In the News
Go Patriots!
The explosion of excitement resulting from the NCAA tournament and accompanying media blitz precipitated a surge in alumni and student support.
During the game between Mason and Wichita State, for example, a group of alumni attending one of the numerous watch parties across the country collected gifts of $16 in honor of Mason playing in the Sweet 16. A similar challenge was made for the Final Four game. And during the height of the hoopla, phonathon callers reported receiving 275 gifts and pledges in just three days from alumni who had never given to Mason before.
In addition, the Student Giving Campaign held a Final Four player challenge at the Johnson Center. The effort resulted in 125 students making $4 contributions in honor of their favorite basketball players.
Koch Foundation Gives $2 Million
Among recent major gifts and commitments in support of the university are grants totaling $2 million from the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation. Of that amount, $1.8 million is designated to the Mercatus Center and the remaining $200,000 will benefit the College of Arts and Sciences and its Interdisciplinary Center for Economic Science. Charles Koch received an honorary doctoral degree from Mason in 2002.
Video Features Mason Community
Because of the Campaign, a video featuring appearances by alumni, students, faculty, and staff, received a Special Merit Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), District III. It was produced for the September celebration that marked the successful conclusion of The Campaign for George Mason University.
Alumni participating in the video were Catherine Lemmon, BA Communication ’86 and MA English ’93; Mary Rose O’Brien, MS Conflict Analysis ’05; John Ross, BS Finance ’05; Clare Talbert, BA Psychology ’82 and MEd Special Education ’85; and Nobel Laureate Vernon Smith, DSc (Hon.) ’04.
The other campaign-ending video, Fast Forward, hosted by President Alan Merten, also garnered a Special Merit Award. The university received three additional awards for the campaign invitation and the celebration concept and event.
CASE District III encompasses 589 member institutions in the nine southeastern states. To see Because of the Campaign and Fast Forward, visit www.gmu.edu and click on “View Mason Movies.”
Alumni Celebrate Creation of Beers Scholarship Endowment
Sixteen Mason alumni—all employees of Beers & Cutler—and School of Management Dean Rich Klimoski (far right) were among those attending a $250,000 check presentation, marking the creation of the James R. Beers Scholarship Endowment within the school. Given by the accounting firm and its founding partner Jim Beers (back row, orange tie) in support of the Campaign for Mason Students, the contribution is the largest corporate scholarship gift in the school’s history. Managing partner Ed Offterdinger and Beers presented the symbolic check to President Alan Merten and Klimoski.
