University Life

911�� welcomes largest undergraduate class

ckearney — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 18:07:17 +0000

911�� welcomes largest undergraduate class ckearney Mon, 08/24/2026 - 14:07

911�� undergraduate enrollment will hit a new high this semester with the arrival of more than 7,400 incoming students, thousands of whom packed into EagleBank Arena on Friday for New Student Convocation.

President Washington emphasized the university values when addressing the incoming class. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

The incoming class includes about 4,300 new freshmen and more than 3,100 transfer students—a school record for transfers—including 950 transitioning from the ADVANCE Program partnership with Northern Virginia Community College. The ADVANCE total also is a record.

Almost one-third of newly enrolled first-year students were admitted through the university’s direct admissions program. Overall enrollment figures are not yet official but undergraduate enrollment is expected to top 29,600.

911�� President Gregory Washington, in full regalia and joined onstage by Provost Marion Underwood, deans, and other university leaders, welcomed the students and acquainted them with the university’s seven core values so the newest Patriots could better understand their new home.

Topping the core values list is “our students come first” and “innovation is our tradition.” Both are particularly salient points this year because of how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping higher education. To best prepare students for post-graduation success, they must have the ability to maximize new technology and adapt to future advancements.

“I have a motto: If you want to be big, you have to be big in the big things,” Washington said. “For example, we're going to show you how to lean into AI and use it wisely.”

Students filled EagleBank Arena for the New Student Convocation. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Keynote speaker and Vice President and Chief AI Officer Amarda Shehu advised students to embrace innovation that can improve the human condition while at the same time retaining the curiosity of a beginner and not overrelying on technology to “spare you the discomfort of being bad at something. Because the years of being bad at something are the years you become good at it.”

Shehu steered students to patriotai.gmu.edu and the course UNIV 182 “AI for All.”

“It's happening so fast that many universities have not had time to think through their response,” Shehu said. “Many of them are still studying the question. Well, not here. You're in a very different kind of institution. Here at Mason, we decided a few years back when we just got a glimpse of the possible that we will do something harder. Not panic, not freak out, not lock things down, but provide access to the technology and teach you how to leverage it.”

Keith Renshaw, senior associate provost for undergraduate education, encouraged students to pursue deep connections with their classmates. That was a theme that many students mentioned at convocation in spoken testimonials about their involvement and growth at the university.

“Don't miss that chance. Put yourself out there,” Renshaw said. “But I want to go a step further and say also, somewhere in this crowd is someone so fundamentally different from you, you might not even be able to imagine having a conversation with them right now. I am here to tell you that they are your people, too. Push yourself to find them and engage with them. Those might be some of the most meaningful experiences you have while you're here.”

Student Body President Griffin Crouch. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Griffin Crouch, student body president and a senior political science and international politics major, recalled his uncertainty as a nonresidential student three years ago. He reminded his new constituents that they will be surrounded by classmates who also are trying to find new opportunities and connections. He suggested visiting Contemporary Student Services, a resource for nonresidential students and many other groups.

“No matter who you are, you're going to have a place here,” Crouch said. “But it's on you to find your path…. The greatest things you're going to learn here are about yourself.”

Washington told students that 911�� will prepare them for success better than any institution in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and in the Washington, D.C., area, referencing career surveys from recent graduates and the university’s No. 1 state ranking for value, salary outcomes, and upward mobility.

Students walking over to EagleBank Arena. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

He also emphasized the university’s commitment to inclusion, citing the “best of the best” designation from the Campus Pride Index and the university’s standing in the top 10% of U.S. colleges and universities for free speech.

“The university not just values, but embraces, people from all walks of life and from all backgrounds and perspectives,” Washington said. “That's incredibly important to us.

“Look, we're the most diverse public institution in the Commonwealth of Virginia. But I guess I don't have to tell you that. Just take a look around. You are representative of that most diverse class.”

Convocation is part of the Preamble, a series of events for all new incoming students, which is part of Welcome2Mason, with events continuing through mid-September.

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SixDegrees.org partners with 911�� to support families, students

ckearney — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 18:19:59 +0000

SixDegrees.org partners with 911�� to support families, students ckearney Wed, 07/29/2026 - 14:19

SixDegrees.org hosted a Building Kits by Kevin Bacon activation on 911��’s Fairfax Campus on July 19, bringing together more than 100 volunteers to assemble 35,000 meal kits and 400 mental health kits for students and families across Northern Virginia.

More than 100 volunteers to assemble 35,000 meal kits and 400 mental health kits for students and families across Northern Virginia at the SixDegrees.org July activation. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The event, put on by SixDegrees.org, a Fairfax, Virginia-based nonprofit founded by actor Kevin Bacon, brought together 911�� faculty and staff, alumni, community members, and local nonprofits.

"Action is hope," Bacon told attendees, thanking them for turning their time and effort into tangible support for others.

The partnership grew out of conversations about the Patriot Pantry and the challenges many students face because of food insecurity, said Stacy Huston, chief executive officer of SixDegrees.org. "911�� is doing such a wonderful job on campus with these resources. It seemed like a natural partner."

The collaboration extends beyond the July event. 911�� global and community health professor Ali Weinstein and SixDegrees.org are conducting a research project examining how providing tangible forms of support—such as mental health kits—may affect both the people receiving assistance and the volunteers providing it.

President Gregory Washington with actor Kevin Bacon. Photo by Andani Gene Munkaila/Office of University Branding

911�� President Gregory Washington said the partnership reflects the university's commitment to supporting students in ways that extend beyond academics. "At 911��, we know that student success extends beyond the classroom,” Washington said. “Partnering with SixDegrees.org was an easy decision because we share a commitment to supporting students' well-being."

Vice President for University Life Rose Pascarell said that partnerships like this reflect University Life's commitment to fostering connection, belonging, and community engagement. “When universities and community organizations work together, we can make a meaningful difference while building relationships that extend well beyond a single day of service,” Pascarell said.

The event will have an immediate impact on the 911�� community. While most of the meal kits will be distributed by Food for Others throughout Fairfax County, a portion will remain at 911�� to support students through the Patriot Pantry.

SixDegress.org CEO Stacy Huston, with President Gregory Washington, and Vice President Rose Pascarell. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Volunteers also assembled 400 mental health kits in partnership with Find Your Anchor. The kits contain practical resources, messages of encouragement, and information designed to support someone experiencing emotional distress and to encourage them to seek additional help. The kits will be distributed to 911�� students throughout the year at mental health, well-being, and suicide prevention awareness events.

Rachel Wernicke, 911��'s chief mental health officer, said the kits complement the university's broader efforts to support student well-being. "Find Your Anchor is an organization dedicated to supporting people who may be impacted by suicide by offering hope and a reminder that they are not alone. This initiative aligns closely with Mason’s suicide prevention efforts,” Wernicke said.

Huston said she hopes the partnership with 911�� will encourage other organizations and communities to pursue similar collaborations. "Stories don’t just inform; they also inspire. You might see what's happening at 911��, and another community might say, 'What would it look like for us to do that here?'"

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From no team to Nationals, meet the students who revived 911��’s quiz bowl team

Katarina Benson — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:23:11 +0000

From no team to Nationals, meet the students who revived 911��’s quiz bowl team Katarina Benson Thu, 07/09/2026 - 15:23

Answer: This quiz bowl team went from nonexistent to nationally placed over the span of three years. Question: What is 911��?

This year, 911��’s intercollegiate quiz bowl team debuted on the national stage. Their A-Team won two major tournaments—the first ever won in the university’s quiz bowl history.

Quiz Bowl A-Team members (left to right) Margaret Withers, James Meek, Jeremy Katen, and Matthew Bucek show off their championship plaque for winning the 2026 Happy Hippopotamus Invitational tournament in April. Photo provided

They won the Upper Mid-Atlantic edition of ACF Fall in October 2025, hosted by Rutgers University, and the 2026 Happy Hippopotamus Invitational (HHI) put on by George Washington University.

Then they went on to nationals, placing highly in Division 2 of the National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT) Intercollegiate Championship Tournament (ICT), which will allow them the chance to compete for Division 1 next year.

Although 2026 was the third year of this iteration of the club, 911�� had fielded tournament competition teams from the late 1990s to 2016 before the student organization went into hibernation.

That changed when atmospheric science major Matthew Bucek, co-founder of the current quiz bowl team, arrived for his first year at 911��. He had competed in all four years of high school and was looking forward to continuing in college.

“When I came here and saw that there was no team, I thought my quiz bowl days were over,” Bucek said. “But I learned that my dorm neighbor had competed in high school and wanted to continue too. Since you only need two people to start a club, we brought the team back to life in 2023.”

Co-founders Bucek and Almir Keating struggled to find consistent membership for the first semester, with only three people showing up at the first meeting. Things started to turn around in the fall semester of that year, when recruitment efforts started to pay off.

In that first season, they won less than half of their games: 21 out of 43.

“Our first year, we weren’t very good,” James Meek, a graduate student in social work and current member of the A-Team, said. “It was very informal at the beginning. But then we decided to take more responsibility.”

The team recruited new members, eventually coming to field three teams this year: the A-, B-, and C-level teams, where the best team is reserved for the players who were improving the most or playing the best. Each team officially competes with four players, and 20 911�� students competed in 2026.

“We changed the culture in terms of study. Matt and I also just got way better, learning the game and knowledge base better, and gaining the ability to anticipate what they're going to ask,” said Meek.

They shifted their study strategy from having everyone try to learn everything and backstop one another, to specializing in different subjects. This year, out of the 60 games they played, they lost only 10.

The group also hosted a tournament for the first time. “We did an intercollegiate ‘Trash’ tournament, which means they ask only pop culture questions,” said Meek.

The team also created their own question sets—an arduous process—and another school is now using those sets in their own tournaments.

In addition to growing in size and skill, the team is forging friendships and study skills that will last lifetimes.

“My goal is getting promoted to B-Team,” said forensic science major Jun Chen, who has competed on the C-Team as a science specialist for two semesters. “I've gotten to bond with a lot of people. Everyone is so supportive and encouraging. Even when we mess up, we get straight back to it.”

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911�� career fair helps create accessible pathways to employment

ckearney — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:04:30 +0000

911�� career fair helps create accessible pathways to employment ckearney Thu, 07/09/2026 - 14:04

Many of 911��’s career fairs are large multi-day events, hosting hundreds of employers and capping the number of students in attendance each day. On a Friday in April, there was a smaller version of a career fair, hosted in the Johnson Center Bistro, for participants in the Mason Autism Support Initiative (MASI) and the Executive Functioning Program (EFP). Both fee-based programs are offered through Disability Services for degree-seeking students.

Fairfax County Government was among the employers meeting with students at the MASI/EFP Career Fair. Photo by Colleen Kearney Rich/Office of University Branding

The MASI/EFP Career Fair is intentionally small—no more than 15 employers, said EFP’s Assistant Director Sharon Toda, who started the event. It is designed to create a more accessible, lower-pressure environment for neurodivergent students who may encounter barriers (e.g., social interaction, new environments) when accessing traditional career fairs.

Prior to the event, students participated in a career readiness workshop conducted in partnership with University Career Services. The workshop helped students build confidence, prepare questions, and develop strategies for navigating and communicating with employers during the fair.

What started as a small project collaborating with local employers who had neurodiversity programs has evolved into a larger event. The MASI/EFP Career Fair now brings various partner organizations to campus, enhancing student engagement and networking opportunities. Prominent organizations such as the Smithsonian Institution, United States Geological Survey (USGS), and Fairfax County government are among the participants.

At the spring 2026 career fair, for the first time, participating students were provided with the opportunity to have headshots taken for professional purposes. Additionally, Fairfax County’s Community Services Board and Supported Employment program, which assists county residents with disabilities, participated by offering information and resources on health and wellness. They also provided support in accessing resources to navigate employment opportunities and job coaching support.

USGS geologist Mercer Parker talks with a student. Photo by Colleen Kearney Rich/Office of University Branding

This year 10 employers participated either in-person or virtually. One employer that has been involved from the beginning is Melwood. Elizabeth A. Foster, Melwood’s director of career exploration and development, said this event is a perfect fit for the organization. “My big thing is to try to get people who are neurodivergent, jobs or training or whatever supports they need to be successful,” said Foster. “I love that I have seen amazing growth [at 911��]. I just saw a fantastic resume. It's the kind of resume that I would expect from somebody who's been out in the field for years.”

The USGS had a table to promote its work transition program, Secondary Transition to Employment Program (STEP-UP). “What we do is we find their skill sets and their passions, and we figure out how they fit into the USGS,” said geologist Mercer Parker. “I tell students: Whether you are a creative designer, an economist, or a musician, there's a place for you in the federal government.”

Christann Chanell, a visitor experience coordinator at the National Postal Museum who is neurodivergent herself, said participating in the career fair is a way for her to give back to this community. “It's a way to let people know that companies and organizations are aware and will support their journey and their career. For me, that’s the main inspiration.”

Her colleague MaryBeth Wagner, adult programs manager for the National Postal Museum, concurs. “The Smithsonian Institution is very passionate about accessibility,” said Wagner. “We have staff members who need a little bit more support in their roles and letting more students know that these opportunities are available is very rewarding.”

The Johnson Center Bistro was the setting for the MASI/EFP Career Fair. Photo by Colleen Kearney Rich/Office of University Branding

This was the second MASI/EFP career fair that computer game design major Danish Parvez has attended. Parvez has been involved in MASI since his sophomore year. He came with a list of questions he planned to ask the employers, such as, “What makes someone a good candidate for a job with their company?” He also said he practiced how to present himself and his experience—these skills have already served him well when looking for a summer job.

“MASI’s really helped me navigate [the university environment],” Parvez said. “It's given me more skills to adapt. I feel like I was a bit lost my first year. I've come a long way since then.”

According to Toda, the career fair is one of the initiatives that MASI/EFP aims to support and prepare students for post-graduation and their transitions into the workforce. The goal in creating a smaller scaled career fair is to provide students in the programs with a platform to build confidence and practice in networking and expand their understanding of various career opportunities.

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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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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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Making space for well-being during finals

Katarina Benson — Mon, 18 May 2026 16:39:33 +0000

Making space for well-being during finals Katarina Benson Mon, 05/18/2026 - 12:39

On May 7, with finals in full throttle, 911�� offered a space for students to slow down and reclaim rest as a form of restoration and renewal.

A student listens to Quiet Tech. Photo provided

The 2026 Heal Together event was hosted by the Office of Access, Compliance, and Community (OACC) in partnership with the Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement, Contemporary Student Services, the Center for the Advancement of Well-Being, and Community Engagement and Civic Learning.

A clinician of 15 years, Shakila Melchior, director of strategic initiatives, partnerships, and outreach for OACC, framed the event around what she learned from practice. “Stress lives in the body, and it is so important for us to take breaks, especially in high-stress times,” she said.

Activities were held across campus. In the newly opened Spiritual and Interfaith Center, students could participate in Quiet Tech—a silent disco headphones and virtual reality experience—alongside positive affirmation cards, sensory grounding, painting, an aromatherapy bar, and herbal tea blending workshops.

Students at the aromatherapy station. Photo provided

For junior Angie Mendizabal, the combination of journaling and Quiet Tech opened up something new for her. “When you write down exactly what you know is best for you or what’s holding you back or what you’re feeling now…just writing it on a sheet of paper really helps,” she said.

Through Counseling and Psychological Services, Mind Spa offered 30-minute appointments in a zero-gravity massage chair with aromatherapy.

Human Resources offered Rest to Recharge, an educational room built around seven types of rest: mental, physical, emotional, social, spiritual, creative, and sensory.

Play to Restore set up board games, LEGO building, lawn games, and free play at the Corner Pocket.

Students painting during the 2026 Heal Together event. Photo provided

For sophomore Maddi Steen, the intentional programming reflected her 911�� experience. “I think 911�� does a really good job of reminding us that we matter as individuals and that we’re not in this alone,” she said. “I’m thankful to go to an institution that prioritizes mental health and community.”

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Graduation spotlight series: Doing it all at once

tdonnel — Tue, 12 May 2026 19:55:20 +0000

Graduation spotlight series: Doing it all at once tdonnel Tue, 05/12/2026 - 15:55

When Duong Thuy Nguyen first emailed her graduate teaching assistant (GTA) for IT104 Introduction to Computing, she wasn’t sure what to call him—GTA Reddy or Professor Reddy? She was, as she puts it, “that naive.” She had just returned to college after years away, caring for her family, working full time, while carrying the weight of a culture that had pointed her toward a different life entirely. She wasn’t sure she could do any of it.

Duong Thuy Nguyen represents the College of Engineering and Computing as a Peer Mentor during a 911�� Visit Day. Photo provided.

This May, she’s graduating from 911�� with a 4.0 GPA, an Academic Excellence Award from her department, a Capstone team leadership under her belt, and two published feature articles about her work—and in the fall, she’ll be back as a graduate student in 911��’s accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s program.

Nguyen immigrated to the United States from Vietnam in 2015. College, especially after a long pause, wasn’t the expected path for her. But her family pushed her toward it. “You have so much potential… just try,” she recalled being told.

Nguyen came to 911�� as a contemporary student. An immigrant adult learner who also works, she navigates the tension between family responsibilities and schoolwork in every classroom, every late night studying after work, and she often wondered whether someone like her belonged in a place like this. “I can feel both the excitement of going back to college and the worry of what if I couldn’t do this,” she said.

The people who showed up

From left, Alayna M. Brooker, Duong Thuy Nguyen, and Mansi Puthenveettil serve as Peer Mentor panelists during a College of Engineering and Computing Spotlight Day event at Dewberry Hall. Photo provided.

She took an academic leave in the spring of 2023 after family duties became too overwhelming. When she returned, she felt the distance from her peers acutely—older, quieter, uncertain of her place. What pulled her forward was a support system at 911�� that refused to let her disappear.

Professor Irina Hashmi gave her credit for quiz answers lost to a frozen screen, taking her word for it when she didn’t have to. Professor Scott Lewis listened to her story in his office hours when exhaustion broke through, and gave her career advice instead of sending her away. Professor Gene Shuman stayed after every class to work through concepts she was still wrestling with. Professor Massimiliano Albanese chose her for a cybersecurity internship that eventually opened the door to her current position at the Fairfax County Office of Elections.

“The whole Mason Nation, like every single one that I work with or study with…they are so supportive,” said Nguyen.

Nguyen and Associate Dean Jill Nelson of the College of Engineering and Computing. Nguyen calls Nelson “the most supportive and amazing supervisor.” Photo provided.

That support gave her enough ground to start taking risks. As a Peer Mentor for the Office of Undergraduate Studies at the College of Engineering and Computing, she showed up to her first event expecting to greet prospective students at a table. Instead, she found herself on stage as a panelist, fielding interview questions alongside an associate dean, sweating through her nerves in front of a room full of people. She made it through. After that, she became one of the program’s recurring panelists—the woman who’d been too shy to speak up in class, now telling prospective students to join organizations early and reach out before they think they need to.

From the audience to the stage

The biggest test came in her capstone project, a two-semester sequence she entered convinced she wasn’t cut out to lead. Her accent, she assumed, meant people wouldn’t listen. It was easier, she had always believed, to do everything herself than to ask for help and risk depending on someone.

Capstone—and Professor Gail Therrien, who designed the program—changed that by making her team lead. She learned to divide responsibilities, to speak up, to give her teammates room to show their own strengths. When her team’s work began to accumulate across two semesters, she arrived at something she hadn’t expected: that she is, indeed, “good enough.”

Nguyen and her Capstone teammates following their presentation. Photo provided.

Beyond the classroom, she built a life on campus — joining Contemporary Student Services, Women in Cybersecurity, the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, and Girls Who Code, an international nonprofit working to close the gender gap in tech.

“I realized that the first person who needs to believe in me is me,” she said. “If I don’t trust myself, I can’t earn the trust of others, and I certainly can’t lead a team to success.”

Today, she works full-time and cares for her family. She still sleeps two or three hours during the hard weeks. Somewhere in between, she is running on coffee and the same determination that got her here in the first place. She is still, in many ways, doing everything at once.

“I never in a million years thought that I could get this far,” she said.

Note: This story was written by Tiffany Boggs, Student Media, and edited by Chelsea Xu, UL Marketing and Communications. It was originally published on 911��'s University Life website.

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Graduation spotlight series: Mile by mile, running for success

tdonnel — Tue, 12 May 2026 19:36:42 +0000

Graduation spotlight series: Mile by mile, running for success tdonnel Tue, 05/12/2026 - 15:36

When Simeon Omorodion crossed the finish line of the 130th Boston Marathon this April for the first time, he wasn’t just completing a race. He was confirming something he’d been building toward for years—that running wasn’t a hobby or a side pursuit, but a core part of who he is.

At 911��, that identity never existed in isolation. An Honors College student and long-distance runner, Omorodion found the same logic threading through both pursuits: structure, persistence, and a tolerance for discomfort that eventually becomes growth.

Simeon Omorodion runs the 130th Boston Marathon. Photo provided.

This May, he earned his degree in information technology, specializing in cybersecurity with a minor in Japanese studies.

This pairing surprises people. But for Omorodion, it makes perfect sense. His interest in cybersecurity comes down to problem-solving under pressure—the same discipline that gets a runner through mile 20.

His passion for Japanese studies dates back to childhood, when anime introduced him to stories of perseverance and the impossible becoming possible. He joined the Japanese Student Association his freshman year and studied in Japan in the summer of 2024. “Why don’t I just learn this beautiful language?” he said, “this language that has allowed me to see visions of impossibles becoming possible.

Omorodion (right) with classmates at the conclusion of a Japanese language presentation during his summer 2024 study-abroad program in Japan. Photo provided.

The two halves of his life at 911�� reinforce each other in ways he didn’t anticipate. “It’s like a symbiotic relationship,” he said. “Without the athletics, it’s hard for me to engage within the academics. With the academics, it helps me to engage in athletics.”

Those connections extended beyond the classroom and the track. Through the Patriot Run Club and his role in Housing and Residence Life as a resident assistant, he found the sense of belonging that made everything else easier. “It made me feel connected,” he said, “connected to this environment, to the 911�� culture.”

Omorodion celebrates at the finish line of the 130th Boston Marathon, medal in hand. Photo provided.

To students still on the fence about getting involved and pursing what they are passionate about, his advice is direct: do it, and don’t expect to regret it.

After graduation, Omorodion plans to continue merging the passions he discovered during his time at 911��. He will work for the global sportswear company ASICS in Boston as a marketplace operations coordinator, a role that would keep him rooted in the running world while building a career.

He arrived at 911�� without a clear plan. Through running and his academics, Omorodion leaves with a deeper understanding of himself and what drives him—and a conviction that not having it figured out from the start was never the problem.

“You are going to transform a lot during college,” he said, “and that could be a very positive transformation.”

Note: This article was written by Tiffany Boggs, Student Media, and edited by Chelsea Xu, UL Marketing and Communications. It was originally published on 911��'s University Life website.

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Mason Day 2026 marks 61 years of community and tradition

ckearney — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:11:50 +0000

Mason Day 2026 marks 61 years of community and tradition ckearney Thu, 04/30/2026 - 16:11

Mason Day, 911��’s largest and longest-standing tradition, brought the community together for a carnival with games, rides, food, and music. This year’s concert headliner was hip-hop artist JT from City Girls, with support from indie pop band The Aces. The event—sponsored by University Life’s Student Involvement unit and free for 911�� students, faculty, and staff—occurs every April before final exams. This year, the festival attracted a record-setting 7,420 attendees.

This year’s Mason Day also included activities developed and implemented by students taking the event management course TOUR 221 Event Implementation and Evaluation, expanding the long-running event with a vital student perspective.

President Washington (center in green) catches up with students at Mason Day. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Mason Day has always been designed to accommodate everyone—energetic and overstimulated, celebratory and exhausted, longtime Patriots and first-time visitors. This year, attendees could decorate tote bags, make stuff-a-fluff plushies, and line up for carnival rides, while those who needed a quieter moment could step into an expanded sensory tent and reset with fidget toys and puzzles.

Lauren Long, executive director of Student Involvement, said accessibility was one of the major goals of the event. “In addition to the traditions students have come to expect, this year’s attendees experienced a Silent Disco, expanded Low Stimuli and Sensory tents, roaming artists, and a larger vendor fair. While Mason Day has changed over time, the true spirit that started 61 years ago to present live music and bring students together in community is still the center point of the event today.”

Photo by Andani Munkaila/Office of University Branding

Senior Bethel Tessera, a psychology major, made it to Mason Day for the third time, and brought her friend Lily Velapatino up from Richmond for the occasion. After a busy semester taking 18 credits, Tessera said the timing couldn’t have been better. The two started the afternoon decorating tote bags in the sun and decompressing after a long semester. Velapatino, taking it all in as a first-time visitor, said she was “very jealous of all the free activities and fun rides Mason Day has to offer.”

Vendors are also a big part of Mason Day, many of them students or alumni. Among the vendors this year was Hanieh Faani, a fine arts senior debuting her small business featuring handmade Iranian art, embroideries, and prints. The business is a family affair: Faani’s mother, Mahina Rajaei, a master’s student in counseling at 911��, was there alongside her. A third generation will soon attend Mason as well—Rajaei’s granddaughter is set to enroll in fall 2026 to study physics.

“The proximity to our home and the tolerant environment makes Mason such an anchor in our family,” Faani said.

The rain didn't diminish the enthusiasm of the crowds at the evening concert. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

When the rain came in that evening, it didn’t faze the crowd. People gathered at the center stage with glow sticks and Mason Day swag, singing along with JT as the lights cut through the dark. By the time the concert ended and the carnival came down, Mason Day had done what it has done for 61 years: made room for all.

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