911±¬ÁÏ

Favorite Photos of the Year

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All year long, photographers in 911±¬ÁÏ’s  capture the moments that make Mason All Together Different. We asked our photographers to share their favorite photos from the 2023–24 school year.

As we prepare for a new academic year, let’s look back at these recent memories—skillfully frozen in time for the 911±¬ÁÏ vault.


Ron Aira, senior photographer, Office of University Branding

Student models dance at a brand photo shoot
Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding
 â€œThis photo was taken during a brand shoot, and all of the models were 911±¬ÁÏ students,â€� said Ron Aira, senior photographer in the Office of University Branding. “Someone turned on some music, and they all just started to dance. It was a fun moment that captured the spontaneity of life on campus.â€�

Portrait of a graduating student Moussokour Ouattar
Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding
“I took portraits of Moussokoura Ouattara to go with a graduation profile video,� said Aira. “She was graduating at the same time as her daughter. This photo captures the joy and pride she was feeling upon reaching this milestone.�

Evan Cantwell, senior photographer, Office of University Branding 

Students are covered in colorful powder at the Holi Moli event
Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding
 â€œCapturing the energy and joy of the Indian Student Association and friends during Holi Moli on campus is always one of my favorite events of the year,â€� said Evan Cantwell, senior photographer in the Office of University Branding.

Researcher in a biohazard suit looks through a protective window in a lab
Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding
“One of my first assignments working at 911±¬ÁÏ was photographing the Biomedical Research Lab,â€� said Cantwell. “Twenty years later, I was back—and this time, I was behind the curtains. Even though the lab wasn't ‘hot,’ for illustrative purposes, everyone was wearing biohazard suits. I was just wearing my office clothes.â€�

Cristian Torres, videographer/photographer, Office of University Branding

Two students get in a snowball fight on campus
Photo by Cristian Torres/Office of University Branding
“During the winter, on one of those snowy days, the university delayed operations until noon,â€� said Cristian Torres, videographer/photographer in the Office of University Branding. “Two students took advantage of the extra time and got into a snowball fight. Luckily, I was there to capture that moment.â€� 

Eduardo Macedo, student photographer, Office of University Branding

Student with dolphin face paint looks up at the stage at Mason Day
Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding
 â€œThis was my first time attending Mason Day,â€� said Eduardo Macedo, student photographer in the Office of University Branding. “I was fortunate to have front row access as a photographer, which allowed me to capture this moment. Her eyes just popped with the light.â€� Macedo is majoring in business with a concentration in finance. 

Ayman Rashid, student photographer, Office of University Branding

Students gather at the Homecoming Lip Sync battle
Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding
“I saw this opportunity to capture the group’s energy after winning the Homecoming Lip Sync battle,� said Ayman Rashid, student photographer in the Office of University Branding. “It’s a bit messy, there are some funny facial expressions, and a whole lot of blinking, but I like that. I feel like it’s one of the more authentic and lively photos I’ve taken, which is why it’s one of my favorites.� Rashid is a graphic design major with a minor in photography.