College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Danielle Dufresne is April Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:59:51 +0000

Danielle Dufresne is April Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Wed, 04/01/2026 - 09:59

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

Colleagues have applauded Dufresne’s leadership, integrity, and commitment to supporting her trainees. She has made notable contributions that have improved the capabilities of the center and furthered the university’s dedication to innovation and supporting its students. For these reasons, Dufresene has been named April Employee of the Month.

Dufresene. Photo provided

In her nomination, CCMH director Robyn Mehlenbeck mentioned Dufresne’s accomplishments, including creating, in collaboration with the director of the university’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), a therapy-friendly approach to ADHD testing. “Dr. Dufresne is truly committed to helping each individual grow professionally, and her impact has been significant,” said Mehlenbeck. “She helps oversee our internship program and helps with procedures and policies necessary for a nonprofit community mental health center. We have a small but mighty staff, and I have personally been impressed by Dr. Dufresne’s consistent mentoring of our staff, as well as our trainees.”

Leah Adams, CCMH’s associate director of clinical training, said Dufresne has elevated the training experiences of all who train at the center. “Conducting high-quality comprehensive assessments is a time-intensive endeavor, and Danielle is with our trainees at each step of the way, providing close, supportive mentorship, and going above and beyond to meet them at their individual levels of need.”

Psychology professor Jerome Short, one of the CCMH faculty supervisors, spoke highly of Dufresne’s mentoring of doctoral students. “She has generously provided template models of psychological assessment reports, demonstrated administration of neuropsychological and achievement tests, and consulted with me as an instructor and supervisor to doctoral students about how to best assess their first clients in their first psychological assessment courses. This has allowed more people in the community with limited economic resources to receive reduced fee services and gain accommodations in their community colleges, universities, and workplaces.”

“Dr. Dufresne exemplifies the highest standards of ethical integrity, mentorship, and student- centered learning,” said doctoral student Sasha Hickham. “Her commitment to student success is unparalleled: Her unique approach emphasizes quality over quantity, a culture of collaboration across all academic levels, and forward-thinking innovation to meet the evolving mental health needs of our local community.”

President Washington congratulates April Employee of the Month Danielle Dufresne in an online ceremony. Photo provided

How did you come to Mason:

After being in private practice for several years, having previously worked with another psychologist and mentor or in large group and community practices, I found myself missing the collaboration and exchanges that come with working directly with colleagues. So, having already had an interest in moving to the area, but not quite ready to leave my practice and family, I began looking for a position in psychological assessment—my area of focus, that would allow me to collaborate with others more regularly. That lead me to 911�� and CCMH (Center for Psychological Services when I started). I met with Robyn Mehlenbeck and other faculty and knew quickly that this was my next step and was excited when the position was offered. I juggled traveling weekly and wearing multiple hats and have found so much growth and community here. 

Best day on the job:

I had to think about this one because the ongoing opportunity for growth also means frequently challenging yourself, so while there have been many great days, there have been many hard ones as well. Great days include those where you see a trainee feel successful and when you hear the feedback from students around their positive training experiences or have an opportunity to meaningfully support a trainee in their next steps or through a challenging experience. Engaging with colleagues around intentional and strategic growth has also been exciting because of the engagement of so many creative and dedicated people. I would say, however, one of the best days was actually during COVID closures. I had the opportunity—along with other key people including Robyn Mehlenbeck—to meet with [College of Humanities and Social Sciences] dean [Ann] Ardis to re-start psychological assessment services through a hybrid testing model ... Meeting with such important people, presenting on my ideas and speaking on my area of expertise, felt… like a benchmark in the culmination of my work and dedication to training. 

What do you like best about working at Mason:

The most valuable part about being part of 911�� and CCMH has been the community. The support, ability to collaborate and consult, and the opportunities not only for your own growth, but the ability to support others in their own, has been the most satisfying part of this time. Not every week is easy, but every week offers the chance to challenge yourself. 

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

I spend time with my loved ones. That may be a standing Sunday movie date—something about going to a theater is still so fun, going out for a bite to eat and catch up on the week, or we feed our competitive energy in video games. I don’t usually win, but we laugh a lot. 

Learn more about the Center for Community Mental Health

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911�� mourns the loss of Don Gallehr

Katarina Benson — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:41:58 +0000

911�� mourns the loss of Don Gallehr Katarina Benson Thu, 03/26/2026 - 11:41

Department of English Professor Emeritus Don Gallehr, the first 911�� professor to teach more than 50 years at the university, died on March 7 at his home in Warrenton, Virginia. He was 84.

A celebration of life will be held on March 28 at Moser Funeral Home in Warrenton at 3 p.m., with a visitation held prior to the service at 2 p.m.

Gallehr was one of the earliest, longest serving and most dedicated faculty members hired at 911��, with a career stretching from 1966, when the university was still a satellite campus of the University of Virginia, until his retirement in 2021.

Dan Gallehr. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

A national leader in writing instruction, Gallehr founded the Northern Virginia Writing Project (NVWP) at 911�� in 1977, one of the first National Writing Project sites. For four decades, he led a summer institute for teachers from schools across the region. His career was anchored by two key principles he fostered through NVWP: writing teachers must write, and teachers are the best teachers of other teachers. Many of the teacher consultants who came through NVWP programs were directly influenced by Gallehr and in turn influenced their peers and their students throughout Northern Virginia and beyond.

His commitment to the practice of writing was evident in every class he taught. During his 55 years at Mason, Gallehr taught more than 11,000 students, and, as he said in a 2017 interview, he completed every writing assignment he gave his students. In teaching, he wanted to understand firsthand what was difficult for his students; in leading teacher institutes, he aimed to build networks of teachers who could support each other and keep the practice of engaged teaching and writing alive.

During his career, he was awarded both the 911�� Teaching Excellence Award and the David J. King Award in recognition of his significant contributions to education excellence at the university.

Meditation was an important part of Gallehr’s daily life and his writing life. A number of his publications explored meditation as part of the composition process, work that brought him to the attention of the Dalai Lama, who invited Gallehr to work with 33 Buddhist monks in a workshop in northern India in 2010. “They were the happiest group of students I have ever taught…. They would laugh their heads off,” he said in an interview.

He wrote two books that extended his attention to care and community to a wider audience: Finished Business: Taking Care of a Loved One with a Terminal Illness and Be Gentle: Ten Ways to Bring Peace to Yourself and Others.

“Don was a deeply valued friend and colleague whose warmth and humor livened committee meetings, department parties, and hallway encounters,” said Tamara Harvey, chair of the Department of English. “He welcomed generations of faculty to 911�� and the Department of English and helped set the collegial tone that we continue to enjoy. One way to honor his memory is to write, teach, and live with the thoughtfulness, grace, and presence that he shared with all of us during more than a half century in the English Department.”

Another way to remember Gallehr is by supporting the Dr. Don Gallehr Fund for the Support of the Education of Writers.

Learn more about his time at 911��

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911�� alum helped keep Team USA Safe at the Winter Olympics

Katarina Benson — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:25:08 +0000

911�� alum helped keep Team USA Safe at the Winter Olympics Katarina Benson Mon, 03/23/2026 - 13:25

Near the Italian town of Bormio, visitors can ride a mountain cable car to take in a breathtaking panorama from a café perched near the peak. Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agent Mohamed Hassan, BA Religious Studies ’20, who was a field liaison officer during the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Games, recounts taking a break from supporting Team USA to sip a cappuccino alongside Olympians: “Everyone was really interested in what everyone's there to do…. Everyone's motivating one another.”

Hassan is both a federal law enforcement officer and a member of the Foreign Service. Photo provided

As a DSS special agent, Hassan is both a federal law enforcement officer and a member of the Foreign Service. DSS is the U.S. State Department’s law enforcement and security branch, and it led security for the U.S. presence during Milan Cortina 2026. In Bormio, Hassan coordinated with the Italian police, military, and other organizations to help create a safe environment in which U.S. athletes could focus on their competitions.

When Hassan describes the community of that mountaintop café, it echoes his days at 911��, where he made friends with people from all over the world over potlucks and soccer games. Hassan, who grew up in Fairfax, developed his talents for bringing people together as a Patriot Leader and student advisor.

He says he eventually decided to major in religious studies because of religion’s impact on everything from how people relate to each other to how governments interact. He focused on the Middle East and said his 911�� cohort “knew what I wanted to do and they helped me get there.” He also credits Nathaniel Greenberg, associate professor of Arabic, for pushing him to hone his existing Arabic language skills.

Hassan knew he wanted to be a part of something important and give back to the country that welcomed his family when they emigrated from Egypt. He took advantage of 911��’s proximity to Washington, D.C., and enrolled in an internship with the U.S. State Department through the federal Pathways Internship Program, which provides students paid work experience with the possibility of a job. After graduating, Hassan successfully joined the department, and about four years later, he became a DSS special agent.

Hassan with the Olympic rings. Photo provided

While working in Bormio, Hassan said he was able to immerse himself in Italian culture, witness ski mountaineering’s Olympic debut, and even hold an Olympic medal. His favorite local Bormio dish was pizzoccheri, which consists of hearty buckwheat pasta with potatoes, cabbage, and Valtellina Casera cheese topped with garlic and melted butter.

While an Olympics assignment is a rare opportunity, Hassan says every day is different working in DSS and “the world is your oyster.” And he means it quite literally. In his eight years with the department, Hassan has traveled to more than 30 countries and is eager to see more. With DSS operating at U.S. diplomatic facilities in more than 170 countries, that should be easy. Hassan is already looking forward to a new assignment where he can use his language and culture skills.

Learn more

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Afghanistan was a crossroad of the ancient world

ckearney — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:18:35 +0000

Afghanistan was a crossroad of the ancient world ckearney Fri, 03/13/2026 - 14:18

Robert DeCaroli is quoted. Read more in Smithsonian Magazine.

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911�� collaborating with National Park Service to examine Revolutionary War from tribal nations' perspective

Katarina Benson — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 21:18:12 +0000

911�� collaborating with National Park Service to examine Revolutionary War from tribal nations' perspective Katarina Benson Thu, 03/12/2026 - 17:18

As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary this year, 911�� is collaborating with the National Park Service (NPS) to make sure the contributions of all Americans are being recognized.

Gabrielle Tayac, an associate professor in the Department of History and Art History in the College of Humanities of Social Sciences, has received a grant from NPS to lead Phase Two of Tribal Nations and the Revolutionary War, a community-driven research project that will examine the Revolutionary War and its aftermath from the perspectives of tribal nations.

Tayac serves as the principal investigator and will assist the NPS in facilitating educational and interpretive strategies that will be implemented in sites around the Mid-Atlantic region and throughout the Northeast.

Gabrielle Tayac has received a grant NPS to lead Phase Two of Tribal Nations and the Revolutionary War. Photo provided

“My hope is that it will help everyone get a sense of deep connection and relationship to the lands we live on now, to the people who are still here and maybe who are not here and wonder what happened to them,” Tayac said. “To be better caretakers of our communities and places.”

The NPS grant runs through 2027 and coincides with America’s semiquincentennial celebration. Tayac is working with fellow Department of History and Art History professors C. Joseph Genatin-Pilawa and George Oberle, BA History ’96, MA ’98, PhD ’16, who also serves as a history librarian and the director of the Center for Mason Legacies (CML). Digital Humanities Librarian Alyssa Fahringer, who collaborates with Oberle in the CML, will also contribute to the project.

Tayac, who served as the inaugural curator historian at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., and New York, will set up workshops in the Northeast region from the Chesapeake Bay up to Maine. These seminars will provide insight from historians, NPS park rangers, and Indigenous community scholars. Tayac and her 911�� colleagues will then produce digital work for historic sites and visitor centers.

Tayac, who collaborated on the 400th anniversary of Jamestown in 2007, hopes the project and the 250th celebration will serve as a focal point to “deepen those histories so that people can see them for a long time.”

“It is really critical it is done in a way that Native communities want their stories to be told,” said Tayac, who is an enrolled citizen of the Piscataway Indian Nation. “We also know that it has to be done in a way where the American public can really understand it, relate to it, and find the information relevant and intriguing to open up those conversations.”

911�� alum and NPS regional cultural anthropologist Noel Lopez, PhD Cultural Studies ’18, serves as a tribal liaison officer for the National Capital Region. He said previous interactions with 911��, such as collaborations on ecological study units with tribal communities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, have made the transition into the project easier.

“A lot of the work all of us do, whether it is anthropology or tribal liaison, a lot of it is around connections with people and connections with networks,” Lopez said. “All of this work we’re doing on both sides is relationship building. It is building trust with people.”

911�� students will also play a role. Tayac will offer training and hands-on opportunities, including through an undergraduate course, History 397 Public History in Action, which she will teach in spring 2027. Students will pull from the tribal communities’ stories and transform those into projects for museums, historic sites, a cultural center, or a website.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity for this project to not only workshop in the relationships with Native tribal community representatives but also to bring it back into Mason,” Tayac said. “In real-time, my students can also have a hand in it. I think that’s really important, and it tends to make them really excited about history work, too.”

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911�� graduate student advances theater research through yearlong workshop at Folger Shakespeare Library

Shayla Brown — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 15:10:10 +0000

911�� graduate student advances theater research through yearlong workshop at Folger Shakespeare Library Shayla Brown Mon, 03/02/2026 - 10:10

This academic year, 911�� graduate student Samantha “Chevi” Chung has had a research opportunity that few have had by participating in a yearlong workshop at the Folger Shakespeare Library. The theme of Chung’s workshop is “Shakespeare and Black Performing Women,” which ties in perfectly with her thesis.   

911�� is a member of the Folger Institute’s Consortium, so students and faculty have access to its wealth of scholarly resources. Chung is capitalizing on this collaboration and conducting research for her thesis, “Black Sheroic Couplets in Shakespeare, Black Female Actors Playing Eponymous Male Roles in Shakespeare's Plays from 1821 to 2025.”

Chevi Chung presents her research at the 2026 Black Lives Next Door event. Photo by Jerome Boettcher/College of Humanities and Social Sciences

“My favorite aspect of the workshop is that our conversations are just loaded with a lot of expertise,” said Chung, who is working on a master of arts and interdisciplinary studies (MAIS) in social justice and human rights degree. There is so much to glean from the amazing women I'm working with.”  

Her cohort includes actors, directors, theater practitioners, as well as theater scholars and researchers, and dives into the adaptations of Shakespeare works, Black performing women, and how people are conducting their Shakespeare-focused research. Workshops sessions also include guest speakers from different backgrounds and professions.

“Before my first semester at 911��, I really didn't understand how to conduct my own research, but then I took Professor Rachel Lewis’s [WMST 630] Feminist Theories course. It really opened my eyes and brought so many new resources and methodologies to my attention,” said Chung, who is a first-generation student. 

Chung said Lewis helped her develop her thesis topic on the theory of gender performativity in Black women actors.  

Chung also credits faculty members Jessica Otis, associate professor of history and associate director of the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media, and MAIS Director Shayna Maskell for encouraging her to keep applying to the Folger workshop even after being rejected. 

“It was a good learning experience for me. I think failing forward is so important for growth and realizing that there will be rejections along the way,” Chung said.  

Chung (third from top left) with members of her cohort at Folger Shakespeare Library in D.C. Photo provided

During her graduate studies, Chung also had a summer internship with Maskell where she conducted qualitative research for Maskell’s book on the Riot Grrrl movement. Chung researched music, photography, and fan-made videos from the era, and coded what she found for Maskell’s use.  

Chung said her experience assisting Maskell helped prepare her for time in the Folger program.  

“Chevi played a key role in using the book’s theoretical framework in performance theory and feminist visual culture and applying it directly to the lived performances of Riot Grrrl bands,” said Maskell. “[She] analyzed archival footage and accounts of different performances and helped bridge the gap between abstract concepts and the reality of the stage. Essentially, Chevi helped turn raw data into a cohesive cultural narrative.”  

“[During this internship] I learned to challenge assumptions and not just accept the information given to me, but to validate it myself,” said Chung.   

The Folger workshop will conclude this April, Shakespeare’s birthday month, but Chung’s research into Black theater will continue.  

“Sadly, there are absences and silences in the Black theater archives, and we have to break through these and start asking questions,” said Chung, who is also conducting research within the Center for Mason Legacies under the guidance of 911�� faculty Wendi Manuel-Scott and George Oberle. “I’m determined to expand my knowledge beyond what it currently was, not just regarding Black theater archives, but Black history in general.”  

After graduating in May, Chung will pursue her PhD in theater and performance studies at the University of Maryland this fall.  

“It is an honor to be a part of this group. Beyond the wealth of knowledge I’m receiving, this is also an opportunity to build long-lasting connections and relationships,” she said. 

Explore Internships at 911��

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Profs and Pints lecture series expanding into Crystal City bar this month

ckearney — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 17:31:34 +0000

Profs and Pints lecture series expanding into Crystal City bar this month ckearney Mon, 02/23/2026 - 12:31

Benjamin Gatling is mentioned. Read more in ARL Now.

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Ilia Malinin closes Olympic chapter with an unforgettable gala performance

blongcha — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 17:13:12 +0000

Ilia Malinin closes Olympic chapter with an unforgettable gala performance blongcha Sun, 02/22/2026 - 12:13

When Ilia Malinin stepped onto the ice for the closing exhibition gala of the 2026 Winter Olympics on Saturday, Feb. 21, the 911�� student wasn't skating for a score. He was skating for something bigger. Turning heartbreak into a powerful statement on mental health, grit and resilience, he closed out his winter games appearance on his own terms.

Ilia Malinin performs during a Figure Skating Exhibition Gala of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games. Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Wearing a dark sweatshirt and distressed jeans, a moodier, loose-fitting ensemble compared with his competition outfits, 911�� student and figure skating champion Ilia Malinin performed to “Fear” by NF with choreography that showcased a bold young man facing immense pressure, constant criticism, and high expectations, and eventually buckling under the weight of it all, falling to his knees and drawing into his hoodie to hide.

In a post-performance interview, Malinin said his intent was to show the pressure he felt to compete and succeed at the Winter Games. “This message and this program or song really spoke to me and really represented how I’ve been feeling the last year heading up to these Olympics. There’s been so much pressure, so much doubt, and everything around me—the noise, the media, the people, the environment—it’s been so overwhelming.”

A week after not medaling in the men’s individual event, Malinin posted to his Instagram, "On the world's biggest stage, those who appear the strongest may still be fighting invisible battles on the inside. Even your happiest memories can end up tainted by the noise.” The video accompanying the post showed Malinin going through the highest highs and lowest lows with glitches indicating competing battles. It also hinted that he would be back on Feb. 21, setting the stage for Saturday’s performance.

Ilia Malinin performs a back flip during the Olympic Skating Exhibition Gala of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games. Photo by Steve Christo/Getty Images

After landing his signature backflip—a move that was banned from competition for nearly five decades before being reinstated in 2024—Malinin became visibly emotional as the gala crowd erupted. It was a fitting bookend to an Olympic journey marked by extraordinary highs and lows—and one that revealed a young athlete of exceptional depth, both on the ice and off.

Prepping for Gold and Prepping for More

Malinin grew up in Northern Virginia, the son of two former Olympic figure skaters who later became his coaches. He enrolled at 911�� as an exploratory studies major and has spent the past several years balancing his studies with elite-level training as he prepared to eventually compete on the world’s biggest stage.

Malinin, 21, arrived at the 2026 Winter Olympics as one of the most decorated figure skaters in the world—a two-time world champion, four-time U.S. champion, and the only skater in history to land a fully rotated quadruple axel in competition. His strong team performance helped deliver Team USA a team figure skating gold medal, cementing his legacy as one of the sport's most technically audacious competitors. Watch a 60-second lecture on the physics behind Malinin's quad axel jump.

But after leading the short program in the men's individual event, Malinin endured a stunning reversal in the free skate—falling twice and slipping to 8th place overall in one of this Winter Games' most shocking upsets. In the immediate aftermath, he spoke openly about feeling overwhelmed in the moment, reflecting a vulnerability that resonated far beyond the rink. Speaking with the Today Show about the performance, Malinin said, “Of course it didn’t go the way I wanted it to, all I can do is learn from my mistakes. I can take a different approach leading up to the next Games, hopefully."

Rather than recede from the spotlight, Malinin chose to use the gala as an opportunity to process his journey publicly and purposefully. He's already focused on what comes next, including the World Championships in Prague in March.

"My next goal is to have a redemption skate at the World Championships and just enjoy the stress of the Olympic season, and it will be finally over," Malinin said after the Exhibition Gala. "For the future, there's so much planned, no matter how these Olympics went. I'm really looking forward to not only being the best skater I can be but also pushing the sport and changing the sport to have a completely different view on the world.”

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911��’s Ilia Malinin claims team figure skating gold

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

Ilia Malinin

Read an interview with 911�� student Ilia Malinin

911�� alum wants coffee to create intentional moments of rest

Katarina Benson — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 20:15:08 +0000

911�� alum wants coffee to create intentional moments of rest Katarina Benson Wed, 02/18/2026 - 15:15

Michael J. A. Davis, BA Integrative Studies ’09, roasts coffee using the time-honored pan-roasting tradition of beans tumbling in a pan as the smoke rises like incense. What once fueled his long workdays eventually became his antidote to corporate burnout. In fall of 2024, he brought that transformation back to 911�� in a bag labeled “Brave & Bold.”

After Davis graduated from 911�� in 2009, he began working in corporate branding for government and public and private sectors. Over time, his work evolved to sit at the intersection of branding and inclusion, helping Fortune 500 companies think through equitable design.

Davis created a special flavor for 911��, called Brave & Bold. Photo provided

“Through all of those projects, coffee became like a battery pack to keep me awake, productive, and delivering on time,” said Davis. “That's how a lot of us in the Western hemisphere kind of relate to coffee.”

That relationship shifted in 2015, when Davis first encountered the pan-roasted coffee in the back kitchen of an Ethiopian café in Falls Church, Virginia. Watching the beans being roasted in small batches made coffee feel less like a commodity and more like an art. That visit sent Davis on a journey into coffee’s deeper history.

“Through research, conversations with friends of the Ethiopian and Somali communities in Virginia, and time spent learning from family members in the countryside of the Dominican Republic, I came to understand coffee’s long history of traditional roasting and brewing is very much alive,” said Davis. “These communities don’t treat coffee as something to rush through; it’s intentional, it’s communal.”

As his corporate career intensified, coffee became a grounding ritual. Working as a consultant, Davis spent his days in what he recalled were emotionally draining conversations with executives while advocating for marginalized communities.

“Those conversations really beat me up and really took a toll on my mental health and my emotional health,” said Davis. “But during those years, roasting coffee was a ritual of rest for me.”

After leaving the corporate world in 2023, Davis founded Tinycup Coffee to share the idea that coffee is much more than fuel for productivity.

"Tinycup preserves this long history of coffee in Black and Brown communities in the global south by teaching Western coffee drinkers to change their relationship with coffee,” said Davis. “Our mission is to help coffee lovers to experience coffee, not as fuel to power through the Monday morning grind, but as a ritual of rest and restoration.”

In summer of 2024, Davis partnered with 911�� to create a co-branded coffee. He tested his flagship Tinycup roast with members of the 911�� community, refining the flavors to reflect the university’s character. From there, he turned to branding, naming it “Brave & Bold: The Patriot Roast” in collaboration with David Atkins, executive director of brand development and licensing at 911��’s Office of University Branding, who initially introduced the co-branding opportunity to Tinycup.

TinyCup coffee is pan-roasted, a specific technique. Photo provided

For Davis, the name nods to 911��’s history while centering on the community who carries that legacy forward, and he hopes Tinycup becomes a reminder that being “Brave & Bold” can also mean choosing rest.

For students considering becoming an entrepreneur, Davis shares some advice he wishes someone had told him: “Don’t let hustle culture convince you that rest is ‘lazy’—protect your energy like it’s the most important asset you have. You have more time than you think, so give yourself permission to step back, breathe, restore—those quiet moments are what keep your creativity, joy, and heart alive and well for the long term.”

Brave & Bold: The Patriot Roast coffee blend can be found online and at on-campus convenience stores. A percentage of sales is returned to the university.

Power the Possible

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Mason alumna leads legislative affairs in the Governor’s Office

Katarina Benson — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 20:43:40 +0000

Mason alumna leads legislative affairs in the Governor’s Office Katarina Benson Mon, 02/16/2026 - 15:43

The latest session of the Virginia General Assembly is well underway, coinciding with the start of Governor Abigail Spanberger’s first year in office. A new administration brings new staff and cabinet members who will help lead the commonwealth. Among them is 911�� alumna Gerica Goodman, BA Psychology ’12, MPA ’15, who now serves as the governor’s director of legislative affairs

As director Goodman, along with her team, oversees the review and tracking of each measure introduced during the 60-day session, tracking it as it moves through committees and onto the floor for votes. She also works closely with cabinet members, legislators, and executive-branch agencies to advance the governor’s legislative agenda.

Goodman is one of Spanberger's cabinet members. Photo provided

“I’m in constant communication with the governor, legislators, and cabinet-level leaders,” Goodman said. “We have a ‘no surprises’ approach. If legislators have questions for the governor, or the governor has questions for them, my team and I serve as intermediaries in the legislative process.”

Goodman also collaborates with agency leads to ensure they are prepared to implement new programs or adjust existing ones once legislation is signed into law.

Goodman began her career as an admissions counselor and recruiter in Mason’s Office of Admissions. She traveled across the country—primarily in the Southeast—meeting students at high schools and college fairs, introducing them to 911��, and helping others discover it for the first time.

Her interest in helping others was shaped early. “My father’s a pastor, my mom works in health care, and I have teachers, nurses, and all types of folks in my family who work to improve the lives of others,” she said. That background initially led her to study psychology with the goal of becoming a counselor.

Working in admissions after her undergraduate years opened a new path, with travel exposing her to stark differences in educational access. “I talked to people and saw how different each school was,” she said. “Students could be in the same city, but their ability to matriculate to Mason was determined by socioeconomic factors. That made me interested in education policy.”

Those experiences inspired her to take public policy courses, ultimately leading her to pursue a master of public administration at the Schar School of Policy and Government. During graduate school, she transitioned to 911��’s Office of Alumni Relations, where she connected with fellow Patriots, supported alumni engagement, and helped plan events such as Homecoming and the annual Alumni Legislative Reception in Richmond.

After leaving 911��, Goodman moved to Richmond to work in higher education policy. Before joining the Spanberger administration, she served as legislative and policy director for the Speaker of the House in Virginia and later worked in the transportation sector.

Goodman encourages students to take advantage of 911��’s growing alumni network.

“As a relatively young institution, it’s easier for students to connect with alumni,” she said. “Alumni are at really exciting points in their careers, and we’re happy to talk with students and offer advice.”

She notes that university’s alumni body has expanded significantly in recent decades. “Over the past 10 to 20 years, the number of people graduating from Mason has grown tremendously. The Alumni Relations team is a great resource to help students make those connections. We’re always excited to share our experiences and lessons learned.”

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Profs and Pints lecture series expanding into Crystal City bar this month

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Ilia Malinin closes Olympic chapter with an unforgettable gala performance

Prepping for Gold and Prepping for More

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911�� alum wants coffee to create intentional moments of rest

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Mason alumna leads legislative affairs in the Governor’s Office

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College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Danielle Dufresne is April Employee of the Month

How did you come to Mason:

Best day on the job:

What do you like best about working at Mason:

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

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911���� mourns the loss of Don Gallehr

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911���� alum helped keep Team USA Safe at the Winter Olympics

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Afghanistan was a crossroad of the ancient world

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911���� collaborating with National Park Service to examine Revolutionary War from tribal nations' perspective

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911���� graduate student advances theater research through yearlong workshop at Folger Shakespeare Library

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Profs and Pints lecture series expanding into Crystal City bar this month

Topics

Ilia Malinin closes Olympic chapter with an unforgettable gala performance

Prepping for Gold and Prepping for More

Topics

911���� alum wants coffee to create intentional moments​ of rest​

Related Stories

Topics

Mason alumna leads legislative affairs in the Governor’s Office

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Topics

911�� mourns the loss of Don Gallehr

911�� alum helped keep Team USA Safe at the Winter Olympics

911�� collaborating with National Park Service to examine Revolutionary War from tribal nations' perspective

911�� graduate student advances theater research through yearlong workshop at Folger Shakespeare Library

911�� alum wants coffee to create intentional moments of rest