Faculty and Staff News / en In the ‘End Hunger Games,’ the tributes fought food insecurity on 911±¬ÁÏ’s campuses /news/2026-10/end-hunger-games-tributes-fought-food-insecurity-george-masons-campuses <span>In the ‘End Hunger Games,’ the tributes fought food insecurity on 911±¬ÁÏ’s campuses</span> <span><span>lclarkg</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-10-22T10:36:55-04:00" title="Thursday, October 22, 2026 - 10:36">Thu, 10/22/2026 - 10:36</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">911±¬ÁÏ’s </span><a href="https://ssac.gmu.edu/"><span class="intro-text">Student Support and Advocacy Center</span></a><span class="intro-text"> (SSAC) empowers students to navigate barriers to academic success and well-being through advocacy, holistic support, inclusive services, and prevention education—fostering resilience, safety, stability, and lifelong success for students.</span></p> <p><span class="intro-text">The center recently honored its 10th anniversary with a series of events, including a donation drive to benefit one of its key services: the </span><a href="https://ssac.gmu.edu/patriot-pantry/"><span class="intro-text">Patriot Pantry</span></a><span class="intro-text">, which provides access to nonperishable food and hygiene items to 911±¬ÁÏ students who are experiencing food insecurity. The “End Hunger Gamesâ€� competition brought the campus community together for a common cause and highlighted the work SSAC does to address food insecurity.</span></p> <figure role="group"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2026-10/261015001.jpg?itok=qyZvyjRI" width="1480" height="987" alt="Someone aims a toy bow and arrow at a stack of canned food at the End Hunger Games celebration"> </div> </div> <figcaption>The Student Support and Advocacy Center hosted the "End Hunger Games" donation drive to support the Patriot Pantry. At the wrap-up event, attendees relished in the spoils of victory and celebrated the successful initiative with carnival games.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding</figcaption> </figure> <hr> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/2026-10/261015102.jpg?itok=ECf3R3OW" width="420" height="560" alt="Large boxes of black beans with signs that say End Hunger Games - District Black Beans"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Each team in the competition was assigned a specific item to donate. The Office of University Branding was dubbed "District Black Bean." Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding</figcaption> </figure> <p>“The purpose of the event was to demonstrate that anyone can be a part of addressing food insecurity on our campuses,â€�&nbsp;said John Eichler, coordinator for Basic Needs Services in SSAC.</p> <p>Twenty-six teams participated across the Fairfax Campus and Mason Square, representing university offices, departments, and student organizations. Each team was assigned a specific nonperishable food item or hygiene product to collect for the pantry.</p> <p>As a result, 1,730 pounds of nonperishable food items and hygiene products were collected during the month-long donation period. The <a href="https://brand.gmu.edu/">Office of University Branding</a> claimed first place in the competition, collecting a total of 500 pounds of black beans.&nbsp;</p> <p>“Students often feel they face food insecurity alone,â€� said Eichler. “Creating a campus-wide event brings more visibility to college students’ hunger and lets students know there is a community that strives to support their right to basic needs like food.â€�</p> <p>With the large influx of donations through the End Hunger Games, community members can support the Patriot Pantry in the following ways: &nbsp;</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://give.gmu.edu/campaigns/83553/donations/new?designation_id=12132602&amp;designation_id_1=12146502&amp;a=14022965">Donate</a> to the Student Food and Housing Insecurity Fund and the Patriot Pantry Expansion Fund;</li> <li>Order still-needed items from the Amazon wish lists for the  <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/3W1RAZSSCJM5?ref_=wl_share" target="_blank" title="Patriot Pantry Fairfax Wish List on Amazon">Fairfax</a>  and  <a href="https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1J1MXJEFAEHGF?ref_=wl_share" title="Patriot Pantry Mason Square wishlist on Amazon" target="_blank">Mason Square</a> pantries. Ship directly to the pantry address included on the wish list, or drop off items in the donation bins on the Fairfax Campus, Student Union Building I, Room 3011, or at Mason Square, Van Metre Hall, Room 211;</li> <li>Sign up to receive information about <a href="https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=VXKFnlffR0ygwAVGRgOAy6QGnWpI9yNJsmUsx7oWS-1URDU4MEQxU01PTlZMSDNEUlVUVlYzRlVNRy4u" target="_blank" title="Sign up form, individual volunteer">individual</a> or <a href="https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=VXKFnlffR0ygwAVGRgOAy6QGnWpI9yNJsmUsx7oWS-1UM083TEMxTVFWODNIRTNSQlhNWEtNSlRVUC4u" target="_blank" title="Goup volunteer sign up">group</a> volunteer opportunities with the Patriot Pantry. Contact <a href="mailto:pantry@gmu.edu" title="mailto:pantry@gmu.edu">pantry@gmu.edu</a> with questions. &nbsp;</li> </ul> <figure role="group"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2026-10/261015004.jpg?itok=AFfxaslb" width="1480" height="987" alt="Staff hold the trophy for the End Hunger Games"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding</figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="a809ca04-d1e3-46b3-a7ab-b40a0c85d530"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://ssac.gmu.edu/"> <p class="cta__title">More about the Student Support and Advocacy Center <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </p> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:feature_image" data-inline-block-uuid="bd8ba400-ff61-4ff0-90b6-256f66a814cf" class="block block-feature-image block-layout-builder block-inline-blockfeature-image caption-below"> <div class="feature-image"> <div class="narrow-overlaid-image"> <img src="/sites/default/files/styles/feature_image_medium/public/2023-06/resize%202.jpg?itok=g6kiC6Xe" srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/feature_image_small/public/2023-06/resize%202.jpg?itok=JxRX6Cus 768w, /sites/default/files/styles/feature_image_medium/public/2023-06/resize%202.jpg?itok=g6kiC6Xe 1024w, /sites/default/files/styles/feature_image_large/public/2023-06/resize%202.jpg?itok=9lYsSgF8 1280w" sizes="(min-width: 1024px) 80vw,100vw" alt="The World Needs Mason Now. It's time to power the possible."> </div> <div class="headline-text"> <div class="feature-image-link"> <div class="field field--name-field-feature-image-link field--type-link field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://give.gmu.edu/campaigns/83553/donations/new?designation_id=12132602&amp;designation_id_1=12146502&amp;a=14022965">Mason Now: Power the Possible</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div><div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/4336" hreflang="en">Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC)</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3461" hreflang="en">Patriot Pantry</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/10301" hreflang="en">food insecurity</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/366" hreflang="en">University Life</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/15406" hreflang="en">Mason Square</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/21831" hreflang="en">University Life Mason Square</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/15871" hreflang="en">Office of University Branding</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/19331" hreflang="en">Mason Now: Power the Possible</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/116" hreflang="en">Campus News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div> </div> </div> Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:36:55 +0000 lclarkg 346264 at Fairfax Campus Notice: Parking and Traffic Advisory /news/2026-10/fairfax-campus-notice-parking-and-traffic-advisory <span>Fairfax Campus Notice: Parking and Traffic Advisory </span> <span><span>lclarkg</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-10-20T11:33:17-04:00" title="Tuesday, October 20, 2026 - 11:33">Tue, 10/20/2026 - 11:33</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="align-right"> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2024-06/24-215_campus_notice-fairfax.png?itok=vi98d5qv" width="350" height="350" alt="Graphic says Fairfax Campus Notice with 911±¬ÁÏ logo"> </div> </div> <p class="Paragraph SCXW198992505 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW198992505 BCX0 NormalTextRun intro-text" lang="EN-US">Expect increased traffic and road closures on 911±¬ÁÏ’s Fairfax Campus on Wednesday, Oct. 21, and Thursday, Oct. 22, during an evening concert at EagleBank Arena and the Once Upon a Scream event.&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW198992505 BCX0 intro-text">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW198992505 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW198992505 BCX0 NormalTextRun intro-text" lang="EN-US">Lot L will be closed on Saturday, Oct. 24, for the 911±¬ÁÏ Trunk or Treat.</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW198992505 BCX0 intro-text">&nbsp;</span></p> <h5><span class="TextRun SCXW198992505 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Wednesday, Oct. 21: Concert at EagleBank Arena</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW198992505 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></h5> <p class="Paragraph SCXW198992505 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW198992505 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert starts at 8 p.m. Levels 4–5 of the Shenandoah Parking Deck will be available to General permit holders from 4–11 p.m. Enter through the Level 3 permit entrance.</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW198992505 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW198992505 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW198992505 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Allow extra travel time and avoid the area near EagleBank Arena and Braddock Road when possible. To minimize delays, park in the Rappahannock Parking Deck and use University Drive or Roberts Road to enter and exit campus. Visit </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW198992505 BCX0" href="https://www.eaglebankarena.com/" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW198992505 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">eaglebankarena.com</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW198992505 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> for more information about events at EagleBank Arena.</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW198992505 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <h5><span class="TextRun SCXW198992505 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Thursday, Oct. 22: Once Upon a Scream</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW198992505 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></h5> <p class="Paragraph SCXW198992505 BCX0"><span class="TextRun EmptyTextRun SCXW198992505 BCX0" lang="EN-US"></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW198992505 BCX0" href="https://cglink.me/2d7/r2301028" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW198992505 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Once Upon a Scream</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW198992505 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCXW198992505 BCX0 NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed" lang="EN-US">festivities</span><span class="TextRun SCXW198992505 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> will happen at Chesapeake River Lane and the Fenwick Lawn from 7–10 p.m.</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW198992505 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW198992505 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW198992505 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Chesapeake River Lane will be closed to all traffic and parking starting at 2 p.m. Disabled parking access by Commonwealth Hall and by Fenwick Library will remain available.</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW198992505 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <h5><span class="TextRun SCXW198992505 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Saturday, Oct. 24: Trunk or Treat</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW198992505 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></h5> <p class="Paragraph SCXW198992505 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW198992505 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">The majority of Lot L will be closed from Friday, Oct. 23, at 11 p.m. until Saturday evening for the </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW198992505 BCX0" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/5th-annual-mason-trunk-or-treat-tickets-2002226601664" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW198992505 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">911±¬ÁÏ Trunk or Treat</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW198992505 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">.</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW198992505 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW198992505 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">For parking and traffic updates, follow </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW198992505 BCX0" href="https://x.com/masonparking" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW198992505 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">@MasonParking</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW198992505 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> on X. For questions, contact </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW198992505 BCX0" href="mailto:parking@gmu.edu" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW198992505 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">parking@gmu.edu</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW198992505 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">.</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW198992505 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW198992505 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW198992505 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="03533908-f143-4d01-be86-a2735661f446"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://www.eaglebankarena.com/"> <p class="cta__title">More about EagleBank Arena <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </p> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="a6262229-ba31-4a17-8f46-4679b9ffc3fa"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://transportation.gmu.edu/"> <p class="cta__title">911±¬ÁÏ Parking and Transportation <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </p> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/19451" hreflang="en">Campus Notice</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/19446" hreflang="en">Fairfax Campus Notice</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12296" hreflang="en">Parking and Traffic Advisory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div> </div> </div> Tue, 20 Oct 2026 15:33:17 +0000 lclarkg 346254 at Alexandre Barreto selected for national EM-FUEL leadership program  /news/2026-10/alexandre-barreto-selected-national-em-fuel-leadership-program <span>Alexandre Barreto selected for national EM-FUEL leadership program&nbsp;</span> <span><span>Martha Bushong</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-10-19T14:07:36-04:00" title="Monday, October 19, 2026 - 14:07">Mon, 10/19/2026 - 14:07</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p class="Paragraph SCXW199123544 BCX4"><span class="TextRun SCXW199123544 BCX4 NormalTextRun intro-text" lang="EN-US">The Department of </span><a href="https://cyber.gmu.edu"><span class="TextRun SCXW199123544 BCX4 NormalTextRun intro-text" lang="EN-US">Cyber Security Engineering</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW199123544 BCX4 NormalTextRun intro-text" lang="EN-US"> celebrated a national honor for Associate Professor Alexandre Barreto, who was selected for the inaugural 2027 cohort of EM-FUEL (Entrepreneurial Mindset for Future University Engineering Leaders), a leadership-development program supported by </span><a href="https://engineeringunleashed.com/keen"><span class="TextRun SCXW199123544 BCX4 NormalTextRun intro-text" lang="EN-US">KEEN and Engineering Unleashed</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW199123544 BCX4 NormalTextRun intro-text" lang="EN-US">. Designed for emerging leaders in engineering and computing, the year-long program helps faculty develop the skills and networks needed to drive innovation and institutional impact.</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2026-10/alex_barreto_content_image.jpeg?itok=V9P3ts42" width="263" height="350" alt="Alex Barreto wearing a black tee shirt in class in front of a whiteboard"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Alex Barreto, an associate professor int he Department of Cyber Security Engineering is committed to providing engaging learning experiences for students. Photo provided.</figcaption> </figure> <p class="Paragraph SCXW199123544 BCX4"><span class="TextRun SCXW199123544 BCX4 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Barreto earned the distinction through his commitment to creating engaging, real-world learning experiences for students. At 911±¬ÁÏ, he has championed entrepreneurial mindset learning in cybersecurity education, including innovative “Shark Tankâ€� projects that encourage master's and doctoral students to tackle complex challenges while working alongside industry, government, and academic partners. &nbsp;</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW199123544 BCX4">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW199123544 BCX4"><span class="TextRun SCXW199123544 BCX4 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">“I look forward to bringing this experience back to further strengthen our ‘Shark Tank’ projects, which connect students to real-world challenges through partnerships with industry, government, and academia,â€� Barreto said. &nbsp;</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW199123544 BCX4">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW199123544 BCX4"><span class="TextRun SCXW199123544 BCX4 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">His selection reflects both his dedication to student success and 911±¬ÁÏ's commitment to preparing future cybersecurity leaders who can translate technical expertise into meaningful impact. The knowledge and connections gained through EM-FUEL will help create even more opportunities for students to engage with real-world problems, build professional networks, and develop the entrepreneurial skills that today's workforce demands. &nbsp;</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW199123544 BCX4">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3346" hreflang="en">Cyber Security</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/3071" hreflang="en">College of Engineering and Computing</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 19 Oct 2026 18:07:36 +0000 Martha Bushong 346255 at Fairfax Campus Notice: Traffic Advisory for Saturday, Oct. 17 /news/2026-10/fairfax-campus-notice-traffic-advisory-saturday-oct-17 <span>Fairfax Campus Notice: Traffic Advisory for Saturday, Oct. 17</span> <span><span>lclarkg</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-10-14T12:08:27-04:00" title="Wednesday, October 14, 2026 - 12:08">Wed, 10/14/2026 - 12:08</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="align-right"> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2024-06/24-215_campus_notice-fairfax.png?itok=vi98d5qv" width="350" height="350" alt="Fairfax Campus Notice graphic"> </div> </div> <p><span>Expect road and parking closures on 911±¬ÁÏ’s Fairfax Campus on Saturday, Oct. 17, for the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/VA/Fairfax/MasonNationThrivingTogether5K" target="_blank"><span>911±¬ÁÏ 5K Run/Walk and Fun Run</span></a><span> benefiting the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://give.gmu.edu/" target="_blank"><span>University Life Student Emergency Assistance Fund</span></a><span> and&nbsp;</span><a href="https://cglink.me/2d7/r2299425" target="_blank"><span>fireworks</span></a><span> following the men’s soccer game.</span></p> <p><span>The Fun Run starts at 7:30 a.m.; the 5K starts at 8 a.m.</span></p> <p><span>The 911±¬ÁÏ&nbsp;</span><a href="https://gomason.com/sports/mens-soccer" target="_blank"><span>men’s soccer game</span></a><span> against George Washington starts at 7 p.m., with fireworks expected around 9 p.m.</span></p> <p><span><strong>Morning closures during the Fun Run and 5K:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span><strong>5:45–9:30 a.m.:</strong> Mason Pond Drive between Patriot Circle and Mason Pond Deck; Mason Pond Deck also closed.</span></li> <li><span><strong>7–9 a.m.:</strong> Campus Drive from Rapidan River Road to Patriot Circle; University Drive east of Rappahannock Parking Deck; Global Lane from Mason Pond Drive to Campus Drive; and the PV Lot. Detours will be in effect.</span></li> <li><span>Intermittent lane closures around Patriot Circle.</span></li> </ul> <p><span><strong>Evening closures during the fireworks:</strong></span></p> <ul> <li><span><strong>9–10 p.m.:</strong> Campus Drive from Rapidan River Road to Patriot Circle and Global Lane adjacent to the PV Lot.</span></li> </ul> <p><span>For questions, contact Parking and Transportation at&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:parking@gmu.edu"><span>parking@gmu.edu</span></a><span>.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="d0f9b0fc-fdf8-4519-a191-ea7baddfd7ce"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://gomason.com/index.aspx"> <p class="cta__title">More about 911±¬ÁÏ Athletics <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </p> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="f8f3d1dd-e9b7-4cf0-90b7-9e0bb5aed990"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://giving.gmu.edu/mason-now/"> <p class="cta__title">University Life Student Emergency Assistance Fund <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </p> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/19451" hreflang="en">Campus Notice</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/19446" hreflang="en">Fairfax Campus Notice</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/12296" hreflang="en">Parking and Traffic Advisory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div> </div> </div> Wed, 14 Oct 2026 16:08:27 +0000 lclarkg 346242 at Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers honors two 911±¬ÁÏ professors  /news/2026-10/institute-industrial-and-systems-engineers-honors-two-george-mason-professors <span>Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers honors two 911±¬ÁÏ professors&nbsp;</span> <span><span>tdonnel</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-10-14T11:05:45-04:00" title="Wednesday, October 14, 2026 - 11:05">Wed, 10/14/2026 - 11:05</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/smohebbi" hreflang="und">Shima Mohebbi</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p class="Paragraph SCXW133706754 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW133706754 BCX0 NormalTextRun intro-text" lang="EN-US">Faculty in 911±¬ÁÏ’s </span><a href="https://seor.gmu.edu/"><span class="TextRun SCXW133706754 BCX0 NormalTextRun intro-text" lang="EN-US">Department of Systems Engineering and Operations Research</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW133706754 BCX0 NormalTextRun intro-text" lang="EN-US"> (SEOR) continue to gain national recognition for excellence in research, teaching, and professional leadership. This year, two faculty members received major honors from the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE), one of the field’s leading professional organizations.</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW133706754 BCX0 intro-text">&nbsp;</span></p> <h3><span class="TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW133706754 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"><strong>Lizhi Wang Named IISE Fellow</strong></span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW133706754 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></h3> <p class="Paragraph SCXW133706754 BCX0"><a href="https://seor.gmu.edu/profiles/lwang51"><span class="TextRun SCXW133706754 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Lizhi Wang</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW133706754 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">, professor of bioengineering and systems engineering and operations research, was selected as a 2026 IISE Fellow, one of the highest distinctions awarded by the organization. The honor recognizes outstanding leaders whose nationally recognized contributions have advanced the industrial and systems engineering profession.</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW133706754 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/2026-10/lizhi-wang-profile-500x.jpg?itok=62mynETz" width="220" height="220"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Lizhi Wang. Photo provided.</figcaption> </figure> <p class="Paragraph SCXW133706754 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW133706754 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Wang joined 911±¬ÁÏ in 2025. Throughout his career, he has applied systems engineering principles to complex challenges in agriculture, environmental systems, animal health, and human health. His research integrates mathematical modeling, optimization, and data-driven methods to better understand and improve biological systems.</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW133706754 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW133706754 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW133706754 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">His work has led to innovations in crop production, livestock management, and digital twin technologies, including the co-founding of agricultural technology companies that help growers improve yields while reducing resource consumption. More recently, Wang has focused on using physiology-based models to better understand the human heart and support advances in disease prevention and healthcare.</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW133706754 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW133706754 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW133706754 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">In addition to his research achievements, Wang has demonstrated extensive service to IISE, including editorial leadership, participation in professional divisions and boards, and mentoring future faculty through the organization’s Future Faculty Fellows program.</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW133706754 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <h3><span class="TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW133706754 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"><strong>Shima Mohebbi Receives IISE Sustainable Development Teaching Award</strong></span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW133706754 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></h3> <p class="Paragraph SCXW133706754 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW133706754 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Associate Professor </span><a href="https://seor.gmu.edu/profiles/smohebbi"><span class="TextRun SCXW133706754 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Shima Mohebbi</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW133706754 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> was honored with the 2026 </span><a href="https://www.iise.org/Details.aspx?id=35145"><span class="TextRun SCXW133706754 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">IISE Sustainable Development Division Excellence in Teaching Sustainability Award</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW133706754 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">. The award recognizes exceptional educators who advance sustainability principles through innovative teaching, applied learning experiences, and student engagement.</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW133706754 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/media_library/public/2026-10/new_shima_mohebbi_profile.jpg?itok=CN1JSsSv" width="220" height="220"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Shima Mohebbi. Photo provided.</figcaption> </figure> <p class="Paragraph SCXW133706754 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW133706754 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Mohebbi’s teaching and research </span><span class="TextRun SCXW133706754 BCX0 NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed" lang="EN-US">focus</span><span class="TextRun SCXW133706754 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> on resilient and sustainable infrastructure systems, data-driven decision making, optimization, and artificial intelligence applications for complex engineering challenges. Her work connects systems engineering with pressing societal issues, helping students understand how engineering methods can support sustainability, resilience, and informed decision making.</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW133706754 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW133706754 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW133706754 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">A nationally recognized scholar and educator, Mohebbi has earned numerous honors for both research and teaching and has held leadership roles within IISE, including service as president of the organization’s Modeling and Simulation Division. The teaching award highlights her commitment to preparing the next generation of engineers to address sustainability challenges through systems thinking and analytical problem-solving.</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW133706754 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW133706754 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW133706754 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Together, these distinctions reflect the growing impact of SEOR faculty on the industrial and systems engineering profession through innovative research, outstanding teaching, and dedicated service to the field.</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW133706754 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW133706754 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW133706754 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"></span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/7661" hreflang="en">Systems Engineering and Operations Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 14 Oct 2026 15:05:45 +0000 tdonnel 346246 at Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day keeps people at the center of a changing workplace /news/2026-10/faculty-staff-enrichment-day-keeps-people-center-changing-workplace <span>Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day keeps people at the center of a changing workplace</span> <span><span>lclarkg</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-10-08T10:40:45-04:00" title="Thursday, October 8, 2026 - 10:40">Thu, 10/08/2026 - 10:40</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">How do we embrace rapidly evolving technology while continuing to put people first? That question is at the heart of 911±¬ÁÏ’s&nbsp;</span><a href="https://hr.gmu.edu/fsed/"><span class="intro-text">Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day</span></a><span class="intro-text">, a university-wide professional development event on October 21.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span class="intro-text">This annual event hosted by&nbsp;</span><a href="https://hr.gmu.edu/"><span class="intro-text">Human Resources</span></a><span class="intro-text"> offers faculty and staff a chance to build new skills, navigate change, leverage emerging technologies, and make meaningful connections across the university. A fireside chat with university leaders, keynote address, networking opportunities, and a range of breakout sessions will support professional and personal growth.</span></p> <hr> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/2026-10/251117400.jpg?itok=GhSWMj1Z" width="560" height="373" alt="Fall leaves in front a residence hall on campus"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding</figcaption> </figure> <p><span>This year’s theme, "People First, Future Ready," reflects 911±¬ÁÏ's commitment to innovation: embracing new technology to support employees and students, increasing efficiency, and staying on the cutting edge, all while keeping people at the center.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>"As we explore new ideas, technologies, and ways of working, it's important to remember that our success begins with people,â€� said Chris Ackerman, vice president and chief human resources officer. “Supporting one another and investing in our community are essential to building a workplace where everyone can thrive."</span></p> <p><span>The fireside chat with 911±¬ÁÏ Provost and Executive Vice President Marion Underwood, Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff Rose Pascarell, and Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Julie Zobel will explore the opportunities and challenges of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and what they mean for day-to-day work at 911±¬ÁÏ.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><a href="https://business.gmu.edu/profiles/krockman"><span>Kevin Rockmann</span></a><span>, professor of management and assistant dean for research in the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://business.gmu.edu/"><span>Costello College of Business</span></a><span>, whose research focuses on working relationships in organizations and new ways of working, will deliver the keynote address.</span></p> <p><span>Participants can customize their experience by choosing from a robust slate of 17 different breakout sessions designed and presented by faculty and staff from across the university. The planning committee accepted and reviewed session proposals this summer.</span></p> <blockquote><p>“Our breakout session presenters are all 911±¬ÁÏ faculty and staff, and they are ready to share their knowledge and expertise with their colleagues,â€� said Robyn Madar, assistant vice president of talent development in Human Resources. “We are grateful for our talented presenters who showcase the creativity and innovation across our workforce and support professional development across 911±¬ÁÏ.â€�</p> </blockquote> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/2026-10/fsed_0.jpg?itok=_x3kf4-R" width="560" height="324" alt="Breakout session in a classroom full of people"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Photo provided</figcaption> </figure> <p><a href="https://hr.gmu.edu/fsed/"><span>Breakout sessions</span></a> <span>cover a wide range of topics: learning lessons about trust, accountability, and teamwork from the experiences of student-athletes; tapping into shared expertise and group intelligence to solve problems together; leading through change; using artificial intelligence to support everyday work; and more.</span></p> <p><span>"What keeps me coming back are the conversations, connections, and practical takeaways I can use throughout the year," said one participant.</span></p> <p><span>A lunchtime resource fair offers participants a chance to connect with representatives from campus offices and services that support well-being and professional development.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>The day will close with a service activity—assembling well-being kits for members of the 911±¬ÁÏ community—and a conversation about how supporting others contributes to a healthier workplace, bringing home the theme of People First, Future Ready.</span></p> <p><span>"We wanted to focus on how faculty and staff can feel supported and inspired in an environment where technology and workplace expectations are changing so quickly,â€� said Bridget Peabody, training coordinator in Human Resources and long-time member of the Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day planning committee. "This event will help them&nbsp;see these changes as exciting opportunities to grow."</span></p> <hr> <p><span>Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day will take place on Wednesday, October 21, on the Fairfax Campus. </span><a href="https://shibboleth.gmu.edu/idp/profile/SAML2/Unsolicited/SSO?providerId=https%3A%2F%2Fgmu.csod.com&amp;target=https://gmu.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/305e1df3-c716-449c-900a-a076bd1d6805?isOnePlayer=true"><span>Registration is now open for 911±¬ÁÏ faculty and staff</span></a><span>.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="3d451302-7d9f-4484-b029-3518e6cfa1d7"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://hr.gmu.edu/fsed/"> <p class="cta__title">Register for Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </p> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="7a405f4c-4bab-47a8-921a-f03a04e35d59" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Read More Like This</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-e5b3eb465dc78ef6aaca8eb49bdee62c1002cc33855057b6f4b63dcd320175fa"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-10/end-hunger-games-tributes-fought-food-insecurity-george-masons-campuses" hreflang="en">In the ‘End Hunger Games,’ the tributes fought food insecurity on 911±¬ÁÏ’s campuses</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 22, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-10/fairfax-campus-notice-parking-and-traffic-advisory" hreflang="en">Fairfax Campus Notice: Parking and Traffic Advisory </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 20, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-10/alexandre-barreto-selected-national-em-fuel-leadership-program" hreflang="en">Alexandre Barreto selected for national EM-FUEL leadership program&nbsp;</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 19, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-02/scitech-townhomes-offer-space-and-affordability-while-staying-connected-it-all" hreflang="en">SciTech Townhomes offer space and affordability, while staying connected to it all</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 15, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-10/fairfax-campus-notice-traffic-advisory-saturday-oct-17" hreflang="en">Fairfax Campus Notice: Traffic Advisory for Saturday, Oct. 17</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 14, 2026</div></div></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/krockman" hreflang="en">Kevin Rockmann</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/rpascare" hreflang="en">Rose Pascarell, MA</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17671" hreflang="en">Human Resources</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/11191" hreflang="en">professional development</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1061" hreflang="en">Costello College of Business</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div> </div> <div> </div> </div> Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:40:45 +0000 lclarkg 346217 at Shane Hayes is October Employee of the Month /news/2026-09/shane-hayes-october-employee-month <span>Shane Hayes is October Employee of the Month </span> <span><span>Katarina Benson</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-09-30T15:28:07-04:00" title="Wednesday, September 30, 2026 - 15:28">Wed, 09/30/2026 - 15:28</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p class="Paragraph SCXW203672313 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW203672313 BCX0 NormalTextRun intro-text" lang="EN-US">Shane Hayes, technical specialist in 911±¬ÁÏ’s Information Technology Services, is known for saving the day. He excels at creating innovative solutions, revolutionizing workspaces, and adapting to any challenge that technology can throw at him. For his hard work and dedication to helping others, he has been awarded October Employee of the Month.</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW203672313 BCX0 intro-text">&nbsp;</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/2026-10/shane_hayes_eotm_261005803.jpg?itok=4j5iWzHN" width="560" height="395" alt="President Gregory Washington awards Shane Hayes October Employee of the Month. Two men stand side by side holding a framed award."> </div> </div> <figcaption>President Gregory Washington with October Employee of the Month Shane Hayes. Photo by Andani Munkaila/Office of University Branding</figcaption> </figure> <p class="Paragraph SCXW203672313 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW203672313 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">“Shane is consistently reliable, and we all benefit greatly from his respectful, inclusive, and friendly approach,â€� said Heather Aleknavage, administrative assistant and project coordinator in the Office of Risk, Safety, and Resilience.&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW203672313 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW203672313 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW203672313 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">“Shane is empathetic and professional,â€� said Patricia King, office manager in Research and Innovation Initiatives. “His work ethic is collaborative and inclusive, and he has developed strong rapport across the [Office of Research] offices.â€�</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW203672313 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW203672313 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW203672313 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Former colleague Margaret Lindsey said, “Shane consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication to supporting our students and staff, ensuring that everyone has the reliable technology and assistance they need to succeed.â€�&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW203672313 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="Paragraph SCXW203672313 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW203672313 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Sarah Parnell, director of provost operations and administration, commended Hayes on his grace under pressure. “What truly sets Shane apart is his ability to ensure everything appears smooth and seamless—even when challenges are occurring behind the scenes,â€� she said. “His steady presence instills confidence, and he has become the go-to person we rely on, knowing the work will be done well.â€�</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW203672313 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <h4><span class="TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW203672313 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"><strong>How did you come to Mason:</strong></span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW203672313 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></h4> <p class="Paragraph SCXW203672313 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW203672313 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">I was looking through the job portal and came upon an open position in ITS and applied. I wanted to work for a place that had a team and where my work was in some way or somehow helping others, as opposed to being part of corporate.&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW203672313 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <h4><span class="TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW203672313 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"><strong>Best day on the job:</strong></span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW203672313 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></h4> <p class="Paragraph SCXW203672313 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW203672313 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Going to the Fuse with team members to help assist a move. It allowed me to vibe with teammates as well as explore the Fuse building while I assisted with moving teams into the building. I learned about the unique way they did electrical outlets in the building as well as how the Arlington campus buildings were all interconnected with one another. I also ended up meeting one of Einstein’s descendants.</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW203672313 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <h4><span class="TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW203672313 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"><strong>What do you like best about working at Mason:</strong></span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW203672313 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></h4> <p class="Paragraph SCXW203672313 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW203672313 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">I like the people that I work with as well as the fact that the work I do helps people with their own goals. It always feels good that the help I give makes someone’s day better, which I hope also has a trickle-down effect</span><span class="TextRun SCXW203672313 BCX0 NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed" lang="EN-US">, subsequently</span><span class="TextRun SCXW203672313 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"> everyone is little bit happier.</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW203672313 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <h4><span class="TextRun MacChromeBold SCXW203672313 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US"><strong>What do you like to do when you’re not working:</strong></span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW203672313 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></h4> <p class="Paragraph SCXW203672313 BCX0"><span class="TextRun SCXW203672313 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">One of the things I like to do when I’m not working is cooking, especially looking up dishes and just trying to craft a meal and see how it tastes. Then there is also the learning process. Sometimes not everything comes out perfectly, and I enjoy learning from those mistakes so that the next time I attempt that dish it will come out better. Additionally, I like hearing my housemates’ feedback on my food.</span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW203672313 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="9dffc527-ff4f-4afb-b82b-84091de2e26f"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://hr.gmu.edu/reward-and-recognition/formal-recognition/employee-of-the-month/"> <p class="cta__title">Nominate a colleague for Employee of the Month <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </p> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="4e9830d7-2816-4149-8d4f-28791aeaca99" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Related Stories</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-92ec5727bb175dc8b3878b6558635fb9b324fa1dfca60e3eaad0fc7fea58106b"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-10/end-hunger-games-tributes-fought-food-insecurity-george-masons-campuses" hreflang="en">In the ‘End Hunger Games,’ the tributes fought food insecurity on 911±¬ÁÏ’s campuses</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 22, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-10/fairfax-campus-notice-parking-and-traffic-advisory" hreflang="en">Fairfax Campus Notice: Parking and Traffic Advisory </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 20, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-10/alexandre-barreto-selected-national-em-fuel-leadership-program" hreflang="en">Alexandre Barreto selected for national EM-FUEL leadership program&nbsp;</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 19, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-02/scitech-townhomes-offer-space-and-affordability-while-staying-connected-it-all" hreflang="en">SciTech Townhomes offer space and affordability, while staying connected to it all</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 15, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-10/fairfax-campus-notice-traffic-advisory-saturday-oct-17" hreflang="en">Fairfax Campus Notice: Traffic Advisory for Saturday, Oct. 17</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 14, 2026</div></div></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1516" hreflang="en">Employee of the Month</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17671" hreflang="en">Human Resources</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/621" hreflang="en">Information Technology Services</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/11476" hreflang="en">ITS</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="52d12c84-cc3f-4b5f-9e61-14ac6b1b0433"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://masonsquare.gmu.edu/fuse"> <p class="cta__title">Explore Fuse at Mason Square <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </p> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div> </div> <div> </div> </div> Wed, 30 Sep 2026 19:28:07 +0000 Katarina Benson 346202 at Off the Clock: Sarah Holland runs at peak performance /news/2026-09/clock-sarah-holland-runs-peak-performance <span>Off the Clock: Sarah Holland runs at peak performance</span> <span><span>lclarkg</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-09-30T10:20:21-04:00" title="Wednesday, September 30, 2026 - 10:20">Wed, 09/30/2026 - 10:20</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="intro-text">Long-distance running requires discipline, endurance, and mental toughness. Sarah Holland, CERG </span><a href="https://folklore.gmu.edu/"><span class="intro-text">Folklore Studies</span></a><span class="intro-text"> '22, communications officer in the </span><a href="https://brand.gmu.edu/"><span class="intro-text">Office of University Branding</span></a><span class="intro-text">, has been running in 5ks, half marathons, and trail races across the United States for years.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span class="intro-text">They recently finished a 28k at The Rut, a trail running festival in Big Sky, Montana. In this race, Holland ascended and descended a rugged mountain&nbsp;summit more than 11,000 feet above sea level, finishing in approximately seven and a half hours.</span></p> <p><span class="intro-text">Across all the different races Holland runs, a variety of terrains—or the novelty of an interesting theme—keep the journey interesting.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span class="intro-text">“I’d say my favorite type of race is less about distances and more about vibes,â€� Holland said.</span></p> <hr> <figure role="group" class="align-right"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/2026-09/the_rut_bonecrusher_ridge.jpg?itok=A3PhAmgc" width="374" height="560" alt="Sarah Holland on a mountain ride during a trail race in Montana"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Sarah Holland completed the 28k race at The Rut, a trail running festival in Big Sky, Montana. This section of the race is aptly named Bonecrusher Ridge. Photo provided</figcaption> </figure> <h5><span>Please share a bit about The Rut. What inspired you to participate?</span></h5> <p><span>The Rut is one of the largest trail running events in North America. Runners tackle a variety of distances, all of which run up, down, and around Lone Mountain on highly technical and challenging terrain while battling thousands of feet of elevation gain and loss.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>The 28k, which is the race I did this year, is about 17.3 miles. A friend of mine did the race in 2019.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>I watched her and, in a moment of delirious self-confidence, said, “Yeah, I could probably do that.â€� Mind you, I had never run a trail race before, nor had I ever climbed anything higher than maybe 1,000 feet. But I love unique and unusual running experiences, and this felt like something that would, at minimum, make an entertaining story.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>In 2022 I “ranâ€� (it was more like...hiking with purpose) the 28k and somehow not only survived but finished within the cutoff time. Since then, I’ve gotten a lot stronger, a lot faster, and a lot better at trail running. After running the 21k last year, I wanted to give the 28k another shot to see if I could do it faster this time around.&nbsp;</span></p> <h5><span>Describe how you felt when you finished the race.</span></h5> <p><span>Very, very dehydrated! But proud, for accomplishing my goal of running it faster than the first time. There is a dual sense of elation for doing something incredibly hard and succeeding while also feeling physically depleted and a little delirious. It takes a few hundred calories, a gallon of water, and a good shower to bring your brain back online.&nbsp;</span></p> <h5><span>How long have you been running and participating in races? Do you have a favorite type of race?</span></h5> <p><span>I started running 5ks in college, and I think my first half marathon was in 2018. I usually do a few races a year, along with running multiple times a week.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>My goal is to run a race in every state, including Washington, D.C. I like unique experiences, like the International Half-Marathon that runs from Detroit, Michigan, into Windsor, Canada, and back, or the King Crab Challenge, where you run three races in Maryland and get a massive medal the size of your head as a reward.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>I’ve also run the Richmond Half-Marathon a few times, not because the course is unique, but because the crowds for that race are amazing. The whole city turns out to celebrate and support the runners.&nbsp;</span></p> <figure role="group"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/extra_large_content_image/public/2026-09/the_rut_finish.jpg?itok=caiMrimE" width="1480" height="987"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Sarah Holland, communications officer in the Office of University Branding, crosses the finish line at The Rut. Photo provided</figcaption> </figure> <h5><span>What has been the most meaningful or memorable experience?&nbsp;</span></h5> <p><span>I’ve had a lot of memorable experiences...some good, and some not so good. I fainted in the middle of Ceasar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, after running the Las Vegas Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon. That was certainly memorable.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>But generally, seeing what my body is capable of is really rewarding: finishing The Rut for the first time or setting a new personal best during my first race after sustaining a partial Achilles tear. It’s wild what you’re capable of when put to the test, and it’s been really cool to watch myself get faster and stronger over the past decade of endurance running.</span></p> <h5><span>Have you learned any lessons through your experiences as a runner?</span></h5> <p><span>Other than running and working, I write fiction, paint, play the cello, and I've recently started taking acting classes.&nbsp;There are a surprising number of skills and lessons that you can take from running and apply to creative fields: the importance of rest days, the value in pushing yourself to try something difficult even if you won’t do it perfectly, the necessity of practice. These are all things that transfer between running and creative practice. And I think I’m a much better artist as a result.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="5b3b48c3-4b69-4691-a68e-9e5e111db1f3"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/RA61Eu4ebr"> <p class="cta__title">Nominate a colleague for Off the Clock <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </p> <span class="cta__icon"></span> </a> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:news_list" data-inline-block-uuid="7b04da54-23da-406f-9e1d-ba8cc361b425" class="block block-layout-builder block-inline-blocknews-list"> <h2>Read More Like This</h2> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-news view-id-news view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-5a2c771789658b3e44aa34351025aa47640d0a5a41d277fcfab6a2cde61e9d08"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="news-list-wrapper"> <ul class="news-list"> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-09/shane-hayes-october-employee-month" hreflang="en">Shane Hayes is October Employee of the Month </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">October 1, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-09/clock-sarah-holland-runs-peak-performance" hreflang="en">Off the Clock: Sarah Holland runs at peak performance</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">September 30, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-09/meet-mason-nation-chef-george-charbel-has-recipe-success" hreflang="en">Meet the Mason Nation: Chef George Charbel has the recipe for success</a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">September 15, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-09/nelson-granados-september-employee-month" hreflang="en">Nelson Granados is September Employee of the Month </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">September 1, 2026</div></div></li> <li class="news-item"><div class="views-field views-field-title"><span class="field-content"><a href="/news/2026-08/meet-mason-nation-rebekah-schmidt" hreflang="en">Meet the Mason Nation: Rebekah Schmidt </a></span></div><div class="views-field views-field-field-publish-date"><div class="field-content">August 11, 2026</div></div></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/17041" hreflang="en">Off the Clock</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/2396" hreflang="en">Health and Fitness</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/15871" hreflang="en">Office of University Branding</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/21860" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div> </div> <div> </div> </div> Wed, 30 Sep 2026 14:20:21 +0000 lclarkg 346194 at OSCAR associate director earns national recognition for advancing undergraduate research /news/2026-09/oscar-associate-director-earns-national-recognition-advancing-undergraduate-research <span>OSCAR associate director earns national recognition for advancing undergraduate research</span> <span><span>Susan Martonik</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-09-28T10:50:33-04:00" title="Monday, September 28, 2026 - 10:50">Mon, 09/28/2026 - 10:50</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--30-70"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><p><span class="TextRun SCXW88702084 BCX0 NormalTextRun intro-text" lang="EN-US">Behind many successful researchers is a mentor who helps shape their academic journey. For countless undergraduate researchers at 911±¬ÁÏ, that mentor is Karen T. Lee, associate director of the </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW88702084 BCX0" href="https://oscar.gmu.edu/" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW88702084 BCX0 NormalTextRun intro-text" lang="EN-US">Office of Student Creative Activities and Research</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW88702084 BCX0 NormalTextRun intro-text" lang="EN-US"> (OSCAR), a newly inducted fellow of the Council of Undergraduate Research (CUR).&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span class="TextRun SCXW88702084 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">Earlier this summer, Lee received the </span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW88702084 BCX0" href="https://www.cur.org/2026-class-of-cur-fellows-announced/" target="_blank"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW88702084 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">CUR Fellows Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research Leadership</span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW88702084 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">. This lifetime achievement award recognizes CUR members who are leaders and role models within the undergraduate research community and whose careers represent the values and ideals set forth by CUR.</span></p> <p><span class="TextRun SCXW88702084 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">“I am thrilled to be one of the recipients of the CUR Fellows Award,â€� said Lee. “I believe that undergraduate research has the power to transform a student’s educational experience—helping them build confidence, develop critical skills, and discover new possibilities for their future. I’m grateful to be part of a 911±¬ÁÏ community that is deeply committed to creating those opportunities.â€�</span><span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject DragDrop SCXW88702084 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <figure role="group" class="align-left"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/small_content_image/public/2026-09/karen_lee_cur_award.jpg?itok=IDjzMqs7" width="350" height="232"> </div> </div> <figcaption>Karen Lee (left) receives the CUR Fellows Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research Leadership from CUR President Karen Resendes. Photo provided by the Council on Undergraduate Research.</figcaption> </figure> <p><span class="TextRun SCXW88702084 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">For more than three decades, Lee has advanced undergraduate research through mentorship, program development, and national leadership. Beginning her career as a faculty researcher in biology, she mentored dozens of undergraduate students in ecological research, with nearly half of her peer-reviewed publications including undergraduate coauthors. Her leadership has been instrumental in institutionalizing undergraduate research programs at multiple institutions.</span><span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject DragDrop SCXW88702084 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span class="TextRun SCXW88702084 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">At 911±¬ÁÏ, Lee continues to expand access to research opportunities through innovative funding programs, peer-leadership models, and cross-campus collaborations. Her sustained contributions have helped hundreds of students engage in meaningful research experiences and have strengthened the undergraduate research ecosystem locally, regionally, and nationally.</span><span class="LineBreakBlob BlobObject DragDrop SCXW88702084 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span class="TextRun SCXW88702084 BCX0 NormalTextRun" lang="EN-US">“Karen’s recognition as a fellow of the Council on Undergraduate Research reflects her steadfast leadership in advancing undergraduate research and mentoring students,â€� said Ajay Vinzé, interim provost at 911±¬ÁÏ when Lee received the award. “Through her work with OSCAR, she has expanded opportunities for 911±¬ÁÏ students to engage in discovery, scholarship, and creative inquiry, and her national recognition will further strengthen 911±¬ÁÏ’s commitment to undergraduate research.â€�&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP SCXW88702084 BCX0">&nbsp;</span></p> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_content_topics" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-content-topics"> <h2>Topics</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-content-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Topics</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/1546" hreflang="en">Office of Student Scholarship Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR)</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/206" hreflang="en">Faculty and Staff News</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/taxonomy/term/216" hreflang="en">Office of the Provost</a></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 28 Sep 2026 14:50:33 +0000 Susan Martonik 346182 at ODKM Workshop Explores Making AI a Teammate Rather Than a Threat /news/2026-09/odkm-workshop-explores-making-ai-teammate-rather-threat <span>ODKM Workshop Explores Making AI a Teammate Rather Than a Threat</span> <span><span>Andrew J Schappert</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-09-22T10:06:42-04:00" title="Tuesday, September 22, 2026 - 10:06">Tue, 09/22/2026 - 10:06</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--gmu layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--70-30"> <div class="layout__region region-first"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasebody"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Body</div> <div class="field__item"><figure role="group"> <div> <div class="field field--name-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/2026-09/odkm-ai-event-web.jpg" width="1500" height="703" alt="A man holding a green notebook in front of a flip chart stands in front of a semicircle of spectators."> </div> </div> <figcaption>What a SWOT looks like: Achal Sharma leads the discussion addressing ‘strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.’ Photo by Lauren Green</figcaption> </figure> <p><span class="intro-text">Instead of viewing the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) as a threat to people, what if we considered it a mirror—one that helps clarify and strengthen what is distinctly human about organizational collaboration?</span></p> <p><span>That was the question some 90 attendees addressed during a day-long workshop hosted by the&nbsp;</span><a href="http://schar.gmu.edu/"><span>Schar School of Policy and Government’s</span></a><span> Organization Development and Knowledge Management&nbsp;</span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/programs/masters-programs/organization-development-and-knowledge-management/organization"><span>(ODKM)</span></a><span> Cohort 30 during its fall semester learning community, held September 12 at 911±¬ÁÏ's Mason Square.</span></p> <p><span>Held in Van Metre Hall, attendees included faculty, graduate students, alumni, and industry leaders who were drawn by the event’s title, “Reauthoring the Team: Relational Intelligence in the Age of AI.â€�</span></p> <p><span>The program opened with experiential learning activities including “The Invisible Colleagueâ€� and an “AI SWOTâ€� exercise that were designed to surface assumptions about AI team members and identify core human values. SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, all things to consider when connecting with AI.</span></p> <p><span>Appearing via video link from California, keynote speaker Isabelle Hau, executive director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, set the theoretical foundation by championing “augmentation over automationâ€� and framing “relational infrastructureâ€� as an essential requirement for organizational flourishing in an algorithmic age.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>The student-designed event was a response to the rapid emergence of AI and the turbulence it is causing as it ripples through every aspect of society.</span></p> <p><span>“Every day we hear about AI and how it will supplant work we do now,â€� said&nbsp;</span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/profiles/ppotter1"><span>Penny Potter,</span></a><span> an instructor in the ODKM Program. “Often overlooked are what opportunities this disruption offers.â€�</span></p> <p><span>The event, she said, “gave participants the opportunity to explore relational intelligence as a key capability that serves as connective tissue in organizations.â€�</span></p> <p><span>Participant Erin Finn, a 2024 graduate of the ODKM Program, summed up the workshop experience: “It made the whole conversation about AI feel like such a natural fit for this [leadership] community and for how we might think about moving into this new era—without losing the human part of the work.â€�</span></p> <p><span>A multidisciplinary practitioner panel featuring psychologist Kinga Mnich, organizational health strategist Judy Oyedele, Department of Defense lead knowledge management specialist Lavdjola Farrington, and leadership development professional Jason Drake grounded these concepts in practical applications spanning social psychology, executive coaching, defense knowledge governance, and public sector leadership.</span></p> <p><span>In the afternoon, participants engaged in three rounds of a “1-4-All Knowledge Café.â€� Guided by Harvard’s Marshall Ganz's public narrative framework (</span><em><span>Story of Self, Us, and Now</span></em><span>) and Harvard’s John Kotter’s eight-step change model, attendees moved from individual reflection to table dialogue and room-wide synthesis.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>The activation concluded with a compelling call to action led by student facilitators and supported by ODKM founding Director&nbsp;</span><a href="https://schar.gmu.edu/profiles/thatchen"><span>Tojo Thatchenkery</span></a><span> and Potter.&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Attendees were challenged with the final prompt, “What will you do differently on Monday?,â€� urging leaders to actively author their teams’ relational dynamics rather than allowing technology to define them by default.</span></p> <p><span>The day’s activities concluded with a call to action for every leader in the room: “If you do not step up and consciously author your team’s story, the technology or the hierarchy will do it for you.â€�</span></p> <p><em><span>Costello College of Business instructional associate professor&nbsp;Jeremy E. Plotnick contributed to this report.</span></em></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="layout__region region-second"> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:news_release:field_associated_people" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodenews-releasefield-associated-people"> <h2>In This Story</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-associated-people field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">People Mentioned in This Story</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/node/84301" hreflang="und">Tojo Thatchenkery</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/profiles/ppotter1" hreflang="und">Penny Potter</a></div> </div> </div> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="inline_block:call_to_action" data-inline-block-uuid="3882c95e-76cb-4b7e-91b9-1d72bd78e7a4"> <div class="cta"> <a class="cta__link" href="https://schar.gmu.edu/discover-schar-school"> <p class="cta__title">Learn more about the Schar School <i class="fas fa-arrow-circle-right"></i> </p> <span class="cta__icon"> <div class="field field--name-field-cta-icon field--type-entity-reference field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div> <div class="field field--name-field-media-font-awesome-icon field--type-fontawesome-icon field--label-visually_hidden"> <div class="field__label visually-hidden">Icon</div> <div class="field__item"><div class="fontawesome-icons"> <div class="fontawesome-icon"> <i class="fas fa-question-circle" data-fa-transform data-fa-mask style="--fa-primary-color: #000000; 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