Paul Bazzano is March Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 14:28:24 +0000

Paul Bazzano is March Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Mon, 03/02/2026 - 09:28

Paul Bazzano has worked for �鶹��Ƶ Recreation for more than 30 years. He started as a student worker while pursuing his bachelor’s degree in communication at �鶹��Ƶ and is now assistant director of competitive sports and athletic training.

March Employee of the Month Paul Bazzano with President Gregory Washington. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Colleagues have applauded Bazzano for his outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing �鶹��Ƶ Recreation’s mission. He has made numerous contributions that have strengthened �鶹��Ƶ Recreation’s programs, elevated its visibility across campus and beyond, and deepened the university’s commitment to inclusive and adaptive recreation. For these reasons, Bazzano was selected as the March Employee of the Month.

In their nominations, many of Bazzano’s colleagues talked about how he went above and beyond in coordinating two major university events that brought together campus and community partners in meaningful ways.

The first event was the National Beep Baseball All-Star Tournament, which brought more than 70 blind and visually impaired athletes, coaches, and volunteers from across the country to George �鶹��Ƶ. In addition to the tournament, Bazzano organized a Learn-to-Play Clinic, giving about 25 visually impaired students and community members the opportunity to experience Beep Baseball for the first time.

“Paul has continued to elevate the profile of our department and the awareness of a wonderful adaptive sport,” said Sheldon Tate, executive director of �鶹��Ƶ Recreation. “He has poured himself fully into the Beep Baseball movement and is quickly becoming the quintessential ally for individuals with disabilities. We are proud to follow his lead, and there are dozens of colleagues across campus who would absolutely agree that Paul is raising the bar.”

“Through his leadership, Paul has strengthened partnerships with organizations such as Game One, MindsEye, Lighthouse for the Blind, and the Metro Washington Association of Blind Athletes,” said Ethan Carter, associate director of programs, well-being, and assessment. “He also began discussions with the Junior Tennis Champions Center to host a wheelchair tennis event in Spring 2026, expanding George �鶹��Ƶ’s reach and reputation in adaptive sports.”

In addition to forging new opportunities for differently abled athletes, Bazzano supports all the students who participate in �鶹��Ƶ Recreation’s programs, said Jennifer Tolson, head athletic trainer at �鶹��Ƶ Recreation

“Paul works day and night to help our club teams and intramurals succeed both on and off the field,” said Tolson. “He’s always finding ways to make things happen—even when it seems impossible. A great example of this is when our football team had an opponent forfeit. Paul immediately searched for another team to play, ensuring our athletes still got the experience they deserved. That’s who Paul is—he never gives up on our teams and always fights to give them the best opportunities possible.”

How did you come to �鶹��Ƶ:

I started at George �鶹��Ƶ in 1995 as an undergraduate student and never really left. I worked in athletics and recreation as a student, and after graduation I was offered the chance to continue doing work I loved. �鶹��Ƶ has been home ever since.

Best day on the job:

It is hard to narrow it down to one day. March 2006 during the Final Four run stands out. I was responsible for supervising the student bus to Dayton, Ohio, for the first round, and what was supposed to be a quick trip turned into something much bigger. The pride on campus during that stretch is something I have never seen before and have not seen since.

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

Watching students grow and move on to do great things. What means the most is when they come back and reconnect. Knowing you played even a small role in their experience stays with you.

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

I enjoy staying active. Whether it is playing a sport or just finding ways to stay healthy, that has always been an important part of my life. I have also taken up sports photography, which has been a fun creative outlet and another way to give back to our students.

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Julie Hudson is December Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 13:32:54 +0000

Julie Hudson is December Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Sun, 11/23/2025 - 08:32

Julie Hudson, executive assistant to Dean Mark J. Rozell at the Schar School of Policy and Government at �鶹��Ƶ, played an integral role in maintaining the school’s operations during the pandemic and has demonstrated exceptional flexibility as her position evolved over the years. For her leadership and outstanding work ethic, Hudson is being recognized as the December Employee of the Month.

President Gregory Washington with Julie Hudson. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Schar School faculty and staff have expressed their appreciation of Hudson. Colleagues spoke of her bringing fresh ideas to the table, contributing to process improvements, and guiding the team through the adoption of new technologies and methodologies.

“I have been impressed by Julie's commitment, professionalism, integrity, enthusiasm, and engagement in the job,” said Tojo Thatchenkery, professor and director of the Organization Development and Knowledge Management Program. “Supporting the dean of a large school requires attention to detail and highly developed interpersonal skills. On behalf of the dean, she works closely with staff and faculty who have been most appreciative of her friendly outreach and timely handling of various requests that come to her.”

Jack A. Goldstone, the Virginia E. and John T. Hazel, Jr. Chair Professor of Public Policy, also commends Hudson for her exceptional knowledge of the university and ability to get things done. “Julie has become my go-to person any time I need help with events, visitors, administrative issues, budget concerns, and overseas travel. She is always able to find the right person, connection, or way to get things done, and I’m always impressed with how quickly she does it,” he said.

“She is a fair and effective manager of staff, an impeccably organized executive assistant to the dean's suite, and she fills every possible void in the coverage of the Schar School's administrative needs,” said Professor Justin Gest, director of the school’s Public Policy Program. “She has a practical, no-nonsense approach to her management of affairs. There is no panic, no excuses, and usually a creative Plan B. When someone says, ‘Julie does that,’ you know it's going to get done. And that deserves great praise and recognition.”

How did you come to George �鶹��Ƶ:

I came to George �鶹��Ƶ after building a diverse background in higher education and organizational management. Before joining the university, I served as operations manager for the policy school at Virginia Tech, where I oversaw day-to-day processes and supported academic programs. Prior to that, I was the director of payroll and employee benefits for the Community College of Vermont. I also worked as an account manager for a direct mail company and as a conference and communication coordinator for a nonprofit organization. These experiences have provided a strong foundation which I bring to my work at George �鶹��Ƶ.

Best day on the job:

The day I learned I would be receiving this award was unforgettable. It is not just an honor—it feels like a genuine acknowledgment of the effort and dedication I bring to my work.

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

The people—my colleagues are the best.

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

Spending time with my husband, Mark, and our Jack Russell terrier, Flynn. I enjoy reading, traveling, movies, music, and cooking.

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Zachary Grimm

Paul Bazzano is March Employee of the Month

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