Human Resources and Payroll

Faculty/Staff Announcements

Retirement

Jacqueline Connor is the February Employee of the Month

Emma Michels — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 17:03:38 +0000

Jacqueline Connor is the February Employee of the Month Emma Michels Wed, 02/01/2023 - 12:03

Jacqueline Connor exemplifies what it means to be a strong leader.

President Washington with February Employee of the Month Jacqueline Connor. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

Connor is the corporate relations officer and development manager for the Hylton Performing Arts Center and the Science and Technology Campus. In this role, she not only manages relationships and corporate partnerships, she also represents the Hylton Center and the Science and Technology Campus by creating network opportunities and building participation through marketing and communications. Colleagues say her positive attitude, determination, and strong work ethic is what makes her an important member of the Mason community.

Connor was also commended for her work on SciTech’s 50th anniversary celebration held at the Hylton Center last fall. For going above and beyond and being a well-rounded team player, Connor has been recognized as February Employee of the Month.

“Jacque serves both the Hylton Center and the SciTech Campus by consistently developing strong relationships with the community and companies based in Prince William County on behalf of Mason,” said Mercedes Price, director of corporate and foundation relations in Mason’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations. “She is a delight to work with and is passionate about making a name for Mason in the region, and helping make Prince William County a better place to live, work, and play.”

“Jacque has continually looked for ways to expand her responsibilities and contribute more to the overall SciTech Campus’s mission success.” said Ronald Carmichael, director of administration and operations for the Science and Technology Campus. “She truly understands the importance of excellent corporate relations and demonstrates this quality at every opportunity.”

“Jacque has been the model of good preparation, effective execution, and thorough follow-up.” said Rick Davis, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. “She does it all with a forward-looking, positive, can-do attitude that is so much a part of the Mason spirit.”

How you got to Mason:

I was looking for a part-time position when my children were in elementary school, so I would have more flexibility to attend school events and was hired by the Hylton Center as a development assistant. While I’ve been primarily with the Hylton Center since I began, in 2019, my role was expanded to support the entire SciTech Campus.

Best day on the Job:

Any time I can help give tours of the SciTech Campus! I love when people see the Hylton Center for the first time and get to stand on the stage. I also enjoy letting people know all great things we have to offer—on ALL Mason’s campuses!

What do you like best about working at Mason:

The pride I get representing the largest, most diverse university in the commonwealth, that really makes a difference in people’s lives. I truly enjoy sharing the Mason story with the community and corporate partners. I even managed to embarrass my daughter when we were on a tour of the State Capitol and the docent mentioned that ��ӽ紫ý was the 2nd largest university in the commonwealth. Of course, I had to correct her!

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

I spend most of my time cheering on my kids in track and volleyball. When we don’t have a meet or tournament, we like to travel, camp, hike, canoe, and generally spend time outside. My husband and I look forward to rediscovering other interests when our youngest heads to college in 2024!

Topics

Hylton Center

Darren Rizzoli is January Employee of the Month

Colleen Rich — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 17:07:10 +0000

Darren Rizzoli is January Employee of the Month Colleen Rich Mon, 01/09/2023 - 12:07

Topics

College of Education and Human Development

Jill Deering is December Employee of the Month

Colleen Rich — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 16:34:03 +0000

Jill Deering is December Employee of the Month Colleen Rich Tue, 11/29/2022 - 11:34

Jill Deering knows how fragile student success can be.

After nearly 20 years of helping students in ��ӽ紫ý’s Schar School of Policy and Government navigate all manner of personal and professional turmoil, the senior assistant dean of student and academic affairs is well known as someone with the experience, knowledge, and skills to negotiate, mediate, and problem-solve the thorniest of predicaments.

President Washington and Jill Deering. Photo by Ron Aira/Creative Services

For that, as well as her leadership of the Schar School student services staff, Deering is the December Employee of the Month.

Bonnie Stabile, associate dean for student and academic affairs at the Schar School, called Deering a “linchpin among the members of the staff, a trusted mentor and a role model” who is a “polished professional in every circumstance.”

Silva Pecini, assistant dean for master’s student services at the Schar School, and a former Mason Employee of the Month (July 2020), described Deering as possessing “unflappable grace and warmth.”

Former Mason interim president Anne Holton said, “It’s a treat to work with someone who starts from a point of ‘yes we can.’ ”

And Schar School Dean Mark J. Rozell said he’s come to depend heavily on Deering’s “reliable, loyal, and hard work” as a leader.

She’s also an alumna.

How she got to Mason:

I was working in student affairs at a small private college in Pennsylvania and needed to relocate to the Washington, D.C., area when I was alerted to a position at what was then the School of Public Policy at ��ӽ紫ý. What an ideal opportunity—I could continue my higher education career working with students who were studying public affairs at my alma mater. I earned my BA in government and politics at Mason in 1995. I was also drawn to being a part of an institution that values inclusion and innovation so highly.

Best day on the job:

Many days stand out, but I recall one in particular in 2015 when one of our graduate students who was from Yemen faced a financial crisis that threatened her ability to remain enrolled. She was entering her second semester when her family’s resources could no longer be accessed because of war in her home country. Not only was her family’s safety threatened, but her plans for a master’s degree were now in question. In about 24 hours, we identified an emergency funding source within the now Schar School and coordinated with our incredible University Life and Office of Financial Aid partners for additional emergency support. The student was able to continue her studies and ultimately graduate. This epitomized the best of Mason—everyone involved said ‘let’s find a solution.’

What do you like best about working at Mason:

Without question, my team and my boss. I constantly learn from and find motivation from both. My team is second to none, they are amazing individuals who care deeply about the success of our students and programs. Broadly speaking, Mason is never dull. I love being a part of a place that is helping to shape future leaders and thinkers, where so much consequential research is happening, and where you get to interact regularly with people who have such interesting stories and experiences.

What do you do when you’re not working:

My husband and I love to explore new places with our three-year-old Labrador retriever, and I try to find as many opportunities as possible to travel, which has been hard the last few years. I also love taking photos and hope to focus more time on developing my photography skills.

Topics

Schar School

Alumni

Mason Square

Mason Retirees: September–October 2022

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 19:19:45 +0000

Mason Retirees: September–October 2022 Lauren Reuscher Wed, 11/02/2022 - 15:19

Congratulations to the September and October 2022 Mason faculty and staff retirees. The list below includes retirees, the department from which they retired, and years at Mason.

We hope you’ll come back to visit sometimes. Once a Patriot, always a Patriot!

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

September 2022

Samuel Dean, Facilities, 17 years, 2 months

Denise Groat, Fiscal Services, 4 years, 2 months

Cynthia Myers, Law Library, 14 years

Terri Vanderberg, Admissions, 17 years, 9 months

John Wilkin, Center for the Arts, 5 years

October 2022

Catherine Kotila, School of Business, 14 years, 4 months

Susan Van Leunen, ��ӽ紫ý Foundation, 15 years, 6 months

Germaine Buck Louis, College of Public Health, 5 years

Robert Sawyer, Facilities, 16 years, 5 months

Topics

Faculty/Staff Announcements

Retirement

Robin Frey is November Employee of the Month

Colleen Rich — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 18:43:03 +0000

Robin Frey is November Employee of the Month Colleen Rich Tue, 11/01/2022 - 14:43

Robin Frey is known as an innovator. As fitness manager at the Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center on ��ӽ紫ý’s Science and Technology Campus, Frey oversees the fitness staff, maintains group exercise programming, and teaches cycling, strength, and dance classes.

President Washington with November Employee of the Month Robin Frey. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services

But she is also the lead trainer and clinical exercise specialist for the Exercise is Medicine (EIM) program, part of a global health initiative managed by the American College of Sports Medicine that she introduced to the Freedom Center in 2018.

Through the program, which focuses on using exercise for chronic disease prevention, management, and rehabilitation, Frey “is truly saving lives,” said Ronald Carmichael, director of administration and operations at the SciTech Campus.

“She works tirelessly to ensure that the fitness program at Freedom is by far the best in the region,” Carmichael said.

For her tireless and innovative work, Frey is November Employee of the Month.

Frey shares the honor with her team, she said, “for if not for their talent, drive, and passion for our cause, we would not be successful.”

Frey said she began researching medical fitness several years ago as a way to address the rising statistics of chronic disease in conjunction with sedentary lifestyles.

With the implementation of the EIM program, “we hired an amazing program manager, Tammy Rowland, and created a hand-selected team of credentialed individuals,” Frey said.

The EIM team works with patients, often referred by clinicians, and implements specialized plans for behavior change, lifestyle education, and clinical exercise prescription based on diagnosis.

“Each client is different, and Robin has built trust and confidence with not only the health care community and fitness professionals but with these patients,” said Michael Wharton, business manager for the Freedom Center.

Frey also led the YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program at the Freedom Center.

Her colleagues applauded her efforts in continually finding new programs for clients, new training opportunities for staff, and maintaining her programs throughout the pandemic.

“Robin’s passion, inspiration and positive attitude in achieving excellence is an exemplary model for our members and of the Freedom Center values,” said Scott Prescott, building engineer for the Freedom Center.

How she got to Mason:

I was referred by a fitness associate who worked at the Freedom Center. I started part-time as an instructor in 2008 and became more involved on the program side in 2010. I introduced several programs, including a challenging weight-loss program that ran successfully for several years and advanced fitness fee-based programs. I began my current role as fitness manager in 2014.

Best day on the job:

Every day. We have a mission to promote health and wellness, and each day brings new opportunities.

What she likes best about working at Mason:

The incredible support of my manager, Olga O’Brien, who believes and trusts in what we do. I am also blessed with a very talented staff.

What she does when he’s not working:

I love being outdoors, cycling, kayaking, going to the beach, spending time with my family, and reading historical and old classic novels.

Topics

Freedom Center

SciTech Campus

Jeanne Medford is October Employee of the Month

Colleen Rich — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 14:14:49 +0000

Jeanne Medford is October Employee of the Month Colleen Rich Thu, 10/06/2022 - 10:14

President Gregory Washington poses with October Employee of the Month Jeanne Medford. Photo by Cristian Torres/Strategic Communications

One of the primary things Jeanne Medford is known for is her unmatched work ethic.

The director of business and financial services for ��ӽ紫ý Athletics, Medford always wants to make sure the job is done right, said CJ Minteer, Mason’s equipment manager.

“Jeanne is always the first one in and the last one out,” Minteer said. “This woman bleeds green and gold.”

For her dedication to Athletics and Mason’s student-athletes, Medford is October Employee of the Month.

“It’s a great honor,” said Medford, who graduated from Mason with a BS in accounting in 1982 and has worked full-time at the university for 40 years, supporting all business services.

Medford said her biggest strength is her institutional knowledge of the Fairfax Campus and Athletics.

“It’s the nature of the job in business and financial services,” Medford said. “Everything revolves around money, so I get to meet and know a lot of people.”

When Medford’s not in her office, she’s most likely at a game or event and serving as one of Mason's biggest fans, she said.

“I just truly love working here,” Medford said.

“She has given everything she has to this university, and she will continue to do so till the day she leaves,” Minteer said. “She has given me a new outlook on truly loving what you do every day.”

Medford’s colleagues applauded her kindness, thoughtfulness, and willingness to help others.

“Jeanne's enthusiasm to see that everyone she works with not only succeeds but also attains the highest level of professionalism and respect is the pride of the department,” said Meghan McVay, administrative assistant for women’s basketball.

“Jeanne Medford,” McVay added, “is the definition of a team player.”

How she got to Mason:

I’ve lived in Fairfax since the early 1960s. I started working for Athletics as a work-study student during the summer of 1978 and was hired as a full-time assistant business manager after graduating. I’ve worked my way up to my current position of director of business and financial services for Athletics.

Best day on the job:

My best days are at the end of the season when our Athletic teams make the league championships. Those are always really good days. That’s what we strive for.

What she likes best about working at Mason:

I love being a part of Athletics and supporting the student-athletes, the coaching staff, and the administration. I’m a sports fanatic, so I try to go to all of Mason’s athletic events.

What she does when he’s not working:

One of my biggest hobbies is watching sports, especially baseball and the New York Yankees. I also love cross stitching and doing puzzles.

Topics

Faculty/Staff Announcements

Athletics

Mason Retirees: Summer 2022

Lauren Reuscher — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 18:50:47 +0000

Mason Retirees: Summer 2022 Lauren Reuscher Tue, 09/20/2022 - 14:50

Congratulations to all the summer 2022 Mason faculty and staff retirees. The list below includes retirees, the department from which they retired, and years at Mason.

We hope you’ll come back to visit sometimes. Once a Patriot, always a Patriot!

Photo by: Ron Aira/Creative Services/��ӽ紫ý

June 2022

Annaliese Bennett, Continuing and Professional Education, 15 years, 11 months

Mark Camphouse, Dewberry School of Music, 15 years, 8 months

Susan Crate, Environmental Science and Policy, 17 years, 9 months

Warren Decker, Communication, 45 years, 10 months

Sheldon Edner, Schar School of Policy and Government, 11 years, 8 months

Jeremy Fregoso, Facilities, 32 years, 9 months

Andrew Guccione, Rehabilitation Science, 10 years, 10 months

Syed Hasan, Accounting, 14 years, 4 months

Mark Jacobs, Sociology and Anthropology, 36 years

Maria Karametou, School of Art, 18 years, 5 months

Jane Kirsch, INTO Mason, 15 years, 9 months

Edward Klein, University Life, 6 years, 2 months

Margaret Klein, Kellar Institute, 20 years

Kathryn Laskey, Systems Engineering and Operations Research, 31 years, 9 months

Daniel Menasce, Computer Science, 29 years, 9 months

Carrie Meyer, Economics, 33 years, 9 months

Beverly Middle, School of Nursing, 17 years

Robert Pasnak, Psychology, 50 years

Germán Perilla, Business for a Better World Center, 8 years, 3 months

William Reeder, College of Visual and Performing Arts, 21 years

Priscilla Regan, Public Policy and Public Administration, 32 years, 9 months

Sunny Rome, Social Work, 27 years, 9 months

Anthony Sanders, Finance, 12 years, 9 months

Margaret Scolaro, English, 16 years, 9 months

Suzanne Slayden, Chemistry and Biochemistry, 45 years, 9 months

Carmen Thorndike, Environmental Science and Policy, 12 years

Karen Underwood, Computational and Data Sciences, 13 years, 9 months

Richard Wagner, Economics, 33 years, 9 months

Laura Walker, Schar School of Policy and Government, 15 years, 9 months

Steven Weinberger, English, 33 years, 9 months

July 2022

David Foti, Center for the Arts, 5 years, 11 months

Lisa Kahn, College of Visual and Performing Arts, 9 years, 5 months

Lawrence Marx, Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences, 7 years

Mary Poirier, Systems Engineering and Operations Research, 13 years, 8 months

Jane Singleton, Center for the Arts, 16 years, 3 months

Kathleen Zapfel, Mason Enterprise Center, 2 years

August 2022

Bill Brown, Men's Baseball, 36 years, 9 months

Sheila Champion, School of Business, 23 years

Libby Curtis, Mason Community Arts Academy, 13 years, 5 months

Judith Fontana, Kellar Institute, 19 years, 10 months

Ellen Gibson, Student Accounts, 23 years, 3 months

Dana Hodson, Student Centers Event Operations, 6 years, 3 months

Susan Leblanc, History and Art History, 23 years

Mark Sistek, Bachelor of Individualized Study Program, 24 years, 9 months

Topics

Retirement

Terri Ann Guingab is September Employee of the Month

Colleen Rich — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 15:32:05 +0000

Terri Ann Guingab is September Employee of the Month Colleen Rich Tue, 09/06/2022 - 11:32

President Gregory Washington and September Employee of the Month Terri Ann Guingab. Photo by Cristian Torres/Strategic Communications

When faculty, staff, and students in ��ӽ紫ý’s College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) need support with any technology challenges, they are usually told to “Keep calm and call Terri Ann Guingab,” an instructional designer in the college’s Office of Academic Affairs.

“I once told a colleague, ‘If it has a power plug, I take care of it,’” Guingab said. “And even if it doesn’t have an electrical plug, I’m always happy to help.”

Guingab, who has worked at Mason for 26 years, has helped faculty with online teaching, course design and preparation.

“Terri Ann is the go-to person in our college and has always been there for all of us, ready to assist with any technology-related need,” said Claudia Giliberti, financial analyst for the Department of Health Administration and Policy. “She is a true Patriot.”

Guingab’s colleagues say she is a “Blackboard expert,” an “IT troubleshooter,” a “jack of all trades,” and, oftentimes, a “lifesaver.”

For her guidance and technical skills, Guingab is September Employee of the Month.

“Her hard work and service has allowed faculty to teach more efficiently, and students learn more effectively,” said Alicia Hong, professor of health administration policy in CHHS.

Guingab, a self-described proponent of lifelong learning, earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1996 and a master’s in curriculum and instruction in 2009, both through Mason. She also earned an online teaching certificate in 2012 through the Online Learning Consortium.

Guingab began working at Mason in 1996 and has worked in technical support, website management, photography, video recording and editing, computer lab management, training and teaching, and her primary responsibilities of instructional design and instructional technology support.

She received the inaugural Distance Education Award in 2012 by Mason’s Office of Distance Education for her efforts supporting quality online course offerings. She also received the Outstanding Achievement Award, designed to recognize individuals for their significant achievements for the betterment of the university,

in 2004 by Human Resources and Payroll’s reward and recognition program.

“The impact of her work easily touches more than 90% of the faculty and staff within CHHS,” said P.J. Maddox, professor and chair of the Department of Health Administration and Policy. “She is hands-down considered everyone's most valuable employee.”

How she got to Mason:

I started working for what was then Mason’s College of Nursing and Health Science right after receiving my BSN from Mason in 1996. I thought this would be a part-time summer job while studying for boards and searching for a nursing job. I passed the boards but never got around to that job search because I enjoyed working at Mason so much.

Best day on the job:

It’s hard to pick one after being at Mason for 26 years, but any day where I’m able to help someone out is a great day.

What she likes best about working at Mason:

I love working with an incredibly supportive group of faculty, staff, and students both in CHHS and in the larger Mason community. I also love problem solving and taking on new challenges that help me grow my skills.

What she does when he’s not working:

I’m a huge board game, tabletop role-playing game, and video game nerd. When I’m not being nerdy, I like to paint miniatures, walk and listen to podcasts, go ballroom dancing with my husband, snuggle with our cat Oliver, and eat the delicious meals my husband makes.

Topics

College of Health and Human Services

Mariam Aburdeineh is July Employee of the Month

Colleen Rich — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 15:16:42 +0000

Mariam Aburdeineh is July Employee of the Month Colleen Rich Fri, 07/01/2022 - 11:16

There are many things about the atmosphere around higher education that attract Mariam Aburdeineh—the diversity of opinions and the striving to make the world a better place among them, she said.

“I just think it’s really cool that we all get to support that environment, and also to be part of it with all these opportunities to learn and grow,” she added.

Aburdeineh, a communications manager in ��ӽ紫ý’s Office of University Branding, has certainly done that at the university.

Not only does she write for the university website, The George newsletter, and Mason Spirit magazine, she pitches stories to outside media and has become invaluable as manager of President Gregory Washington’s Twitter account and the ��ӽ紫ý News account.

Aburdeineh expanded her storytelling capabilities by teaching herself to use Adobe Premiere so she could help produce the quick-hitting engagement videos that spotlight Mason programs, and then organized a Zoom call in which she taught others.

For her tireless work, Aburdeineh is July Employee of the Month.

“It was really surprising and really touching,” she said of the recognition. “It makes me appreciate the people I work with even more. We’ve got a really great team. For them to recognize me and recognize one another is really uplifting.”

Aburdeineh, who graduated from Mason with a BA in communication in 2013, began working at Mason in 2018. She quickly earned a reputation as a hard worker and an easy collaborator with an “I’m ready to help” attitude.

“I am particularly impressed with her calm and pleasant demeanor,” said Robin Parker, Mason’s assistant vice president for communications. “She has this sort of unflappable kindness that may not be required to accomplish her job, but sure does add to the team and the level of collegiality both in and outside our office.”

“The best coworker in the world,” said Colleen Kearney Rich, Mason Spirit’s managing editor. “She makes my job easier and improves the quality of the storytelling in the magazine and across the university.”

Aburdeineh is still moving forward at Mason, as she is pursuing her master’s degree in education with a concentration in curriculum and instruction.

“It’s just a child-like curiosity to learn,” she said. “I like learning because it keeps it exciting.”

Besides, she said, “I’m a nerd. I’ve always liked school.”

How you got to Mason:

Returning to Mason was more of a homecoming. After graduating, I spent five years doing communications at local and national nonprofits, and was looking for a new opportunity. I thought working at Mason would be exciting, so when I saw the opening and found it to be a good fit, I applied.

Best day on the job:

Any day where I’m somewhere new or on location for a story. I loved going behind the scenes at the National Zoo to learn about elephant conservation and city wildlife, writing about red pandas and the Mason team that’s helping keep them off the endangered list, learning about American ginseng at an apothecary, and reporting on Vice President Kamala Harris’ campus visit and when five Supreme Court Justices came to campus. I also randomly met a cousin of mine from Bolivia I never knew existed while reporting at Mason. That was surreal and really cool.

What you like best about working at Mason:

I’m always learning something new and being inspired by the work of our students and professors. I also enjoy attending events on campus, and taking advantage of campus resources, like workshops at The MIX. Mason students have access to unparalleled opportunities, and I feel I experience the same.

What you do when you are not working:

Hanging out with my awesome husband, family, and friends, and exploring hidden gems in Washington, D.C. Lately I’ve been highly motivated to learn Arabic—you can catch me playing Duolingo, reading books or watching movies in the language. I also enjoy playing piano, learning ukulele and guitar, and drawing and painting.

Topics