partnerships

Dean hosts fireside chat with president and CEO of EagleBank Susan Riel

Greg Johnson — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 14:51:19 +0000

Dean hosts fireside chat with president and CEO of EagleBank Susan Riel Greg Johnson Mon, 06/24/2024 - 10:51

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Ajay Vinzé, dean of the Donald G. Costello College of Business at ��ӽ紫ý, sat down with Susan Riel, president and CEO of EagleBank, for a fireside chat on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 10.

Susan Riel, president and CEO of EagleBank

In front of faculty, students, and community guests gathered on ��ӽ紫ý’s Fairfax Campus, their discussion covered a range of topics, from EagleBank’s evolution as a startup to a community bank, to how regional banks support the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Having been at EagleBank since 1998, Riel has held several different positions, experiencing and driving the decades-long evolution of the bank and its impact on clients.

EagleBank’s mission is to be the most trusted, experienced, and client-centric bank across the Washington, D.C., region and beyond. With clients over the years including MOM’s Organic Market and Honest Tea, EagleBank was founded on the belief that every person and business deserves individualized financial guidance from experts who care. The bank’s "Relationships FIRST" policy was echoed throughout Riel’s remarks. FIRST is an acronym, standing for flexible, involved, responsive, strong, and trusted.

Susan Riel speaks with Dean Ajay Vinzé

“Entrepreneurs depend on banks,” said Riel. Despite the current challenges for commercial real estate, resulting from many employees not returning to the office following the pandemic, she explained how the banking system is as important as ever and has continued to evolve. Fewer consumers are making banking transactions in person at the brick-and-mortar buildings, leading to a reduction of bank branches. However, with nearly everyone completing their banking needs via mobile devices, digital products are more important than ever before.

“Thinking strategically is an important part of any business,” she said. When considering a bank for employment opportunities, many job seekers think there are limited opportunities. However, Riel assured the audience that there are many professions within a bank, and especially at EagleBank. Many of the new jobs are results of this shift to a more digital banking experience.

Leadership, and especially leading as a woman, was another major theme of the discussion. When addressing how women can get ahead in the workplace, Riel said, “Speak up and share your ideas when you have them. Be open and outspoken.” But it is also advice that she would give to anyone looking to make their mark. “Don’t limit yourself,” she said. “Be open to opportunities.”

After asking his questions, Dean Vinzé opened it to the audience.

Riel spoke of the name recognition that came from naming ��ӽ紫ý’s EagleBank Arena and explained how EagleBank hires diverse thinkers by always attempting to hire the best person for the position.

This is the third fireside chat hosted by Dean Vinzé. The fireside chats are instrumental in providing knowledge and insights to the Costello College of Business community and forging partnerships with leaders in business.

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��ӽ紫ý signs MOU with Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority

Colleen Rich — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 17:14:05 +0000

��ӽ紫ý signs MOU with Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority Colleen Rich Thu, 06/20/2024 - 13:14

��ӽ紫ý and the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZA) also solidified their partnership with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). President Gregory Washington and IFEZA Commissioner Wonsok Yun led the signing ceremony, paving the way for expanded collaboration on industry–academia projects between Mason Korea, located in the Songdo International Business District of IFEZ, and the IFEZA.

President Gregory Washington and IFEZA Commissioner Wonsok Yun led the signing ceremony. Photo provided

The agreement focuses on fostering joint educational and research initiatives in critical areas like bioengineering, biomanufacturing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, information and communication technologies, and startup incubation. This collaboration has the potential to create exciting new opportunities for students and researchers in both regions.

“This MOU marks a significant step forward for Mason Korea,” said Washington. “By expanding our cooperation with IFEZA, we aim to equip students with valuable educational experiences and further support the development of the Incheon region.”

"We are thrilled to solidify our existing partnership with Mason Korea and extend it to encompass ��ӽ紫ý’s U.S. campus," said Commissioner Yun. "This MOU has the potential to propel both ��ӽ紫ý and the Incheon region toward a brighter future."

Mason Korea Dean Robert Matz and Associate Dean Kelley Chung joined the ceremony alongside Megan Healy, special advisor to the president. IFEZA’s senior officials also attended the ceremony.

Celebrate Mason Korea's 10th Anniversary

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Annual Mason Korea competition brings digital art to the forefront

Colleen Rich — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 18:03:45 +0000

Annual Mason Korea competition brings digital art to the forefront Colleen Rich Mon, 06/10/2024 - 14:03

In its fourth year, Mason Korea's Progress@Play Digital Art Competition continues to grow with more than 300 teams from eight countries competing.

The digital art competition aims to raise awareness of social issues and encourage creative solutions through the power of digital media and computer games. Photo provided

Since its inception in 2021, Progress@Play has been a collaborative effort between Mason Korea and NCSoft, a leading video game developer. The competition aims to raise awareness of social issues and encourage creative solutions through the power of digital media and computer games.

“The fourth Progress@Play Digital Art Competition was a resounding success, thanks to the generous sponsorship of NCSoft,” said Dean Robert Matz. “We are consistently impressed by the passion and creativity displayed by the participating students. We remain committed to supporting students who are actively engaged with global social issues and who use the Progress@Play competition as a platform to develop solutions through digital art.”

This year's competition saw a significant increase in participation with 363 teams from eight countries submitting entries—a quadrupling of entries compared to the previous year. The submissions spanned a wide range of digital art formats, including animations, web comics, computer games, videos, and illustrations. The artwork tackled diverse social issues, from climate change and gender inequality to the Dokdo territorial dispute.

Winners were selected in both the university and middle/high school divisions. Photo provided

Following a rigorous two-stage judging process involving Mason Korea's computer game design faculty and external experts, winners were selected in both the university and middle/high school divisions.

In the university division, the first prize went to Ye-bin Kim of Pai Chai University for her artwork titled "Put yourself in other people’s shoes." The second prize went to Woojin Cho of Yewon Arts University for his artwork titled "Still tomorrow." The third prize went to Mason Korea's very own Chaeyeon Lee for her artwork titled "37°131°."

In the middle and high school division, the first prize went to "Rusted" by Seo Yeon Shin from Korea Animation High School, the second prize was awarded to "That Boy" by Minha Kang from Korea Animation High School, and the third prize was given to "Trauma" by Eun Mi Kim from Suwan High School.

"NCSoft is proud to continue sponsoring this meaningful competition, which provides a platform for young artists to explore social issues and propose solutions through digital art," Jae Goon Lee, a representative of NCSoft. “We are constantly inspired by the innovative ideas submitted each year. As a company, we are committed to exploring the positive impact of games, such as digital therapeutics, and will continue to invest in and sponsor initiatives like Progress@Play."