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Mason in the Community

February 2023
Office of Government and Community Relations

As an integral part of the greater community, George Mason University has continually strived to build and maintain a multitude of partnerships, provide a variety of services and programs geared toward the region we serve, and explore research that enhances the quality of life for all.

Through Mason in the Community, you can learn more about how Mason engages with and enhances our shared community.

Students in the Community

Mason students in front of the Virginia State Capitol buildings.

Students get a front-row seat to legislative process at Mason Lobbies

An enthusiastic group of 40 Mason students traveled to Richmond for Mason Lobbies. They shared their college experience with legislators and highlighted the need for increasing financial aid for Mason students, increased funding per student, and increased staff and faculty salaries for the university to be more competitive in the Washington, D.C., metro area. They also highlighted Mason’s diversity and production of STEM and workforce-ready graduates.

Research for the Community

When Recreational Cannabis Is Legal, Codeine Demand Drops

Mason researcher Johanna Catherine Maclean is coauthor of a study published in Health Economics, which finds a significant reduction in pharmacy-based codeine distribution in states that have legalized recreational cannabis use. The finding is promising from a public health policy perspective because misuse of prescription opioids contributes to more than 10,000 overdose deaths a year in the U.S.

Classroom in the Community

Entrepreneur receiving business services at a Mason Enterprise Center.

Mason expands entrepreneurial and small business support to Herndon

The newest Mason Enterprise Center (MEC) will focus on supporting small and emerging businesses while promoting economic growth in Herndon, the fifth Northern Virginia locale to partner with the MEC. Businesses will have access to Mason classroom and research projects, and capstone students and interns.

Alumni in the Community

Mason alumna Carol Dove, MS Biology ’94, PhD Environmental Science and Public Policy ’98 in research lab.

Birds of a Feather: Alum’s detective work can improve flight safety

Alumna Carla Dove, MS Biology ’94, PhD Environmental Science and Public Policy ’98, is helping to make the friendly skies safer. As the Program Manager of the Feather Identification Lab at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, she identifies the specific birds involved in collisions, with samples coming to her from various branches of the U.S. military, commercial airlines, and more.

Events for the Community

February 28 - April 6 | Visiting Filmmakers Series | Multiple Locations

March 9 | Mason Vision Series: Justice in an AI-Mediated Society | Virtual Event

March 30 | Women in Business Initiative: Tour of Spain and Portugal Wine Reception | Country Club of Fairfax

Upcoming Events

Did You Know?

U.S. News & World Report ranks five Mason online programs in the Top 20

George Mason University’s online degree offerings are some of the best in the nation, with five programs in education and engineering ranked in the top 20 among public universities, according to the 2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings.

“Mason’s online programs are part of our commitment to provide access to excellence for our students,” Mason Provost and Executive Vice President Mark Ginsberg said. “We have an institutional and programmatic commitment to meeting students where they are, and we are proud of this national recognition.”

Staff Spotlight

Mark E. Smith, Executive Director of State Government Relations

Mark E. Smith is the Executive Director of State Government Relations. He has more than 40 years of state service and will celebrate 10 years at Mason in August. As Mason’s principal envoy to the state, he coordinates the university’s state budget request and liaises with all state government offices and agencies including the Office of the Governor and General Assembly.

Citizens from across the Commonwealth make their way to connect with policymakers during the legislative session. The State Government Relations team hosts 50 to 100 students for Mason Lobbies in Richmond for their advocacy day. “Mason Lobbies is very special. Each year has so many positive memories of the students’ experiences in interacting with state decision-makers,” Smith recalled.

Outside of work, Smith is quite the busy bee. An enthusiastic apiarist, he established six bee hives on his property. He was inspired by Mason’s Honey Bee Initiative. Last season, he harvested more than two gallons of honey. Smith remarked, “It is very rewarding to help support our pollinators – although my wife reminds me that the bees have survived for millions of years without me!”

To learn more about Mark, visit his bio.

Office of Government and Community Relations

relations.gmu.edu

703-993-8846

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