philanthropy

The Mats Hormel vQ scholarship endowment is making a difference in the lives of �鶹��Ƶ LIFE Students

Colleen Rich — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:45:56 +0000

The Mats Hormel vQ scholarship endowment is making a difference in the lives of �鶹��Ƶ LIFE Students Colleen Rich Mon, 09/29/2025 - 12:45

“It has transformed the life of my child in remarkable ways and helped them discover the strength and resiliency that was always inside them.” This sentiment is common among families whose young adults attended �鶹��Ƶ’s Learning Into Future Environments (�鶹��Ƶ LIFE) program.

The �鶹��Ƶ LIFE cohort processing into EagleBank Arena during the College of Education and Human Development's Degree Celebration. Photo provided

Now even more students will be able to take part in the program, thanks to the financial support provided by the Mats Hormel vQ Scholarship Endowment.

This scholarship endowment is provided by Tommy Everett and Sarah Hormel Everett in honor of their son, Mats Von Quillfeldt, a former �鶹��Ƶ LIFE student. The scholarship was established to help defray the costs associated with attending �鶹��Ƶ LIFE, including tuition, fees, housing, textbooks, and related expenses. Scholarship awards are given to both incoming and continuing �鶹��Ƶ LIFE students and are based on a student’s demonstrated financial need.

The Everetts have made a $1.2 million pledge to expand the existing �鶹��Ƶ LIFE scholarship. The Mats Hormel vQ Scholarship Endowment will now offer two full-ride scholarships for the program, doubling the financial support previously provided.

�鶹��Ƶ LIFE is a comprehensive four-year postsecondary transition program in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) that offers young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities a full university experience in a supportive academic environment. The �鶹��Ƶ LIFE program focuses on research, academic progress, community involvement, employment and housing with the goal of gaining independent living skills. The impact of �鶹��Ƶ LIFE on students who participate in the program is nothing short of transformational.

Von Quillfeldt, who completed the program in May 2020, captures the essence of what the �鶹��Ƶ LIFE program is all about.

“College changed my life. I would not be able to work full time or have my own apartment with two roommates without my �鶹��Ƶ LIFE experience,” Von Quillfeldt said. “�鶹��Ƶ LIFE taught me how to cook, shop, do my laundry, be respectful of my roommates and be on time to classes and work. I learned to plan my daily life.”

In addition to his academic work—he said his favorite subject in college was Early American History—Von Quillfeldt held an internship on Capitol Hill, where he performed administrative duties in a congressional office. He traveled to and from Capitol Hill on his own using the Metro bus and subway system.

His mother, Sarah, highlighted the positive impact that the �鶹��Ƶ LIFE program had on him. “It is amazing to have gone through this whole process with him. Even during his junior year in high school, I would not have imagined him to be able to live independently. This is an incredibly unique program. Just having this inclusive setting for these young adults is priceless.”

His father, Tommy, concurred, adding, “�鶹��Ƶ LIFE opened our eyes to what he could do.”

Through the shared experience of living together, learning together, working together, and supporting one another, students in the �鶹��Ƶ LIFE Program build important skills that help them in living a more independent life. They earn a certificate of completion at the end of the program.

Linn Jorgenson, associate professor of special education at George �鶹��Ƶ and director of �鶹��Ƶ LIFE, has dedicated herself to the program’s success.

“Our students participate in academics, they participate in the community, they have a work component, and they have the option to live in campus housing,” said Jorgenson.

Jorgenson points out that some students begin the �鶹��Ƶ LIFE program feeling apprehensive. For many, like Von Quillfeldt, it is their first time being away from home and making certain decisions on their own. As they begin their educational journey under the guidance of �鶹��Ƶ LIFE faculty and staff, these same students quickly acclimate to their new surroundings, and their sense of independence begins to develop. Their self-confidence grows stronger as they progress through the �鶹��Ƶ LIFE program and are exposed to new experiences.

Noah Miller, a �鶹��Ƶ LIFE student from 2018 to 2022, spoke highly of the program, highlighting the life skills he acquired, particularly in �鶹��Ƶ Life’s independent Living Course. “All four years I lived on campus in the dorms. That's how I learned to be independent,” Miller said. “Cooking for myself, getting along with my roommates—all the good stuff.”

Miller appreciated his other classes too, especially those in sport management. His enthusiasm leaves no doubt about how much he valued his time at George �鶹��Ƶ. “College was the best,” Miller said. “I enjoyed George �鶹��Ƶ a lot. Not only getting to be in the �鶹��Ƶ LIFE program but also getting to explore other classes as well.”

The faculty and staff of �鶹��Ƶ LIFE routinely hear from the families of students who are grateful for the life-changing opportunity their students received, many because of the generous financial support provided by the Mats Hormel vQ Scholarship Endowment.

“My hope for a person who completes the �鶹��Ƶ LIFE Program is that they learn who they are and that they live a life that they had hoped for whether that is independent living, working, contributing, or just being part of a world that they had hoped to be part of,” said Jorgenson.

Topics

College of Education and Human Development

Gift from Charles Schwab Foundation Will Help Develop Next Generation in Certified Financial Planning

Katelynn C Hipolito — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 13:34:26 +0000

Gift from Charles Schwab Foundation Will Help Develop Next Generation in Certified Financial Planning Katelynn C Hipolito Mon, 08/04/2025 - 09:34

�鶹��Ƶ has announced a generous multi-year commitment from Schwab Advisor Services in partnership with the Charles Schwab Foundation to grow and strengthen George �鶹��Ƶ’s Financial Planning and Wealth Management Program (FPWM) and to position it to meet the region’s strong demand for certified financial planners.

“Our partnership with Schwab Advisory Services is an extraordinary benefit for our students,” said Ajay Vinzé, dean of the Costello College of Business. “Charles Schwab’s engagement with the college has given our students valuable insights into the personal finance industry, and this grant will help to attract and retain world class talent to lead the program and bring it to the next level.”

Costello’s FPWM program was launched in 2019 in response to a growing need for financial planners and wealth managers, particularly in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region. The Charles Schwab grant will allow the college to strengthen its ability to meet this demand by establishing a dedicated faculty member with certified financial planning (CFP) experience to lead operations within FPWM, teach key courses, and to deepen relationships within the CFP industry.

“Charles Schwab is an enthusiastic partner to business education institutions, including the Costello College of Business,” said Jon Beatty, head of Schwab Advisor Services. “Costello students include those with backgrounds that are currently underrepresented in the financial planning and wealth management profession, and we share the college’s vision of developing these students into qualified professionals who will be able to serve the diverse clients in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.”

The Costello FPWM program benefits from its association with the college’s Financial Planning and Wealth Management Advisory Board, comprising George �鶹��Ƶ and Costello alumni, business professionals, individual supporters, faculty, and NextGen Board members who link students with industry veterans. The board has developed the program in consultation with more than a dozen registered investment advisor (RIA) and financial planning firms in the Northern Virginia region. FPWM students graduate from George �鶹��Ƶ with a bachelor of science degree in business, with a concentration in financial planning and wealth management.

“Our objective is to create the next generation of financial planning professionals,” said David Johnson, chair of the Financial Planning and Wealth Management Advisory Board.

“With cross-pollination from Costello’s finance and accounting academic disciplines, our graduates will possess the technical skills, soft skills, and ethical grounding that will launch them into successful careers.”

In This Story

Ajay Vinzé

Learn more about �鶹��Ƶ Now

Topics

Costello College of Business

Costello College of Business News

Campus News

philanthropy

�鶹��Ƶ Now campaign

�鶹��Ƶ Vision Day 2025 noted for record support from the George �鶹��Ƶ community

Colleen Rich — Wed, 28 May 2025 18:18:12 +0000

�鶹��Ƶ Vision Day 2025 noted for record support from the George �鶹��Ƶ community Colleen Rich Wed, 05/28/2025 - 14:18

Each year, �鶹��Ƶ Nation unites for 24 hours to support the mission and vision of �鶹��Ƶ. �鶹��Ƶ Vision Day 2025 encouraged donors to support what means the most to them. They came forward in record numbers—with record-breaking results.

More than 1,900 donors participated in this year’s �鶹��Ƶ Vision Day, breaking last year’s record and raising $1.38 million.

By the Numbers

1,924 donors

322 new donors

43.5% alumni donors

26.1% community partner donors

17.5% faculty/staff donors

$1.38 million raised

207 funds supported

"It’s a wonderful showing from our community of alumni, faculty, staff, families, and friends, and I could not be more proud of that support,” said Trishana E. Bowden, president of the �鶹��Ƶ Foundation and George �鶹��Ƶ’s vice president for advancement and alumni relations.

Donors made more than 2,300 gifts during the 24-hour period from noon April 3 to noon April 4, supporting 207 distinct funds across the university. These included campus-wide programs like the Military, Veterans, and Families Initiative, the Center for Community Mental Health, and the Patriot Pantry—programs that strongly impact the experience of hundreds of George �鶹��Ƶ students as well as members of our local community.

Several of George �鶹��Ƶ’s individual units saw exceptional support throughout the day, spurred by challenge gifts and matching opportunities that allowed individual gifts to work to create more meaningful impact. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the College of Public Health, and the Honors College were among the areas that benefited from the enthusiastic generosity of donors.

Zofia Burr, dean of the Honors College, was very pleased with the generosity of donors to the college. “The Honors College walks in step with the important mission of �鶹��Ƶ: to offer exceptional access to an exceptional education,” she said. “Our students are leaders—in academics and everywhere on campus. We are proud of our program that brings such highly motivated students to the university community, and it means a great deal to know that our alumni recognize the value of the Honors College education and experience.”

The �鶹��Ƶ Nation of alumni, now 250,000 strong, was responsible for the bulk of the gifts made on �鶹��Ƶ Vision Day. “The generosity of our alumni community is particularly inspirational,” said Bowden. “They give to George �鶹��Ƶ in so many ways, through their time, talents, and in this case, their treasure. They are a living tribute to what this university experience means, and what it means to be a Patriot.”

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This content appears in the Fall 2025 print edition of the �鶹��Ƶ Spirit Magazine with the title "�鶹��Ƶ Vision Day Receives Record Support."

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The Hylton Center Celebrates Successful 15th Anniversary Gala

Kirstin Franko — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 17:54:29 +0000

The Hylton Center Celebrates Successful 15th Anniversary Gala Kirstin Franko Wed, 04/30/2025 - 13:54

In This Story

Rick Davis

Gregory Washington

The Hylton Performing Arts Center hosted its 15th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, April 26, celebrating 15 years of artistic excellence in Manassas and throughout the Northern Virginia region. The event welcomed 237 guests and raised $162,500 in support for the Hylton Center’s artistic programming, Veterans and the Arts Initiative, and Education Initiative.

Ten percent of net proceeds will also fund the Hylton Center’s Endowment, and funds raised through the Gala contribute to �鶹��Ƶ’s �鶹��Ƶ Now: Power the Possible, a university-wide comprehensive one-billion-dollar fundraising campaign.

Rick Davis, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts and executive director of the Hylton Performing Arts Center; Sam Hill; Lillian Hill; Gala Honoree Marion Wall; Deborah Johnson, LaToya Asia Smith, Gala Honoree Dominion Energy; Jason Hickman, Presenting Sponsor Compton & Duling; Gregory Washington, president of �鶹��Ƶ. Photo by Sean Kelley.

The Hylton Center’s 15th Anniversary Gala festivities began at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, with a cocktail reception in the Didlake Grand Foyer, featuring a French 75 signature cocktail crafted by MurLarkey Distilled Spirits. Guests then enjoyed an elegant dinner on Merchant Hall stage, which was catered by Susan Gage Caterers, before the evening’s program commenced.

Rick Davis, executive director of the Hylton Center and dean of �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), opened the program with a dimming of the lights in memory of William Reeder, founding dean of CVPA, who passed away on April 12 and whose visionary leadership enabled the creation of the Hylton Performing Arts Center.

In a video presentation, Dean Davis and other important figures from the community looked back at the beginnings of the Hylton Center and toward its promising future. “As we celebrate 15 years at the Hylton Center, we envision continued growth in the quality, the quantity, and the impact of the arts that we create here, and the arts we present," Davis said. "Everything that we do at the Hylton Center is a testament to the vitality of having a world-class performing arts center right in your community.”

President of �鶹��Ƶ Gregory Washington speaks to the guests.
Photo by Sean Kelley.

George �鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington built on Davis’s remarks, “The Hylton Performing Arts Center is a crucial component of George �鶹��Ƶ’s broader role as a cultural hub for the region, a talent incubator for our students, and a gathering place for so many in our community. I’m proud to join in celebrating 15 impactful years of creativity and innovation in the arts, and express my deepest gratitude to the leaders, staff, and supporters who have brought us to this milestone anniversary.”

The honoree tribute was dedicated to Marion Wall and Dominion Energy, two longtime champions of the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Wall was celebrated as a steadfast supporter since the Hylton Center’s earliest days, who played a pivotal role in the planning, development, and ongoing success of the venue. Dominion Energy was recognized for making a profound impact on the cultural landscape of Northern Virginia, including investment in George �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, programs like the Veterans and the Arts Initiative, and other benefits to ensure accessible arts experiences for all.

The event also included a live auction of unique arts experiences, Raise Your Paddle fundraiser, and wine-and-whiskey pull in support of the Veterans and the Arts Initiative, which offers free workshops and concerts for local Veterans, Servicemembers, their families, and community members. These activities raised more than $27,000 for the Veterans and the Arts Initiative, continuing the celebration of its 10-year anniversary and its mission of creativity and service.

Champagne skirt performer recognizing Gala Presenting Sponsor Compton & Duling.
Photo by Sean Kelley.

The evening closed in a lively fashion with an after-party that featured a mix of George �鶹��Ƶ students and professional musicians in a 10-piece swing band from �鶹��Ƶ Music Productions, a swing dance experience led by dancers from Gottaswing, a champagne skirt performer from Carbone Entertainment, and a Blackberry Sage Smash cocktail crafted by MurLarkey Distilled Spirits.

The Hylton Center’s 15th Anniversary Gala was supported by many regional businesses and individual donors, including Presenting Sponsor Compton & Duling, L.C., Cocktail Reception Sponsor Appliance Connection, Live Auction Sponsor United Bank, Raise Your Paddle Sponsor Todos Supermarket, Wine Pull Sponsor Whitlock Wealth, and Wine Sponsor Thomas Sabal and Daniel Tucciarone. Other generous sponsors of this year’s event included: City of Manassas; Rick Davis and Julie Thompson; Didlake; Dominion Energy; ECU Communications; �鶹��Ƶ Foundation; Carolyn Hays and Jeff Burke; The Law Office of Sheyna Nicole Burt, PLC; Micron Technology; Potomac Health Foundation; Sentara Health; Stanley Martin; UVA Community Health; Wall Foundation; and Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley, & Walsh, P.C.

To view additional images from the event visit the 15th Anniversary photo gallery.

Niyati Dhokai, program director of the Veterans and the Arts Initiative confirming the impact of the program on the military-connected community. Photo by Sean Kelley.

Some of the notable guests in attendance included: Mayor of the City of Manassas Michelle Davis-Younger; Virginia State Senator Jeremy McPike and Sharon McPike; Virginia Delegates Briana Sewell, Ian Lovejoy, Josh Thomas, and Luke Torian; Manassas City Councilmembers Theresa Coates Ellis, Tom Osina, Ralph Smith, Ashely Hutson, and Mark Wolfe; Manassas City Manager and Hylton Center Executive Board Member, Steve Burke and Cary Burke; Prince William Board of County Supervisors Vice Chair Andrea Bailey and Reverend Cozy Bailey; Prince William Board of County Supervisors, Neabsco District Supervisor Victor Angry and Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin; Managing Member of Compton & Duling, LC Jason Hickman; Vice President and Site Executive of Micron Technology Virginia Delbert Parks; President of Pitkin’s Home Center Sarah Pitkin; Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, P.C. President V. Rick Nishanian and Nunik Nishanian; Todos Supermarkets Owner Carlos Castro; President and CEO of NOVEC, Kristen Senechal; President of Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, Jeff Joyner; Senior Policy Advisory of Nelson Mulling and Hylton Center Executive Board Member Rod Hall and Lena Hall; Artistic Director of Manassas Ballet Theatre Amy Wolfe; Hylton Center Executive Board Chair Sheyna Burt; Hylton Center Executive Board Vice Chair Joyce Connery; Hylton Center Executive Board Member the Honorable Ann Wheeler and John Wheeler; and Hylton Center Executive Board Member Gayle Whitlock and Bennett Whitlock, and Hylton Center Executive Board Member Kris Nohe and Martin Nohe.

Interested in contributing to ensure the success of the next 15 years of the Hylton Center? Explore ways to give on the Hylton Center website.

Enjoy a video from the event, celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Veterans and the Arts Initiative.

Topics

Hylton Performing Arts Center

Hylton Center

Rick Davis

Gregory Washington

veterans and the arts

College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)

�鶹��Ƶ Arts

�鶹��Ƶ Now: Power the Possible

Campus News

philanthropy

�鶹��Ƶ Vision Day: one day, extraordinary impact

Katarina Benson — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 15:09:59 +0000

�鶹��Ƶ Vision Day: one day, extraordinary impact Katarina Benson Thu, 03/27/2025 - 11:09

Once a year, every corner of �鶹��Ƶ unites for a 24-hour period, �鶹��Ƶ Vision Day, coming together with the singular goal of moving George �鶹��Ƶ forward.

“We have the entire community in mind,” said Zavin Smith, BA ’00, MA ’03, assistant vice president for annual and constituent giving and strategic initiatives, “both for their generosity and for the recipients of that generosity. It is truly an opportunity for everyone in the �鶹��Ƶ Nation, whether alumni, staff, faculty, parents, or steadfast friends, to support whatever it is they love at the university.”

�鶹��Ƶ Vision Day kicks off at noon on April 3 and continues for 24 hours. Across George �鶹��Ƶ’s campuses, units have organized structured challenges, matching opportunities from generous donors and leadership, and specific initiatives—and they have been letting their constituents know about those opportunities. The Schar School of Policy and Government and the College of Public Health, for example, are noting their Student Emergency Assistance Funds, and the College of Visual and Performing Arts is highlighting several initiatives. The College of Science offers opportunities around the goal of supporting scientific innovation. Each unit encourages donors to join matching challenges and support the areas at George �鶹��Ƶ that resonate with them.

Smith emphasized that what matters most is the community nature of �鶹��Ƶ Vision Day. “George �鶹��Ƶ has a host of initiatives that support students, research, and programs. Everyone in the �鶹��Ƶ Nation has been touched by one or more of them, and every donor can help them grow.” A complete listing of all �鶹��Ƶ giving opportunities is available through masonvisionday.gmu.edu.

“�鶹��Ƶ Vision Day is a yearly reminder of the impact we can make when the entire community comes together,” said Smith. “It truly is the power of YOU.”

Power the Possible

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Campus News

philanthropy

�鶹��Ƶ Now campaign

Advancement launches new awards to recognize faculty and staff giving

Katarina Benson — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 19:10:28 +0000

Advancement launches new awards to recognize faculty and staff giving Katarina Benson Fri, 03/14/2025 - 15:10

�鶹��Ƶ’s staff and faculty bring their generosity to their work each day, and many go a step farther by contributing to George �鶹��Ƶ through financial giving. Each year, the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations holds a celebration of faculty and staff generosity and commitment, and this year debuted two awards highlighting a faculty member and a staff member who embody the many ways in which the George �鶹��Ƶ community gives to its students and programs.

Kim Eby and Philip Wilkerson with their awards. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

“George �鶹��Ƶ’s success streams directly from the many ways that our faculty and staff give of themselves,” said Trishana E. Bowden, vice president of advancement and alumni relations and president of the �鶹��Ƶ Foundation. “We are incredibly fortunate to benefit from this culture of philanthropy, and we created the Luminary Award and the Spirit of Giving Award to let us tell the stories of individuals whose giving serves as an inspiration to us all.”

The Luminary Award honors faculty donors whose philanthropy and advocacy serve as a shining example for the George �鶹��Ƶ community, she said. These faculty members go beyond their professional roles to champion George �鶹��Ƶ students and programs, inspiring students, colleagues, and the broader university community to engage in meaningful giving through their leadership, advocacy, and their own commitment to giving.

The inaugural Luminary Award was given to Kim Eby, vice provost for faculty affairs and development.

“Kim truly embodies the ethos of the arts at George �鶹��Ƶ,” said Rick Davis, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, as he presented the award. “For years, Kim has served as the co-chair of the Dance Fête, our annual celebration of dance and philanthropy. Through her leadership, this event has grown in both impact and visibility, ensuring that our dance students have the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to excel.

“Kim’s support of George �鶹��Ƶ students extends across and beyond the arts, from dance to music, from undergraduate research to supporting student food and housing insecurity issues. She has given not only her resources but also her time, energy, and leadership to ensure that the students continue to thrive at George �鶹��Ƶ.”

Eby appreciated that the award reflected the length and breadth of her service to the university. “It is an honor to be recognized with the inaugural Luminary Award, particularly since George �鶹��Ƶ has been my professional home for nearly 30 years,” she said. “The knowledge that I am part of making a difference for our students brings me a sense of purpose and gives hope. I know that together we can have a tremendous impact on our community.”

Bowden also announced a Spirit of Giving Award to recognize staff members who embody the university’s philanthropic spirit and actively contribute to the university through charitable giving, service, and engagement. Their deep commitment to supporting George �鶹��Ƶ’s mission, whether by donating, leading fundraising efforts, or encouraging a culture of giving within their departments, exemplifies selflessness and generosity, strengthening the George �鶹��Ƶ community and inspiring others to give back.

The first Spirit of Giving Award was given to Philip Wilkerson III, MEd ’23, an employer engagement consultant with the Office of Career Services, and was presented by Lewis Forrest II, associate dean of University Life.

“Philip's charitable giving supports initiatives benefiting student success, including the College of Education and Human Development Dean’s Excellence Fund, University Life Student Emergency Assistance Fund, the Black Scholars Endowment, and the Career Readiness Fund,” said Forrest. Moreover, he said, Wilkerson "literally knows everyone on campus. His light and energy make it easy for others to be inspired to give their time, talents, or gifts to George �鶹��Ƶ.”

Forrest described a particular effort of Wilkerson’s that has made a positive impact: “The Pats for Patriots initiative enables members of our community to send kind messages to colleagues. These are easy ways to show someone you see them, and it costs nothing,” said Forrest. “This is what Phil does, he gives of himself so that others can benefit. Because of his leadership, more than 2,000 George �鶹��Ƶ Patriots have submitted recognition to colleagues and friends. This is what it means to give in a variety of ways.”

Wilkerson said that George �鶹��Ƶ was the place where he found his life’s work in helping others. "This award made me feel seen, heard, and valued as someone who contributes to �鶹��Ƶ through my day-to-day efforts. That means the world to me because George �鶹��Ƶ has given me so much—a community, a career, and a profound sense of purpose and belonging,” he said. “I’m honored to be recognized in this way, and I will continue to do the work that helps the next generation of students feel empowered, just as George �鶹��Ƶ has empowered me. It’s about sustaining the thriving community that has given us so much.”

That thriving community, said Bowden, is “a reflection of care, dedication, and belief in our students, our mission, and our future that makes an impact far beyond the classroom or office. Our faculty and staff offer an extraordinary commitment to the university, and it is an honor to highlight their service—and to thank them.”

In This Story

Rick Davis

Kim Eby, PhD

Power the Possible

Topics

Alumni

philanthropy

�鶹��Ƶ Now campaign

Faculty and Staff News

Victor and Diane Hoskins make a gift to fuel the future of George �鶹��Ƶ students—and Northern Virginia

Colleen Rich — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 15:41:37 +0000

Victor and Diane Hoskins make a gift to fuel the future of George �鶹��Ƶ students—and Northern Virginia Colleen Rich Wed, 12/18/2024 - 10:41

“I don't think there's another university in the state of Virginia or in the region that offers opportunity the way that that George �鶹��Ƶ does,” said Victor Hoskins, president and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. With his deep involvement in the business of Northern Virginia, Hoskins’s impression is informed by experience. As a member of �鶹��Ƶ’s President’s Innovation Advisory Council (PIAC), he sees the important role that George �鶹��Ƶ plays in helping the region grow.

Victor and Diane Hoskins. Photo provided

Victor and his wife, Diane Hoskins, are actively contributing to George �鶹��Ƶ’s work to spur the innovative expansion of opportunity in Northern Virginia. In honor of their generous gift of $50,000, a conference space in the �鶹��Ƶ Enterprise Suite will bear their name.

"Victor Hoskins has been a champion for the Fuse project and its impact on the region since its inception during the time when he led Arlington Economic Development,” said Liza Wilson Durant, associate provost for strategic initiatives and community engagement. “His early insights were invaluable as we developed the vision for a building that would bring together a diversity of thought and expertise and accelerate innovation through collisions between industry, government, and academia. We are thrilled that Victor and Diane have chosen this additional personal support for the project."

Hoskins is positive about the opportunities presented by Fuse, a 345,000+-square-foot building that will serve as a hub for research, learning, and entrepreneurship. “It’s an innovation center,” he said. “It could really capitalize by connecting directly to these companies that want research, that are looking for innovation, that are trying to get out of their own box.”

Paula Sorrell, George �鶹��Ƶ’s associate vice president of innovation and economic development, enthusiastically agreed. “As an R-1 university with a reputation for creativity and innovation, we take very seriously our partnerships with the business community and with our local private and public organizations. Fuse is a stage set for the interplay of ideas that will advance the success of these partners. Victor is a brilliant guy and a fantastic partner for �鶹��Ƶ in economic development, and I’m so excited that it’s his named conference room we will use every day.”

Hoskins’s career is an illustration of moving businesses forward. He has held executive leadership ranks in the public and private sectors, working in real estate finance, housing development, economic development, international business investment, strategic planning, and team management. When he was deputy mayor, planning and development, for the District of Columbia—a position he held from 2011-14—his team transformed Washington, D.C., with projects such as CityCenterDC, the Wharf, and Union Market.

Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Serving as the director of economic development for Arlington County, Virginia, from 2015 to 2019, Hoskins led the team that brought the second headquarters of Amazon to the region; a massive economic development deal that will generate $4 billion in investment and create more than 100,000 jobs.

In Fairfax County, his leadership has attracted or retained the headquarters of Hilton, Volkswagen of America, StarKist, Amentum, and the Aerospace Corporation, and major operations of Microsoft, AWS, Google, Meta, Blue Origin, and Qualtrics.

PIAC is a group of industry, community, and government leaders who offer leadership, vision, and guidance regarding George �鶹��Ƶ’s Arlington Innovation Initiative. As a member, Hoskins sees George �鶹��Ƶ as integral to helping to connect skilled, educated workers with all of the industries making their homes in Northern Virginia.

“The talent supply that George �鶹��Ƶ provides for the region is pretty amazing. Something like 70% of the students who finish at George �鶹��Ƶ stay in the region, and that means that you’re our university,” he said. “Any investment in George �鶹��Ƶ is actually an investment in the state economy and an investment in the private as well as the public sector.”

Fuse, Hoskins said, is a way to integrate students and research with industry. “To me, it is the university’s opportunity to bring together the ideas of the private sector with deep research to solve problems,” he said. “Very few companies have R&D programs that are strong enough to do that kind of work individually.”

Even beyond Fuse, Hoskins believes in George �鶹��Ƶ’s commitment to first-generation students. “Diane and I were in the first generation in our families to attend a university,” he said. “In addition, we were blessed to be able to earn master’s degrees. Without the support of scholarships, research fellowships, and internships, we would not have been able to attend our universities.”

Diane Hoskins, the global co-chair of architecture and design firm Gensler, is a registered architect who has been covered by the Washington Post Magazine, Fortune, and other news sources as one of the most influential and powerful women in business.

The couple’s parents were catalysts for their educational aspirations, and the Hoskins’ support for educational opportunities is driven by their desire to honor them. “Our parents focused on education as the path to a successful career and the way to achieve the American dream,” Hoskins said. “Unfortunately, they weren’t able to go to college, but it’s something they wanted for all their kids.”

Moreover, Hoskins appreciates George �鶹��Ƶ’s emphasis on inclusivity. “The diversity of the school is amazing, and that diversity is attractive to me.” At George �鶹��Ƶ, he added, “it’s really access to anybody who is interested in education.”

The Hoskins’ gift to support George �鶹��Ƶ students through their investment in Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square is certain to make a lasting impact on how �鶹��Ƶ—and its students—will be able to serve the community into the future.

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Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones invest $1.4M in George �鶹��Ƶ for STEM education and research

Colleen Rich — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 16:19:45 +0000

Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones invest $1.4M in George �鶹��Ƶ for STEM education and research Colleen Rich Wed, 12/04/2024 - 11:19

Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones continue their legacy of philanthropy at �鶹��Ƶ with a transformative $1 million gift to establish the Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones Networking Testbed Lab within the Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square building.

Photo by William Gallagher

The Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones Networking Testbed Lab will be dedicated to network applications including secure communications, advanced antennae systems, next-G and O-RAN innovations, with applications in air transportation, high-speed and autonomous vehicles, smart power grids, intelligent buildings, manufacturing, technology and national defense. Expected to open by June 2025, the lab will support both faculty and student research efforts.

"�鶹��Ƶ is deeply grateful for the Jones family's generous investment in our students and faculty and in empowering innovators from across our region," George �鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington said. "Their support of the testbed lab reflects a commitment to advancing critical research in rapidly developing technologies and fostering a diverse, well-prepared workforce that will serve Northern Virginia employers for decades to come."

The investment qualifies as part of George �鶹��Ƶ’s contribution to the commonwealth’s Tech Talent Investment Program (TTIP), a statewide initiative aimed at increasing degrees in computer science, computer engineering, and software engineering in the College of Engineering and Computing by 2039. The gift also activates a match from the commonwealth through TTIP, increasing the impact to bolster Northern Virginia’s tech talent pipeline. Through TTIP, higher education institutions, private donors, and corporate partners will collectively contribute more than $2 billion to expand Virginia’s tech workforce, starting from early education and extending through college, internships, and employment.

Stanley Jones, a former a surveillance and communications engineer and first-generation college graduate, is dedicated to providing opportunities for future generations.

“Throughout my career in engineering, I saw the power of access to advanced research and technology. I’m excited about the possibilities this new testbed lab will bring, providing George �鶹��Ƶ students with hands-on experiences in a cutting-edge field,” he said. Rosemary Hayes Jones, who served the Northern Virginia community as a real estate agent for more than 35 years, shares this commitment to advancing education and community impact. “We believe that investing in education and innovation is essential to fostering a thriving community and a strong workforce.”

This gift follows a $400,000 commitment to the Early Identification Program (EIP) given to George �鶹��Ƶ in 2023. The EIP funding supports two program initiatives: the EIP STEM Fusion Expansion, a K-12 program to increase the number of first-generation students pursuing STEM fields, and the Stanley and Rosemary Jones STEM Scholars Program, which provides direct support to EIP students pursuing STEM majors.

“Stanley Jones exemplifies the potential of first-generation students. When given opportunities, these students excel,” said Rose Pascarell, vice president of University Life for George �鶹��Ƶ. “This investment in EIP will expand access to STEM fields, and the impact will extend beyond �鶹��Ƶ to benefit the Northern Virginia community."

Established in 1987, EIP provides critical resources to first-generation middle and high school students in partnership with seven Virginia school districts. The program serves more than 900 students annually, providing them and their families with the resources and guidance needed to navigate postsecondary education.

The Joneses’ gift to EIP accelerates George �鶹��Ƶ’s efforts to close the achievement gap for first-generation college students in STEM and supports the STEM Fusion program, which offers students supplemental STEM coursework and expands the program’s reach to serve more students in neighboring counties.

Additionally, the Stanley and Rosemary Jones STEM Scholars initiative will support a cohort of 10 EIP graduates attending George �鶹��Ƶ as STEM majors. With professional mentoring, cultural and career programming, and internship opportunities—including placements at MITRE, Jones's former employer—the program is designed to strengthen retention and career readiness for these students.

“As a first-generation student, I worked my way through undergraduate school and then received a fellowship to attend graduate school. The fellowship made all the difference—it allowed me to pursue a successful career as an engineer,” said Stanley Jones. “Through our support for the �鶹��Ƶ Early Identification Program and the internship and mentorship support from MITRE, we are hoping to give a similar opportunity to other deserving students.”

The Joneses' gifts are part of �鶹��Ƶ Now: Power the Possible, George �鶹��Ƶ’s historic billion-dollar campaign to advance student success, research, innovation, stewardship, and community engagement—laying the foundation for a transformative legacy that will shape the future of the university and uplift the entire region for generations.

Learn more about Fuse at �鶹��Ƶ Square

Jimmy Hazel, steadfast George �鶹��Ƶ alum and friend, looks to the future with a foundational gift

Colleen Rich — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 15:05:24 +0000

Jimmy Hazel, steadfast George �鶹��Ƶ alum and friend, looks to the future with a foundational gift Colleen Rich Mon, 10/07/2024 - 11:05

James W. “Jimmy” Hazel, JD ’84, has led a life of service to the Commonwealth of Virginia—and to �鶹��Ƶ. In July 2024, as his term on the university’s Board of Visitors concluded, Hazel added to his considerable legacy with a gift of $1 million for the Smithsonian–�鶹��Ƶ School of Conservation (SMSC).

James Hazel speaking at the university's 50th anniversary event. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

The gift, reflecting Hazel’s wishes to advance the important work of the school, creates two funds. The first will provide support for graduate or undergraduate students enrolled at SMSC, and the second will support the operations of the school’s programs.

“This gift represents my personal passion for conservation and my hope is that it will allow George �鶹��Ƶ to draw in a diverse group of new PhD students to the program,” Hazel said.

Hazel is a cochair on the Advisory Board for SMSC, a research and academic facility in Front Royal, Virginia, that operates under a partnership between the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and George �鶹��Ƶ. The facility covers more than 3,000 acres of forest, grassland, and pasture, and houses a range of endangered mammals, birds, and amphibians.

SMSC conducts research and offers proactive methodologies of conservation biology education and training, providing hands-on interdisciplinary programs to undergraduates, graduate students, professionals, and high school students. It draws from the educational innovation of George �鶹��Ƶ faculty and the established work of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute to create a transdisciplinary approach to conservation leadership that is research-based, forward-looking, and ethical.

Students conducting field work at the Smithsonian-�鶹��Ƶ School of Conservation. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Cody Edwards, SMSC executive director and interim dean, College of Science, understands the immediate impact of Hazel’s generosity.

“With this gift, he opens doors for students passionate about conservation and sustainability,” Edwards said. “Jimmy’s continued support helps ensure SMSC can continue to bring together internationally renowned experts who can offer those students an educational experience that will enhance their futures and ultimately, help preserve the world’s biodiversity.”

SMSC’s graduate programs include practical training in the tools necessary to conduct and report research, and allow students to work directly with experts and practitioners from all over the world. Students become part of a community of conservation scientists and leaders, developing relationships with these mentors and with each other, forming networks to help them launch into a wide variety of careers.

“My family has, and will always have, deep ties to George �鶹��Ƶ and the Fairfax Campus,” Hazel said, “but I think one of the best university programs sits in Front Royal at the Smithsonian �鶹��Ƶ School of Conservation. With the groundbreaking research being conducted at the facility, we have the potential to put this initiative on the map in a big way. I would like to think that this gift will help increase that momentum.”

“Jimmy’s impact on SMSC and its students goes well beyond this single thoughtful gift,” added Edwards. “His continued support has helped transform this program and placed it on a trajectory not envisioned when it was originally conceived.”

Hazel has been a dedicated, engaged member of the George �鶹��Ƶ community. He served twice on the Board of Visitors: from 1994 to 2002, and his most recent appointment, from 2016 to 2024, included chairmanship of the Development Committee, a term as vice rector, and service as rector from 2020-22. He is a past president of the �鶹��Ƶ Alumni Association and the Law Alumni Association, and he served for 18 years on the �鶹��Ƶ Foundation Board of Trustees.

Hazel chaired George �鶹��Ƶ’s successful Faster Farther Campaign, which closed at nearly $700 million—$200 million more than its original goal. He cochaired the presidential search committee that brought George �鶹��Ƶ’s president Gregory Washington to campus in 2020. In recognition of his more than three decades of service to the university, Hazel was awarded the George �鶹��Ƶ Medal in 2017.

Hazel, a lifelong outdoorsman who has served on the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (chairing the agency for three years), and on the boards of the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia and George �鶹��Ƶ’s Potomac Science Center, is determined to make a lasting difference through SMSC.

Power the Possible

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Smithsonian-�鶹��Ƶ School of Conservation

ARTS by George! 2024 Celebrates �鶹��Ƶ Arts, Culminating in Concert by Tony Award Winner Lea Salonga

Laura Mertens — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 18:26:26 +0000

ARTS by George! 2024 Celebrates �鶹��Ƶ Arts, Culminating in Concert by Tony Award Winner Lea Salonga Laura Mertens Wed, 08/28/2024 - 14:26

�鶹��Ƶ's College of Visual and Performing Arts Presents ARTS by George!, an Evening Celebrating �鶹��Ƶ Arts

ARTS by George! makes its return to �鶹��Ƶ’s Fairfax Campus on September 28, 2024. Headlined by Tony and Olivier Award-winning singer and actress Lea Salonga, the annual benefit event raises funds for student scholarships at the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), as well as for the �鶹��Ƶ Community Arts Academy, Green Machine Ensembles, and the Great Performances at �鶹��Ƶ season at the Center for the Arts. Since its launch in 2006, ARTS by George! has raised more than $4.1 million for �鶹��Ƶ Arts.

“‘Something for everyone’ might be an overworked phrase, but it fits ARTS by George! perfectly,” notes Rick Davis, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. “From art and music to dance and theater, virtual reality to documentary film, the student showcases offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience the breadth and depth of what we do every day in �鶹��Ƶ Arts. I learn something new every year and become an even prouder Dean.”

ARTS by George! begins at 5 p.m. by bringing hundreds of CVPA students and faculty together to showcase performances and exhibits, as well as to offer a behind-the-scenes look at their collaborative process. The seven CVPA academic units will be featured in showcases, which are a highlight of the annual event.

The School of Art will host an antique photobooth and give demonstrations of 3D art and letterpress printing, while Arts Management will host a display of the Free Little Art Gallery created by a graduate from the program. School of Dance will offer two presentations by faculty members—Christopher d’Amboise on dancing to the music of Stravinsky and Karen Reedy on Robert Battle’s “The Hunt”—which also include live dancing by students. Film and Video Studies will screen a selection of films by students, and Computer Game Design will offer a presentation titled “Unlocking the Future: Game Design with A.I. and Mixed Reality.” Students in the areas of jazz, opera, classical piano, and percussion will perform, representing the Dewberry School of Music; and students from the School of Theater will stage selections from 110 in the Shade, this fall’s musical, and student-written plays to be premiered in The Originals! 2024. In addition, two �鶹��Ƶ Arts programs—the Green Machine Ensembles and �鶹��Ƶ Community Arts Academy—will also offer performances throughout the event. These showcases will be held in the Harris Theatre, de Laski Performing Arts Building, and Horizon Hall. Guests will enjoy a buffet dinner and drinks over the course of the evening.

At 8 p.m., attendees will move into the Center for the Arts’ Concert Hall for a live Fund-a-Student appeal. The event culminates with a performance from Lea Salonga, starting at 8:30 p.m. Salonga will treat audience members to famous songs from her roles on Broadway and in animated films, and join them onstage for a champagne toast following the show. Beforehand, she will welcome George �鶹��Ƶ students for an open soundcheck and Q&A.

ARTS by George! Chair and �鶹��Ƶ Arts Board member Annie Bolger shared, “I’m thrilled to return as chair of this awe-inspiring event, which features George �鶹��Ƶ’s impactful arts programs and highlights the talents of its amazing students. I invite our community to join us for what promises to be a very special evening, and to support us in raising critical funds for student scholarships and community arts programs so that the exploration and creativity continues for years to come.”

For high-resolution images, press tickets, and interview requests, please email kfranko@gmu.edu and pr@camillecdevlin.com.

2024 ARTS by George! Schedule:

5 p.m., Harris Theatre, de Laski Performing Arts Building, and Horizon Hall

Showcases by the talented students from George �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, complemented by a buffet dinner and drink stations throughout the event.

8 p.m., Center for the Arts

Alumni performance and Fund-a-Student appeal.

8:30 p.m., Center for the Arts

An Evening with Lea Salonga, followed by an onstage champagne toast

Ticket and Sponsorship Information for 2024 ARTS by George!:

Individual benefit tickets are $350 per person and include entry to the student showcases, dinner, An Evening with Lea Salonga, champagne reception, and free garage parking. Each ticket includes a charitable donation portion directly supporting student scholarships and community arts programs.

Sponsorship packages begin at $2,000. To reserve tickets, become a sponsor, or for more information, please contact Susan Graziano at cvpagive@gmu.edu, 703-993-4188, or visit the ARTS by George! website.

Standalone tickets to only the 8:30 p.m. performance of An Evening with Lea Salonga are $50–$100 and are available for purchase through the Center for the Arts website.

The Premier Sponsor for ARTS by George! is Dominion Energy.

The Presenting Sponsor for ARTS by George! is Sandy Spring Bank.

Learn more about ARTS by George!

Purchase tickets for culminating concert, An Evening with Lea Salonga

“‘Something for everyone’ might be an overworked phrase, but it fits ARTS by George! perfectly.”

~ Rick Davis

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ARTS by George! 2024 Celebrates �鶹��Ƶ Arts, Culminating in Concert by Tony Award Winner Lea Salonga

�鶹��Ƶ's College of Visual and Performing Arts Presents ARTS by George!, an Evening Celebrating �鶹��Ƶ Arts

2024 ARTS by George! Schedule:

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