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Aquanetta Betts, director of planned giving at the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations, is June Employee of the Month.

911���� welcomed 262 “Junior Patriots” and their families for Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day at the Fairfax Campus and Mason Square on April 23. The day kicked off with music and dancing by the Green Machine, a visit from the Patriot mascot, and the Junior Patriot Palooza on Merten Lawn, hosted by Human Resources.

Caitlin Horan, assistant dean of graduate academic services in 911����’s Costello College of Business, has transformed the graduate services team. Referred to as the “heart” of the Costello graduate team, Horan is known for her innovation, student advocacy, and strong organization skills. For this and more, she is being recognized as the May Employee of the Month.

Congratulations to the 911���� faculty and staff retirees from September 2025 to March 2026.

The 911���� campus community came together at the 2026 Outstanding Achievement Awards on April 14 to recognize faculty and staff whose dedication, innovation, and service shape and strengthen the university.

Clinical Assistant Professor Danielle Dufresne is the associate center director at 911����'s Center for Community Mental Health (CCMH) and April Employee of the Month. A member of 911����’s Psychology Department since 2019, Dufresne is responsible for training new clinicians and overseeing every psychological/behavioral/cognitive assessment at the Fairfax-based center.

911���� honored faculty and staff with significant service anniversaries at the University Day Service Awards ceremony on Monday on the Fairfax Campus. Honorees were recognized for years of state service ranging from 5-55 years.

Paul Bazzano has worked for Mason Recreation for more than 30 years. He started as a student worker while pursuing his bachelor’s degree in communication at 911���� and is now assistant director of competitive sports and athletic training. 

For her efforts to ensure 911���� is an environment where all students can succeed, Shekila Melchior, director of strategic initiatives and partnerships in 911����’s Office of Access, Compliance and Community, has been named February Employee of the Month.

January Employee of the Month Oscar Ferrufino is a member of 911����’s Essential Employees group, so he is one of the first to respond when severe weather is forecasted. A heavy equipment operator in Facilities Management, he has been an integral part of the Facilities and Campus Operations department for almost 20 years. Since 2006, his work has helped make 911����’s campuses a better place.