For one alumna, giving to Mason helps foster community across campuses
by Kate McSweeny, JD ’04
Last year, when the Alumni Board asked me to help with a new campaign dedicated to reaching out to Mason alumni who either never have given or have not given in a long time, I readily agreed. I soon discovered, though, that this campaign is not just about giving; it is also about celebrating everything that Mason stands for in our community. It is about inviting our alumni to get involved, to help current and future students, and to return to a Mason campus for some, or all, of the myriad activities that go on throughout the year.
As a 2004 Law alumna, I was already a great admirer of the Law School—a place where I found a big tent, filled with diverse, smart, interesting voices. After graduating, I stayed involved, ran for a position on the Law Alumni Board, and ultimately became its president. That in itself was a joy. But through that work, I discovered that there is a much bigger Mason community. I began to attend events on the Fairfax, Arlington, and Prince William campuses, events that were for all alumni. I met wonderful people whom I may never have known otherwise. People who have become fast friends, including fellow alumni, faculty, staff, and students. These are people I have come to not just like, but also to admire for so many reasons, not the least of which is how generously they give of their time and talent to students and to each other.
View video: “Why Alumni Giving Matters”
Why do I give? I give because being involved with Mason has been a life-changing gift for me, and I want to return the favor. I give because I am in awe of the kindness and generosity of our alumni, faculty, staff, leadership, and students. I just completed my annual pledge. It is not a first-time gift—the type I hope to encourage more alumni to make. But I know my gift, like yours, will make a difference. Gifts to the Alumni Association Scholarship Endowment and other alumni scholarships, will help countless future generations of Mason students. I am grateful that Mason put me in a position to be able to give, and even more grateful that Mason remains such an important part of my life.
So I invite you: if you have never given, or if you’ve never returned to campus for alumni weekend or Homecoming—if you have not attended a Mason sporting event or concert or play in a long while or maybe ever—please come back. There are new friends waiting for you here, new connections across three thriving campuses. We want to get to know you and enjoy with you the extraordinary things that are happening at Mason.
You will be glad you did!
Kate McSweeny graduated magna cum laude from George Mason University’s School of Law following a lengthy career as a television executive. She currently the Vice President of Government Affairs and General Counsel for ACCSES, The Voice of Disability Service Providers. She has served on the university alumni association board since 2013.
July 1, 2016