Mason Memories

Mike Cochran (now deceased) and I used my father's circular saw to build the Rathskellar in the original Student Union building, and we were instrumental in installing the first beer keg on campus property. Mike was chairman of student activities back then, and the "Rat" was quite the place to socialize in the days when full-time tuition was $314.00 a semester. We had great local bands, such as Al Johnson and the North Star Band, on Friday afternoons and an open microphone at other times.

In the spring we all looked forward to Mason Day, held on the grounds by the newly completed Robinson Hall. There were live bands, beer kegs everywhere, and everyone had a great time getting into the Mason spirit.

I recently visited the campus after about a 15-year absence to check on getting a teaching degree, and I could not believe what I saw. Mason has really grown, but walking around I could still see all of us in the later '70s, wondering what the future had in store for us. Some had a clue; others didn't. I had to write, because those five years I spent at Mason are, to this day, very dear to me.

--Charles E. Clark, B.A. History '80

Do you fondly remember certain places within the George Mason community that exemplified the "college experience"? Did you befriend a mentor/professor at George Mason who influenced your life? If so, tell us about it! Send your submission to Alumni Affairs, MS 3B3, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22030-4444. Please keep submissions to a maximum of 500 words.