Spirit Magazine

Patriots named co-regular season champions, earning 2nd seed in A-10 Tournament

Katarina Benson — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:20:51 +0000

Patriots named co-regular season champions, earning 2nd seed in A-10 Tournament Katarina Benson Mon, 03/02/2026 - 13:20

The 911�� women's basketball team has captured a share of the 2026 Atlantic 10 Regular Season Championship—the first regular season conference title in program history. The Patriots closed league play with a program-best 16-2 conference record, marking their strongest Atlantic 10 ever.

911�� shares the title with Rhode Island after both teams finished atop the A-10 standings. The 16 conference victories set a new school record and cap one of the most successful seasons in program history. The championship also marks another major milestone, as the Patriots secure their first-ever stretch of three consecutive 20-win seasons—a testament to the sustained excellence being built at 911��.

The Mason women's team finished with their best record. Photo by Matt Durisko/Magnolia Media PA

By virtue of their regular season finish and conference tie-breaker protocol, the Patriots have earned the No. 2 seed and a double-bye in the 2026 Atlantic 10 Women's Basketball Championship. 911�� will open tournament play in the quarterfinal round on Friday, March 6, at 5 p.m. on USA Network, facing either No. 7 Dayton or No. 10 George Washington.

Join the Patriots at the Henrico Sports & Events Center as they look to repeat as Atlantic 10 Champions during the 2026 Atlantic 10 Tournament. Tickets are available through the 911�� Ticket Office; visit Ticketmaster or call the Athletic Ticket Office at 703-993-3270.

Need a ride? Hop on the fan bus and join the pregame pep rally inside the arena one hour before each game. To save your seat on the fan bus, email Jeff Danaher. Register for the pregame pep rally through the 911�� Alumni Association.

Learn more about the Mason Women's Basketball Team

Meet the Mason Nation: Gregg Black

lclarkg — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:20:27 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: Gregg Black lclarkg Tue, 02/10/2026 - 10:20

Gregg Black

Job: Director of Emergency Management and Fire Safety, Risk, Safety, and Resilience

As director of emergency management and fire safety in the Office of Risk, Safety, and Resilience, Gregg Black helps 911�� prepare for the unexpected. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

When an emergency happens, preparation is key. Fire drills, earthquake drills, emergency preparedness training—all these actions help the community prepare to take quick action in a crisis.

For most people, planning for an emergency might only come to mind every now and then. But some 911�� employees spend each day preparing for emergencies and planning how to protect the Mason Nation in a crisis.

As director of emergency management and fire safety in the Office of Risk, Safety, and Resilience, Gregg Black, MPA’13, helps the university plan for the unexpected.

Learning on the Job: Black first arrived at 911�� as a graduate student in 2010. Hoping to find a part-time job on campus, he sent his resume to David Farris, MBA ’07, PhD Education ’16, now the associate vice president of Risk, Safety, and Resilience. Black was hired and eventually got a full-time job in the Fire Safety Office while still working toward his MPA.

Not a Drill: In fire safety, Black managed compliance and ensured that the program was keeping records of inspections and repairing any deficiencies. Black continued his education by pursuing certifications in the fire safety industry.

“I am particularly proud of how far the Fire Safety program has come,” Black said. “When I started, everything was paper-based, and most inspections were completed by contractors.”

Today, the program has a completely digitized records management system, and most inspections are performed in-house.

Making the Save: 911��’s Fire Safety program is regularly one of the highest-regarded programs in the commonwealth. “This was all done while saving money,” Black said. “University leaders are to credit with the investment and trust in employees to improve programs.”

Best Laid Plans: Black’s role expanded to include both Fire Safety and Emergency Management in 2019. The timing was critical—it happened right before the university needed to respond to the crisis of a generation.

“Just as I was getting both programs to a steady level, COVID happened and dramatically changed everything,” Black said.

For the next couple years, he spent most of his time and effort on the university’s COVID response.

Shifting gears: “I did a lot of planning and logistical support for bringing students back to campus, then quickly shifted to planning and logistical support for the COVID test sites, and then transitioned to the COVID vaccine operation,” Black said.

Protecting Patriots: 911��’s response to managing the COVID pandemic gained national recognition. Establishing an in-house surveillance testing program, the university administered more than 270,000 COVID tests to students, faculty, and staff between fall 2020 and spring 2022. This helped the university quickly identify and isolate positive COVID cases, mitigating outbreaks in the campus community.

When the COVID vaccine became available, more than 120,000 vaccinations were administered on campus to students, employees, and community members in partnership with the local health department.

Never a Dull Moment: The university’s response to COVID was an all-hands endeavor. Working with a range of people across campuses is what Black likes best about his job. In a single day, Black can go from discussing and coordinating security for an event, to partnering with Facilities and Campus Operations on strategies to repair fire safety systems, to planning how 911�� would be a part of a statewide sheltering plan, to coordinating the response to the next snowstorm.

“The Mason Nation is filled with talented and passionate people, and exposure to all of them has taught me so many things.”

Tomorrow’s Problem: One of the greatest challenges of his job, according to Black, is the unknown of the future. In addition to natural disasters, global conflicts and unrest can also affect the lives of 911�� students, faculty, and staff, and campus operations. “Despite these unexpected events, we have built a strong foundation of emergency plans and relationships that have allowed us to respond effectively,” Black said.

Safe and Secure: All that preparation grants him a chance to rest easier. Outside work, Black leads his son’s Trail Life troop, volunteers at church, supports his daughter in gymnastics, and enjoys local Virginia wine with his wife. He also tends to their flock of chickens and two golden retrievers.

More about Risk, Safety, and Resilience

911��’s Ilia Malinin claims Olympic gold

Katarina Benson — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 19:07:39 +0000

911��’s Ilia Malinin claims Olympic gold Katarina Benson Mon, 02/09/2026 - 14:07

On Saturday, February 7, 911�� student and reigning world figure skating champion Ilia Malinin helped power the United States to a team figure skating gold medal at the Milano Cortina Winter Games.

“This is your moment—it’s either do or die,” Malinin told reporters following his performance. “You have to go into this 100% and really know that it’s all up to you. I went in there with that mindset and really just let everything take its course.”

In his Olympic debut, Malinin, a 21-year-old exploratory studies major in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, became the first 911�� student or alumni to ever claim a Winter Olympics gold medal. He’ll be a heavy favorite to add to his medal haul when the men’s singles competition gets underway on Tuesday, February 10, starting at 12:30 p.m.

Malinin and Team USA won the teams' figure skating gold medal at the Milano Cortina Winter Games. Photo by Andy Cheung/Getty Images

To support Malinin, large TV screens have been set up in the Johnson Center atrium on the Fairfax Campus and in the lobby of Fuse at Mason Square, giving the Mason Nation the opportunity to gather and cheer one of their own.

A Vienna native and 2023 graduate of George C. Marshall High School, Malinin—nicknamed the “Quad God”—has been one of the most recognizable figures of the Olympics, known for both his charisma and his ability to push the sport forward through the extreme difficulty of his jumps. He’s the only figure skater to have successfully landed a quad axel in competition, a jump requiring four and a half revolutions.

After a solid performance in Saturday’s initial skate, Malinin upped his game in spectacular fashion the following day, executing five quad jumps to help Team USA surpass Japan for Olympic gold.

Speaking to the press afterwards, Malinin reflected on the pressure of competing as the overwhelming favorite.

“That’s something that everyone has to go through. They have to find a way to motivate themselves and keep it together during that pressure,” he said. “A lot of the times, I’m able to use that pressure and embrace it and tell myself, ‘You have all the attention, now it’s your time to go out there and do what you know how to do, and put your trust in everything you’ve worked to up to this moment.’”

“I was around 13 when I realized that I could skate for more than just fun.”

Ilia Malinin

Read an interview with 911�� student Ilia Malinin

The Mason Nation came together to cheer on Ilia Malinin as he competed on the Olympic stage.

Driving community spirit: Kathy McKay's impact on 911��

Katarina Benson — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 12:44:25 +0000

Driving community spirit: Kathy McKay's impact on 911�� Katarina Benson Tue, 12/16/2025 - 07:44

Kathleen (Kathy) McKay has deep ties to Fairfax, Virginia, her hometown. Her parents, James "Smilin’ Jim" and Ruth Averill McKay, were pioneers in the Fairfax business community; her father opened Jim McKay Chevrolet in 1956, becoming one of the first car dealers in the area.

As student athlete at Woodson High School, she grew up near 911��'s burgeoning Fairfax Campus. “I played field hockey, I played softball, and I was a swimmer,” she said.

McKay with Mason basketball players on the K. McKay Court. Photo provided by Mason Athletics

Much of that swim experience took place at a neighborhood club, where her own daughters still hold records from the 1990s. After graduating from James Madison University, she returned to Fairfax.

McKay is now the president of Jim McKay Chevrolet, a sponsor for many student activities and sports at 911��, and Intercollegiate Athletics has been at the heart of her personal connection with the university. Since the mid-1990s, she’s been an avid Patriots fan, attending many men's and women's basketball games, including the ones out of town, often with her daughters and now her grandchildren.

“I’ve always been a sports person,” McKay said. “I love college athletics; it’s the excitement. This is something that the athletes really, really want to do, and so few make it [to this level].”

She also appreciates the role college sports plays in bringing a community together. “It’s everything. No matter what your preference is, we offer every sport to allow a fan to be involved.”

McKay's support extends far beyond the sidelines. She has been a generous donor to 911�� for nearly 20 years, serving as a member of the Patriot Club Advisory Board and in the Green Coat Society, which recognizes generous, multi-year donors.

In 2017, she made a leadership gift to the university's basketball fundraising campaign, resulting in the naming of the K. McKay Court at the Recreation Athletic Complex (RAC). Her philanthropy has included substantial gifts—in conjunction with the family-linked Richard W. Averill Foundation and Jim McKay Chevrolet—to a variety of 911��’s teams, including a pledge that touched all 22 sports teams during an annual Mason Vision Day.

She has also made gifts to the College of Visual and Performing Arts' scholarship benefit ARTS by George! and to the Green Machine ensembles.

“Kathy McKay embodies the spirit of 911�� and the Northern Virginia community,” said Marvin Lewis, assistant vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “Her loyalty and generosity have touched every corner of our program—from cheering courtside to investing in opportunities that enrich the student-athlete experience. Kathy’s passion, rooted in family and community, reflects the very best of what it means to be a Patriot, and we’re incredibly fortunate to have her in our corner.”

McKay and President Washington. Photo provided by Mason Athletics

McKay carries on a family tradition of philanthropy and community service—911��’s Jim McKay Natatorium in the Aquatic and Fitness Center on the Fairfax Campus, a regional resource that includes a 50-meter Olympic-sized competition pool, bears the name of her father. She is continuing that tradition and is encouraging a culture of connected philanthropy through her own children: her daughter, April, and son-in-law, Matt, are also active supporters of 911�� Athletics.

McKay has been there for some of basketball’s biggest moments.

She remembers being warmly welcomed by the men’s basketball team, including then-coach Jim Larrañaga and his wife, Liz, when she traveled with the team to the ESPN Events Invitational Thanksgiving tournament in Orlando, Florida, in 2007. She also attended Atlantic 10 Conference (A-10) Tournaments at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, including “during COVID, in March 2020, [when] we got sent home after winning our first game.”

McKay was also in the front rows at the Robins Center in Richmond when the men’s basketball team defeated the University of Richmond to claim the 2025 A-10 regular season title, the team’s first. That same season saw Patriots Head Coach Tony Skinn, whom McKay had known since his undergraduate days, named A1-0 Coach of the Year.

“Tony was my pick from day one when we were searching for a coach,” she said.

With a grandson in tow, McKay traveled in March 2025 with the women’s basketball team to Richmond for the A-10 Women's Basketball Championship, where 911�� defeated St. Joseph’s to claim the title for the first time.

“I couldn’t not go, and they win this thing—because I really thought they could,” she said.

She also joined the women’s team for the España 2025 cultural and athletic expedition, where the Patriots played international opponents in Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona. With her on the trip was her eldest granddaughter, who has been attending games with McKay since she was six months old.

“Riley and I had a time together that neither one of us will ever forget!” she said.

She plans to enjoy as many games and team activities as she can fit on her calendar. “I love it!” she said. “I’m always looking at the schedule to see who’s playing what.”

Learn More

911�� and MetroStar launch partnership to fuel federal tech talent and innovation

Katarina Benson — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:02:54 +0000

911�� and MetroStar launch partnership to fuel federal tech talent and innovation Katarina Benson Fri, 12/12/2025 - 11:02

More than two decades ago, three 911�� students launched a company from their dorm room with a belief that technology would drive change in the federal government.

Today, that company—MetroStar, a venture-backed leader in AI enabled services—has come full circle. The company is proud to announce a multi-year strategic partnership with 911��, solidifying a shared mission to empower the next generation of tech leaders and public servants.

Through the agreement, MetroStar will support students and programming across 911��. It will become a Costello Corporate Partner in the Donald G. Costello College of Business and an Industry Partner in the College of Engineering and Computing (CEC).

Through these partnerships, MetroStar will launch a scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students with preference for those minoring in government contracting or management information systems, and a Clearance Ready Scholarship for students interested in obtaining a national security clearance.

“MetroStar’s investment in the Costello Corporate Partners program aligns closely with our strategic priorities, particularly in fostering innovative business collaboration and advancing career readiness,” said Ajay Vinzé, interim provost and Costello College of Business dean. “Their support will expand access to education in government contracting for our students and strengthen the academic offerings of the Greg and Camille Baroni Center for Government Contracting, the first university-based center in the nation focused on the business, policy, and regulatory dimensions of this vital sector.”

MetroStar will also support academic initiatives through the Dean’s Excellence Funds in CEC and Costello, in furtherance of strategic academic initiatives. “This gift from MetroStar, which will support the education and training of our students who are interested in serving our nation as federal employees or as employees of our government contractors,” said CEC Dean Ken Ball. “The partnership will also enhance our clearance ready programs by developing additional experiential learning opportunities, including internships and applied research projects involving classified technologies that protect our nation.”

MetroStar’s CEO and co-founder Ali Reza Manouchehri, BA Philosophy '99.

The philanthropic commitment deepens MetroStar’s long-standing relationship with its co-founders’ alma mater while advancing workforce readiness and innovation aligned to national priorities.

MetroStar’s CEO and co-founder Ali Reza Manouchehri, who earned a BA in philosophy from 911�� in 1999, is the 2025 Winter Commencement Speaker, a privilege that shows his enduring connection to the university and his passion for inspiring the next generation of innovators.

“This is more than a corporate partnership. It’s a personal return,” said Manouchehri. “911�� is where we built the foundation for MetroStar. We’re investing in students who will one day shape the digital future of government just like we dreamed about doing back then.”

Manouchehri started MetroStar with fellow Patriots Robert Santos, BA International Relations ’99, who became the company’s president, and Pirooz Javan, BS Systems Engineering ’02, who served as its chief operating officer from 1999 to 2006.

A Vision for the Future Federal Workforce

The three-year partnership, running through 2028, creates a new model of agile collaboration between academia and the public sector, bridging the fast-paced world of government innovation with the grounded mission of education. It reflects the growing need under the new federal administration to build talent pipelines that are not only technically skilled but clearance ready and public service minded.

Earlier this year, 911�� released its plan for advancing a responsible approach to harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) and driving societal impact. Through AI²Nexus, the university is building a nexus of collaboration and resources on campus, in partnerships like the one with MetroStar, and across the state.

As federal agencies embrace AI, digital transformation, and faster acquisition models, companies like MetroStar are reinforcing the importance of the human side of innovation, ensuring that the workforce of tomorrow is built on a foundation of collaboration, education, and civic commitment.

From College Campus to National Service

The partnership extends into the university’s forward-leaning spaces, places where creativity, entrepreneurship, and service intersect.

MetroStar’s partnership will fuel the Mason Innovation Exchange (MIX), a hands-on incubator for student-driven ideas, and power events like PatriotHacks, the university’s high-energy hackathon that challenges students to solve real-world problems with code and courage.

“Our partnership isn’t about one-off contributions but investing in people and the future of civil servants who will protect and guide the nation,” said Manouchehri. “We’re creating deliberate pathways from campus to cleared service, from idea to implementation, and from classroom projects to real-world impact.”

Learn More

Q&A with Ali Reza Manouchehri

The run that changed a program: 911�� marks the 20th anniversary of its 2006 Final Four appearance

Katarina Benson — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:47:55 +0000

The run that changed a program: 911�� marks the 20th anniversary of its 2006 Final Four appearance Katarina Benson Wed, 12/10/2025 - 15:47

The 2006 Final Four run by the 911�� men’s basketball team was an achievement so improbable, so unprecedented, that it transformed how the college basketball world viewed possibility itself.

Photo by 911�� Athletics

Now, 20 years later, the Patriots will honor that magical postseason journey on Saturday, December 13, when they host Old Dominion University at EagleBank Arena. That run endures as one of the most defining moments in the university’s history and one of the NCAA Tournament’s most memorable Cinderella stories. What began as a hopeful March ended with a mid-major program standing on college basketball’s biggest stage.

They captured the hearts of the nation along the way.

“That definitely opened the door for mid-majors,” said 911�� men’s basketball Head Coach Tony Skinn, who was the starting point guard on that Final Four team. “It showed that if you have belief, the right players, and the right coaches, anything can happen in the NCAA Tournament.”

That belief was tested again and again throughout that 2006 run.

Competing out of the relatively unknown Colonial Athletic Association, the Patriots became the league’s first Final Four representative, toppling one powerhouse after another.

They opened tournament play with a 75-65 win over a Michigan State, a team that had returned four starters from the previous season’s Final Four squad. The sixth-seeded Spartans had outlasted 911�� by six points in an early regular-season meeting a year earlier.

Lamar Butler signing copies of Sports Illustrated at the Bookstore. Photo by Office of University Branding

Next came the North Carolina Tar Heels, the No. 3 seed and the reigning NCAA champions, who fell 65-60 in the Patriots’ second and final game in Dayton, Ohio. From there, 911�� returned to the nearby Verizon Center in Washington, D.C., where a heavily partisan crowd watched four Patriots score in double figures in a 63-55 Sweet 16 win over fellow mid-major and No. 7 overall seed Wichita State University. That victory advanced the Patriots to the Elite Eight against overall No. 1 seed University of Connecticut.

Loaded with talent, the Huskies featured four players who would soon be selected in the first round of the NBA Draft, and five who would be among the league’s top 40 picks. They were also led by Hall of Fame Coach Jim Calhoun.

Fueled by a massive and vocal Mason Nation presence, the Patriots embraced the underdog role against UConn. After trailing by as many as 12 points in the first half and nine in the second, 911�� rallied to shock the sports world with an 86-84 overtime win—one of the biggest upsets in NCAA Tournament history —punctuating the victory with a trip to the Final Four in Indianapolis.

“It was great for college basketball,” said Lamar Butler, a former standout senior guard on that Final Four team who now serves as 911��’s director of player development. “That’s what people watch the tournament for.”

Final Four watch party in the Johnson Center. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

In the years since, Virginia Commonwealth University (2011), Loyola Chicago (2018), UCLA (2021), and North Carolina State (2024) have also reached the Final Four as 11th seeds. LSU was the first to accomplish the feat in 1986.

“We believed in ourselves,” said Jim Larrañaga who serves as head coach at 911�� from 1997 to 2011. “We weren’t hoping to win. We believed we would win.”

More than 10,000 fans packed what was then the Patriot Center when the team returned home following its dramatic win over UConn.

Before the tournament, 911�� was largely unknown beyond the Mid-Atlantic region. That changed almost overnight. The team’s improbable run generated an estimated $677.5 million in free publicity from print and broadcast exposure, according to a study conducted by Robert Baker, former interim dean of the College of Education and Human Development and Professor Emeritus of Sport, Recreation, and Tourism Management.

The university also reported an 800% increase in traffic to its official website, while the university bookstore in the Johnson Center—typically averaging $11,000 in weekly sales—made shy of $1 million in the 10 days leading up to the Final Four. University admission inquiries increased by 350%, with out-of-state applications rising by 40%.

Butler still recalls when he playing overseas several months later, walking through a town in Croatia wearing a 911�� shirt, and a local boy approached him.

“911��–Final Four!” the boy exclaimed, much to Butler’s astonishment.

This weekend’s remembrance festivities will include the return of most members of the 2006 team, and the raising of a banner in EagleBank Arena in honor of the now-retired Larrañaga.

“It was one of those moments that, when you experience it, it never really leaves your mindset,” Skinn said. “To think that it was 20 years ago is unbelievable, but having a day to celebrate it is definitely exciting.”

This weekend, that memory returns to life as a new generation of Patriots gathers to celebrate the run that changed everything.

Learn about the Anniversary Event

A Future We Want

Katarina Benson — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:25:47 +0000

A Future We Want Katarina Benson Tue, 12/02/2025 - 11:25

One Grand Challenge. Six Grand Solutions.

911�� has launched its Grand Challenge Initiative (GCI), a comprehensive research framework backed by an initial five-year, $15 million investment. The initiative aligns university resources, faculty expertise, and educational programs around six interconnected solution areas addressing what 911�� President Gregory Washington describes as "humanity's ultimate grand challenge"—securing a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous future.

"Our world is at a crossroads," Washington says. "It is time to either brace for global decline and a future that none of us wants, or seize control of our destiny and work to reverse course. It will take all of us working together on all these solutions at once to alter the trajectory of our future."

Andre Marshall, vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact, leads the initiative, which was developed through a faculty-driven task force and focuses on six grand solutions:

Advancing 21st-century education for all
Building a climate-resilient society
Driving responsible digital innovation and sustainable infrastructure
Improving human health, well-being, and preparedness
Pioneering space exploration, research, and collaboration
Strengthening peace, trust, and engagement in democracy

"911�� is driven by discovery," says Marshall. "This means unleashing our bold ideas from their theoretical and laboratory boundaries, thoughtfully cultivating them as they take shape, and fearlessly deploying them as innovations that will transform our lives."

GCI will enhance educational opportunities, increase faculty talent and expertise, align current research projects, seed new proposals, and build essential infrastructure across 911��'s campuses. Working in conjunction with the university's $1 billion Mason Now: Power the Possible campaign, the initiative seeks partnerships with government, industry, and nongovernmental organizations.

Advancing 21st-Century Education for All

At 911��, we believe talent is equally distributed among people, but opportunity is not. Education helps creates more productive ways to participate in civil society, allows more choice in how to contribute to the economy, and prepares people to make more informed choices for a healthy and prosperous life. As Virginia’s largest and most diverse university, 911�� is transforming excellence and access through flexible and scalable learning experiences, accessibility research, focused PreK-12 skill development, and robust STEM and systems-thinking education alongside critical thinking and cooperation skills.

"Future ready skills aren't just a buzzword—they are a necessity. Skills such as critical thinking, creativity, digital fluency, and environmental stewardship are the currency of tomorrow's workforce."

—Ingrid Guerra Lopez, Dean, College of Education and Human Development

Building a Climate-Resilient Society

911�� is applying science, policy, and innovation to safeguard communities and ecosystems through sustainable practices and infrastructure, real-time weather-related information, and community planning and preparedness training. From a solar-powered greenhouse that allows resilient food production to advanced predictive modeling that identifies weather-related or other natural disasters, the university is developing the leadership and talent to produce solutions alongside partners on a global scale.

"911��, being the largest public university in Virginia, owes it to the residents of the commonwealth to create innovative solutions to increase community resilience."

—James Kinter, Director, Center for Ocean Land Atmosphere Studies

Driving Responsible Digital Innovation and Sustainable Infrastructure

From artificial intelligence and robotics to digital twins and quantum computing, new technologies are reshaping every aspect of life and culture at a rate faster than most institutions can keep up with. 911�� is researching and applying technologies that improve human life and a peaceful coexistence in increasingly digital societies by enhancing connectivity, economic opportunity, and reducing disparities through public services while also protecting the planet. Through cross-disciplinary collaboration, workforce education, and public–private partnerships, 911�� is helping shape a digital future that is both ethical and advanced.

"We can no longer separate technology from the public good. Innovation must serve society, and at 911��, we're doing just that."

—Amarda Shehu, Chief AI Officer

Improving Human Health, Well-Being, and Preparedness

Healthy populations are less vulnerable to disease and crises and better equipped to contribute to peaceful and prosperous communities. 911�� is actively approaching improvements in health systems, mental well-being, and emergency preparedness to build resilience for the future. With a people-first integrated approach that advances science, develops talent, and strengthens communities, 911�� is modeling scenarios that prioritize access to preventative care while investing in emergency prevention and preparedness scenario training.

"We build strength across the health system by building people."

- Melissa Perry, MBA '25, Dean, College of Public Health

Pioneering Space Exploration, Research, and Collaboration

Space exploration ofers essential tools for life on Earth—fueling technological breakthroughs, enhancing environmental forecasting, and expanding our understanding of the universe. From designing an artificial star with NASA to using satellite data for storm prediction, 911�� is driving space-based discovery that meets real-world needs—connecting knowledge to action and impact.

"Space exploration isn't just about discovery - it's about preserving our humanity and values beyond Earth."

—Anamaria Berea, Professor, Computational and Data Sciences

Strengthening Peace, Trust, and Engagement in Democracy

Strengthening peace, trust, and engagement in democracy is vital for creating resilient, inclusive societies where individuals feel empowered to shape their future. 911�� is building civic trust and advancing peace by preparing students to lead, supporting global collaboration, and fostering community resilience. Working with faculty and experts on real-world policy solutions, 911�� equips the next generation to contribute meaningfully to democratic resilience at home and abroad.

"We teach our students to identify the underlying causes of conflict and equip them with the theory and practical skills to put their knowledge into action."

—Alpasalan Ozerdem, Dean, Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

Learn more about the Grand Challenge Initiative

Andre Marshall joined President Gregory Washington on the Access to Excellence podcast to discuss GCI

Listen to the episode

Patriot Profile: Jaylin Lott

ckearney — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 19:31:43 +0000

Patriot Profile: Jaylin Lott ckearney Mon, 12/01/2025 - 14:31

Jaylin Lott

Year: Sophomore

Major: Business with a minor in sport management

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

The athlete and competitor in her fuel 911��’s Jaylin Lott’s love for volleyball, but it’s the inner serenity that singing brings her that she treasures away from the court.

Photo by 911�� Athletics

An Almost Idol: Lott experiences the best of both worlds as a 5-foot-5 defensive specialist for the Patriots women’s volleyball team who also moonlights as a singer—one talented enough to have performed the national anthem at numerous NBA games and in 911��’s EagleBank Arena. Her powerful voice even carried her to the third round of last year’s American Idol tryouts, where she was one of just 15 singers selected from a pool of roughly 300 during an in-person audition in Salt Lake City, Utah.

It’s a Family Affair: Strong vocals run in the family. Lott’s grandmother, Ava, who passed away in 2020, sang in the church choir and remains her inspiration. Lott began singing around age 13 while competing and lettering in both volleyball and track at Clark High School in Texas. Her father, Jason, a former Division I track and field athlete at Texas State University, noticed early on that his daughter was gifted in music as well. “[Sports and singing are] both ways to escape the stress that naturally comes with life,” Lott said. “They’ve each been therapeutic in different ways and at different times. I have a deep love for both.”

At the End of the Day: Lott says it's not uncommon to find her singing along to her karaoke machine to unwind after a long day of classes and practice. Her musical inspirations include Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, and other old-school artists she credits for shaping her style and confidence. “As I’ve gotten older, I look forward to coming home and singing karaoke,” she said. “It’s kind of been my peace, especially after moving so far away from home.”

Taking the Stage: She was just a sophomore in high school when she first sang the national anthem before a San Antonio Spurs game, a moment that felt larger than life. “It was pretty big,” Lott recalled, “I was nervous at first, but it was pretty cool.” She returned to perform at Spurs games many times since, and has even sung for a larger crowd before a Dallas Mavericks game at the American Airlines Center.

Photo provided

Passion on the Court: Lott continues to make an impact on the Patriots team that enjoyed its most successful non-conference season since 2009, surpassing last year’s 11-win total and earning a spot in the Atlantic-10 Conference Tournament that was held in Richmond, Virginia, in November.

“She has such a gift for passing and defense in middle-back,” said 911�� women’s volleyball Head Coach Megan Shifflett Bachmann, “and she’s one of the most naturally talented individuals I’ve had the pleasure to coach in that position.”

Bachmann first learned of Lott’s musical talent during recruiting and was immediately impressed. “We’re always hoping to hear even more from her, without putting too much pressure around it,” Shifflett Bachmann said, “It’s a joy every time I overhear her singing to herself in the hallway or along with the music at practice.”

Singing Her Own Song: Singing is more than a hobby for Lott, it’s a passion she hopes to turn into a career. Lott continues to reach out to NBA teams in the region and in her hometown about national anthem gigs while also eyeing possible future auditions on The Voice. Lott also wrote songs for fun throughout middle and high school, and she has long imagined taking the next step—writing music professionally and eventually recording her own music in a studio. Finding time between school and volleyball has been tough, but she’s determined. “I want to put in the work it takes to have people one day hear my music,” she said. “It’s a peaceful thing for me to do, and it carries my grandmother’s legacy, too.”

Learn more about Costello College of Business

Congressional internships teach Mason LIFE students independence, resume skills

sholla4 — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 19:26:47 +0000

Congressional internships teach Mason LIFE students independence, resume skills sholla4 Mon, 12/01/2025 - 14:26

911�� knows the value of hands-on experience in the workplace for all students. An internship can lead to the experience of a lifetime. And that includes Mason LIFE students who are interning on Capitol Hill.

Established by former Representative Gregg Harper in 2010, the Gregg and Livingston Harper Congressional Internship Program for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities matches Mason LIFE students with House and Senate congressional office internships. Students start their internships in their second year and continue them through completion of the program.

“We’re helping them gain the skills needed to seek a fulfilling career when graduating from the program,” explained Linn Jorgenson, director of Mason LIFE, a four-year nondegree educational transition program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. One of Mason LIFE’s core curriculum requirements that supports this development is the internship.

“We’re helping them learn what they like and don’t like, how to make decisions on their own, and developing their ability to advocate for themselves,” Jorgenson added.

This fall, eight Mason LIFE students interned across 16 different congressional offices on Capitol Hill.

“My favorite part is getting to see what happens behind the scenes of the government,” said Madison Gulley, a third-year Mason LIFE student and one of the congressional interns.

Mason LIFE students and peer support staff in Washington, D.C. Back row: Nehal Gundawar, Ankit Borle, Shane Sorensen, and Nick Ortega. Front row: Amar Malik, Max Gulley, Noah Coon, Shreya Adusumilli, Sofia Puritano, Eli Zhou, Madison Shaw, Leah McDuffie, Vrushali Vijay Patil, and Varsha Ponnaganti. Not pictured: Aryaa Bhole and Riya Stanly.

Every Friday, Mason LIFE students and their peer support staff—911�� students who travel with the students to their workplaces to provide support and guidance—take the Metro into Washington, D.C., complete their internship assignments for the day for their two congressional offices, eat lunch, and take the Metro back to Fairfax. Students in the program tackle a variety of work for their assigned congressional offices: answering phones, researching bills, delivering mail, giving tours, and doing data entry, to name a few.

“The students working on the Hill are part of a team, completing work that is essential and meaningful to all parties involved,” emphasized Jorgenson.

“When our students come to their internships, our peer support staff are there to facilitate inclusion and support students in successfully completing tasks,” said Melissa Chabot, employment and community involvement coordinator for Mason LIFE. “So not only are these necessary jobs done, you know they’ll be done well.”

Through the internship program, Mason LIFE students learn independence, confidence, and social and cultural competencies; they build valuable resume skills; and they explore their interests to see if they’re the right fit for a long-term career. And for the peer support staff, the benefits are just as important.

Ankit Borle, one of the newer peer support staff, is working toward a master’s in data analytics engineering. “I’ve learned to listen actively, communicate clearly, and tailor support so people can be independent—skills that build trust with teammates, clients, and stakeholders...Most importantly, I’m taking forward an inclusive mindset—making sure every voice is heard—which will make me a stronger colleague and leader wherever I work,” Borle said.

Madison Shaw, a graduate student in the Master of Social Work Program, has worked with Mason LIFE for three years. “It can be so important to focus on abilities versus disabilities. Each student carries so many strengths within themselves and has a lot to offer,” she said.

There’s a similar benefit to the employer. “Mason LIFE students bring an important perspective to the office,” said Chabot. “Employers get an opportunity to reflect on their inclusivity. What are the employers doing that helps everyone be successful, and where can they improve?”

And the joy of watching their fellow students succeed is perhaps the greatest reward of all.

Peer coach Nehal Gundawar, a master’s student in computer science, works with one of the Capitol Hill interns. “In the beginning, they [the Mason LIFE student] were nervous about interacting with staff and unsure how to approach tasks without guidance...after a few weeks they began initiating tasks on their own and even asked for additional responsibilities. Their supervisor complimented their improvements,” he said. “Watching them grow into a more confident and independent employee was incredibly rewarding.”

The congressional interns see the changes in themselves as well.

“Mason LIFE helps me with the skills that are required to be an independent man,” said Amar Mailk, a third-year student.

“Mason LIFE has changed my life,” said Aryaa Bhole, a second-year student. “Because of the lessons and skills, I know to stand out and inspire others and to lift them with my voice.”

Learn more about Mason LIFE

911��'s Virginia Climate Center releases first-ever statewide climate assessment

ckearney — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 20:33:34 +0000

911��'s Virginia Climate Center releases first-ever statewide climate assessment ckearney Wed, 11/19/2025 - 15:33

911��’s Virginia Climate Center (VCC) has unveiled the commonwealth’s first comprehensive, peer-reviewed climate assessment—a landmark report that provides science-based insights into Virginia’s changing climate and its impacts on communities, infrastructure, and the economy.

The First Virginia State Climate Assessment (VCA) synthesizes decades of research into a single, accessible resource for policymakers, businesses, educators, and the public. Developed by a multidisciplinary team across the commonwealth and the region, this report establishes a critical baseline for understanding how past, present, and future climate conditions will shape life in Virginia.

“This groundbreaking statewide assessment gives us what we've never had before: comprehensive, science-based evidence of the risks we face and the information we need to protect our communities, economy, and natural heritage for generations to come,” said Jim Kinter, VCC director and coordinating author of the assessment.

“The Virginia Climate Center brought together the commonwealth's leading scientists and experts to tackle one of the defining challenges of our time. This assessment represents unprecedented collaboration across disciplines and institutions—because a problem this complex demands our best minds working together to deliver rigorous, actionable science that serves all Virginians.”

Why Virginia Needs a State-Level Climate Assessment

While national and global climate reports provide broad trends, they cannot capture Virginia’s unique vulnerabilities. The commonwealth’s geographic diversity—from coastal plains to mountainous terrain—combined with rapid population growth and economic expansion creates region-specific risks that require localized solutions.

The VCA addresses these needs by organizing findings across six climate divisions: Tidewater, Eastern Piedmont, Western Piedmont, Southwestern Mountain, Central Mountain, and Northern Virginia. Each VCA chapter includes key messages and traceable accounts, offering clear, actionable insights backed by scientific evidence and confidence assessments.

“Global reports are essential for understanding broad climate trends, but they do not capture how those trends manifest at regional—or local—scales,” said Viviana Maggioni, chapter lead author and professor in 911��’s Sid and Reva Dewberry Department of Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering. “Virginia’s wide variation in topography, precipitation regimes, and land-use creates highly localized climate risks. A state climate assessment accounts for such variability and provides insights needed for effective decision-making.”

Three Critical Climate Hazards for Virginia

The report identifies three primary hazards of particular concern for Virginia in the 21st century:

Extreme Heat and Rising Temperatures
Increasing temperatures and more frequent heatwaves pose significant health risks, disrupt labor productivity, and stress agricultural systems.
Extreme Precipitation and Shifting Seasons
Wetter falls and springs increase flood risks, while drier summers and winters heighten drought and wildfire danger. These changes threaten infrastructure and can lead to power grid disruptions and economic losses.
Accelerated Sea Level Rise
Virginia is experiencing faster-than-average sea level rise, compounded by land subsidence and erosion. Coastal flooding and infrastructure damage are growing concerns for Tidewater and other low-lying regions.

“Climate change is already affecting Virginia—from our coastlines to our mountains,” said Kinter. “This assessment empowers every Virginian, from local planners to business leaders to families, with the knowledge to make informed decisions. And as we continue to update and expand this work, we're building a lasting framework for protecting Virginia's future.”

Implications for Virginia’s Economy and Communities

The report underscores the urgent need for integrating climate projections into infrastructure design, land-use planning, and policy development. From transportation networks to energy systems, Virginia’s critical infrastructure must be resilient to evolving climate conditions.

“Weather patterns impact key sectors of the Virginia economy,” said Terry Clower, director of the Center for Regional Analysis at 911��’s Schar School of Policy and Government. “Having data that shows changing patterns of rainfall and temperature is essential for industry leaders—from small-hold farmers to those managing billions in international commerce. This landmark achievement will hopefully spark awareness that consistent, dependable, and localized weather data will give Virginia farmers, businesses, and government entities the ability to better compete and succeed.”

The assessment is dedicated to the late Representative Gerry Connolly, whose visionary leadership made it possible. “He understood that investing in climate science isn't partisan—it's pragmatic,” Kinter said. “His commitment to evidence-based solutions and his unwavering support for the Virginia Climate Center helped make this critical work a reality, and his legacy will benefit Virginians for years to come.”

According to Michael Allen, associate professor of climatology at Towson University and contributing author, “The climate challenges outlined in this report transcend geopolitical borders and disciplinary silos. From the hollers of western Virginia to the Chesapeake Bay and Eastern Shore, the assessment meets the needs of the commonwealth—but it also fills a void for the nation, drawing attention to the science of climate change and the vast impacts it has on communities, our economy, and our well-being.”

Looking Ahead: Future Assessments and the Grand Challenge Initiative

This inaugural report is the first in a planned series of VCC-led assessments that will incorporate finer-scale geographic detail, expand coverage of climate impacts across sectors, and evaluate adaptation effectiveness over time. Future editions will integrate stakeholder input to ensure relevance and applicability.

The VCA also highlights the urgent need for a Virginia State Climate Office, a centralized resource for climate services, data collection, and expert assessment. “This role is typically filled by a state climate office that provides accessible, no-cost climate information essential to a state’s most vital sectors,” Kinter explained. “However, Virginia is one of only two states in the U.S. currently without a functioning state climate office.”

Marking an important new chapter in the history of research and scholarship at 911��, this effort is part of the university’s Grand Challenge Initiative, which aims to address the greatest threats to humanity’s ability to live a peaceful, healthy, prosperous, and just existence. Through multidisciplinary research strengths in education, public health, space exploration, climate resilience, cybersecurity and digital innovation, and peace and democracy, the initiative aligns talent, infrastructure, resources, and partnerships with new ideas to deliver real-world solutions and prepare the next generation of changemakers.

For more information or to request interviews with experts, contact VAclim@gmu.edu or tmason11@gmu.edu.

Explore 911��’s Grand Challenge Initiative addressing the greatest threats to humanity’s ability to live a peaceful, healthy, prosperous, and just existence.

Read the Virginia Climate Assessment

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