Alumni Weekend

Alumni Weekend is great opportunity to return to Mason in the fall and reconnect with friends and faculty, get reacquainted with the campus, and hear from university leaders about Mason today. 

Benches

Once upon a time, the only gathering place on campus was the benches on the Quad in front of Fenwick Library. Each year, student organizations paint the benches lining the walkway to gain recognition for their group. With more than 300 student organizations, the competition for these benches is fierce!

Class Signs

Growing from the tradition of painting benches and picnic tables, these days incoming students adorn their class sign with personal signatures each summer at orientation. The signs are displayed throughout the Fairfax campus and the Alumni Association hosts a champagne toast at the sign to welcome each class as they graduate.

Decorating George

George can often be found holding green and yellow balloons or adorned in Mason gear. Student groups decorate the George Mason statue to advertise activities or commemorate university milestones.

Fight Song

"Onward to Victory!" by Michael "Doc Nix" Nickens rocking out with the Green Machine. You know all the words, right? Hail to George Mason!
Don your green and gold!
We’re going to sing for George Mason
Patriots brave and bold!
We’re going to cheer (woo!) for George Mason
Proud for the world to see!
We’ll prove our honor and might
And we’ll FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!
As we march onward to victory!

Good Luck & Bad Luck

Worried about writing that paper or a big exam? Rubbing the toe of George's golden left foot can bring you some good luck. On the other hand, stepping on either of the plaques around the statue could mean you won't graduate in four years. Worse yet, a prospective student who steps on the plaque won't even get in!

Mason Day

Patriots have been celebrating Mason Day since before we were a independent university. It began in 1965 as George Mason University’s version of the University of Virginia’s Founders Day, which celebrated Thomas Jefferson’s birthday on April 13. It has grown and shrunk over the years, and moved all over campus. However, it has always featured music as the main attraction. Once a weekend-long festival that had folks camping out on the Quad, Mason Day now takes place in one of the outer parking lots. From funnel cakes and burgers to amusement park rides, Mason Day has become so much more than just music!

The Statue

Have you officially graduated if you haven’t had your photo taken at the statue, preferably in cap and gown? During Commencement season, many new alumni and their families pose for pics in front of George.