Highlights of George Mason University's Community Impact
Highlights of George Mason University's Community Impact
Email banner featuring three images: Mason alumni marching in a July 4 parade, a crod gathered in front of a building on the Sci-Tech Campus, and attendees at a Movers and Shakers event on the Mason Square Campus in Arlington.

Mason in the Community

December 2022
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's Alpha Kappa Alpha Omicron Iota Chapter cutting and sewing fabric together to make kaps and kerchiefs for breast cancer patients.

Mason's Alpha Kappa Alpha Omicron Iota Sews for a Cause

Omicron Iota partnered with its sponsoring graduate chapter, Lambda Kappa Omega, in the making of Kozy Kerchiefs® and Kozy Kaps® that were donated to cancer treatment centers, hospitals, and cancer patients in need in Northern Virginia and around the country in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The annual Kozy Kerchiefs® and Kozy Kaps® program is hosted by Lambda Kappa Omega's Educational and Charitable Foundation.

Research for the Community

Actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie with Mason's Katherine Scafide examining bruising on melanin rich skin using Alternative Light Sources.

New Technology Helps to Detect Bruising on Diverse Skin Tones

Detecting physical evidence of domestic violence can be more complicated for victims with diverse skin tones. Their bruising is not visible to the naked eye. Dr. Katherine Scafide's research with Alternative Light Sources helps healthcare professionals and law enforcement document these signs of abuse. Filmmaker and humanitarian Angelina Jolie referenced Dr. Scafide’s research in her work on the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.

Classroom in the Community

Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center researcher with Virginia Assistant Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Corey Scott (second from right) and Virginia Marine Resources Commissioner Jamie Green (right) for a tour of Belmont Bay and the tidal Occoquan River, where researchers demonstrated how they collect scientific data on the water.

Educating Youth and Government Officials about our Waterways

Mason’s Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center (PEREC), Fairfax County Public Schools, and the Fairfax County Park Authority developed curricula and has trained over 75 field interpreters (Mason students) to inspire youth to explore, understand, and improve their local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.
Earlier this semester, PEREC welcomed Virginia Assistant Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Corey Scott (second from right) and Virginia Marine Resources Commissioner Jamie Green (right) for a tour of Belmont Bay and the tidal Occoquan River, where researchers demonstrated how they collect scientific data on the water. 

Alumni in the Community

Mason alumna Debbie Jones, BA ’74

Debbie Jones: Prince William Chamber of Commerce Top Executive Retires

Business advocate. Connector. Artist. Proud Mason alumna. Those are a few words to describe Prince William Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Debbie Jones, BA  Art ’78. After more than 32 years of service in the Chamber of Commerce, Jones is retiring this December. She began her Chamber career in 1990 as the Communications Coordinator at the Prince William County-Greater Manassas Chamber.

Events for the Community

January 11 | Business Coach Open House | Virtual Event


January 19 | Arlington Graduate Open House | Mason Square Campus


February 3 | Business Coaching Program | Virtual Event


February 15 | Beating Burnout and Boosting Resilience | Virtual Event


February 18 | Homecoming Game: Mason Men's Basketball vs. LaSalle | Fairfax Campus - Eagle Bank Arena


February 22 | Homecoming Game: Mason Women's Basketball vs. Saint Joseph's | Fairfax Campus - Eagle Bank Arena

Upcoming Events

Did You Know?

The number one with the following text: Most ethnically diverse public univeristy in Virginia.
U.S. News & World Report's  “2023 Best Colleges List” ranked Mason as the most ethnically diverse public university in Virginia.
President Gregory Washington created the Anti-racism and Inclusive Excellence (ARIE) Taskforce in July 2020 to ensure Mason creates an inclusive and equitable campus environment in which every member of our community is valued, supported, and experiences a sense of belonging.
Campus Pride Index recognized Mason as a Five-Star Premier Campus for its support for the LGBTQ+ community.
College Factual also ranked Mason as the nation’s best school for veterans working on their undergraduate degrees. 

Staff Spotlight

Kerry D. Bolognese, Director of the Office of Federal Government Relations
Kerry D. Bolognese, Director of the Office of Federal Government Relations, works to cultivate relationships with Mason’s academic and administrative leadership to help them develop and advance a federal legislative agenda. He develops proposals supporting research programs and potential earmarks and advocates for maintaining student aid programs.

Kerry also manages Mason’s relationship with Congressional members. He provides advice on authorization and appropriations legislation, develops amendments, arranges Capitol Hill meetings for Mason faculty and administrators, drafts testimony for Congressional hearings, brings Congressional members and staff to Mason campuses, and composes comments on federal agency regulations.

In his 11 years at Mason, Kerry regularly interacts with various campus community members. “My experience at Mason is enriched by getting to know so many wonderful people,” he said. “I love to stroll across campus every day and feel the pulse of the institution and talk to friends I see along the way.”

Kerry is well-known for his world travels and culinary savvy. At one point, he had more than 350 cookbooks! His Italian heritage led to an exploration of Italian cuisine. His repertoire includes French, Indian, German, Tex-Mex, Spanish, Greek, and regional American dishes.

He also bakes bread of all types: yeast and baking powder, loaves, rolls, muffins, and scones, as well as sweet and savory bread.

For Kerry, his passion for culinary arts is therapeutic.

“Fortunately, my wife also enjoys most foods and appreciates what I make,” he expressed. 

To learn more about Kerry, visit his bio.

Office of Government and Community Relations


703-993-8846
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