Scholarships

philanthropy

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.

Power the Possible

Topics

Office of University Branding

Alumni

Honoring achievement, generosity, and impact at the 2026 Scholarship Celebration

Katarina Benson — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 21:00:51 +0000

Honoring achievement, generosity, and impact at the 2026 Scholarship Celebration Katarina Benson Fri, 06/12/2026 - 17:00

For many university students, scholarships are more than financial support. They represent a bridge to opportunity, enabling students to pursue their dreams and aspirations. At 911��, scholarship donors help pave the way for education that will shape students’ futures and prepare them to serve their communities.

President Washington with scholarship recipients. Photo by John Boal Photography.

“As president, I have the privilege of seeing that long arc of what you all are a part of. A single act of generosity becomes a chain of impact for generations,” said Gregory Washington. “When you sow into 911�� soil, the outgrowth is tremendous.”

The 2026 Scholarship Celebration, hosted on April 23 by the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations, brought together scholarship donors and extraordinary students who are the recipients of those scholarships, giving all attendees the chance to connect and hear firsthand how scholarships have made a difference in students’ lives. These students showcased how scholarship support can open doors, remove barriers, and create pathways to experiences that empower both personal growth and future impact.

“Being a scholarship recipient has shaped my college experience and who I am,” said Avery Shippen, BA Art and Visual Technology, BS Conflict Analysis and Resolution ’26, a University Scholar who has also received the Oxford Consortium Scholarship, the Peraton Scholarship, and the Noah J. Seidenberg Endowed Scholarship.

Avery Shippen graduated with dual degrees in Art and Visual Technology and Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Photo by John Boal Photography.

In May, Shippen completed two degrees with a concentration in building peace in divided societies. Her story illustrated how scholarships can connect academic ambition with life-changing opportunities beyond the classroom. Citing her study-abroad experience at Oxford University, Shippen said that her scholarships allowed her to pursue her undergraduate degrees and provided her with opportunities that otherwise would not have been available.

That same sense of opportunity through support was echoed in the arts. Honors College student Lena Rice, who is pursuing dual bachelor of music degrees in classical piano performance and jazz studies in steel pan, is a recipient of the Dr. Linda Apple Monson Scholarship. She performed piano and steel pan selections as part of the Scholarship Celebration.

“As a Monson Scholarship recipient, I have been given something incredibly meaningful…the ability to fully invest in my music, which has really helped me grow as an artist,” Rice said.

Katey Funderburgh, MFA Creative Writing ’26. Photo by John Boal Photography.

For graduate students, scholarship support can also provide the freedom to deepen their craft and expand their impact. Katey Funderburgh, MFA Creative Writing ’26, pursued poetry while teaching creative writing, serving as lead teacher in the Poetry Alive! program, and co-coordinating the Incarcerated Writer’s Project.

She said that receiving the Mary Roberts Rinehart Award allowed her “to breathe and focus on [her] passions.” Funderburgh read her own award-winning poem and spoke of how scholarship support enhanced her education.

“As a recipient, I was able to attend a literary conference to learn about art, community through art, and how to make my own art better,” she said.

911�� Foundation trustee Jason Howell, BS ’97, hosted the event. “Scholarships,” Howell said, “create the conditions for students to discover who they are, pursue what they love, and ultimately make an impact far beyond even their own expectations.”

Learn more

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Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution

philanthropy

University Scholar combines art and conflict resolution to build bridges

Paul Snodgrass — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:37:17 +0000

University Scholar combines art and conflict resolution to build bridges Paul Snodgrass Mon, 06/01/2026 - 14:37

In May, Honors College student Avery Shippen graduated from 911�� with a two degrees: A BS in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, and a BA in Art and Visual Technology from the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

To Shippen, the fusion of the two majors, graphic design and conflict resolution, was a natural pairing. “I think both fields work to connect communities. People see conflict resolution as a scientific process, but it’s deeply rooted in people,” she explained. “Graphic design creates a ‘language’ that anyone can understand, which can be effective in the peacebuilding process.”

While managing the workload of a two degrees is impressive, even more impressive is the number of awards and fellowships the University Scholar received during her time at 911��, including a Peraton Scholarship in National Security, Carter School’s Oxford Scholarship, the Noah J. Seidenberg Award, and the Peacebuilding Fellowship.

Shippen said that these scholarships and fellowships provided a financial “safety net,” giving her the ability to gain valuable life experience, such as being the first Carter School student to attend the Oxford Consortium for Human Rights in War and Climate Emergency Conference or to study-abroad in Bosnia and Croatia.

The awards also provided Shippen with the financial freedom to undertake several internships, which allowed her to explore the real-world applications of the skills she learned in both academic programs.

During her time at 911��, Shippen held three internships. One was with the World Affairs Councils of America, where she was employed at a global education Intern and helped coordinate the logistics of an annual event that brings high school students from across the country to Washington, D.C., to learn about global engagement and public diplomacy. Shippen also interned with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency under the Department of War. “I saw each side of government and federal contracting,” she said. “Each had a very different approach to resolving conflict.”

“I sought out opportunities that aligned with my personal values,” Shippen said. “The awards put me in a position to give back and inform other students about the opportunities that exist at Mason.”

The desire to give back also drives her career goals. She said her interest in curriculum development stems in part, from the work she performed as part of the Peacebuilding Fellowship. After researching the Appalachian educational curriculum, Shippen wrote a proposal to the school district that recommended a systemic curriculum change that placed greater emphasis on practical and sustainable life skills and de-emphasized rote memorization.

Shippen’s experience in Bosnia and Croatia also contributed to her interest in educational systems development. While studying ethnic narratives in conflict, Shippen found that each of the three major ethnic groups had their own, independent school system and curriculum. Essentially, how and what students learned in any given subject, depended on the ethnic group to which they belonged.

“After speaking with students there, I realized that the conflict analysis skills I learned can be a valuable tool in engaging youth and educational systems,” she explained.

This fall, Shippen will be continuing her studies at Stanford University where she is entering a master's program in global and comparative education/international education policy analysis.

Carter School News

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August 11, 2026
Building Peace
August 6, 2026
Carter School alumna finds harmony between music and mediation
August 4, 2026
Celebrating a Decade of Impact at the 10th Conflict Resolution Youth Summit
July 17, 2026
University Scholar combines art and conflict resolution to build bridges
June 1, 2026

Topics

Carter School News

Carter School Undergraduate Program

Global affairs student finishes second in Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics essay contest

Katarina Benson — Wed, 20 May 2026 13:31:10 +0000

Global affairs student finishes second in Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics essay contest Katarina Benson Wed, 05/20/2026 - 09:31

911�� global affairs major Noella Mongony has received second prize in the Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics essay contest, the Elie Wiesel Foundation has announced.

Mongony was recognized for her essay, “Stones That Remember.” The foundation invites students to write essays that engage deeply with complex moral questions, often drawing from personal experience to illuminate broader societal and ethical issues.

Mongony's essay centered on language and colonialization. Photo provided

After visiting the Zanzibar Slave Museum in Africa and reflecting on her identity as an immigrant, Mongony chose to write about “when silence protects dignity and when it betrays it.” She focuses on language, assimilation, colonialism, and how silence can be wielded to conform but also can serve as a valuable tool to “preserve memory, reverence, and survival.”

“Winning this award means a great deal to me as an immigrant because Elie Wiesel’s story of resilience and speaking out against injustice deeply resonates with my own journey of finding my voice in unfamiliar spaces,” Mongony said. “Being recognized through an award connected to his legacy reminds me that my experiences and perspective can contribute meaningfully to conversations about ethics, justice, and humanity. Ultimately, the essay argues that dignity comes from having the freedom to choose when to speak and when to remain silent, rather than having silence imposed upon you.”

Mongony heard about the contest after taking English 202 Texts and Contexts with 911�� instructor Leeya Mehta, the director of the Alan Cheuse International Writers Center. The class was connected to the Cheuse Center's yearlong Baldwin100 project, which celebrated author James Baldwin’s 100 birthday. The essay comes from an assignment to write about “something personal,” drawing inspiration from Baldwin’s book with Richard Avedon, Nothing Personal.

"Noella's prize-winning essay is a meditation on silence and questioning, as she grapples with her own place in contemporary America and the world after witnessing the Zanzibar Slave Museum," Mehta said. "Noella has added a dimension and clarity all her own in owning her story and examining the complex ethics of silence."

In addition to receiving scholarships, Mongony and the other winners will participate in curated professional development training, including expert writing and speaking seminars, learning modules, and networking opportunities. The winners will be celebrated on October 6, at the annual Elie Wiesel Ethics Prize Dinner in New York City.

Founded by Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, the late author, journalist, and activist, and his wife Marion, the Elie Wiesel Foundation advocates for global human rights, ethical reflection and cross-cultural understanding through programs that engage students, artists, educators, and communities in meaningful dialogue and action.

“This year’s essays were outstanding and presented the jury with an exciting opportunity to engage with a range of ethical issues and deepen their own thinking,” said Elisha Wiesel, son of Elie Wiesel and chairman of the Elie Wiesel Foundation.

Topics

Students

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

An internship helped connect this EIP grad with a career path

Katarina Benson — Fri, 15 May 2026 17:27:04 +0000

An internship helped connect this EIP grad with a career path Katarina Benson Fri, 05/15/2026 - 13:27

Senior information technology major Crystal Forson likes to joke that her parents have been in school with her the whole time—"just without the studying.” Their support, she said, has been constant, from eighth grade when she joined the 911��’s Early Identification Program (EIP), all the way through graduation this May.

Forson and her family first learned about EIP when she was a student at Potomac Middle School in Dumfries, Virginia, and her mother’s excitement about the program was infectious. “What really pushed me to apply was knowing I wanted more for my future and for my family,” said Forson, who is a member of the Honors College. “I knew it was something worth giving my all.”

Forson completed an internship with CACI. Photo provided

EIP—which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2027—supports first‑generation, college‑bound students beginning in middle school. Participants have access to academic enrichment, tutors, and mentors both in their home schools and on the 911�� campuses.

Through EIP’s STEM Fusion courses, Forson took a Python coding class that changed her trajectory. “After that class, I knew I wanted to do something related to Python,” she said. That early spark led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in information technology with a concentration in web application development in 911��’s College of Engineering and Computing.

“Crystal is the kind of student who reminds us exactly why EIP exists,” said Alpachino Hogue, EIP's executive director. “She is bright, disciplined, and deeply committed to making the most of every opportunity. She has embraced EIP as both a community and a pathway to her goals.”

Family support is a cornerstone of EIP, and Forson’s parents—who immigrated from Ghana—fully embraced that role. They attended EIP’s Family Academy, ensured she had transportation to every program, and encouraged her at every step. “They were always willing to listen, always willing to show up,” Forson said. “They are one of my biggest driving forces.”

Hogue added, “Students do not sustain this kind of success without a strong foundation, and Crystal’s journey reflects that. Her family instilled in her the habits and values that matter most: perseverance, accountability, and a belief in oneself and the power of education.”

Forson’s dedication extended beyond EIP. She was selected for the inaugural cohort of CACI Scholars, a scholarship made possible by a 2023 gift from CACI International and awarded to 10 EIP alumni.

“By investing early, we’re not only developing skilled talent but shaping future leaders,” said Jeana Plews, vice president of CACI HR consulting solutions. “The program creates a strong, sustainable talent pipeline of motivated individuals with fresh perspectives and strong technical foundations.”

Forson first met the CACI team by chance while volunteering at a STEM event the company sponsored. “She stood out,” Plews said. “Not just for her initiative, but for the way she engaged with others.”

Forson credits EIP's Python course for helping her decide to pursue STEM. Photo provided

Her CACI summer internship, made possible through the scholarship, placed her on a team working to consolidate information across NASA’s many centers nationwide. The project blended her interest in technology with her passion for working with people. “I was exposed to technical solutions, including AI, while also working with the actual customer,” she said.

“Crystal’s academic background and major prepared her exceptionally well for our highly collaborative environment,” said Steve Brylski, CACI senior systems architect. “Her broad skill set aligned naturally with the way our teams work.”

The internship proved such a strong match that CACI offered Forson a full‑time business analyst position upon graduation. The job dovetails nicely with the master’s degree program she is already pursuing as a part of 911��’s Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s Program. She will earn a degree in management with a certificate in business analytics.

Forson also received the Paul and Gwen Patton Memorial Scholarship Endowment, awarded annually to an EIP alum attending 911��. The scholarship, housed in University Life, honors Paul Patton’s eight years of service on the University Life Advisory Board and is supported in part by CACI, where he served as a senior vice president for more than two decades.

During her time at 911��, Forson also served as a resident assistant for two years and was part of 911��’s chapter of Every Nation Campus, a faith-based international organization. Forson’s Patriot experience, combining her loves of Python and people, her desire for more and better, and fueled by the benefits of EIP and CACI, have already rocketed her to great heights.

Learn more about the Early Identification Program

Topics

Graduation

Bachelor to Accelerated Master's program

Early Identification Program (EIP)

911�� Giving Day 2026 races to a record-breaking finish

Katarina Benson — Tue, 05 May 2026 16:36:42 +0000

911�� Giving Day 2026 races to a record-breaking finish Katarina Benson Tue, 05/05/2026 - 12:36

The 911�� community came together in a powerful show of support on April 2, raising a record $2.95 million during the university’s 24-hour Giving Day. More than 1,900 donors made 3,229 gifts to 293 funds across the university, helping expand opportunities for students, strengthen academic programs, and support initiatives that advance 911��’s mission.

Throughout the day, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends rallied behind the university with enthusiasm and generosity. Among the donors were 864 alumni and 337 faculty and staff members, and 500 donors made their first gift to the university, representing about 25% of all Giving Day participants.

“It was especially meaningful to see so many people choose to support 911�� for the first time,” said Trishana E. Bowden, vice president for advancement and alumni relations and president of the 911�� Foundation. “Every new donor strengthens this community and expands what we can make possible for our students. When people invest in 911��, they are investing in opportunity—in the students whose lives are changed here and in the impact they will go on to make in the world.”

That spirit of generosity was reflected across the university, with donors supporting scholarships, athletics, academic programs, and other priorities that directly shape the student experience. The General Scholarship Fund attracted the largest number of faculty and staff donors, followed by the Costello College of Business’ Spirit of ’77 Fund and Basketball Greatness.

911�� Athletics generated the highest totals for both dollars and donors on Giving Day.

“Giving Day captures the very heart of our athletics community—from our athletes and coaches to the fans who fuel our mission,” said Marvin Lewis, assistant vice president and director of Athletics. “The extraordinary growth we see year after year is a testament to the trust our supporters place in us and the deep pride they take in investing in the lives of our student-athletes. We are gratified and humbled by this community’s commitment to our championship culture, ensuring every 911�� athlete has the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential.”

Along with Athletics’ standout results, the Costello College of Business and the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) also received notable support, in both dollars raised and donor participation. CVPA Dean Rick Davis reflected on the lasting impact of the day. “One of our mottoes, that we return to again and again, is that the arts create community. A gift to Mason Arts is one that develops student talent, enhances creative capabilities, and in turn, enriches our community's experience,” he said.

The momentum of Giving Day adds to 911��’s historic fundraising campaign, Mason Now: Power the Possible, which has raised more than $639 million toward its $1 billion goal.

“Each gift, no matter the size, helps expand student success, support academic excellence, and create opportunities for 911�� students to learn, lead, and thrive,” said Bowden. “Through Mason Now, that generosity is helping 911�� move forward in ways that will shape the university for years to come.”

Power the Possible. Learn more.

Planned gift opens doors for many 911�� students

Katarina Benson — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:56:04 +0000

Planned gift opens doors for many 911�� students Katarina Benson Fri, 04/10/2026 - 16:56

911�� alumnus Robert “Ken” Hedrick Jr., BA History ’71, said his philanthropy is rooted in the examples set by both sets of his grandparents, who were neighbors in a farming community in West Virginia. His paternal grandparents fed anyone who walked by the farm, and his maternal grandparents regularly took in foster children. Both families were always first to share what they had.

Photo provided

These quiet acts of service formed the foundation of Hedrick’s values.

“I was impressed by my grandparents,” he recalls. “They didn’t have any money and yet they always helped others. That has stuck with me to this day.”

Other grounding lessons came from his time as a student at 911�� in the early 1970s.

“My history professor, Dr. Josephine Pacheco, pointed out that the ability to change your mind as you learn is probably the most important thing you’ll gain from your college education,” said Hedrick. “I experienced this firsthand while I was writing and learning about Abe Lincoln during her class. This sense of openness, being open to changing my mind stayed with me.”

Hedrick’s background as a history student was critical to shaping his thinking and his career. His work in public finance with cities, counties, and government agencies was strengthened by his ability to offer a deep understanding of people and their backgrounds. This skill to connect with individuals from all walks of life, which he credits to his 911�� education, proved invaluable to opening opportunities he never expected.

Hedrick’s early career took him to Capitol Hill during the Watergate era, where he worked on President Nixon’s impeachment and met the future Hillary Rodham Clinton. He also worked with Senator John Glenn, an experience that would later open a door to attending graduate school and securing a job in the financial industry—defining moments that proved life-changing.

Hedrick is now focused on helping future generations of 911�� students gain access to their own life-changing moments. Through his planned gift, Hedrick has created four endowed scholarships in tribute to those who shaped his life: his late husband, Walter Huxley; his late parents, Robert Hedrick and Lorraine Kisner Hedrick; and his late partner, Hans-Gerd Mehrtens.

Robert Hedrick Jr. and Walter Huxley. Photo provided

The Robert K. Hedrick Jr./Walter F. Huxley Scholarship Fund benefits history students in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Originally established in Hedrick’s name alone, he added his late husband’s name, Walter Huxley, after his passing. For Hedrick, the naming of this scholarship serves as a testament of their life together, honoring their marriage and their shared belief in the power of philanthropy.

The Lorraine Kisner Hedrick Scholarship Fund benefits students in the School of Nursing and is named in memory of Hedrick’s mother, whom he describes as a gifted, determined woman, and who became a registered nurse during a time when opportunities for women to pursue advanced degrees in medicine were limited. She graduated from nursing school at the top of her class and had a long career in emergency care and community health.

After raising her children, Kisner Hedrick enrolled in 911��’s Bachelor of Individualized Study Program and graduated in 1985. She later pursued a PhD in psychology at the University of Richmond but passed away before completing the degree. Her dedication to education and service stands as a powerful example of lifelong learning and resilience.

The Robert K. Hedrick Sr. Scholarship Fund supports students in the College of Engineering and Computing and is named in memory of Hedrick’s father. Hedrick Sr. was an engineer and innovator and shared the family’s commitment to education and helping others. He earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from George Washington University using his VA benefits, then went on to complete a master’s in civil engineering from Catholic University and pursue a PhD at George Washington University while employed by the U.S. Army. In that role, he pioneered military technologies later used throughout Europe and Greenland.

Hans-Gerd Mehrtens and Robert Hedrick Jr. Photo provided

The Hans-Gerd Mehrtens Scholarship Fund supports students in the College of Visual and Performing Arts and is named for Hedrick’s late partner. Mehrtens grew up near Bremen, Germany, and attended Universität der Künste for his bachelor of fine arts and Freie Universität Berlin for his PhD in philosophy. He was part of the vibrant art scenes in Berlin and the East Village, New York City, and his work has been shown in New York, Canada, and Germany. Mehrtens had a passion for living life to the fullest, and his art carries an intensity that reflects his rage against the HIV epidemic and his own HIV diagnosis.

These scholarships demonstrate Hedrick’s commitment to helping the next generation and his gratitude for the opportunities that shaped his life and career.

“When we each reflect on our lives, we’ll likely realize there have been many people who have given us a helping hand up,” says Hedrick. “I've had a lot of people help me, for which I'm eternally grateful. This is one way I can give back, help someone, help the next generation.”

He hopes the students who receive these scholarships use the opportunity to advance themselves and are inspired to help others in the future. For Hedrick, directing his support to 911�� students was intentional, as our university represents the heart of educational access and has a high percentage of first-generation students.

“911�� is a place where education truly transforms families—where support makes an immediate and lasting difference,” he said.

Hedrick’s planned gift contributes to Mason Now: Power the Possible campaign and underscores how our community of alumni, friends, faculty, and staff are committed to meeting the challenge of transforming the future.

Mason Alumni

Power the Possible

Topics

philanthropy

Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra will headline this year’s ARTS by George!

ckearney — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 16:22:51 +0000

Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra will headline this year’s ARTS by George! ckearney Mon, 03/16/2026 - 12:22

911��’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) announces the ARTS by George! benefit event, headlined by acclaimed actor and musician Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. ARTS by George! takes place on Saturday, October 3, on 911��’s Fairfax Campus.

Jeff Goldblum. Photo by Pari Dukovic

The event raises vital support for student scholarships in visual arts, dance, music, theater, game design, film, and arts management, as well as for the Mason Community Arts Academy, Green Machine Ensembles, and the Great Performances at Mason season at the Center for the Arts. Tickets and sponsorships are available for purchase on the event website.

Goldblum’s storied career spans nearly six decades of award-winning work as a starring actor in film, television, and theater. He recently co-starred as the Wizard of Oz, alongside Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, in the global box office smash Wicked and its sequel Wicked: For Good. He has also produced film and television projects and is an Academy Award-nominated director for his short feature film, Little Surprises.

Goldblum’s many film credits include The Big Chill, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Fly, Independence Day, Jurassic Park, and Thor: Ragnarok. He has received Emmy nominations for his work on Will & Grace and for the National Geographic/Disney+ series, The World According to Jeff Goldblum, which he also executive produced. Onstage, he has starred in Broadway’s The Pillowman, the Off-Broadway production of Domesticated, as well as the London production of Speed-the-Plow.

Goldblum launched the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra 30 years ago. Since then, he and his band have performed for audiences throughout the United States and around the world. The group has released four albums with Decca Records, featuring guest artists that include Gregory Porter, Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Fiona Apple, Freda Payne, Haley Reinhart, Imelda May, and Maiya Sykes. On June 5, 2026, Goldblum and The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra are set to release Night Blooms, the companion album to Still Blooming, under Universal’s recently relaunched Fontana label, featuring Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Charlie Puth, dodie, Haley Reinhart, Melody Gardot, Scarlett Johansson, and others.

ARTS by George! begins at 5 p.m. in the de Laski Performing Arts Building with CVPA students and faculty collaborating in a series of showcases and exhibits in art, music, dance, theater, film, and more. At 8:30 p.m., Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra headline a performance in the Center for the Arts Concert Hall. The concert will feature contemporary arrangements of jazz classics and American Songbook standards, brought to life with Goldblum’s signature improvisation and charm.

Mason Arts Board member Annie Bolger serves as event chair. Guests will enjoy a buffet dinner, immersive presentations by CVPA students and faculty, premium orchestra seating for the headlining concert by Jeff Goldblum and the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, an onstage toast and dessert reception following the concert including a special appearance by the artist, and free garage parking. Each ARTS by George! ticket includes a charitable donation directly supporting CVPA student scholarships and community arts programs. Since 2006, the event has raised more than $4.6 million for Mason Arts.

Subscribers to the Center for the Arts 2026–27 season can add tickets for the 8:30 p.m. performance to their subscription package beginning on May 28. Individual tickets to the 8:30 p.m. performance go on sale August 4 through the Center for the Arts website.

Join us at ARTS by George!

Topics

College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA)

College of Engineering and Computing Scholarships

911�� Scholarship for Service students commit to America’s cyber defense

tdonnel — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:08:18 +0000

911�� Scholarship for Service students commit to America’s cyber defense tdonnel Mon, 02/16/2026 - 11:08

With the support of the National Science Foundation’s CyberCorps® Scholarship for Service (SFS) program, 911��'s Department of Cyber Security Engineering (CYSE) and Department of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) are training the next generation of cybersecurity professionals committed to public service.

Funded by a $3.9 million grant, the SFS program provides students who commit to working in federal, state, or local government cybersecurity roles after graduation with two or three years of full tuition. The first cohort of five students is already demonstrating how financial support, professional development opportunities, and a shared service mission can accelerate careers in the public interest.

CyberCorps Defending America's Cyberspace Scholarship for Service logo

The students receive professional development support not only through exclusive networking events and job opportunities but also through funding for certifications, conferences, and workshops.

“That kind of professional support is a big deal,” said senior DJ Strigel. “It really helps you build credentials while you’re still a student.” Strigel, a CYSE Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s (BAM) student concentrating in artificial intelligence, added that the scholarship made graduate study feasible.

Ailene (Diemmi) Dao, a CYSE BAM student specializing in digital forensics, said the scholarship allows her to focus fully on learning and skill development. “The [CYSE] program itself is really fun, including interesting, engaging, hands-on labs. This scholarship lets me concentrate on building the experience I’ll need to do this work well.”

For junior Shanti Nadimi, the program aligns with a strong sense of civic responsibility. “Without federal and Virginia state aid, I wouldn’t be able to go to college at all,” Nadimi said, “so I feel like I should give back. I want to contribute to our nation’s security.”

"I grew up liking the security and structure of government and the sense of service that comes with government work," added senior Tristan Boyd.

As the first cohort, these students are shaping the culture of the program. The group regularly shares job leads, internship advice, and guidance on navigating federal hiring and security clearance processes.

“We all send each other opportunities and teach each other about the process,” said Carlos Javier Navarro‑Montanez, a sophomore. “That camaraderie has been really important.”

Kun Sun

For 911��, the SFS program is both a powerful student support mechanism and a mark of distinction. It reflects the university’s national leadership in cybersecurity education and its role as a trusted pipeline for public‑sector talent. Professor Kun Sun, principal investigator of the program, is excited by how well the first cohort started. “The students have already shown impressive technical skill, curiosity, and a real sense of purpose around public service and cybersecurity,” he said.

The cohort’s work is already paying off. One student has completed an internship with the Department of Homeland Security while two others will complete internships for the Department of Defense.

With strong faculty mentorship, federal investment, and students already entering public‑service cybersecurity roles, 911��’s SFS program is helping safeguard the future by preparing those committed to serving it.

Learn more about 911��'s SFS program: https://sfs.cec.gmu.edu/prospective-students/

In This Story

Kun Sun

Learn about Cybersecurity at 911��

Learn about CEC's Bachelor's to Accelerated Master's

Topics

Cybersecurity

public service