Pictured: George Mason University Interim President Anne Holton
More than 100 volunteer leaders across the Mason Nation gathered September 24 for the Volunteer Leadership Breakfast at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner.
The attendees represented just a portion of the dedicated group of individuals who serve as board members and advisors for Mason’s academic programs, athletics, and the arts. They serve in a myriad of ways: connecting Mason to the community, offering guidance to university leadership, and pushing forward new initiatives.
“Thank you for your service. Thank you for your leadership,” vice president of advancement and alumni relations Trishana Bowden told the guests. “In the six months since I arrived at Mason, I continue to be impressed by the passion and commitment of our volunteer leaders.”
The breakfast was as an opportunity to inform these leaders about what’s next for the university, and how they can better advocate for Mason.
“The wonderful thing about Mason is we have hundreds of things going on. It’s a very big university, and we’re doing access to excellence in ten different colleges and a hundred different ways,” said Anne Holton, the university’s interim president.
Holton highlighted three important initiatives: the Arlington Innovation District, which includes $125 million in new state funds over the next several years; efforts to expand online degree offerings; and a comprehensive study underway on the viability of opening a medical school.
“There are lots of exciting things going on here at Mason—and all of them absolutely depend in significant part on our alumni commitment and our community commitment. You all represent that. The work you have done on the part of Mason is extraordinary,” said President Holton.
Christopher Bobo / September 30, 2019