George Mason University - Government and Community Relations

06/01/2026

MASON SPEAKERS MONDAY🎙️

Get the inside scoop on what's happening at George Mason and book Traci Kendall for your next event/group meeting.

With 30 years of experience at George Mason, Kendall can provide insight into the university's growth and resources/services available to the public. She is the executive director of the Office of Government and Community Relations.

Learn more: https://masonspeakers.gmu.edu/speakers/traci-kendall/

05/28/2026

Congrats to Marit Majeske, education coordinator for the Hylton Performing Arts Center! She won the 2026 Sharon Henry Community Partner in Education Award from SPARK, the Education Foundation for PWCS, at their annual Business Partnerships of the Year Reception.

05/28/2026

We're thrilled to announce that Marion Underwood has been selected as our next provost and executive vice president — a transformative leader bringing more than 35 years of academic, research, and executive experience to George Mason.

Dr. Underwood joins us from Colorado State University, where she served as provost and executive vice president. Her distinguished career also includes senior leadership roles at Purdue University and the University of Texas at Dallas.

Her depth of experience, strategic vision, and commitment to inclusive excellence will help propel George Mason’s mission and momentum forward. Welcome to Mason Nation, Dr. Underwood!💚💛

Marion Underwood most recently served as provost and executive vice president at Colorado State University. She previously held senior leadership roles as dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences at Purdue University and dean of graduate studies and associate provost at the University of Tex...

05/27/2026

400+ students, faculty/staff, community members and local businesses gathered at Mason Square for a day filled with health and wellness activities and resources during Clarendon FitFest.

“Events like Clarendon FitFest are a great example of what becomes possible when a university is genuinely embedded in its surrounding community,” said Melissa Thierry, director of University Life Regional Campuses. “The connection between campus life and the broader Clarendon neighborhood is a real asset to the student experience here.”

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

05/20/2026

🌟 Give your rising sophomore, junior, or senior a summer experience that builds real‑world leadership skills!

The Conflict Resolution Youth Summit returns to George Mason University June 21–24. It is an immersive, overnight program where students dive into today’s toughest challenges alongside peers, practitioners, and George Mason faculty.

Over four dynamic days, participants will:
• Explore complex issues through hands‑on workshops
• Learn collaborative leadership and conflict resolution strategies
• Take part in a field visit and experiential activities
• Build confidence, communication skills, and a toolkit for positive impact

If you’re looking for a meaningful, future‑focused summer opportunity, this is it. 💡✨
Spots fill quickly — encourage your student to apply today! Financial aid is available.

🔗:https://carterschool.gmu.edu/prospective-students/conflict-resolution-youth-summit

05/20/2026

Celebrating George Mason University at Mason Square being a finalist in the Arlington Chamber of Commerce - Virginia Annual Best in Business Awards! Mason was in the house! Pictured (l-to-r): Toni Andrews, Liza Wilson Durant, Melissa Thierry, Jill Deering, Rhonda Barton, Christine Landoll and Paula Sorrell.

05/19/2026

Ready, Set, Game On!🎱🎮🎳

Whether you're into the nostalgia of classic board games or the thrills of VR, George Mason's Corner Pocket gaming center has something for every kind of gamer. From lawn and table games to arcades and consoles, the lineup is stacked.

Snag a Summer Membership for just $20, and you and a friend score unlimited play all season long. Corner Pocket is open Tuesdays through Thursdays, 4 - 9 p.m., May 19 to August 13.

Planning a party or team night? Corner Pocket has event space available, too.

Visit https://studentcenters.gmu.edu/corner-pocket/ to learn more and get your game on!

05/18/2026

MASON SPEAKERS MONDAY🎙️

A powerhouse mentor and Senior Business Advisor at Mason’s Enterprise Center SBDC, George Siragusa has guided 200+ entrepreneurs through launching, growing, and scaling their ventures.

In his talk, “The Anatomy of the Typical Entrepreneurial Journey,” he breaks down the real steps founders face — from startup spark to growth, scaling, and even exit or sale. It’s an inside look every aspiring innovator and business‑minded audience will appreciate.

🔗: https://masonspeakers.gmu.edu/speakers/george-siragusa/

05/17/2026

Traci Kendall, GCR Executive Director and Board Member for Visit Fairfax, attended a 250th celebration gala at Gunston Hall, George Mason’s 18th Century Plantation Home, along with Visit Fairfax representatives and Delegate Gretchen Bulova.

05/15/2026

Happening Now: GCR attending the annual Leadership Fairfax, Inc. Fairfax County Government Board of Supervisor’s Breakfast Chairman Jeff McKay, Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer, Braddock District, Supervisor Dalia Palchik, Supervisor Dan Storck,