Faculty and Staff News

Heavy traffic is expected on and around George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus for regional community college and high school graduation ceremonies at EagleBank Arena from May 18 through June 17, 2026.

George Mason University Spring Commencement will take place on Thursday, May 14, at 9:30 a.m. in EagleBank Arena on the Fairfax Campus. Separate Degree Celebrations will honor school and college graduates from Thursday, May 14, through Saturday, May 16, at the Fairfax Campus.

Caitlin Horan, assistant dean of graduate academic services in George Mason University’s Costello College of Business, has transformed the graduate services team. Referred to as the “heart” of the Costello graduate team, Horan is known for her innovation, student advocacy, and strong organization skills. For this and more, she is being recognized as the May Employee of the Month.

Janis Terpenny and Chun-Hung Chen were named Fellow in their respective professional societies.

The Hylton Performing Arts Center is thrilled to announce Carolyn Hays as its next executive director, effective May 10, 2026.

Congratulations to the George Mason University faculty and staff retirees from September 2025 to March 2026.

The George Mason University campus community came together at the 2026 Outstanding Achievement Awards on April 14 to recognize faculty and staff whose dedication, innovation, and service shape and strengthen the university.

George Mason University’s Point of View event and retreat facility in Lorton, Virginia, includes 120 acres of wooded land adjacent to the tranquil Belmont Bay and bordered by a protected wildlife refuge and state park. Point of View presents many opportunities to observe wildlife along the water, and staffers have recently observed adult and juvenile bald eagles watching for fish in some of their "eagle trees,” as staff have started to call them.

George Mason University President Gregory Washington has announced the recipients of the 2026 Presidential Awards for Faculty Excellence, honoring George Mason faculty members for their work on behalf of the university, students, and the broader community.

Clinical Assistant Professor Danielle Dufresne is the associate center director at George Mason University's Center for Community Mental Health (CCMH) and April Employee of the Month. A member of George Mason’s Psychology Department since 2019, Dufresne is responsible for training new clinicians and overseeing every psychological/behavioral/cognitive assessment at the Fairfax-based center.