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Accounting alumna finds acceptance and opportunity at Baker Tilly

Marianne Klinker — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 20:11:11 +0000

Accounting alumna finds acceptance and opportunity at Baker Tilly Marianne Klinker Thu, 02/01/2024 - 15:11

Shabinaaz Mahdi, BS Accounting ’12, discovered a passion for accounting at the Donald G. Costello College of Business at ��ӽ紫ý. While in school, she was introduced to Baker Tilly, a leading advisory tax and assurance firm, where she has risen through the ranks to become partner.

Fifteen years had passed since high school graduation when Shabinaaz Mahdi decided to return to her education at Mason. Her focus had been on raising her children and adjusting to life after immigrating to the United States from Sri Lanka. Taking night classes at Mason allowed her to keep her priorities in focus while exploring her burgeoning passion for accounting and the career paths where it could lead. After transferring from Northern Virginia Community College, she worked diligently at Mason in joining extracurricular groups, including the GMU Accounting Honors Program, Beta Gamma Sigma, Golden Key International Society, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Additionally, she was named to the Dean’s List in 2010 and 2011.

Shabinaaz Mahdi

The subject of accounting was attractive to Mahdi due to her love of mathematics. “I’m a numbers person, especially being an immigrant and English not being my first language, numbers are a universal language,” she says. It was never a struggle for her to study because she so thoroughly enjoyed the tax work and research. During those night classes, she bonded with her classmates and learned about what kinds of careers could be available for her. She learned even more about the field through an audit and tax internship. Soon after that, she attended a leadership conference and was introduced to Baker Tilly. “Seeing the potential for growth in a mid-sized firm, I applied for a full-time position and received an offer during my senior year, feeling incredibly fortunate to secure employment before graduation,” she says.

Mahdi credits the culture and people of Baker Tilly for her tremendous professional growth. After beginning as staff accountant in 2012, she began her rise through the ranks, finding her strengths and developing proficiency, leading to her recent promotion as partner at the firm. In her current role, she focuses on partnerships and corporations within the professional services industry, particularly law firms. She loves working with her clients, but she also loves working with her colleagues, collaborating with them, and soaking up all the knowledge that she can. Mahdi’s impressive success at Baker Tilly is not at all surprising to JK Aier, senior associate dean and associate professor of accounting at the Costello College of Business, who had her in his intermediate accounting class. “Right from day one, she was motivated to not only do well in the course but also work to understand the subject matter thoroughly by asking clarifying questions.”

As an immigrant, Mahdi had initially felt anxious about being accepted, but she quickly found that her colleagues embraced her. “The firm's inclusive culture has enabled me to find fulfillment in my work by allowing me to be my authentic self, free from pretense or peer pressure,” she says. “This culture of acceptance has fostered a sense of belonging which, in turn, has empowered me to perform at my best.” Baker Tilly promotes a healthy work/life balance for its employees by encouraging effective communication. “Communication is key to make sure you are prioritizing the things that are important to you,” she says. “I always have my Outlook calendar updated which truly helps manage both home and work.” Throughout the year, employees at Baker Tilly make a conscious effort to completely disconnect from work in order to recharge, reset, and relax. And in order to destress and wrap up the work week productively, they avoid scheduling meetings on Fridays.

When Mahdi first arrived in the United States, she only knew her husband and children. Going back to school began as a way to keep herself occupied, but it has since led to an accomplished and rewarding career and a vast network of positive relationships. “I strongly believe that if you give your best effort in everything you do and leave your quality mark on every work product that crosses your desk, work diligently and intelligently, remain open to continuous learning, and stay humble, recognizing that your knowledge is just a drop in the ocean, and, most importantly, enjoy the process, success will inevitably follow when the time is right,” she says. Mahdi has experienced great success following that mindset at Baker Tilly, where she is embraced and encouraged.

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Accounting Advisory Council

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The Donald G. Costello College of Business scholarship luncheon brings together recipients and donors

Marianne Klinker — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 17:48:55 +0000

The Donald G. Costello College of Business scholarship luncheon brings together recipients and donors Marianne Klinker Tue, 11/28/2023 - 12:48

The scholarship luncheon, held each fall by the Donald G. Costello College of Business at ��ӽ紫ý, brings together scholarship donors with the student recipients of those scholarships.

Along with faculty members and other leaders from across the business college, they share personal stories and challenges as well as plans for the future. On Tuesday, November 7, the latest group of donors and awardees gathered to build connections and share inspiration.

Dean Ajay Vinzé delivers opening remarks.

Following an introduction by Yena Kim, director of academic achievement and innovative learning at the Costello College of Business, and opening remarks from Dean Ajay Vinzé, several donors and recipients addressed the audience about the impact of scholarship in their lives. Mishell Orellana Arispe, a senior studying finance, Salman Funyas, a senior studying business administration and accounting, and Kyle Samuel, a sophomore studying finance were among the students at the luncheon who spoke about their experiences.

“As a proud recipient of two scholarships, I'm incredibly grateful for the gift of time and vote of confidence they've given me,” says Mishell Orellana Arispe, recipient of the Gerald Hanweck Sr. Legacy Scholarship and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Scholarship. “I take these awards as a challenge to get out of my comfort zone and push myself to do better each day.”

"I was hesitant towards adding a second concentration, but I had often heard people say where there is a will, there is a way,” says Salman Funyas, recipient of the Janis S. Reed Endowed Scholarship. “In my case the way came in the shape of another human who made it possible for me to chase my dream of becoming a CPA."

"Being an immigrant, the financial aid opportunities that are available to me are limited, thus you cannot fathom how much these scholarships would aid me in pursuing my dreams,” says Kyle Samuel, recipient of the Kahil Family Scholarship and Emanuel A. Baker Endowed Scholarship.

Stephanie Zimmermann, '93 (center) with scholarship recipients.

Attending the luncheon as a donor of the Women in Business Initiative Endowed Scholarship, Stephanie Zimmermann, BS Decision Science and Management Information Systems ’93, was once in the position of the students in the room. “As a scholarship recipient, I have always been grateful for the gift I received—it was more than just the money—it was the confidence, validation, and recognition received for the work I was doing at that time,” she says. “The opportunity to pay it forward, and to help build the legacy that supports our current and future Costello College of Business scholars is one of the main reasons why I support the mission.”

James R. Beers (second from left) with scholarship recipients.

The James R. Beers Endowed Scholarship is contributed to and supported by James R. Beers and Baker Tilly US. “I very much enjoy meeting and listening to the students and knowing I have helped your deserving students achieve their educational objectives,” says Beers. “I also enjoy visiting with the Mason team who are so important in making this undertaking successful.” Shabinaaz Mahdi, BS Accounting ’12, is partner at Baker Tilly. “This is one of my favorite events to attend because I enjoy talking with the recipients and learning about their journeys and aspirations,” says Mahdi. “Our profession is dynamic, innovative, and growing, and Baker Tilly is committed to helping today's students become tomorrow's generation of business advisors and leaders.”

Jeff Johnson, BS Business Administration ’75, relished the opportunity to sit down with the students awarded with the Johnson Family Endowed Scholarship. “The most impactful thing for me was getting to spend time with some of the scholarship recipients,” he says.

The scholarship luncheon was a rewarding experience for everyone involved. The student recipients thanked and learned from the generous donors who have impacted their education, while growing their professional networks in the process. And the donors were able to get to know the remarkable students whom their scholarships are benefitting. The Donald G. Costello College of Business greatly appreciates the wonderful donors who enrich the lives of our future business leaders.

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Costello College of Business Students

Scholarships

Students

Give to the Costello College of Business Scholarship Fund

MBA military veterans share how the Mason MBA impacted their careers

Marianne Klinker — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 20:01:54 +0000

MBA military veterans share how the Mason MBA impacted their careers Marianne Klinker Thu, 11/09/2023 - 15:01

The Donald G. Costello College of Business at ��ӽ紫ý is committed to the active-duty military service members and veterans who come to Mason to enhance their education.

We caught up with some military veterans who recently graduated from the Mason MBA program who shared the impact the MBA program has had on their career already, and how the Mason MBA could be beneficial for others.

Matthew Scott

Matthew Scott, MBA ’21

Military Branch: United States Army 
Current Role: Acquisition Modernization Program Manager, Defense Logistics Agency

Earning an MBA from ��ӽ紫ý assisted with my transition from military to civilian life. The comprehensive management and technical skills acquired during my MBA journey significantly contributed to my hiring as the new Acquisition Modernization Program Manager for the Defense Logistics Agency.  

I believe one of the most valuable factors in gaining an MBA from Mason is expanding your real-time knowledge basis in critical areas to further develop and achieve current strategic goals while concurrently orchestrating future value in an ever-changing world. 

Matt Munsch

Matt Munsch, MBA ’22

Military Branch: United States Air Force 
Current Role: Director, Dark Wolf Solutions 

After graduating from Mason's MBA program, I was able to enter the next phase of my career.  

Shortly after graduating, I joined Google as a Technical Program Manager. After learning and growing with Google, I was able to continue propelling my career forward, joining Dark Wolf Solutions as a Director. 

The Mason MBA program gave me the skills, qualifications, and confidence to continue up leveling my career. Going back to school after more than a decade in the workforce was daunting but I do not regret my decision! 

Bradley B. Son

Bradley B. Son, MBA ’21

Military Branch: United States Army 
Current Role: Product Manager, Cyber Platforms & Systems, Defensive Cyber Operations, United States Army 

For myself, the MBA was more than career progression and networking. The aspect of my job in the Army Acquisition Corps requires me to fundamentally understand the aspects of business management to make decisions not only on behalf of my organization, but for the Army and the Department of Defense. My experience at ��ӽ紫ý greatly assisted me in many facets of my profession, which includes leadership, ethics, economics, marketing, information systems and operations management, project management, and many more! I can't thank the incredible organization, my outstanding cohort, and more importantly, the incredible instructors that helped guide me throughout my journey!

John Goetchius

John Goetchius, MBA ’21 

Military Branch: United States Army, Retired 
Current Role: Company Manager 

The Mason MBA program imparted new, useful technical and analytical skills—and the confidence to solve current, real-world business and management problems. I benefited from contact with an engaged, dedicated, highly competent faculty and a smart, diverse group of fellow students. Inside a well-planned curriculum, I found the program challenging—and deeply rewarding. 

Connor Mallon

Connor Mallon, MBA ’23 

Military Branch: United States Army 
Current Role: Strategy Consultant, NOVACES 

An MBA and the skillset that accompanied the degree helped me stand out in a saturated and competitive market. The program gave me the edge I needed to hit the ground running in a new career and the confidence to navigate complex challenges and demanding stakeholders. 

Ramon Walker

Ramon Walker, Jr., MBA ’23 

Military Branch: United States Air Force  
Current Role: Intelligence Research Specialist, United States Custom and Border Protection 

The Mason MBA program gave me an opportunity to network and I gained experience and skills that could be applied to reaching the upper echelons of my career field. 

Douglas Chapman

Douglas Chapman, MBA ’22 

Military Branch: United States Army 
Current Role: Vice President of Operations, CoreSys Consulting Services, LLC 

The MBA program at Mason enabled me to improve my business skills and expanded my aperture as related to strategic thinking.   

Did you know ��ӽ紫ý is a Yellow Ribbon Participant? Mason provides additional funds to eligible service members to pay education costs without charging your GI Bill® entitlement. Visit Mason's Office of Military Services to learn more about education benefits for veterans.

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University Business Consulting

Learn more about Mason's MBA program

Learn more about VA Benefits at Mason

Meet the Mason Nation: John Tyree

Sarah Holland — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 19:16:52 +0000

Meet the Mason Nation: John Tyree Sarah Holland Thu, 07/20/2023 - 15:16

John Tyree

Job: Consultant, University Business Consulting

John Tyree is a two-time Mason alum and current staff member in University Business Consulting. Photo provided.

John Tyree is one of Mason’s University Business Consulting (UBC) consultants. The university launched UBC in 2020 to help Mason offices reach their goals through increased efficiency, data insights, and capitalizing on opportunities for innovation. Tyree started working at Mason in 2019, but his connection to the Mason Nation dates back to 2010 when he started working on his bachelor’s degree in information systems and operations management. Since then, he has added an MBA and a graduate certificate in business analytics to his resume.

Understanding the ‘WHY’. After graduating from Mason with a BS in in 2013, Tyree returned to Mason as an IT manager. He was inspired to pursue his MBA to, “better understand the ‘why’ of business processes I was supporting as an IT professional. I am able to use the business skills I learned to approach challenges from a higher strategic level.” The move to business consulting, in tandem with his completion of the MBA program, was an opportunity to “round out my business acumen. I’m able to better see how departments interconnect and serve a common mission. And the skills I gained through the MBA program—such as identifying deficiencies in processes and creating improvements—have served me well in my role as a consultant for the university.”

Lessons abroad. The MBA program allowed Tyree to expand his horizons not only through a new career path, but also through experiences abroad. “The most memorable class I took in the MBA program was the Global Residency course,” he said. “We traveled to Singapore to learn from various businesses about operating in a global market. We were able to talk with senior leadership and learn the similarities and key differences about conducting business in different parts of the world.” Tyree and his fellow students also had the opportunity to take guided tours and attend cultural dinners to learn about the country. “The whole experience was a great way to bond with my cohort as well as obtain a global prospective as I continue my business career,” Tyree said.

Part of the process. In his work with UBC, Tyree has the opportunity to see how processes and departments function across the university and, using his expertise in business analytics, he helps them find more efficient and effective ways of operating. “My work is focused on gathering and synthesizing information for our clients so they can make informed decisions on improving departmental organization and efficiencies,” he said. “I do this through various means including executive reports, data analysis and visualization, benchmarking, and general project management.”

Helping Mason succeed. “Consulting” is a broad term, encompassing everything from project management to data visualizations to business planning. Some of UBC's projects include implementing the university's new Strategic Direction and designing key performance indicators (KPIs) and dashboards to measure its progress; coordinating with multiple offices to design, implement, and manage the university's COVID-19 response; and saving the university $1.7M in transportation costs by analyzing shuttle ridership post-pandemic. And at no cost to Mason units—yes, this service is complimentary!—this work is critical to supporting Mason’s mission and helping others do the same.

Macy the golden doodle showing off her Patriot pride. Photo provided.

Puppy love. Tyree is an avid outdoorsman. From roads and trails to rivers and lakes, he cycles and kayaks through state and national parks. And while the great outdoors holds a special place in his heart, his one-year-old golden doodle is his greatest treasure. Macy, named after Mason, walks around her namesake campus with Tyree. “She gets to greet lots of students,” Tyree said, which bodes well for her future application to Mason in approximately two to three years (which is 16 to 24 in dog years!).

Patriots brave and bold! With two Mason degrees and an ongoing career at the university, it’s no wonder that Tyree bleeds green and gold. Over a decade since he began his journey at Mason, Tyree still loves to cheer on Mason basketball. "I've been attending games since 2010. I still root for the green and gold at EagleBank Arena any chance I get!”

Learn more about University Business Consulting

Meet more of the Mason Nation

Meet the Mason Nation: Mihee Cho
June 19, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Kevin Brim
April 26, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Rachel Wernicke, associate dean and chief mental health officer
February 23, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Doug McKenna, University Registrar
January 12, 2024
Meet the Mason Nation: Will Gautney, assistant master electrician and Staff Senate chair
October 20, 2023

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Meet the Mason Nation

MBA Program

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Embracing challenges leads accounting alumna to leadership position within U.S. Navy

Jennifer Anzaldi — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 15:03:29 +0000

Embracing challenges leads accounting alumna to leadership position within U.S. Navy Jennifer Anzaldi Tue, 11/08/2022 - 10:03

Ms. Alaleh Jenkins, BS Accounting ’97

Never one to back down from a challenge, Alaleh Jenkins, BS Accounting ’97, immigrated to the United States as a teenager without speaking any English. As a student at ��ӽ紫ý, she enrolled in basic English classes and quickly became fluent in English while also excelling in her other courses. Focused on academics as well as adjusting to and succeeding in a new country, she took advantage of Mason’s job fairs, landing a job at a major CPA firm after graduation. “I got a lot of tough love at my first job and I will be forever grateful to my employer for pushing me out of my comfort zone,” Jenkins says.

Jenkins’ steady and enduring work ethic throughout the years led to her recent designation as the Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management and Comptroller (ASN FM&C). In this role, she brought with her lessons learned from the private sector.

“As I tell the FM&C workforce, if you don’t change, you don’t grow. It’s very important that everybody learns to work in different environments, how to work with different cultures, how to be more inclusive, how to work in a very diverse organization, and how to communicate and move forward,” she says. “For me it’s about connecting the dots, integrating, answering questions, and (in her current role) making sure that the Secretary, the Undersecretary, and the rest of the leadership have the information that they need and that I have the monitoring in place across the various areas.”

No two work days look the same for Jenkins, as she reaches out to various layers of the organization. This busy schedule of communicating and coordinating with colleagues across not only the Department of the Navy (DON), but other Department of Defense (DoD) and federal organizations is among her favorite aspects of the job. But the most rewarding aspect for Jenkins is the mission itself.

“I am honored and humbled to be in a position here to support our Sailors, Marines, and civilians who make up the DON – people who have sacrificed everything for us to live the life that we have in this country,” she says. “The common mission of this team makes the organization feel like a family striving toward making it an even better place to work and to support constituents.”

Reexamining her own path, Jenkins recognizes that getting exposure to new ideas, experiences, and people is critical for business students and young professionals to flourish. She doesn’t have the answer to every question, but her character traits and ability to work effectively with individuals from all walks of life has enabled her to be successful in any workplace situation she faces.

“If there are opportunities to expand your horizon and gain experience in different areas, I highly encourage you to seize them,” she says. “You always want to be in learning mode.”

Jenkins acknowledges she didn’t always know what she wanted to do professionally, but her hard work and passion went a long way in building her professional experiences. She encourages students to join clubs and take on leadership positions in order to understand what is best for the team, and how to succeed within that team’s construct.

Though Jenkins sometimes regrets not engaging in more of the fun side of campus culture, she had her plate full working multiple jobs to finance her education. She also took on two internships through Mason in addition to the post-graduation job she secured by attending the school’s job fairs. After recently taking her son on a tour of the Mason campus, she shared that many memories came rushing back. Her years at Mason were a time for self-reflection and growth.

Jenkins embodies the grit and determination of the American dream. Unafraid to make mistakes, she has embraced challenges and thrived.

“I didn’t believe in avoiding responsibility for my mistakes,” she says. “It was me owning it, good or bad, and learning from it and always moving up.” Mason’s geographic location, diversity, career services, and overall opportunities matched the ambition and goals of Jenkins, acting as a launch pad for a remarkable and rewarding career.

Disclaimer: Neither the Department of the Navy nor any other component of the Department of Defense has approved, endorsed, or authorized this article.

On November 16, from 4-6 p.m., the School of Business will host a fireside chat between U.S. Navy Assistant Secretary and Mason alumna, Alaleh Jenkins and Dean Ajay Vinzé. Ms. Jenkins will be joining us on campus at Merten Hall to discuss her unique career journey and how students can best prepare to join the workforce. Click here to register for the event.

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Campus News

MBA alumnus establishes the Michael S. VanPatten Family Endowed Scholarship

Jennifer Anzaldi — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 15:24:39 +0000

MBA alumnus establishes the Michael S. VanPatten Family Endowed Scholarship Jennifer Anzaldi Tue, 11/01/2022 - 11:24

Michael S. VanPatten

Despite living and working in the Atlanta metropolitan area, Michael VanPatten, MBA ’90, never lost touch with Mason. Immediately receptive to post-graduation calls from the alumni relations team, he was eager to connect with alumni and assist students in attaining an MBA. The positive experience he had at Mason, with instructors who had working knowledge in the areas they were teaching, encouraged his continued engagement. “One of my awesome professors who really stood out was Raphael Coleman, and he was dean at the time, which made it even more special,” he says.

As the chief financial officer at True Influence (now part of Anteriad), VanPatten reflects on how instructors in the MBA program went out of their way to give students a leg up. “Another professor who really helped me was Raj Sisodia who taught marketing,” he says. “He shared my paper ‘A Normative Conceptual Model for Marketing Technology-Centered Products’ with acclaimed marketing authors, Al Ries and Jack Trout, and they shared immensely positive feedback with me.” The result was an “A” in the course, but more importantly it gave him exposure and confidence in his skills at a high level. The finance portion of the program prepared VanPatten exceptionally well, and he was excited that he could build upon his background in calculus. “Tools from those finance classes have since helped me convince investors to buy into new programs,” he says.

VanPatten’s zeal for Mason is demonstrated by his communication with students and graduates, establishing his own scholarship, and his participation in a number of Mason alumni get-togethers in the Atlanta area. With the Michael S. VanPatten Family Endowed Scholarship recently established, he is excited to witness the effects it will have on recipients. Working with Carolina Camargo De Luca, the major gifts officer at the School of Business, he was able to lend support to the program in a personal way that fit him best, providing support to high-performing MBA students who have completed two courses in the program.

“Throughout my education I received help from many people, including employers, and I think it’s really important that I give back as well,” he says. Recognized as a Prominent Patriot in 2020, Michael VanPatten is a sterling example of how graduation only marks the beginning of the journey as a Patriot. Soon, MBA students will begin benefitting from his scholarship and author their own stories of success.

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MBA Program

Alumnus gives back through advisory board leadership and the Cabalu Scholarship Endowment

Jennifer Anzaldi — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 13:17:18 +0000

Alumnus gives back through advisory board leadership and the Cabalu Scholarship Endowment Jennifer Anzaldi Thu, 10/27/2022 - 09:17

In This Story

George C. Cabalu

George Cabalu

Reflecting on his career path in the three decades following his graduation from ��ӽ紫ý, George Cabalu, BA Economics ’92, is grateful that he chose the green and gold. In fact, with the university rapidly climbing ranks across the board, his degree has never been more valuable. Cabalu, who is now a Managing Director at Wells Fargo Advisors, is extending a helping hand to students by establishing the Cabalu Scholarship Endowment, geared toward School of Business students of Asian descent and from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. “I owe a part of my success to ��ӽ紫ý, and I am a big believer in giving back,” he says.

Business, in one form or another, touches all disciplines of study and professional fields, and Cabalu’s degree in Economics is no exception-he even completed several courses through the School of Business, such as accounting and marketing. Recently, when the school introduced the program in financial planning and wealth management, he joined the advisory board to share his expertise. “What we’re going to see in the future is this huge transfer of wealth from one generation to another, and so this is a really exciting time for this career field,” he says. “Sitting on this board with me are a lot of great financial advisors and wealth managers who are all contributing to the success of this new program.”

Mason is much more than a place that prepared Cabalu to succeed in his career. It is where he formed close friendships that endure to this day, in which he can call or text, whether it be something trivial, personal, or professional to discuss. In addition to those friends, he received support from faculty and staff that gave him the confidence to work toward his dreams. All that support made a tremendous impact. Even so, he often thought about the difference that any amount of scholarship money would have made as he balanced a heavy course load with his workload. This led to the creation of the Cabalu Scholarship Endowment. “If I have the time and resources, I don’t want to forget about the people and organizations that helped get me where I am now,” he says.

George Cabalu has put his money where his mouth is – first by serving on the Financial Planning and Wealth Management Advisory Board and now with his creation of the Cabalu Scholarship Endowment. His selfless commitment shows students that the School of Business is a community where dreams are supported.

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Kaylene Green Endowed Scholarship pays it forward to actively employed students

Jennifer Anzaldi — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 13:39:16 +0000

Kaylene Green Endowed Scholarship pays it forward to actively employed students Jennifer Anzaldi Thu, 10/20/2022 - 09:39

In This Story

Kaylene H. Green, '87

Janet Barnard (left) and Kaylene Green, ’87 (right)

With the daytime dedicated to her nine-to-five job and evenings occupied with coursework, the financial support that Kaylene Green, BS Accounting & Legal Studies ’87, received from her employer was integral to her success. Now the president and CEO of Flagship Government Relations, Inc., she makes sure to return the favor, supporting the business students of her alma mater.

Having served as chair of the Dean’s Council and as a founding investor in the School of Business Dean’s Investment Fund, Green continues her investment in the school through the Kaylene Green Endowed Scholarship, which aids high-achieving students who, like she was, are employed while enrolled at Mason. A generous and passionate donor to the scholarship fund is Green’s sister, Janet Barnard. Barnard, who has served on various boards across the university, is a retired executive officer of the region and recognizes education as a way open countless doors. “For a couple of farm girls from Nebraska, it was a big deal to have the opportunities we had which wouldn’t be possible without the education,” says Barnard.

Green and Barnard are grateful to pay it forward after accomplishing so much in their respective careers. And they certainly relate to the recipients. “The Kaylene Green Endowed Scholarship meant a great deal to me in that it provided me with financial assistance which allowed me to have one less thing to worry about,” says Zain Jafri, BS Management Information Systems. “I was able to focus more on my studies which is all a student wants to do during their time in university.” “Receiving the scholarship is a blessing and honor for me,” says Eliam Kwan, a senior studying accounting. “It did not only help me paying off half of my tuition but also showed that my hard work really paid off and motivated me to work even harder to accomplish my academic goal.”

Though not an alumna of Mason, Barnard was a student and has always been connected with the university in one way or another. “When I was in class at Mason, my professors were always so relatable and would chat after class about the course subject matter or anything else,” says Barnard. “To this day, whenever I talk to someone from Mason, they are always down to earth and that matters to me.”

Understanding the factors that contribute to academic excellence and a successful student population, Green and Barnard are excited about the future of the School of Business. “The new building that we’re planning will be a real signal to the area and academic community that Mason really values the School of Business, and I know our students are going to absolutely love it,” says Green. In fact, Kaylene Green sits on the Building Campaign Steering Committee, further exercising her visionary leadership at the school.

The sisters are doing their part in supporting the next generation of students and business professionals. They encourage their peers and other alumni to consider philanthropy as well. “It’s an indication from us that we appreciate what we got out of our education and that we appreciate what students are going through financially to achieve a dream on their part, similar to the way it was for us,” says Green. “Because we’ve been so blessed, we have to share those blessings and pay it forward,” adds Barnard. Kaylene Green and Janet Barnard have very generously shared those blessings and continue to strengthen the culture of giving at Mason.

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Students

Craftsman Auto Care’s co-owning couple supports Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Jennifer Anzaldi — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 13:42:59 +0000

Craftsman Auto Care’s co-owning couple supports Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Jennifer Anzaldi Tue, 10/18/2022 - 09:42

Matt and Judy Curry

To overcome the challenges of running a business during the pandemic, Craftsman Auto Care’s Matt and Judy Curry demonstrated exceptional skill as innovators and entrepreneurs, taking extensive measures to make the vehicle maintenance process as safe and easy as possible for their customers. Following COVID restrictions, the couple has parlayed their company’s successes into a sixth location. Their significant presence and established business expertise in the Northern Virginia community has made them valued partners of the School of Business at ��ӽ紫ý, most specifically the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE).

Judy Curry, the chief marketing officer of the auto care chain, graduated from the School of Business with a bachelor’s in business management and communications in 1990. She has remained close with the school, as the couple generously supports CIE with their time, treasure, and platform as major business owners. The Currys are invigorated to work with students who have passions similar to their own and who are receptive to the wisdom they share. “I like to share with the students everything that our industry has to offer and that it’s not all about being a technician,” says Judy. “From accounting to a marketing perspective like mine, we show them all that’s available.”

CIE is guided by a mission to develop experiential learning opportunities, drive growth of the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem, and work with a diverse set of collaborators both on and off campus. Incredibly active in their community, Craftsman Auto Care hosts and participates in several events, including their own Cars & Coffee where they provide CIE students a booth to promote the center’s various projects to attendees of the car show. In the CIE students, the Currys find mentees who they can teach outside of the classroom with.

Cars & Coffee at Craftsman Autocare

Following in the entrepreneurial footsteps of his parents is Matt Curry, Jr., who recently enrolled in the MBA program at Mason. “He’s always wanted to be successful on his own, and sees a master’s as an important stepping stone, especially from Mason, which is one of the top schools in the country,” says his father. Recently, Judy took their son to a networking event with alumni and faculty members. It was “there he realized that he wasn’t just going to be attending class, but actually joining a really beneficial and fun community,” she says.

With business booming, a new store opening, and a calendar full of events, there’s so much to be excited about for the Currys. “We’re looking forward to keep expanding, making each location really profitable, and paying our employees as much as possible,” says Matt. “Craftsman Auto Care is getting bigger but we’re still a family business and I think our customers and employees appreciate that.” The Currys are exemplars of surviving and thriving through challenges, leading in their community, and putting customers and employees first. The support and education they provide to CIE students is invaluable in molding them into innovators and entrepreneurs of the future.

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