Mason Wire
The George Mason University Alumni E-Newsletter July 2008

 

Alumni Association News & Events

 

 

University News & Events

From the Campus Scene

 

As part of a five-day trip in June, President Merten, left, visited Mason's RAK Campus, where he met with Prince Sheikh Saud.


Patriot Sports

 

Alumni Association News

Alumni Set Giving Record in 2008

More than 7,200 Mason alumni made a gift to the university in fiscal year 2008 (July 1, 2007-June 30, 2008). This was a record-high participation rate and exceeded the year's goal, according to the Office of Annual Giving.

"Mason alumni understand that private support is needed to augment state appropriations," said Marc Broderick, vice president for university development and alumni affairs. "Their generosity helps the university maintain a standard of excellence that would not be possible otherwise."

Thank you to all the alumni who donated to Mason during the past year. Whether it's $10 or $1,000, your gift makes a difference. Let's break another record next year!

2008-09 Alumni Association Board of Directors Take Office

On July 1, the newly elected board of directors for Mason's Alumni Association took office and began planning for the coming year. The officers are:

 

  • Ted Arnn, BS '93, president (pictured right);
  • Tennille Parker, BA '97, president-elect;
  • Rodney Turner, JD '93, vice president, advocacy;
  • Christopher Preston, BS '96, vice president, member involvement;
  • Gary Dittmer, BS '72 and MS '96, treasurer;
  • Tom Dundzila, MBA '99, secretary;

and at-large directors:

  • Jorge Forgues, BS '83 and MBA '84;
  • Marcus Perry, BA '93 and MBA '00; and
  • Lisa Rosser, BA '89.

Alumni Association Takes You Out to the Ball Game

Mason's Alumni Association has reserved a limited number of tickets in the left field box for a Saturday home game at Nationals Park on August 16. Gather with your friends, family, and Mason alumni at the new stadium as the Nationals battle the Rockies.
EVENT INFORMATION >

 

Alumni Chapter Hosts an Evening at Wolf Trap

On August 29, the SOM Alumni Chapter will gather at Wolf Trap's Filene Center to enjoy a picnic and a performance of Les Misérables. The potluck picnic begins at 6:30 p.m. prior to the 8 p.m. show. Beer, wine, soda, and water will be provided; RSVPs for the potluck are requested. Tickets are available through Wolf Trap. EVENT INFORMATION >

College of Visual and Performing Arts Announces Arts, By George!

The third annual Arts, By George! will take place September 27 and features guest artist Broadway legend Brian Stokes Mitchell (pictured left). Event proceeds benefit student scholarships at Mason as well as the Great Performances at Mason series.

Alumni are cordially invited to attend this unique evening of music, dance, theater, visual art, and creative cuisine, which celebrates the excellence of the arts at Mason. EVENT INFORMATION >

Mason Alumni Snapshot

 


This summer, Washington, D.C.-based Mason alumni are taking part in the Capital Alumni Network (CAN) softball league. The Mason team plays in the District each week from April until August. Go Patriots!


 

University News

 

Scientists Address Bacteria's Resistance to Antibiotics

Antibiotics that work today may not work tomorrow. It's a serious problem that several researchers at Mason are bent on solving. MORE >

RAK Campus Offers Students a Trans-Campus Experience

The United Arab Emirates boasts a variety of dramatic landscapes, including fertile plains, stony mountains, stunning coastlines, and endless deserts. Mason's campus in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is no less diverse.

Currently, the RAK Campus is home to 80 students from countries around the world, including Germany, India, and Australia. MORE >

 

Buildings Named for Key Players in Mason's History

Ever wonder about the people whose names appear on many of the older buildings on the Fairfax Campus? These structures were named after key people in Mason's history. Read about some of the most notable. MORE >

Nontraditional Students Use Their Mason Education to Make Life Changes

The enrollment of older students at American colleges and universities will grow more quickly over the next decade than that of traditional-age students, according to a recent U.S. Department of Education report. Mason already has tapped into this population--giving its "nontraditional" scholars the tools to change their lives. MORE >


 

Patriot Sports


Women's Lacrosse Coach Heads to Stanford

Amy Bokker, Mason's women's lacrosse head coach, has resigned her position to take over as the head coach of Stanford's team. Bokker, Mason's all-time winningest coach, departs after leading the Patriots to their most successful season in school history. She has been at the team's helm for the past 11 seasons, compiling an 86-94 record. The 34-year-old mother of two is also a Mason alumna, with a master's degree in exercise, fitness, and health promotion.
MORE >

Ziegler Named to U.S. Olympic Swim Team

Mason sophomore and volunteer assistant coach Kate Ziegler had a silver-medal finish in the 400- and 800-meter freestyle events at the Olympic Trials in Omaha, Nebraska, earning her a spot on the team headed to Beijing.

Also at the trials, Mason alumnus Tom Koucheravy placed sixth in the 1,500-meter freestyle finals, with a personal best time of 15:16.38. MORE >

Thomas Invited to Wizards Mini-Camp

Former George Mason standout Will Thomas, a four-year letter winner and a member of the 2006 Final Four team, has been invited to participate in a mini-camp held by the Washington Wizards. The camp is in advance of the 2008 NBA Summer League presented by EA Sports. Thomas, who is among Mason's all-time leaders in numerous categories, is one of 15 players who will play in the mini-camp at the Verizon Center. MORE >

 

MasonWire is a free service and official publication of George Mason University and the GMU Alumni Association. It is designed to give you quick, monthly updates on the happenings at your alma mater. You received MasonWire because of your affiliation with George Mason University. Subscribe and unsubscribe requests for MasonWire, including address changes, are handled by sending an e-mail to the Office of Alumni Affairs at alumni@gmu.edu. Please be sure to include your name, graduation year(s), and e-mail address.

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