE) has named George �鶹��Ƶ to the highest tier of its list of Opportunity Colleges and Universities: Higher Access, Higher Earnings, in recognition of the university’s commitment to accessibility, return on investment, and upward mobility. Positive, high-earning career outcomes contribute to that recognition.

Career Influencers offer students job-search advice, refer them to career advising, promote employer recruitment efforts at George �鶹��Ƶ, and share career resources with students.

“Campus partners have helped students connect the dots between their academic experiences or on-campus jobs and their professional futures—and that is transformative,” Campbell said.

The Career Influencers Network has garnered national attention—other institutions reach out for guidance to replicate its success on their own campuses. George �鶹��Ƶ’s network has been highlighted by organizations supporting career services in higher education, including the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.

The network’s ability to reach students wherever they are has been instrumental to its success.

“It's a common challenge many career services offices face: how to serve a large student population with limited staff and resources,” said Kristin Leonato, associate director of programs and outreach in University Career Services. “Utilizing career services is optional and not a required part of a degree program. The network allows us to connect with campus partners who students already know and trust.”

To join the network, faculty and staff participate in an interactive, 4.5-hour training covering topics like career readiness, how employers recruit George �鶹��Ƶ students, and strategies to support students at various stages of their career development.

Engagement with the network does not end with the initial training. Career Influencers receive ongoing support from University Career Services, including workshops on related topics and monthly updates on career-related events and services.

The 10th anniversary event included words of appreciation from Campbell and Rose Pascarell, vice president of University Life, who presented two awards recognizing faculty and staff contributions to the Career Influencers Network.

Erin McSherry, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (pictured at left), received the Star Recruiter Award for having referred the most new members to the Career Influencers Network. Pictured at right is Kristin Leonato, associate director, University Career Services. Photo provided

Erin McSherry, assistant dean in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), received the Star Recruiter Award for having referred the most new members to the network. �鶹��Ƶ 50% of the faculty and staff in the network are referred by a colleague or supervisor.

Larry Guerin, adjunct faculty in the Criminology, Law, and Society Department within CHSS and the Costello College of Business, received the Outstanding Influencer Award for demonstrating the impact career influencers can make on students’ personal and professional lives.

“It takes a strong network of committed professionals to support students in achieving their short-term and long-term professional goals in a wide range of career fields,” said Leonato. “The more than 500 faculty and staff in the Career Influencers Network are an important part of this work.”

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The MIX unlocks innovation in teaching and research

Colleen Rich — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 17:18:33 +0000

The MIX unlocks innovation in teaching and research Colleen Rich Wed, 10/08/2025 - 13:18

The �鶹��Ƶ Innovation Exchange (MIX) at �鶹��Ƶ is more than a makerspace—it’s a resource for transforming how faculty teach, explore, and conduct research.

MIX staff provides training on all the equipment available at the MIX. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Located on the first floor of Horizon Hall, the MIX is university-wide hub for innovation where faculty across the disciplines can enhance their curriculum, experiment with new technologies, and bring research ideas to life. Whether integrating hands-on prototyping into courses, designing a new research project, or exploring creative approaches to student engagement, the MIX and its team of experts provides the space, tools, and support to bring faculty ideas to fruition.

The MIX is quickly becoming a central hub where teaching, research, and entrepreneurship converge. With nearly 20,000 visitors each year and a dedicated team of 12 to 15 staff members, the MIX ensures that faculty receive the support they need to innovate in both teaching and research.

Building on this foundation, faculty are increasingly using the MIX as both a classroom extension and a research partner. The space is designed to support teaching in ways that go beyond lectures and slides, offering students direct experience with the design process, technical systems, and collaborative project work.

Students from the Aspiring Inventors Club work with George �鶹��Ƶ researcher Lance Liotta (in blue) on a project at the MIX. Photo provided

Faculty report that when they bring their courses into the MIX, students leave with more than theory—they leave with portfolios that include prototypes, digital media, research outputs, and even digital badges in emerging technologies. These tangible outcomes make George �鶹��Ƶ students more competitive when applying for jobs, internships, and graduate programs.

“The MIX gives faculty a place to extend their courses beyond the classroom and into a space where students can design, prototype, and test ideas in real time,” said Max Kazemzadeh, MIX manager and events coordinator. “The collaborative environment also fosters interdisciplinary connections—engineering students working alongside artists, or business students working with scientists—which mirrors the kind of teamwork graduates will encounter in the professional world.”

The value of space extends to creative work as well. School of Art faculty have used its facilities to collect experimental data, test new ideas, and fabricate art work. For example, Edgar Endress used the computer numerical control router to build a sculpture featured in the 2025 Arts in Foggy Bottom Outdoor Sculpture Biennial, while Sue Wrbican leveraged fabrication tools to expand her work in digital photography.

For some faculty, the partnership has been transformative.

“Collaborating with the MIX has been an essential opportunity to develop projects with our students that can grow to the next level,” School of Arts professor John von Bergen said.

As for students, the MIX and its staff assisted with class projects through their wide range of equipment, accompanied by easy-to-follow training. “The MIX helped me stay ahead of trends and technology,” said Audrey Kim, who graduated with a BFA in graphic design in May. “Although it's a learning curve, it’s worth conquering since these machines can be found in many other industries and having experience with them opens so many doors to new opportunities.”

Kim also appreciated how friendly and knowledgeable the MIX staff are. “When it comes to training or problem solving, it’s a team effort to make sure what you're working on meets your expectations.”

The staff provide hands-on workshops, safety training, and one-on-one consultations so faculty and their students can confidently work with the available 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers, sewing machines, electronics workstations, and augmented and virtual reality equipment.

“Looking forward, we see the MIX enabling more cross-departmental collaborations, expanding opportunities for student research participation, and shaping innovative course design,” said Kazemzadeh.

He said that the MIX staff are eager to partner on curriculum design, research prototypes, and interdisciplinary projects. Representatives can visit departments, consult on course planning, or co-host workshops and events. To explore how the MIX can enhance teaching or research, contact Gisele Stoltz, senior director of entrepreneurship and innovation.

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George �鶹��Ƶ marketing professor receives prestigious research funding

Katelynn C Hipolito — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 14:56:59 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ marketing professor receives prestigious research funding Katelynn C Hipolito Wed, 10/08/2025 - 10:56

Jessica Hoppner

Jessica Hoppner, associate professor of marketing at the Donald G. Costello College of Business at �鶹��Ƶ, has been named a recipient of Academy of Marketing Research Funding for 2025.

According to the submitted proposal, the awarded project—entitled “Bridging the Digital Divide: The Paradox of Sales and Marketing Collaboration on Social Media”—“will contribute to both academic research and industry best practices, guiding B2B firms toward more effective digital engagement strategies.”

The Academy of Marketing’s research sub-committee chooses a mere handful of recipients each year for grants of up to £5,000. Funding is offered in collaboration with Marketing Trust, an independent charity dedicated to supporting marketing projects serving the public good.

Hoppner’s co-PI on this project is Severina Cartwright, senior lecturer (associate professor) in marketing at University of Liverpool.

Hoppner and Cartwright plan to use the grant money to carry out an in-depth practitioner survey leading to the creation of a unique and granular data-set. Anticipated final output will include an academic article submitted to a top marketing journal, as well as a whitepaper and other translational content for a practitioner audience.

As per the proposal, the project will unfold in three phases: survey development and pre-testing, data collection and analysis, and dissemination and knowledge transfer. Hoppner and Cartwright aim to complete their project within a twelve-month timeframe.

Saurabh Mishra

“Congratulations to Prof. Hoppner on this well-deserved funding award—an achievement that underscores the excellence of her work and exemplifies the innovative and managerially meaningful research being conducted within the marketing area in Costello.”

— Saurabh Mishra, marketing area chair

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Saurabh Mishra

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Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of Oct. 7, 2025

Lauren Reuscher — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 18:39:16 +0000

Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of Oct. 7, 2025 Lauren Reuscher Fri, 10/03/2025 - 14:39

Faculty and Staff Announcements

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

Campus Updates

2006 Men’s Basketball Final Four Anniversary Autograph Signing

Check out commemorative merchandise available for purchase and receive a complimentary rally towel for the autograph signing. Capture a new memory from this historic Cinderella story.

Calling All Brand Builders and Promotional Product Buyers

To better understand how George �鶹��Ƶ’s Internal Licensed Vendors are servicing campus units with the university’s new brand, please take a few minutes to complete the Licensed Vendor Experience Survey and share feedback. At the end of survey, you will have an opportunity to enter into a drawing for a special George �鶹��Ƶ swag bag. The survey closes on Friday, Oct. 10.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025

Information Technology Services is hosting events for Cybersecurity Awareness Month throughout October. Follow ITS on X and Instagram for daily online safety and security tips throughout the month. Events include:

Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Join IT Security Office staff for cybersecurity trivia on the Fairfax Campus in the Johnson Center, Kiosk C.
Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Join the IT Security Office staff on Reddit for an Ask Me Anything thread.

October Is Campus Sustainability Month

Flu Vaccine Clinics

Protect yourself and your community from seasonal flu. Get your 2025-26 influenza vaccine at George �鶹��Ƶ. Remaining clinics will be hosted on the following dates:

Fairfax Campus: Thursday, Oct. 9
�鶹��Ƶ Square: Wednesday, Oct. 15

Get more details and register for an appointment.

Training and Professional Development

Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day

Intro to Mindfulness Online Cohort

George �鶹��Ƶ faculty and staff are invited to join the cohort online on Tuesdays from 4:30–5:45 p.m. on Oct. 21, Oct. 28, Nov. 4, and Nov. 11. Learn more and register.

AI in Autumn: Training Sessions

Learn about integrating AI into your work through the AI in Autumn event series on the Fairfax Campus in the Johnson Center. For full lineup and more information, see the Powering Artificial Intelligence website.

Mental Health First Aid

George �鶹��Ƶ students, faculty, and staff, are invited to complete Mental Health First Aid training to learn how to help someone suffering from a mental health crisis, increase mental health literacy, and dismantle the stigma associated with mental health and substance use challenges. Register now for the next sessions, either Nov. 10–13 from 7:30–9:30 p.m., or Nov. 24–25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Fenwick Fellowship: Request for Applications

The Fenwick Fellowship is awarded annually to a George �鶹��Ƶ faculty member to pursue a research project that uses and enhances the University Libraries' resources while advancing knowledge in their field. The fellowship provides one award of $5,000 to be used for the acquisition of library research materials for the fellow's research project, as well as associated research costs, and an office in Fenwick Library for the term of the Fellowship (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2026).

The application deadline is Friday, Oct. 10.  The 2026 Fenwick Fellow will be announced at the end of the fall academic term. Visit the website for more information. Contact library@gmu.edu with questions.

October Manager Meetup: Understanding Work Culture

Workplace Stress Management with Sophrology

Upcoming ASPIRE Workshops

ASPIRE workshops build on the core concepts of teamwork, belonging, and effective leadership that help create strong, connected, and resilient communities. Visit �鶹��ƵLEAPS to search for each course and register. Upcoming workshops include:

Building Community through Compassionate Conversation: Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 1–2:30 p.m.
Story of Me, Story of Us: Monday, Oct. 20, from 1–2:30 p.m.
Cultivating Empathy: Friday, Nov. 7, from 11–12:30 p.m.
Compassionate Conversation: Monday, Nov. 10, from 3:30–5 p.m.
Creating Communities Belonging, Part I: Wednesday, Dec. 3, 10:30 to noon
Creating Communities Belonging, Part 2: Monday, Dec. 4, from 11–12:30 p.m.

Resources for You

Trunk or Treat: Registration Now Open

George �鶹��Ƶ Night with Cirque du Soleil

Celebrate George �鶹��Ƶ Night with Cirque du Soleil in Tysons as the Patriots gather under the big top to experience the exhilarating debut of LUZIA. With thrilling acrobatics and artistry, the show chronicles the encounters of a parachuted traveler with the culture, nature, and mythology of a dreamlike land inhabited by a mystifying menagerie of characters. The show is Thursday, Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m.

Cirque du Soleil is offering special ticket pricing options. Prices include discounted seats and an exclusive experience only available to George �鶹��Ƶ ticket purchasers. Included with your Cirque du Soleil ticket, the �鶹��Ƶ Nation is invited to stay after the show for an exclusive meet and greet with select performers.

Ombuds Open House

Learn about the �鶹��Ƶ Ombuds Office at an open house on Thursday, Oct. 9, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Stop by their office on the Fairfax Campus, Buchanan Hall, Room D170. Additional programming will be offered throughout October. Get the details.

Nanotechnology Day

Join Nanotechnology Day on the Science and Technology Campus on Monday, Oct. 13. This family-friendly event invites students of all ages to explore the fascinating world of nanotechnology through hands-on activities, engaging demonstrations, and enlightening talks with real researchers. Discover big ideas on a miniature scale and experience the wonders of this cutting-edge field. This event is free and open to the public and will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Katherine Johnson Hall, first floor atrium. RSVP.

Working Moms Support Group: Fall Meeting Schedule

George �鶹��Ƶ’s Working Moms Support Group has been active at the university for more than 20 years. Faculty, staff, and students are invited to come together, discuss the issues confronting working mothers, and advocate for change on campus. Learn more and view the full meeting schedule.

�鶹��Ƶ Publishing Group Author Event

�鶹��Ƶ Publishing Group will host an event marking the publication of Walking for Me: Life Reflections by Daniel Walsch, educator and professional communicator. The discussion will take place on Monday, Oct. 13, from 3:30–5:30 p.m. on the Fairfax Campus, Fenwick Library, Main Reading Room. Walsch will read passages, discuss context, and take questions about the book. Light refreshments will be served. Contact Hannah McLaughlin with questions.

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

Visual Voices with Carolyn Drake
Thursday, Oct. 9, from 4:45–6:30 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Harris Theatre
Carolyn Drake works on long-term, photo-based projects seeking to interrogate dominant historical narratives and creatively reimagine them. Her practice embraces collaboration and has in recent years melded photography with sewing, collage, and sculpture. This event will be hosted in-person and also via Zoom. RSVP to receive Zoom link.

Interdisciplinary Talk on Kurdish History and Identity
�鶹��Ƶ Exhibitions
Friday, Oct. 17, 6–8 p.m.
�鶹��Ƶ Exhibitions Arlington (3601 North Fairfax Dr, Arlington, Virginia)
Join an interdisciplinary discussion about Kurdish history and identity. Three Kurdish scholars across George �鶹��Ƶ will talk about their research, making connections to the artwork in the exhibit, Kî me Ez? - Who Am I?: Contemporary Kurdish Art in Diaspora. Join moderator Holly �鶹��Ƶ Badra and panelists Arash Saleh, Golzar Salih, and Omer Pacal for a chance to think more about Kurdish experiences across disciplines. RSVP.

Fairfax Symphony Orchestra: ‘The Lark and the Seasons with William Hagen’
Saturday, Oct. 11, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Featuring William Hagen, violin. Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending is a lyrical evocation of the English countryside, where a solo violin soars like a birdsong over a shimmering orchestral backdrop. Then, immerse yourself in the spiritual depth and quiet strength of his Symphony No. 5, a deeply moving work born out of wartime darkness and infused with hope and transcendence. Ground-breaking composer Max Richter’s innovative and bold reimagining of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons topped the classical charts and continues to captivate audiences in soundtracks, such as Bridgerton and The Crown.

Prince William Little Theatre: ‘The Woman in Black’
Oct. 10–19, multiple performances
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Gregory Family Theater
A lawyer is obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over his family by the specter of a woman in black, so he engages a skeptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul. What begins innocently reaches deeper into his darkest memories, leading to a world of eerie marshes and moaning winds.

Manassas Chorale: ‘From Broadway with Love’
Saturday, Oct. 11, at 7:30 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Join the Manassas Chorale, its instrumentalists, and high school musicians from local schools as they perform Broadway's best from both classic and new Broadway shows.

Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: ‘Chopin—The Romantic’
Sunday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Experience some of the most stirringly melodious music ever composed in this Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel. The program Chopin—The Romantic features exhilarating polonaises, dreamy nocturnes, charming waltzes, poignant mazurkas, and the Ballade in G Minor, Op. 23. The program will conclude with a short Q&A with the audience.

Eva Ayllon with Special Guest Daniela Darcourt
Sunday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall
Living legend Eva Ayllon is celebrating 55 years of spreading the joy of Peruvian music around the world. She is accompanied by the young, exuberant talent of Daniela Darcourt; together they will transform the stage into a pure musical explosion.

Virginia Opera: ‘A Taste of Opera’
Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 1:30 p.m.
Science and Technology Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Jacquemin Family Foundation Rehearsal Hall
Experience big talent in an intimate setting with Virginia Opera. Their talented artists will impress you with delightful performances of opera's greatest hits, famous Broadway show tunes, and other diverse and lively selections.

�鶹��Ƶ Choirs Concert – ‘Timeless: Choral Voices Across the Centuries’
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
From Renaissance devotion to contemporary reflection, Timeless honors the musical legacies of composers whose anniversaries we mark in 2025. Join the University Chamber Singers and the University Chorale for a program featuring the Renaissance gems of Palestrina (b. 1525), the luminous spirituality of Arvo Pärt (b. 1935), and the heartfelt American storytelling of Kirke Mechem (b. 1925).

�鶹��Ƶ Symphony Orchestra Concert Fall 2025
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 8 p.m.
Fairfax Campus, Center for the Arts
Join the �鶹��Ƶ Symphony Orchestra for its opening concert of the season, directed by Soo Han.

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Jacquelyn (Jackie) Nash is November Employee of the Month

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3 things to know about Microsoft 365 storage changes at George �鶹��Ƶ

1. Unlimited storage is ending.

2. There are new storage quotas by role.

3. Consider your data retention—and clean up!

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Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of Oct. 21, 2025

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Grand Challenge Initiative: Upcoming events

Veterans Day Luncheon

November Staff Senate Meeting

Internship Week: Oct. 20–24

October Is Campus Sustainability Month

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Clear the Air(ways): Respiratory virus vaccine clinic

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Appreciation: Schar School Professor David Armor

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Meet the �鶹��Ƶ Nation: Rachel Spence

Rachel Spence

Job: Academic Manager, International Enrollment Partnerships, Global Education Office, and Chair of the Staff Senate

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Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of Oct. 14, 2025

Faculty and Staff Announcements

Campus Updates

Clear the Air(ways): Respiratory Virus Vaccine Clinic

Statewide Earthquake Drill on Thursday, Oct. 16

Internship Week Oct. 20-24

2006 Men’s Basketball Final Four Anniversary Autograph Signing

October Is Campus Sustainability Month

Training and Professional Development

Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day

Civic Learning Teaching Series

Values-Driven Explorer: Your Guiding Star

Intro to Mindfulness Online Cohort

Mental Health First Aid

October Manager Meetup: Understanding Work Culture

Workplace Stress Management with Sophrology

Resources for You

Trunk or Treat: Registration Now Open

More than a Moment: Paint and Sip

Open Access Publishing and the Humanities: Mapping the Terrain

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

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Career Influencers Network guides career-ready students toward success

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The MIX unlocks innovation in teaching and research

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George �鶹��Ƶ marketing professor receives prestigious research funding

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Around �鶹��Ƶ: Week of Oct. 7, 2025

Faculty and Staff Announcements

Campus Updates

2006 Men’s Basketball Final Four Anniversary Autograph Signing

Calling All Brand Builders and Promotional Product Buyers

Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025

October Is Campus Sustainability Month

Flu Vaccine Clinics

Training and Professional Development