Mason LIFE Program

Patriot Pride in action: Men’s volleyball gives back to Special Olympics Virginia

Katarina Benson — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:05:25 +0000

Patriot Pride in action: Men’s volleyball gives back to Special Olympics Virginia Katarina Benson Thu, 09/10/2026 - 11:05

The Special Olympics Virginia Area 26 Volleyball Team can often be found in the stands at the Recreation Athletic Complex (RAC) on the Fairfax Campus, cheering on 911��’s men's volleyball team. Recently, a group of Patriots returned the favor, joining the Area 26 athletes on their home court and volunteering at the Warhawks Team's practice at Van Dyck Park in Fairfax.

Special Olympics Virginia provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for people with intellectual disabilities, creating opportunities to develop skills, compete, and build connections within their communities.

Special Olympics Virginia Area 26 Volleyball Team and the 911�� men's volleyball team. Photo provided

"We met some of the guys from the [Warhawks] team throughout the course of our season, as they showed up to a good number of our matches in full force," said Patriots' senior opposite hitter Jackson Herbert. "They were always the loudest in the stands, and we really appreciate the support. So, when they wanted help with their practice, all our guys jumped at the opportunity. It meant a lot to us because of the support they give us, so we wanted to do what we could in return."

During the practice, the 911�� student-athletes coached the Warhawks Team, shared their volleyball knowledge, and spent quality time on the court with the athletes.

"A large part of our team culture and 911�� athletics as a whole is giving back to our community," said Herbert. "This opportunity was a perfect activity for us to combine our knowledge of volleyball and our desire to help in the community. It means a lot to our team to give our experience and knowledge to those that don't have the same access to it as us, so we were grateful to spend a beautiful day outside and help teach other driven athletes."

The Area 26 team’s support has been integral to making the RAC a formidable home-court environment in recent years. 911�� has posted a 38-6 home record at the RAC dating back to 2024.

"Many of our Special Olympics athletes are graduates of the 911��’s LIFE Program," said volunteer team coordinator Gretchen Ortega. "Having current 911�� athletes come out to support them felt like Patriot Pride in action!"

911�� men's volleyball is still months away from returning to the court for regular-season action, but the Patriots continue to make an impact in the Northern Virginia community throughout the year.

"Although I am proud of my team for their athletic abilities, I am more proud of what they do off the court," said men’s volleyball head coach Jay Hosack. "Being a part of the Special Olympics is a unique opportunity to be a part of something bigger than yourselves. I'm sure this won't be the last time they are there helping coach that team to greatness!"

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Mason LIFE marks 20 years of enduring impact in special education

Katarina Benson — Fri, 01 May 2026 19:40:49 +0000

Mason LIFE marks 20 years of enduring impact in special education Katarina Benson Fri, 05/01/2026 - 15:40

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at 911�� marked the 20th anniversary of the Mason LIFE Program on April 10. To celebrate, a luncheon was held at the Center for the Arts that brought together alumni, families, faculty, and community partners in a powerful show of community and commitment.

The program, Celebrating Mason LIFE’s 20th Anniversary and the Enduring Impact of Special Education: A Legacy of Learning and Community, raised more than $50,000 in support of Mason LIFE and special education scholarships. These funds will directly support students and strengthen programs that continue to expand access, opportunity, and innovation in inclusive education.

Guests included current and former Mason LIFE families, faculty members, alumni, and dedicated supporters who have helped shape the program over the past two decades. The gathering was both a celebration of progress and a shared commitment to the future. Personal stories shared by students and families underscored the program’s lasting impact on students’ academic and career outcomes as well as on their confidence, independence, and sense of community.

Mason LIFE student Amar Malik (right) and his father, 911�� Board of Trustees Member Boz Malik. Photo by Andani Munkaila/Office of University Branding

For 20 years, Mason LIFE has served as a nationally recognized model for inclusive higher education, providing students with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience university life, build independence, and prepare for meaningful careers. The anniversary celebration also honored the broader impact of 911��’s Special Education Programs and the Kellar Institute for Human disAbilities, both of which have played a vital role in advancing research, practice, and advocacy in the field.

Stephanie Smith Lee, a former Mason LIFE parent and a nationally recognized leader in disability policy and advocacy, gave the keynote. With more than three decades of experience in advocacy, she spoke to the progress made in expanding access to education and employment for individuals with disabilities, while also challenging attendees to continue pushing for greater inclusion and opportunity.

From left, Stephanie Smith Lee, Michael M. Behrmann, and Dean Ingrid Guerra-López. Photo by Andani Munkaila/Office of University Branding

Together with Professor Emeritus Michael M. Behrmann, former Special Education Division Director, Lee was integral to the creation of the Mason LIFE pilot program. That pilot with two Mason PhD candidates and three students has now grown to 60 students and includes on-campus housing options and formal workforce development training.

The event was made possible through the generosity of donors and sponsors whose support continues to sustain and grow the program. Together, these supporters are helping ensure that the next generation of Mason LIFE students and special education scholars have access to the resources, experiences, and opportunities that define the program.

As CEHD looks ahead, the 20th anniversary serves not only as a moment of reflection but as a call to continue building on this legacy and the university’s commitment to accessibility and creating pathways for many.

Power the Possible

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Congressional internships teach Mason LIFE students independence, resume skills

sholla4 — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 19:26:47 +0000

Congressional internships teach Mason LIFE students independence, resume skills sholla4 Mon, 12/01/2025 - 14:26

911�� knows the value of hands-on experience in the workplace for all students. An internship can lead to the experience of a lifetime. And that includes Mason LIFE students who are interning on Capitol Hill.

Established by former Representative Gregg Harper in 2010, the Gregg and Livingston Harper Congressional Internship Program for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities matches Mason LIFE students with House and Senate congressional office internships. Students start their internships in their second year and continue them through completion of the program.

“We’re helping them gain the skills needed to seek a fulfilling career when graduating from the program,” explained Linn Jorgenson, director of Mason LIFE, a four-year nondegree educational transition program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. One of Mason LIFE’s core curriculum requirements that supports this development is the internship.

“We’re helping them learn what they like and don’t like, how to make decisions on their own, and developing their ability to advocate for themselves,” Jorgenson added.

This fall, eight Mason LIFE students interned across 16 different congressional offices on Capitol Hill.

“My favorite part is getting to see what happens behind the scenes of the government,” said Madison Gulley, a third-year Mason LIFE student and one of the congressional interns.

Mason LIFE students and peer support staff in Washington, D.C. Back row: Nehal Gundawar, Ankit Borle, Shane Sorensen, and Nick Ortega. Front row: Amar Malik, Max Gulley, Noah Coon, Shreya Adusumilli, Sofia Puritano, Eli Zhou, Madison Shaw, Leah McDuffie, Vrushali Vijay Patil, and Varsha Ponnaganti. Not pictured: Aryaa Bhole and Riya Stanly.

Every Friday, Mason LIFE students and their peer support staff—911�� students who travel with the students to their workplaces to provide support and guidance—take the Metro into Washington, D.C., complete their internship assignments for the day for their two congressional offices, eat lunch, and take the Metro back to Fairfax. Students in the program tackle a variety of work for their assigned congressional offices: answering phones, researching bills, delivering mail, giving tours, and doing data entry, to name a few.

“The students working on the Hill are part of a team, completing work that is essential and meaningful to all parties involved,” emphasized Jorgenson.

“When our students come to their internships, our peer support staff are there to facilitate inclusion and support students in successfully completing tasks,” said Melissa Chabot, employment and community involvement coordinator for Mason LIFE. “So not only are these necessary jobs done, you know they’ll be done well.”

Through the internship program, Mason LIFE students learn independence, confidence, and social and cultural competencies; they build valuable resume skills; and they explore their interests to see if they’re the right fit for a long-term career. And for the peer support staff, the benefits are just as important.

Ankit Borle, one of the newer peer support staff, is working toward a master’s in data analytics engineering. “I’ve learned to listen actively, communicate clearly, and tailor support so people can be independent—skills that build trust with teammates, clients, and stakeholders...Most importantly, I’m taking forward an inclusive mindset—making sure every voice is heard—which will make me a stronger colleague and leader wherever I work,” Borle said.

Madison Shaw, a graduate student in the Master of Social Work Program, has worked with Mason LIFE for three years. “It can be so important to focus on abilities versus disabilities. Each student carries so many strengths within themselves and has a lot to offer,” she said.

There’s a similar benefit to the employer. “Mason LIFE students bring an important perspective to the office,” said Chabot. “Employers get an opportunity to reflect on their inclusivity. What are the employers doing that helps everyone be successful, and where can they improve?”

And the joy of watching their fellow students succeed is perhaps the greatest reward of all.

Peer coach Nehal Gundawar, a master’s student in computer science, works with one of the Capitol Hill interns. “In the beginning, they [the Mason LIFE student] were nervous about interacting with staff and unsure how to approach tasks without guidance...after a few weeks they began initiating tasks on their own and even asked for additional responsibilities. Their supervisor complimented their improvements,” he said. “Watching them grow into a more confident and independent employee was incredibly rewarding.”

The congressional interns see the changes in themselves as well.

“Mason LIFE helps me with the skills that are required to be an independent man,” said Amar Mailk, a third-year student.

“Mason LIFE has changed my life,” said Aryaa Bhole, a second-year student. “Because of the lessons and skills, I know to stand out and inspire others and to lift them with my voice.”

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The Mats Hormel vQ scholarship endowment is making a difference in the lives of Mason LIFE Students

ckearney — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:45:56 +0000

The Mats Hormel vQ scholarship endowment is making a difference in the lives of Mason LIFE Students ckearney Mon, 09/29/2025 - 12:45

“It has transformed the life of my child in remarkable ways and helped them discover the strength and resiliency that was always inside them.” This sentiment is common among families whose young adults attended 911��’s Learning Into Future Environments (Mason LIFE) program.

The Mason LIFE cohort processing into EagleBank Arena during the College of Education and Human Development's Degree Celebration. Photo provided

Now even more students will be able to take part in the program, thanks to the financial support provided by the Mats Hormel vQ Scholarship Endowment.

This scholarship endowment is provided by Tommy Everett and Sarah Hormel Everett in honor of their son, Mats Von Quillfeldt, a former Mason LIFE student. The scholarship was established to help defray the costs associated with attending Mason LIFE, including tuition, fees, housing, textbooks, and related expenses. Scholarship awards are given to both incoming and continuing Mason LIFE students and are based on a student’s demonstrated financial need.

The Everetts have made a $1.2 million pledge to expand the existing Mason LIFE scholarship. The Mats Hormel vQ Scholarship Endowment will now offer two full-ride scholarships for the program, doubling the financial support previously provided.

Mason LIFE is a comprehensive four-year postsecondary transition program in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) that offers young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities a full university experience in a supportive academic environment. The Mason LIFE program focuses on research, academic progress, community involvement, employment and housing with the goal of gaining independent living skills. The impact of Mason LIFE on students who participate in the program is nothing short of transformational.

Von Quillfeldt, who completed the program in May 2020, captures the essence of what the Mason LIFE program is all about.

“College changed my life. I would not be able to work full time or have my own apartment with two roommates without my Mason LIFE experience,” Von Quillfeldt said. “Mason LIFE taught me how to cook, shop, do my laundry, be respectful of my roommates and be on time to classes and work. I learned to plan my daily life.”

In addition to his academic work—he said his favorite subject in college was Early American History—Von Quillfeldt held an internship on Capitol Hill, where he performed administrative duties in a congressional office. He traveled to and from Capitol Hill on his own using the Metro bus and subway system.

His mother, Sarah, highlighted the positive impact that the Mason LIFE program had on him. “It is amazing to have gone through this whole process with him. Even during his junior year in high school, I would not have imagined him to be able to live independently. This is an incredibly unique program. Just having this inclusive setting for these young adults is priceless.”

His father, Tommy, concurred, adding, “Mason LIFE opened our eyes to what he could do.”

Through the shared experience of living together, learning together, working together, and supporting one another, students in the Mason LIFE Program build important skills that help them in living a more independent life. They earn a certificate of completion at the end of the program.

Linn Jorgenson, associate professor of special education at 911�� and director of Mason LIFE, has dedicated herself to the program’s success.

“Our students participate in academics, they participate in the community, they have a work component, and they have the option to live in campus housing,” said Jorgenson.

Jorgenson points out that some students begin the Mason LIFE program feeling apprehensive. For many, like Von Quillfeldt, it is their first time being away from home and making certain decisions on their own. As they begin their educational journey under the guidance of Mason LIFE faculty and staff, these same students quickly acclimate to their new surroundings, and their sense of independence begins to develop. Their self-confidence grows stronger as they progress through the Mason LIFE program and are exposed to new experiences.

Noah Miller, a Mason LIFE student from 2018 to 2022, spoke highly of the program, highlighting the life skills he acquired, particularly in Mason Life’s independent Living Course. “All four years I lived on campus in the dorms. That's how I learned to be independent,” Miller said. “Cooking for myself, getting along with my roommates—all the good stuff.”

Miller appreciated his other classes too, especially those in sport management. His enthusiasm leaves no doubt about how much he valued his time at 911��. “College was the best,” Miller said. “I enjoyed 911�� a lot. Not only getting to be in the Mason LIFE program but also getting to explore other classes as well.”

The faculty and staff of Mason LIFE routinely hear from the families of students who are grateful for the life-changing opportunity their students received, many because of the generous financial support provided by the Mats Hormel vQ Scholarship Endowment.

“My hope for a person who completes the Mason LIFE Program is that they learn who they are and that they live a life that they had hoped for whether that is independent living, working, contributing, or just being part of a world that they had hoped to be part of,” said Jorgenson.

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College of Education and Human Development

Teacher Clothing Closet helps student teaching interns look and feel their best

sholla4 — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 19:14:45 +0000

Teacher Clothing Closet helps student teaching interns look and feel their best sholla4 Mon, 02/10/2025 - 14:14

One late fall evening, two rooms in 911��’s Merten Hall were transformed from basic conference rooms to a designer runway.

Lydia Kraiger, left, and Claire Johnson look through the clothes in the closet. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Student and alumni volunteers from the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), Mason LIFE, and a local Girl Scout troop modeled themed fashions and assistive devices on the catwalk. Backstage, EDSE Council treasurer Shauna Stacks, a senior, and current EDSE president Emily Hulett, a junior, curled hair, contoured cheekbones, and dabbed eyeshadow onto the models.

It was a fashion show unlike anything CEHD has seen, ending with the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the Teacher Clothing Closet, a free resource for teacher interns to get professional clothing. It’s the first major service project of the EDSE Council—a new student organization named after the course code for special education courses, created to foster a supportive, inclusive community within the special education program at 911��.

The EDSE Council’s faculty facilitator Sharon Ray, associate professor of special education, first brought the idea of a clothing closet to the council. “I spoke with several faculty members about how students struggle with resources, specifically professional clothing resources,” she said. “The council was interested in doing a fashion show, and I thought a service-oriented project like a clothing closet would be a good companion to the event.”

Clothing expectations for teachers vary. A first-grade teacher, for example, needs clothing that is professional and modest without being restrictive so they can move quickly and freely. A high school teacher might need attire that is more business casual. And the culture of each school influences their dress code, whether as unspoken rules or written guidelines.

Many students, when starting their internships, lack adequate professional attire and the costs to buy a new wardrobe are often greater than they can afford.

“Because you’re essentially in the classroom for 40 hours a week, most interns end up needing to quit the jobs they’ve had to pay for college or take reduced hours at them. So your resources are already limited,” said Lydia Kraiger, previous EDSE Council president and current senior. “Then you’re in the classroom, and your clothes are getting tugged on, things are spilled on you...buying $70 pants that just get ruined isn’t reasonable for us."

Even just among the council members, the cost of clothing is a major hurdle. Council secretary and senior Emily Ritter said that she has two outfits she rotates throughout the week. Hulett said she only has one.

“I don’t have another option,” she said.

Thrifting has been helpful to some in the past, but even that comes with barriers. Students spend hours hunting for items that are in good condition, fit well, fulfill the expectations of the school, and meet the needs of their job. And for some, there’s an emotional hurdle as well.

“It can be embarrassing for some people,” said Hulett. “They don't want to have to go to Goodwill and have people see them have to buy those clothes because they can't afford anything else.”

“One of the things we learn in our classes is culturally responsive teaching: how to teach students from different backgrounds and experiences,” said Joshua Mills, EDSE Council vice president and current junior. “And that includes meeting student needs through knowing what resources can help and advocating when we see a gap.”

The council agrees that this foundational philosophy extends to their colleagues.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Led by EDSE Council secretary and “closet keeper” Claire Johnson, a junior, the council curates the closet selection by reviewing each piece donated before they go on the racks. They’ve made sure there are a variety of sizes and styles available, and everything in the closet is teacher approved. Any clothing that is considered too casual is re-donated to the Transgender Clothing Closet hosted by the LGBTQ+ Resources Center.

Students who wish to use the closet fill out an online form with their availability. One of the students from the club will confirm their appointment and meet them at the closet. Like a personal shopper, club members are happy to help their closet patrons find what they’re looking for among the racks and provide feedback on how things fit and if the piece will work for their classroom needs.

The space is small, but bright; well–organized without feeling overcrowded, with clothing racks, organizational bins, and hangers thrifted from local marketplaces and faculty donations. It smells clean and fresh. It’s easy to imagine a student walking into the closet and feeling a renewed sense of empowerment and confidence.

“I’m just really impressed with all they’ve been able to accomplish and the support they’ve received from the community,” said Ray.

“And it speaks to 911��’s commitment to education for everyone.”

To donate clothing, please reach out to Sharon Ray at sray4@gmu.edu.

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The Teacher Clothing Closet accepts professional clothing for all people in all sizes. Feel free to also donate items like shoes, belts, and ties. To donate, simply bring your donation in bags or boxes to our office. We are located in the Finley Building, Room 116A, on the Fairfax Campus. If you stop by when the Closet is closed, you can still leave your donation using the drop-box in the hallway in front of Room 116B. Please keep in mind that the Finley building is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Patriot Profile: Madison Schittig

pchampan — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 16:13:46 +0000

Patriot Profile: Madison Schittig pchampan Tue, 12/10/2024 - 11:13

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Year: Junior

Major: Mason LIFE, Photography

Hometown: Warrenton, Virginia

Having a unique perspective on viewing the world is one thing—but it’s another thing to be able to photograph that perspective in a tangible way that can be shared with others. Take a look at the work of student photographer Madison Schittig, a photography intern in 911��’s Office of University Branding (OUB), and one can immediately see she’s been gifted with the latter. Via Schittig’s striking point of view— including her eye for geometric lines, shapes, and color— familiar places on campus become abstract, and landmarks and buildings well-known to many transform in startling ways.

As a Mason LIFE student, Schittig takes classes and until recently was accompanied during her internship by the program’s student support staff, current undergraduate or graduate 911�� students. The phased support that these students provide is all part of Mason LIFE’s mission of offering a comprehensive transition program for qualified students. As of November, Schittig has progressed to attending her internship independently.

A Quiet Place: Schittig fell in love with photography after she received her first camera from her sister. It quickly became her favorite class in high school, where she found a sanctuary in the dark room. “It’s so calm in there, it’s like a stress relief,” she says. Though she now shoots digital photos for OUB, that love of the art form has continued into her time at 911��. “It makes me feel like I have a purpose. I also feel like I’m not alone, I have a team.”

Natural Inspiration: Many of Schittig’s photos center around the natural world. “I just feel drawn to nature, because I like the woods, and I used to play in the woods when I was growing up. I like the trees, I like the grass, I even like the river…because it has texture.”

Learning from the Pros: Senior photographers Ron Aira and Evan Cantwell, MA Arts Management '10, serve as Schittig’s mentors and supervise her internship. “With Ron, he taught me how to edit raw photos, and he taught me all these cool tricks and tips. Evan taught me shooting—it’s good to shoot up close for people,” Schittig says. “I like it here, I like the people, I like the team. I really want to stay here one more year.”

Making Memories: Like many other Patriots, Schittig cites friends and clubs as her favorite things about 911��. But Schittig’s favorite 911�� memory is a bit more personal. Twice, the university’s biweekly email newsletter has featured her work, including her self-professed favorite, a striking scene of colorful origami garlands cascading in front of a white bicycle.

Advice for Future Patriots: “Don’t be nervous. You’ll be nervous at first, but once you get the hang of it then you’ll be fine. But always bring the proper camera.”

View Schittig’s work on YouTube or in accessible PDF format.

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Groundswell partners with Mason LIFE providing scholarships, internships, and career services

ckearney — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 19:46:30 +0000

Groundswell partners with Mason LIFE providing scholarships, internships, and career services ckearney Thu, 09/12/2024 - 15:46

As with most internships, information technology consultant Groundswell aims to provide an experience that gives 911�� students a chance to learn about the company, delve into new areas and discover more about the industry.

Photo provided

Over the 2023-24 school year, Mason LIFE student Mohammad Nadeem did just that through his internship with McLean-based Groundswell, learning about data analytics, software development, and physical hardware.

“We wanted to ensure that we maximized his opportunities to grow as an individual,” said Tim Kelly, vice president for operational excellence for the People Services team at Groundswell. “We wanted meaningful work for him. We wanted him to try different things.”

Like destroying a laptop.

Nadeem strapped on safety goggles, wielded a hammer, and broke open laptops. Kelly said Nadeem was educated on the intricacies of removing critical components for recycling and security purposes. Over time Nadeem discovered patterns, learned how to make repairs and extract components in different devices.

“He absolutely loved it,” Mason LIFE Employment and Adult Services Coordinator Chris Williams said. “He was exposed to different things, and it offered professional building. He really enjoyed the atmosphere. Just working with others and just being treated as part of the team was valuable for him.”

“I made some friends over there,” said Nadeem of his time at Groundswell. “I would like to go back and work there. The boss is very nice.”

Nadeem will graduate next spring from the College of Education and Human Development’s (CEHD) Mason LIFE program, a four-year post-secondary comprehensive transition program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who desire a university experience in a supportive academic environment. Mason LIFE students regularly complete internships, working in a wide range of settings, including at software companies, 911�� rec centers, Fairfax County Public Schools, and animal care facilities.

Williams said Nadeem’s experience with Groundswell boosted his confidence and independence. He drove independently from his parents’ home in Alexandria to McLean twice a week for the internship. Mason LIFE also provided support staff in to be on-site at Groundswell with Nadeem, but Kelly said as the internship progressed, “it became far less, less of them guiding him.”

“It has a huge impact. The internship experiences are critical,” Williams said. “The students are learning the importance of going to work on time. Knowing they have duties and responsibilities assigned to them that they have to complete. Working with others. Receiving feedback from their employers. Students are also learning what they like, what they don’t like.

“They were thrilled to have Mohammad. They enjoyed that they pushed him. They really appreciated that whatever they assigned Mohammad he gave 100% effort and he tried his best.”

One of those assignments, Kelly said, contributed to Groundswell winning a major environmental award. Nadeem performed analysis over several weeks to calculate the environmental impact Groundswell employees had made due to a company-wide emphasis on telecommuting.

Through the Groundswell TTRIP (Transit and Telework Resources, Impactful Practices) Program, Nadeem found that Groundswell employees in 2023 saved 49,918 gallons of gas and 24,312 trips to the office, among other notable data points.

“He became an integral part of our team,” Kelly said. “I was really proud of him. To see his confidence, see his joy, seeing him understanding the impact of the work for the company and really add value and do meaningful work.”

Kelly has been so impressed with the partnership with Mason LIFE that Groundswell recently announced the creation of scholarships for Mason LIFE students.

In addition, Groundswell wants to continue helping Mason LIFE students in their career development. This past April, Kelly and several Groundswell employees visited CEHD and facilitated an “Introduction to Work 101” workshop.

A photographer took headshots of each of the 16 Mason LIFE students who attended. Kelly and his team helped the students set up LinkedIn accounts, creating their bios and providing dos and don’ts for social media. Williams and Kelly both hope to make the workshop a semiannual career development event for Mason LIFE students.

Williams said it was truly a really great day. “To be able to hear from a professional workplace outside of the Mason community was really impactful and resonated with the students.”

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Behrmanns add to legacy with creation of undergraduate scholarship for special education program

ckearney — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 14:52:21 +0000

Behrmanns add to legacy with creation of undergraduate scholarship for special education program ckearney Fri, 07/26/2024 - 10:52

Year in and year out, 911��’s special education graduate program ranks as one of the best in the nation.

June and Mike Behrmann. Photo provided

In the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings of online master’s degree programs, 911��’s special education program ranked eighth in the country. In 2023, the special education graduate program ranked 17th in the country among public institutions and 19th overall.

Pamela Baker, the Special Education Division Director, points to one man for laying the foundation for a program that consistently produces quality teachers—Michael Behrmann.

“He is kind of a legend here,” Baker said. “He built the special education program.”

Seven years after retiring from a nearly 40-year career in the special education program that included serving as division director prior to Baker's tenure in that role, Behrmann, now professor emeritus of special education, continues to add to his legacy.

Behrmann, along with his wife, June, has generously created an undergraduate scholarship for 911�� students in the special education program. The undergraduate special education program, which was created in 2019 along with bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and early childhood education for diverse learners, aims to tighten the nationwide teacher shortage gap.

Students who plan to teach may focus their program on a specific area in the special education field by adding a licensure concentration—K-12 adaptive curriculum, K-12 general curriculum licensure or PK-12 blindness and visual impairments licensure—or pursue a nonlicensure concentration.

“Children with special needs are our most vulnerable students. We need more teachers working with this population of students,” Behrmann said. “Undergraduate programs are one way that can be really addressed and start to bite into that shortage of qualified teachers.”

Behrmann arrived at Mason in 1979 as the coordinator of the special education graduate program, which had just three faculty members and a small handful of graduate students.

Over the next four decades, the program grew as Behrmann secured more than $90 million in external grants and contracts, $30 million in revenue-based projects, and $4.5 million in gifts for special education to the university. In the mid 1980s, he also designed and implemented a master’s and a doctoral program in assistive/special education technology.

The special education program now enrolls more than 1,000 students annually and employs more than 150, which includes faculty, staff, graduate assistants, and student workers.

“I consider the faculty who are at 911�� now as my legacy,” Behrmann said. “Master’s and doctoral students who are now faculty members. They are such great researchers and trainers. Pam and that whole crew of special educators are just tremendous.”

Behrmann wants the scholarship to support special education undergraduate students who are working with the Mason LIFE Program, a four-year postsecondary comprehensive transition program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who desire a university experience in a supportive academic environment.

When Behrmann founded the Mason LIFE program in 2005, his vision was twofold. He wanted to provide an educational, on-campus experience for students with disabilities. But he also wanted to offer Mason graduate and doctoral students—and now undergraduate students—working in the Mason LIFE program an opportunity to attain hands-on special education experience while also pursuing their degree.

The Mason LIFE program, currently led by director Linn Jorgenson, enrolls around 50 students every year, with 18 freshmen admitted for the 2024-25 school year.

“At the time, it was one of only one or two programs in the whole United States,” Behrmann said. “They have spun off, with federal support, and are much more common across the country. Seeing that program continue to be supported, within the diversity of the university, really makes me proud. All the university presidents from Alan Merten to current president Gregory Washington have been great supporters of the Mason LIFE Program.”

“It is a program that affirms our mission,” Baker said. “We are here to make a positive impact on the lives of people who have disabilities. These young adults are integrated into the fabric of the university. They come back as alumni. Our Mason LIFE students have been in the Green Machine band. They have been cheerleaders. They are all over the campus. Mike had the vision.”

The Behrmanns met when they were both teaching in Cincinnati. June then spent more than 20 years as a writer specializing in special education issues before returning to the classroom as a special education teacher for Fairfax County Public Schools. Now they want to help ensure that 911��’s undergraduate program shapes the next generation of special education teachers.

“If we can give this [undergraduate] program the kind of marketing it needs, support more students, it has real potential to grow into a large scholarship program,” Behrmann said. “The special education program is one of the strongest programs in the university, and I’m excited to see it continue to grow.”

The Behrmanns encourage graduates of the special education programs and certificate programs to get involved personally and give back to the scholarship fund. To make a gift, click here.

“[Behrmann] is kind of a legend here,” Baker said. “He built the special education program.”

Learn more about 911��'s Special Education Graduate Program

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Mason LIFE students persevere through the pandemic to complete four-year program

ckearney — Wed, 12 May 2021 13:43:04 +0000

Mason LIFE students persevere through the pandemic to complete four-year program ckearney Wed, 05/12/2021 - 09:43

Sophia Gheblawi said she’ll miss her teachers and the support staff at Mason LIFE. Photo provided

Zach Fowler, 22, said he was excited to receive his certification for completing the four-year Mason Learning into Future Environments (LIFE) program. Fowler and five other students persevered through the pandemic to finish their postsecondary education at 911��.

“It was an amazing day,” said Fowler. But, he added, he’ll miss the community he’d developed over his years in the program. Fowler especially enjoyed helping new students adapt to college life.

Mason LIFE is an innovative postsecondary program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who want a university experience. The program is run through Mason’s College of Education and Human Development. Students typically attend Mason LIFE because they want to gain independence, take classes to increase their reading, writing, math, technology and vocational skills, and experience university life, according to Linn Jorgenson, director of Mason LIFE.

Zach Fowler was excited to receive his certification for completing the four-year Mason LIFE program. Photo provided

This year, the graduating class was smaller than normal because some students decided to defer their final year until after the pandemic. The ceremony was held virtually on Friday, May 7.

“I’m always proud of my students as they finish their education at Mason, but this past year was a true test, and the students adapted so quickly,” said Jorgenson. “They handled the changes with such professionalism.”

Sophia Gheblawi, 26, said she was exhausted from her studies, but enjoyed her time at Mason LIFE. She said she’ll miss her teachers and the support staff and expressed enthusiasm for the breadth of her education.

“I worked on my penmanship and learned how to act and not to act in a job interview,” said Gheblawi, who’s also writing a book of poetry. “My history classes helped me to expand my knowledge even further.”

Since 2002, Mason LIFE has helped students by providing them with a large support staff to assist in the classroom, employment settings and residential units. Mason LIFE students are expected to negotiate on their own transitions between classrooms and buildings, meals, and nonacademic activities, helping increase their self-sufficiency.

With the coronavirus pandemic, Mason LIFE, along with the rest of the university, had to pivot to ensure the safety of the campus. During the academic year, Mason LIFE students either learned virtually or in a hybrid environment. While students didn’t get as much freedom on campus as they normally would, they developed technology savvy and resilience, said Jorgenson.

“The silver lining in the pandemic is that students learned employable skills related to technology that would not have been developed had we not had to pivot so quickly,” said Jorgenson.

Mason LIFE plans to bring 54 students back in-person in the fall, including 14 incoming first-year students.

“Mason LIFE is part of the fabric of Mason, and the students bring a greater richness to campus,” said Pamela H. Baker, division director of the Division of Special Education and disAbility Research. “I’m so grateful Mason recognizes that every member of our community should be included in the opportunity to engage in a postsecondary learning experience.”

Topics

Students

Mason LIFE Program

Graduation

College of Education and Human Development

Mason LIFE Program

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