Lauren Reuscher

In the ‘End Hunger Games,’ the tributes fought food insecurity on 911��’s campuses

lclarkg — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:36:55 +0000

In the ‘End Hunger Games,’ the tributes fought food insecurity on 911��’s campuses lclarkg Thu, 10/22/2026 - 10:36

911��’s Student Support and Advocacy Center (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.

The center recently honored its 10th anniversary with a series of events, including a donation drive to benefit one of its key services: the Patriot Pantry, which provides access to nonperishable food and hygiene items to 911�� students who are experiencing food insecurity. The “End Hunger Games” competition brought the campus community together for a common cause and highlighted the work SSAC does to address food insecurity.

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. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

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

“The purpose of the event was to demonstrate that anyone can be a part of addressing food insecurity on our campuses,” said John Eichler, coordinator for Basic Needs Services in SSAC.

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.

As a result, 1,730 pounds of nonperishable food items and hygiene products were collected during the month-long donation period. The Office of University Branding claimed first place in the competition, collecting a total of 500 pounds of black beans.

“Students often feel they face food insecurity alone,” 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.”

With the large influx of donations through the End Hunger Games, community members can support the Patriot Pantry in the following ways:

Donate to the Student Food and Housing Insecurity Fund and the Patriot Pantry Expansion Fund;
Order still-needed items from the Amazon wish lists for the Fairfax and Mason Square 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;
Sign up to receive information about individual or group volunteer opportunities with the Patriot Pantry. Contact pantry@gmu.edu with questions.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

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Off the Clock: Sarah Holland runs at peak performance

lclarkg — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 14:20:21 +0000

Off the Clock: Sarah Holland runs at peak performance lclarkg Wed, 09/30/2026 - 10:20

Long-distance running requires discipline, endurance, and mental toughness. Sarah Holland, CERG Folklore Studies '22, communications officer in the Office of University Branding, has been running in 5ks, half marathons, and trail races across the United States for years.

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 summit more than 11,000 feet above sea level, finishing in approximately seven and a half hours.

Across all the different races Holland runs, a variety of terrains—or the novelty of an interesting theme—keep the journey interesting.

“I’d say my favorite type of race is less about distances and more about vibes,” Holland said.

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

Please share a bit about The Rut. What inspired you to participate?

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.

The 28k, which is the race I did this year, is about 17.3 miles. A friend of mine did the race in 2019. I watched her and, in a moment of delirious self-confidence, said, “Yeah, I could probably do that.” 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.

In 2022 I “ran” (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.

Describe how you felt when you finished the race.

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.

How long have you been running and participating in races? Do you have a favorite type of race?

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.

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.

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.

Sarah Holland, communications officer in the Office of University Branding, crosses the finish line at The Rut. Photo provided

What has been the most meaningful or memorable experience?

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.

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.

Have you learned any lessons through your experiences as a runner?

Other than running and working, I write fiction, paint, play the cello, and I've recently started taking acting classes. 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.

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Feedback sparks action: Faculty and Staff Experience Survey results to be shared at Sept. 22 town hall

lclarkg — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:06:33 +0000

Feedback sparks action: Faculty and Staff Experience Survey results to be shared at Sept. 22 town hall lclarkg Thu, 09/03/2026 - 09:06

911�� administered the Faculty and Staff Experience Survey this spring, and survey feedback is already shaping both institution-wide priorities and local conversations within schools, colleges, and units, ensuring employees can see how their input informs decisions at multiple levels of the university.

The full survey results will be shared with the university community at a town hall with President Gregory Washington on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 1–2:15 p.m. in The Hub ballroom on the Fairfax Campus. The town hall will also be livestreamed via Zoom.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The Faculty and Staff Engagement team in Human Resources has been working with university leadership to analyze the survey results and help supervisors understand the data and create action plans for their teams.

"Our faculty and staff have given us something incredibly valuable: a clear picture of their experience at 911�� and a roadmap for where we can improve,” said Chris Ackerman, vice president for Human Resources and chief human resources officer. “The most important part of an engagement survey is what happens after the results come in. We are committed to turning this feedback into action at the university, unit, and team levels and creating a workplace where every Patriot can do their best work and feel connected to our shared mission.”

Preliminary results show improvements in employee engagement, development opportunities, and connection to the university's mission. The survey also identified opportunities to improve role clarity, workplace resources, and employee recognition.

Supervisors with five or more direct reports who completed the survey can already view team results in the Gallup Access portal. Team and unit results are compared with university results in each individual report.

Preliminary takeaways from the Faculty and Staff Experience Survey

The number of engaged employees at 911�� went up to 44%. This is a 5% increase from the 2024 survey and is significantly above the national average of 31%.

911�� had its highest participation rate to date with 47% of employees completing the survey. Completion rates varied by employee category:

Administrative and professional faculty: 79%
Classified staff: 70%
Instructional faculty: 56%
Research faculty: 25%
Adjunct faculty: 18%
Non-student wage employees: 17%
Student employees: 16%

This year, 911�� is benchmarking its results against other R1 institutions, rather than the general postsecondary/higher ed database, in order to evaluate the data in comparison to more similar, peer institutions.

911�� showed meaningful improvement among Gallup Q12 employee engagement questions in the following areas: “There is someone at work who encourages my development”; “The mission or purpose of my institution makes me feel my job is important”; and “I have a best friend at work.”

Improvements in areas such as employee development and connection to institutional purpose may reflect increased investments in supervisor development, workplace coaching, onboarding resources, and professional development opportunities.

“Human Resources has delivered team retreats focused on communication, trust, team dynamics, and leadership,” said Andrew Lane, director of performance management and employee engagement. “Supervisory and leadership development continues to be a key priority. Over the past two years, 266 supervisors have participated in programs such as Supervisor Bootcamp, the Emerging Leaders Supervisor Series, and the Leadership Legacy Program.”

Additional resources have been put toward improving the employee onboarding process, a Workplace Coaching Program, and 911��’s signature in-house professional development event, Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day.

Opportunities for improvement

911��’s survey results revealed areas benchmarked as low in comparison with other institutions: “I know what is expected of me at work”; “I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right”; and “In the last seven days, I have received recognition or praise for doing good work.”

Based on these findings, the university will focus engagement efforts during the coming year on role clarity, ensuring employees have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively, and workplace recognition.

Because recognition emerged as an opportunity area, the university will help ensure more employees receive meaningful feedback and appreciation for their contributions. Human Resources has set a goal of increasing use of central reward and recognition tools by 10% during the 2026–27 academic year.

“To enhance awareness of the programs we offer, we will host training on workplace appreciation to promote a culture of appreciation amongst colleagues, not just from the top down,” said Lane. The team will also consider ways to expand recognition programs.

What happens at the team level

Gallup research has found that 70% of the variance in engagement on a team is related to supervisory relationships. To foster employee engagement, supervisors should feel empowered to explore the survey results as a starting point for discussions with their teams.

The Faculty and Staff Experience Survey Supervisor Toolkit has been updated to reflect this year’s results and includes guidance on reviewing data and making positive enhancements to the workplace.

Human Resources teams are available to meet with supervisors to discuss results, facilitate team discussions, and support unit and team action planning.

Additional self-guided resources include Gallup Access recordings found in MasonLEAPS and a Q12 article series.

While survey results help inform university-wide decisions, day-to-day interactions with supervisors play a major role in employee engagement. Actions at the unit and team levels also shape the individual experiences of employees.

“How we lead and support faculty and staff shows up in how students experience this place,” said Lane. “An employee who understands their role and gets real feedback does better work, and here, that means better advising, better teaching, and better support for students.”

Faculty and staff are invited to hear the full Faculty and Staff Experience Survey results and action plan at the town hall with President Gregory Washington on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 1–2:15 p.m. in The Hub ballroom on the Fairfax Campus. The town hall will also be livestreamed via Zoom.

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Take your Patriot Pride on the road with a 911�� license plate

lclarkg — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 14:04:11 +0000

Take your Patriot Pride on the road with a 911�� license plate lclarkg Tue, 08/25/2026 - 10:04

Show your Patriot pride every mile of the journey: New 911�� license plates are now available through the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and every license plate purchase helps support student scholarships.

Two 911�� license plate designs are available at select Northern Virginia DMV locations and online. As part of a revenue-sharing program, $15 of every $25 license plate fee goes straight to 911�� student scholarships. Plates can be personalized for an additional $10 annually.

Anyone registering a vehicle in Virginia can purchase a 911�� license plate. Alumni, faculty, staff, current students, community members—all are welcome to make their vehicles stand out as All Together Different.

The first 911�� license plate was released in 1996, and by 2025, the program had raised more than $346,000 for 911�� student scholarships. Under a new agreement with DMV, license plate proceeds will be directed to the 911�� Foundation, enabling matching funds to be applied that can amplify the impact of the scholarship donations. Scholarships will be awarded by the 911�� Alumni Association.

“These license plates are a wonderful way for our alumni and friends to share what George Mason University means to them,” said Trishana E. Bowden, vice president of university advancement and alumni relations and president of the George Mason University Foundation. “Even better, the license plate campaign provides critical dollars for the scholarships that make a George Mason education accessible for even more students.”

Redesigned by graphic designers in the Office of University Branding, the license plate promotion includes support of partners across 911��, including alumni, Intercollegiate Athletics, Advancement, Parking Services, University Life, and Integrated Enrollment Management.

“Over the past five years, public support for 911�� has soared to record levels. That community pride can now be expressed in a way that directly helps students,” said Paul Allvin, vice president and chief brand officer. “These new plates showcase our new brand expression, which has proven very popular to wear and display since its debut two years ago.”

911�� has grown from a small regional college in the 1970s into Virginia’s largest public research university. 911�� was named to the Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education (ACE) highest tier of Opportunity Colleges and Universities: Higher Access, Higher Earnings, in recognition of the university’s commitment to accessibility, return on investment, and upward mobility—one of only 21 schools in the country to receive this designation.

911�� license plate purchases showcase the Mason Nation’s Patriot Pride and help the next generation of students achieve their dreams. For more ways to support the university, visit Mason Now.

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Off the Clock: Elizabeth Martelli throws punches—for a good cause

lclarkg — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:10:05 +0000

Off the Clock: Elizabeth Martelli throws punches—for a good cause lclarkg Fri, 07/10/2026 - 12:10

Elizabeth Martelli, PhD Writing and Rhetoric ‘19, first arrived at 911�� in 2014 as a PhD student. Now an associate professor in the English Department, Martelli teaches ENGH 302 in the Composition Program, working with students across majors as they develop as researchers and writers in their disciplines.

Martelli loves helping students find their way through the writing process—especially those who have an aversion to writing or see it as a challenge.

“I love breaking the research and writing process down into smaller, more manageable steps and helping students see that writing is not something you either ‘can’ or ‘can’t’ do,” said Martelli. “It is a practice.”

Martelli brings the same mindset to her activities outside work. Surprising even herself, Martelli is training as an amateur boxer and will compete in a boxing match this fall to raise money in support of cancer research and awareness with Haymakers for Hope. Her boxing efforts will fight against the disease that has become the fight of many people’s lives, including some of her loved ones.

We asked Martelli to share more about what inspired her to enter the ring.

Elizabeth Martelli. Photo provided

Share a bit about Haymakers for Hope and its mission.

Haymakers for Hope, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, gives everyday people the chance to train like fighters, step into the ring for a USA Boxing-sanctioned amateur boxing match, and raise money for cancer research, care, awareness, and survivorship programs.

Their motto is, “This fight is bigger than any of us,” and that captures what drew me to the organization. I learned about Haymakers for Hope about three years ago. I had been boxing for fitness for years, but I had never competed. The idea that amateurs could go through a serious training camp, fight in a real sanctioned event, and use that experience to raise money for cancer immediately stayed with me.

The cause is deeply personal. Cancer has touched many people in my life, including my grandmother and uncle, and I lost my mother to cancer in 2008. So, this is not just about checking off a personal goal. It is about doing something difficult and meaningful in honor of people I love and so many others affected by cancer.

Have sports and exercise always been big parts of your life?

I started boxing when I began my PhD program at 911��. At first, it was just a fitness class and a way to manage the stress of graduate school. I was not training to fight. I was trying to survive the pressure of reading, writing, teaching, researching, and figuring out who I was becoming.

But boxing stayed with me because it gave me something I did not always get from academic life: a reminder that growth comes through repetition, correction, humility, and practice.

I did not grow up as a competitive athlete, and I certainly did not imagine that I would be training for my first boxing match in my 50s. That is part of what makes this so meaningful to me. At 52, I am entering the ring for the first time, and I am currently in a pro-fighter-style training camp. For 16 weeks, I am training six days a week, balancing conditioning, boxing, roadwork, strength training, and recovery. It is intense, humbling, and honestly sometimes terrifying. But it is also a reminder that we are allowed to keep becoming. We are allowed to start something hard later in life. We are allowed to surprise ourselves.

Martelli and her mother, Alyce Robinson, in 1995, just after Robinson's breast cancer diagnosis. Photo provided

Have you learned any lessons through this experience?

Boxing has taught me that progress is built through consistent practice, feedback, setbacks, and perseverance. That is also why I see such a strong connection between boxing and writing. Neither one is about being perfect. Both require you to show up, do the work, make adjustments, and keep growing.

It has also taught me that confidence often comes after action, not before it. You do not wait until you feel brave to do the hard thing. You do the hard thing, and that is how bravery grows.

Training for this fight has reminded me that we can use our bodies, our stories, and our communities in service of something larger than ourselves. I am stepping into the ring as a first-time fighter, but I am also stepping in as a daughter, a teacher, a colleague, and someone who knows what it means to lose people to cancer. This experience has reminded me that it is never too late to challenge an old story about who you are or what you are capable of becoming.

Martelli will compete in Haymakers for Hope’s Beltway Brawl on Wednesday, September 16, at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.

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911��’s Dwayne Hamilton Jr. makes room at the table for students facing basic needs insecurity

lclarkg — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:01:29 +0000

911��’s Dwayne Hamilton Jr. makes room at the table for students facing basic needs insecurity lclarkg Wed, 07/08/2026 - 10:01

Students at colleges and universities experience basic needs insecurity at higher rates than the general population, sometimes facing difficult choices between paying for their academic expenses—or paying for their basic needs.

911��’s Student Support and Advocacy Center offers programming and individual consultations to support student well-being across a spectrum of services, including basic needs, as well as sexual and interpersonal violence, financial well-being, substance use, and more.

To serve the increasing number of students experiencing basic needs insecurity, the center hired Dwayne Hamilton Jr. in 2023 as the university’s first assistant director for Basic Needs Services.

Dwayne Hamilton manages programs and resources that help students facing basic needs insecurities, including the Patriot Pantry. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“An institution having full-time staff members dedicated to addressing basic needs insecurity is rare in the current higher education landscape,” said Hamilton. “The creation of this position demonstrates 911��’s dedication to supporting this population of students.”

The Hope Center Student Basic Needs Survey, which surveyed students at 91 colleges and universities across 16 states between spring 2023 and summer 2024, found that 59% of students experienced some form of basic needs insecurity, with 41% experiencing food insecurity, 48% experiencing housing insecurity, and 14% experiencing homelessness.

At 911��, Hamilton manages programs that address these insecurities, including the Patriot Pantry. He serves as a case manager for students experiencing food, housing, and other basic needs insecurities, providing direct support services through one-on-one consultations and resource allocation.

“My role’s dual emphasis on case and project management fosters a continuity of care, minimizing gaps in support as students transition from case management meetings to enrollment in basic needs programs,” said Hamilton.

For example, when a student discloses basic needs insecurity during a meeting, Hamilton can immediately enroll them in eligible programs, creating a seamless, direct connection between services.

“This model not only prioritizes efficient student services but also prevents students from having to disclose their experiences to multiple parties,” said Hamilton.

Students may experience food insecurity when facing challenges like tight budgets, balancing school and work, lack of transportation or access to affordable food within the reach of campus, limited food storage space in dorms, and the requirements to qualify for food assistance.

Students attending an institution of higher education more than half-time are eligible for the Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program (SNAP) only if they meet an exemption and meet all other SNAP eligibility requirements.

Currently, about one in four 911�� students is in the first generation of their family to attend college, and 34% of 911�� students qualify for federal Pell Grants, which are awarded to undergraduates with exceptional financial need.

The need for on-campus basic needs services has increased in recent years. At 911��, the Patriot Pantry experienced a 16% increase in student usage during the 2025–26 academic year. A survey of Patriot Pantry users during that time revealed that in the past 12 months, 90% of respondents reported worrying that their food would run out before they had money to buy more. Eighty-six percent of respondents indicated they could not always afford to eat balanced meals, and 83% reported eating less than they felt they should due to lack of money for food.

Eight out of 10 of these students said that hunger or lack of food negatively impacted their academic performance, including attendance, focus, and assignment completion.

“Beyond the already high cost of living in Fairfax County, rising food and housing costs further intensify students’ basic needs insecurity, increasing reliance on support services,” said Hamilton.

The university is addressing this growing need by expanding the Patriot Pantry on the Fairfax Campus, which is scheduled to open at a new location in the Johnson Center in fall 2027; adding an additional Patriot Pantry at Mason Square; and using funding sources awarded by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), like the Hunger-Free Campus Food Pantry Grant Program.

Hamilton loves seeing projects evolve from ideas to actions that support students. He is particularly proud of the Digital Purchasing Card program, which provides students with monthly monetary support that can be spent at grocery retailers nationwide. The Food and Housing Insecurity Fund, a donor-generated fund, supports this work. University Life recognized Hamilton with an Outstanding Service Award for his work on this program and broader contributions to the basic needs area.

Before working at 911��, Hamilton completed his MEd in student affairs administration in higher education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro while serving as a case manager for students experiencing bias/discrimination, financial instability, basic needs insecurity, Title IX incidents, and health concerns. He is now pursuing a PhD in education in 911��’s College of Education and Human Development.

The work supporting basic needs services can be intense at times, according to Hamilton. Outside work, he stays busy with his church’s educational organizations and music ministry.

“With the heaviness of this role, my church serves as a space to decompress, center my well-being, and reconnect to my calling to continue this work.”

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911�� Citizen’s Police Academy builds camaraderie and ‘squad goals’

lclarkg — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:54:47 +0000

911�� Citizen’s Police Academy builds camaraderie and ‘squad goals’ lclarkg Tue, 06/16/2026 - 11:54

On a quiet Tuesday evening on 911��’s Fairfax Campus, Police Chief Carl Rowan addressed a group at the Police and Safety Headquarters, praising a community member who took extraordinary action to help victims in a crisis.

Those listening were participants in 911��’s Citizen’s Police Academy, who were learning about DUI enforcement that night. Each week of the 10-week program highlighted a different part of police work, building connections between the 911�� Police Department and the community it serves.

911�� Citizen's Police Academy. Photo by Nathan G.

After witnessing an on-campus motor vehicle collision caused by an impaired driver, said Rowan, the attending community member offered aid and comfort to injured victims.

“He remained with those in need and provided assistance until emergency responders arrived,” said Rowan. “In recognition of his selfless actions and exemplary service to others during a critical incident, the 911�� Police Department proudly presents this Citizen Service Award.”

This moment was a glimpse into the magnitude of topics covered at the Citizen’s Police Academy, which brings law enforcement and community members together to make the university a safe place to learn, live, and work.

Participants practiced speed enforcement on campus. Photo by Emily Ross/911�� Police

Citizen’s police academies are popular in communities nationwide. The inaugural program at 911�� was open to students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Sessions covered a range of topics, including professional standards for law enforcement; visits to the local jail and firing range; presentations about victim services, mental health, and forensic science; demonstrations from units like the Special Response Team (SRT), K-9, and Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) or drones; and more. Guest speakers from local law enforcement agencies also participated, highlighting how different agencies collaborate and rely on each other.

“I have found our Citizen’s Police Academy to be a gamechanger in allowing our police staff to interact with our community on a much deeper level and gain a mutual comfort outside day-to-day routine law enforcement services,” said Assistant Chief Emily Ross, who led the program. “As a result, we have learned so much about our community: their values, perceptions, needs, and ideas.”

The inaugural cohort included nine faculty and staff, two students, and one parent of a current 911�� student.

Participants took a ride in the 911�� Police Department's tactical vehicle. Photo by Don Vaughn

Etlin Elainna Flores, community director in Housing and Residence Life, applied for the program because she was interested in meeting campus partners and learning more about different aspects of law enforcement.

“The most memorable part was when we got to ride in the armored truck,” said Flores.

Building relationships with the community is a critical part of police work. The program goes far beyond what any open house, community event, or transactional interaction could accomplish, according to Ross.

“While those one-time and periodic recurring collaborations are beneficial to police-community relations, this program brings together police departments and their communities in a much deeper way,” said Ross.

911�� Police K-9 unit demonstration. Photo by Emily Ross/911�� Police

Participants heard firsthand accounts of the experiences of law enforcement officers and gained insights into the demands of the job.

“Even though I knew this going into the Citizen’s Police Academy, I’m continually surprised by the complexity of the job,” said Justin Ramsdell, professor in the Department of Psychology. “Aside from the natural difficulties that arise when it’s one’s job to deal with people having a ‘bad day’ due to victimization, mental illness, or arrest, there are also so many laws and regulations that govern one’s professional behavior.”

For a law enforcement officer, every step of the criminal process—from arrest to booking, investigation, case preparation, and ultimately testifying in court—can affect the outcome of a case. Apart from criminal processes, the program also taught participants about the planning, preparedness, and training that are required in law enforcement.

DUI enforcement demonstration. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

“Week after week, the program deepened my appreciation for the complexity of public safety and reinforced the importance of mutual understanding across the university and the broader community,” said Jen Flammia, office manager and assistant to the dean in the Office of Admissions. “It gave me a clearer view of the work that happens behind the scenes and the thought, preparation, and coordination involved in keeping a campus community safe.”

This is exactly the result Ross was hoping for when she started the program.

“My hope is to humanize the badge and instill increased confidence in our community members in their roles as advocates in helping connect others with their local law enforcement,” said Ross. “As a result of the program, they all have a deeper knowledge to provide guidance to victims and survivors of crimes and those who are fearful of police or hesitant to reach out for help on their own.”

Citizen's Police Academy members got a close-up look at police drones. Photo by Emily Ross/911�� Police

Back at the Police and Safety Headquarters, the class went out to the parking lot for a demonstration of roadside DUI enforcement, including field sobriety tests and handheld preliminary breath test (PBT) machines. After the demonstration, the group gathered and reflected on the information they had learned.

As the session ended, a call came through the radio. Two officers quickly got into their patrol cars to respond to an incident on west campus.

“Can I come along?” one of the participants asked. After an affirmative response, he hopped into the back seat for a ride along. The night’s lesson was not over yet.

The 911�� Police plan to continue the Citizen’s Police Academy in fall 2026. Stay tuned for more information about the opportunity to apply for the next cohort.

Field trip to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. Photo by Sisc Johnson/School of Art

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Mason Square flexed its neighborhood spirit at Clarendon FitFest

lclarkg — Thu, 21 May 2026 14:32:53 +0000

Mason Square flexed its neighborhood spirit at Clarendon FitFest lclarkg Thu, 05/21/2026 - 10:32

Mason Square hosted Clarendon FitFest on April 18, a community wellness event full of resources to promote active lifestyles, well-being, and meaningful connections between 911�� and the local Arlington community.

Photo by Romulfo Sison/Office of University Branding

The event brought together more than 400 attendees including students, faculty, staff, community members, and local businesses for physical activity, wellness education, and accessible health resources.

The sun was shining as more than 150 runners and walkers participated in the Pacers 5K run and two-mile walk to kick off the event. Live fitness demonstrations occurred every hour on the plaza, including Zumba, barre, Pilates, yoga, and more. Local fitness and wellness businesses hosted booths with interactive wellness activities.

Photo by Romulfo Sison/Office of University Branding

The event was a collaboration between 911��, Clarendon Alliance, and Pacers Running.

“Events like Clarendon FitFest are a great example of what becomes possible when a university is genuinely embedded in its surrounding community,” said Melissa Thierry, director of University Life Regional Campuses. “Mason Square is an urban campus, and that means the energy and vibrancy of the space depends on what we build together with our neighbors. The connection between campus life and the broader Clarendon neighborhood is a real asset to the student experience here.”

Photo by Romulfo Sison/Office of University Branding

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911�� Retirees: Sept. 2025 to March 2026

lclarkg — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:08:17 +0000

911�� Retirees: Sept. 2025 to March 2026 lclarkg Thu, 04/23/2026 - 10:08

Congratulations to the 911�� faculty and staff retirees from September 2025 to March 2026. The list below includes retirees, the department from which they retired, and years of service.

We hope you will come back to visit sometimes. Once a Patriot, always a Patriot!

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

September 2025

James Gentry, Facilities and Campus Operations, 23 years, 6 months

Thomas Huff, College of Science, 29 years, 4 months

Patrick Kolbe, Center for Earth Observing and Spatial Research, 27 years, 11 months

Barbara (Bobbie) Merritt, Human Resources, 19 years, 5 months

Luz Sta Catalina, Student Accounts, 20 years, 3 months

Balendran Velauthapillai, Center for Earth Observing and Spatial Research, 23 years, 11 months

October 2025

Seunghun Ok, Kellar Institute for Human disAbilities, 21 years, 4 months

Linda Santos, Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy, 7 years, 7 months

November 2025

Henry Feil, Facilities and Campus Operations, 35 years, 4 months

Jill Parady, Human Resources, 10 years, 5 months

Maria Valdez, Community Business Partnerships, 5 years, 1 month

January 2026

Deb Dickenson, Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration, 6 years, 4 months

Teresa Gibbons, Information Technology Services, 20 years

Charles Lemley, Antonin Scalia Law School, 3 years, 2 months

February 2026

James Burroughs, Public Policy and Public Administration, 26 years

James Chaney, Facilities and Campus Operations, 21 years, 9 months

Stephen Christophe, Costello College of Business, 27 years, 5 months

Michael Davis, Antonin Scalia Law School, 10 years, 5 months

Yvette Del Gallo, Facilities and Campus Operations, 12 years, 1 month

Edward Dittmeier, Office of University Audit, 10 years, 6 months

Carolyn Drews-Botsch, Global and Community Health, 5 years, 5 months

Karl Fryxell, School of Systems Biology, 28 years, 4 months

Donna Fulton, School of Kinesiology, 14 years, 6 months

Saiid Ganjalizadeh, Information Systems and Operations Management, 5 years, 4 months

David Ganley, University Police, 24 years, 4 months

Jonathan Goldman, College of Engineering and Computing, 24 years, 2 months

Carrie Grabo, History and Art History, 17 years, 2 months

R. Chris Jones, Environmental Science and Policy, 45 years, 4 months

James Lawrey, Biology, 48 years, 4 months

Michael Mauck, Information Technology Services, 30 years, 6 months

Christopher Nayeri, Information Technology Services, 33 years, 3 months

Murray James Pyle, Information Systems and Operations Management, 6 years, 5 months

David Rosenblum, Computer Science, 5 years, 6 months

Bernard Scheiner, Card Access Security Office, 8 years, 7 months

Harvey Singer, Information Systems and Operations Management, 28 years, 4 months

Gheorghe Tecuci, Computer Science, 35 years, 6 months

Patrice Winter, Global and Community Health, 18 years, 8 months

March 2026

Stacy Borzi, Facilities and Campus Operations, 24 years, 8 months

John Smilde, Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations, 5 years, 2 months

Topics

Retirement

Human Resources

Faculty and Staff News

Eagle-eyed naturalists track wildlife at Point of View

ckearney — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 19:01:35 +0000

Eagle-eyed naturalists track wildlife at Point of View ckearney Fri, 04/10/2026 - 15:01

911��’s Point of View event and retreat facility in Lorton, Virginia, includes 120 acres of wooded land adjacent to the tranquil Belmont Bay and bordered by a protected wildlife refuge and state park.

Point of View. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Point of View, which is part of the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, presents many opportunities to observe wildlife along the water, and staffers have recently observed adult and juvenile bald eagles watching for fish in some of their "eagle trees,” as staff have started to call them.

The adult and juvenile bald eagles have certain trees at Point of View they seem to prefer. Staffers call them the "eagle trees.” Photo provided

A small staff manages the Point of View facility, which holds a Platinum LEED certification to minimize its impact on the environment.

“I think of myself as a steward of this site,” said Jessica Avila-Franco, event and operations manager at Point of View. “Being surrounded by such a peaceful, beautiful environment year-round is something I never take for granted. We have a real responsibility—and privilege—to protect the ecosystem.”

Bald eagles and other wildlife at Point of View and the larger Occoquan Bay/Meadowood area are tracked through a long-term citizen science effort. Volunteer naturalists from the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance have been visiting and tracking species in the area for the past 37 years.

A juvenile eagle. Photo provided

On a recent naturalist visit, 19 bald eagles were sighted around the area. Species observed and tracked at different times of the year include birds, butterflies, dragonflies, other wildlife, plants, fungi, and lichens.

Sunset at Point of View. Photo by Evan Centwell/Office of University Branding

Observations are logged in reports by the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance and also posted on the iNaturalist website.

Explore the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

Learn about Sustainability at 911��

Topics

Faculty and Staff News

Picture This

Sustainability

Point of View

Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

Lauren Reuscher

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Describe how you felt when you finished the race.

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What has been the most meaningful or memorable experience?

Have you learned any lessons through your experiences as a runner?

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911���� Retirees: Sept. 2025 to March 2026

September 2025

October 2025

November 2025

January 2026

February 2026

March 2026

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Topics

Eagle-eyed naturalists track wildlife at Point of View

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Topics

In the ‘End Hunger Games,’ the tributes fought food insecurity on 911��’s campuses

Take your Patriot Pride on the road with a 911�� license plate

911��’s Dwayne Hamilton Jr. makes room at the table for students facing basic needs insecurity

911�� Citizen’s Police Academy builds camaraderie and ‘squad goals’

911�� Retirees: Sept. 2025 to March 2026