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Former president of Poland Andrzej Duda instructs on executive decision-making in times of crisis

Katarina Benson — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 18:58:21 +0000

Former president of Poland Andrzej Duda instructs on executive decision-making in times of crisis Katarina Benson Fri, 10/23/2026 - 14:58

This fall, former president of Poland Andrzej Duda came to ��ɫ��Ƶ’s Antonin Scalia Law School to teach students a course on executive decision-making in times of crisis.

"Leadership, Democracy, and the Rule of Law,” a two-credit seminar meeting both online and on campus, asked students to consider how they would navigate the legal and practical constraints presidents face during an emergency.

L to R: Former President of Poland Andrzej Duda and Dean Daniel Kelly. Photo provided

Comparing parallel provisions of the U.S. and Polish Constitutions, President Duda explored the differences between Article II’s vesting of executive power and Poland’s “semi-presidential” model. He also challenged students to map out their responses to geopolitical conflicts he experienced firsthand: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, rapid increases in migration, and escalation in more distant regions like the Middle East.

Courses on constitutional and administrative law typically engage in retrospective analyses of past events. But in this class students were encouraged to think prospectively, working within a given executive model to address ongoing problems.

Students described President Duda as both affable and compelling.

Law student Yan Zhou said, “President Duda lectured for five hours straight without losing the room. He offered perspectives I had never considered, and they pushed me to think more critically.”

“It was an honor and privilege to host President Duda at Scalia Law School,” said Dan Kelly, Allison and Dorothy Rouse Dean of Scalia Law. “His contributions during the seminar provided our students with real-world lessons for how to make decisions on the front lines, and his conversations with faculty and students both inside and outside the classroom provided our community with a unique and valuable perspective.”

President Duda holds an LLB and an LLD from Jagiellonian University in Krakow, where he was also on the Faculty of Law. He held various roles in Poland’s Ministry of Justice, on the Polish State Tribunal, and in the Chancellery of the President from 2005 to 2010. He was elected to the Sejm (the lower house of Poland’s parliament) in 2010 and then to the European Parliament in 2014 before being elected as the sixth President of Poland in 2015, where he served until 2025.

“It was an honor to learn from Dr. Duda,” said third-year law student Ben Gustafson. “I was able to stand in his shoes and contemplate how I might respond to national security threats and handle immense political responsibility. I especially appreciated his candor and honesty in answering any and all of our questions.”

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In the ‘End Hunger Games,’ the tributes fought food insecurity on George Mason’s campuses

lclarkg — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:36:55 +0000

In the ‘End Hunger Games,’ the tributes fought food insecurity on George Mason’s campuses lclarkg Thu, 10/22/2026 - 10:36

��ɫ��Ƶ’s Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC) empowers students to navigate barriers to academic success and well-being through advocacy, holistic support, inclusive services, and prevention education—fostering resilience, safety, stability, and lifelong success for students.

The center recently honored its 10th anniversary with a series of events, including a donation drive to benefit one of its key services: the Patriot Pantry, which provides access to nonperishable food and hygiene items to George Mason students who are experiencing food insecurity. The “End Hunger Games” competition brought the campus community together for a common cause and highlighted the work SSAC does to address food insecurity.

The Student Support and Advocacy Center hosted the "End Hunger Games" donation drive to support the Patriot Pantry. At the wrap-up event, attendees relished in the spoils of victory and celebrated the successful initiative with carnival games. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Each team in the competition was assigned a specific item to donate. The Office of University Branding was dubbed "District Black Bean." Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“The purpose of the event was to demonstrate that anyone can be a part of addressing food insecurity on our campuses,” said John Eichler, coordinator for Basic Needs Services in SSAC.

Twenty-six teams participated across the Fairfax Campus and Mason Square, representing university offices, departments, and student organizations. Each team was assigned a specific nonperishable food item or hygiene product to collect for the pantry.

As a result, 1,730 pounds of nonperishable food items and hygiene products were collected during the month-long donation period. The Office of University Branding claimed first place in the competition, collecting a total of 500 pounds of black beans.

“Students often feel they face food insecurity alone,” said Eichler. “Creating a campus-wide event brings more visibility to college students’ hunger and lets students know there is a community that strives to support their right to basic needs like food.”

With the large influx of donations through the End Hunger Games, community members can support the Patriot Pantry in the following ways:

Donate to the Student Food and Housing Insecurity Fund and the Patriot Pantry Expansion Fund;
Order still-needed items from the Amazon wish lists for the  Fairfax  and  Mason Square pantries. Ship directly to the pantry address included on the wish list, or drop off items in the donation bins on the Fairfax Campus, Student Union Building I, Room 3011, or at Mason Square, Van Metre Hall, Room 211;
Sign up to receive information about individual or group volunteer opportunities with the Patriot Pantry. Contact pantry@gmu.edu with questions.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

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From Sea to Space: Schar School Energy Forum Explores New Frontiers in National Security

Andrew J Schappert — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 19:15:29 +0000

From Sea to Space: Schar School Energy Forum Explores New Frontiers in National Security Andrew J Schappert Wed, 10/14/2026 - 15:15

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Admiral (ret.) Charles Richard delivers the morning keynote address regarding maritime strategy and security. Photos by Buzz McClain/Schar School of Policy and Government

Protecting maritime trade routes, securing energy supplies, and governing an expanding space economy present interconnected challenges for policymakers. At ��ɫ��Ƶ’s Schar School of Policy and Government, faculty expertise in energy geopolitics, international security, and space policy helped bring those challenges into focus at the eighth annual Mason Energy Forum.

Antares chief nuclear officer Rian Bahran discusses the future of portable nuclear generators.

Held October 7 at Mason Square in Arlington, Virginia, the daylong symposium, “From Sea to Space: The Challenges for Energy, Trade, and National Security,” brought together scholars, government officials, and industry leaders. The event was hosted by the Center for Energy Science and Policy (CESP) and the Center for Security Policy Studies (CSPS).

The collaboration connected complementary areas of research: energy security, sustainability, and resilience at CESP, and multidisciplinary analysis of defense and security challenges at the CSPS.

Organizers hoped attendees would leave with a greater appreciation for “the interconnectedness of national security, energy policy, and local infrastructure for commercial space and data centers,” said Richard Kauzlarich, Distinguished Visiting Professor and CESP codirector.

Energy and maritime security are crucial topics to address as “both have an immediate sense of urgency, the preoccupation of our policymakers, but also long-term consequences,” said cohost Ellen Laipson, director of CSPS and the Master of International Security program.

Those immediate pressures and longer-term implications shaped discussions throughout the day. Following a keynote address by retired Admiral Charles Richard, president of the Institute for Defense Analyses, on the state of international maritime strategy, panels of government and private-sector practitioners examined the challenges of maritime security and the relationship between energy and national security amid global conflict.

The first panel followed in Richard’s wake with a thorough discussion of “Maritime Security: 21st Century Challenges,” moderated by Schar School adjunct Joe Petrucelli, a Schar School 2022 PhD graduate in international relations and national security studies. Among other topics addressed, Steven Wills, a navalist for the Center for Maritime Strategy, reviewed maritime warfare developments on oceans around the world.

A midday discussion shifted to dry land as David Hart, a former Schar School professor now with the Council on Foreign Relations, set the stage for the second session’s topics of energy security, technological innovation, and modern leadership.

Hart was followed by a keynote address from Rian Bahran, chief nuclear officer for Antares, a California-based company developing portable nuclear reactors for military and space applications. Bahran described a future with governments, commercial clients, and international markets relying on nuclear technology, not just for energy but as a means of safeguarding national security.

Later panels explored space as economic infrastructure and the evolving mix of energy technologies, including nuclear, solar, and geothermal power. A key focus was the discussion of Northern Virginia’s energy demand driven by explosive AI data center growth. Industry experts explored behind-the-meter power generation based on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), solar and geothermal microgrids, and the challenging economic question of how “hyperscalers” will deploy next-generation power solutions.

Schar School adjunct Hina Kazmi, left, moderates a panel on space as economic infrastructure.

Schar School adjunct professor Hina Kazmi, a NASA veteran who also helped to organize the event, moderated the space infrastructure discussion.

Kazmi called the symposium “a very intellectually engaging environment” and was particularly encouraged by the student participation. She noted that the rapidly expanding space sector offers significant career opportunities across disciplines ranging from STEM to law.

Asked whether space represents a growing employment field for students, her answer was emphatic: “Big time.”

Schar School students in attendance the forum connected their coursework with current debates in energy policy and national security.

“I’ve always wanted to find a way to combine my interests in energy policy and national security, so this is the first time I’m going to a summit at George Mason where I can explore both those interests—and so far I’m really loving it,” said Master of Public Administration student Charessa Fryc.

The forum also offered something beyond the classroom: direct access to practitioners and experts confronting many of the same national security and policy challenges they study in their graduate programs. Fryc had the opportunity to meet Colin Grabow, associate director of the Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies at the Cato Institute, whose published work she already knew.

“It’s like a marketplace of ideas,” she said. “There are so many different perspectives that I can learn from.”

Marine veteran Jeff Hanrahan found similar value in hearing perspectives beyond those he encounters in his coursework.

“I like being able to hear from a wide range of new experts,” said Hanrahan, a master’s student in the Schar School’s International Security program (ISEC). “My professors are all great but getting to hear close to 10 other people who I don’t normally get to hear from every day is important.”

The “Sea to Space” symposium is one of several special events celebrating the Schar School’s 10th anniversary in 2026. Programs such as these underscore the Schar School’s role as a convening place for scholars, policymakers, industry leaders, and practitioners to examine the forces shaping public policy and national security.

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From Sea to Space: Power, Security, and AI Converge at Mason Energy Forum October 7

Andrew J Schappert — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 13:07:09 +0000

From Sea to Space: Power, Security, and AI Converge at Mason Energy Forum October 7 Andrew J Schappert Mon, 10/05/2026 - 09:07

Hina Kazmi

The Schar School of Policy and Government at ��ɫ��Ƶ will bring together national security, energy, technology, and regional policy experts October 7 to examine how global conflict and rapid technological change are reshaping energy policy.

The eighth annual Mason Energy Forum, “From Sea to Space: The Challenges for Energy, Trade, and National Security,” is a symposium bringing together experts from governments and key institutions to George Mason’s Van Metre Hall at Mason Square in Arlington, Virginia, on Wednesday, October 7.

Richard Kauzlarich

The daylong event runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Sessions will explore threats to global energy supplies and trade routes, the growing electricity demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers, and the potential of advanced nuclear power and space-based energy systems. A complete list of topics and speakers is available online.

The discussions have implications for household energy costs, business investment, and the infrastructure communities depend on. The forum offers policymakers, energy and technology professionals, local government leaders, students, and interested residents an opportunity to better understand these developments and the decisions ahead.

Ellen Laipson

Distinguished Visiting Professor Richard Kauzlarich is codirector of the Schar School’s Center for Energy Science Policy (CESP), which is cosponsoring the symposium with the Schar School’s Center for Security Policy Studies (CSPS), directed by Professor Ellen Laipson. Aerospace expert and Schar School adjunct Hina Kazmi organized the forum alongside Kauzlarich and Laipson. Kauzlarich and Laipson will provide opening and introductory remarks, respectively.

Former Schar School professor David Hart, now senior fellow for climate and energy at the Council on Foreign Relations, is the keynote guest in a conversation with Schar School Dean Mark J. Rozell.

Organizers hope attendees leave with an appreciation for “the interconnectedness of national security, energy policy, and local infrastructure for commercial space and data centers,” Kauzlarich said.

Update: This event is now full but we hope to see everyone who registered there!

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George Mason professor and alum tapped to help shape Virginia’s economic future

lclarkg — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 14:12:08 +0000

George Mason professor and alum tapped to help shape Virginia’s economic future lclarkg Fri, 09/04/2026 - 10:12

David Ramadan, BA Government and Politics ’93, MAIT International Transactions ’95, professor of practice in ��ɫ��Ƶ’s Schar School of Policy and Government and director of the Upper-Level Democracy Lab, has been appointed by Governor Abigail Spanberger to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) Board of Directors.

David Ramadan, professor of practice in ��ɫ��Ƶ’s Schar School of Policy and Government, director of the Upper-Level Democracy Lab, and two-time alum has been appointed by Governor Abigail Spanberger to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Board of Directors. Photo provided

VEDP works with local, regional, and state partners to expand and diversify Virginia’s economy. As part of the board of directors, Ramadan will support efforts that position the commonwealth as a leading place for business growth and international trade, with an emphasis on workforce development and site readiness to attract new employers.

Ramadan has spent more than 20 years working at the intersection of U.S. and international business, government, and higher education. He is a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates and the founder and principal of RAMA International, a consulting firm specializing in business growth, executive coaching, government relations, and higher education consulting.

“I hope to bring a practical, cross-sector perspective to the VEDP board,” Ramadan said.

A two-time alum, Ramadan said his perspective is also shaped by his academic experience as a student at George Mason.

“George Mason gave me the foundation to understand how government, policy, economics, and institutions interact,” he said. “My studies helped shape the way I think about economic development, international business, and public policy.”

Ramadan’s appointment to the VEDP board is not his first leadership role in public service. In 2010, former Governor Bob McDonnell appointed him to serve on George Mason’s Board of Visitors. Ramadan said that experience gave him insight into institutional governance, higher education, workforce preparation, and the important role universities play in a state’s economic future.

As a VEDP board member, Ramadan will draw on his expertise in education, public policy, and business to strengthen talent pipelines, workforce readiness, and Virginia’s long-term economic success.

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Qatar’s role in building sustainable peace

ckearney — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:26:16 +0000

Qatar’s role in building sustainable peace ckearney Tue, 06/02/2026 - 10:26

The Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at ��ɫ��Ƶ hosted the Minister of State of Qatar, His Excellency Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, for a presentation on “The Role of Qatar in International Mediation and Peacemaking,” on May 6 at Mason Square.

His Excellency Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi with Carter School dean Alpaslan Özerdem. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Students, alumni, faculty, and partners gathered to hear Al-Khulaifi talk about the critical considerations for effective mediation and sustainable peace, illustrated with examples of the successes and complexities Qatar has addressed as a neutral mediator.

“Hosting H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi at the Carter School was both timely and deeply valuable for our community,” said Carter School dean Alpaslan Özerdem. “At a moment when the international system is becoming increasingly fragmented and unpredictable, hearing directly from a practitioner and policymaker operating at the highest levels of international mediation offered a rare opportunity to reflect on how peacemaking itself is evolving.

“What particularly stood out was the emphasis on trust, persistence, and sustained engagement as the foundations of effective mediation—principles that are becoming ever more critical in today’s conflict environment.”

Al-Khulaifi focused on the critical importance of gaining the trust of all parties in the mediation process, based in part on the consent of both parties and respect for the cultures involved.

His Excellency Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Neutrality, a thorough understanding of the root issues, location, and the sustainability of the agreement are all critical elements in modern mediation, he said, noting that sustainability is one of the most crucial parts yet also the most difficult to maintain, especially in a complex and politically volatile landscape. Terms must be clear, and not open to misinterpretation, and mutually agreed-upon mechanisms must be established to provide peaceful recourse when a dispute arises, he said, all of which depends on strong communication.

Al-Khulaifi shared several real-world mediation examples. For instance, at the World Cup, representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo approached him about a dispute with Rwanda. After encouraging the envoys to watch the remainder of the match, they met at the diplomatic club. A week later, the parties had an agreement in principle.

He also reflected on the difficulty in creating a sustainable solution to the presidential power vacuum in Lebanon, Qatar’s work to reunify more than 100 children with their families in the Ukraine–Russia War, as well as other disputes, including Libya, Afghanistan, Gaza, and Venezuela.

George Mason alumna Isabella Cuevas, MS Conflict Analysis and Resolution ’25, said she was deeply impressed by the presentation. “Instead of it being a distant concept, [His Excellency] grounded the work of international mediation, bringing faces and actions to international peacebuilding,” she said. “The work being done by Qatar and the academic work being performed at the Carter School shouldn’t be separate; we’re working toward the same goals.”

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Mason Square flexed its neighborhood spirit at Clarendon FitFest

lclarkg — Thu, 21 May 2026 14:32:53 +0000

Mason Square flexed its neighborhood spirit at Clarendon FitFest lclarkg Thu, 05/21/2026 - 10:32

Mason Square hosted Clarendon FitFest on April 18, a community wellness event full of resources to promote active lifestyles, well-being, and meaningful connections between ��ɫ��Ƶ and the local Arlington community.

Photo by Romulfo Sison/Office of University Branding

The event brought together more than 400 attendees including students, faculty, staff, community members, and local businesses for physical activity, wellness education, and accessible health resources.

The sun was shining as more than 150 runners and walkers participated in the Pacers 5K run and two-mile walk to kick off the event. Live fitness demonstrations occurred every hour on the plaza, including Zumba, barre, Pilates, yoga, and more. Local fitness and wellness businesses hosted booths with interactive wellness activities.

Photo by Romulfo Sison/Office of University Branding

The event was a collaboration between ��ɫ��Ƶ, Clarendon Alliance, and Pacers Running.

“Events like Clarendon FitFest are a great example of what becomes possible when a university is genuinely embedded in its surrounding community,” said Melissa Thierry, director of University Life Regional Campuses. “Mason Square is an urban campus, and that means the energy and vibrancy of the space depends on what we build together with our neighbors. The connection between campus life and the broader Clarendon neighborhood is a real asset to the student experience here.”

Photo by Romulfo Sison/Office of University Branding

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Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day was action-packed and kid-approved

lclarkg — Thu, 07 May 2026 13:43:32 +0000

Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day was action-packed and kid-approved lclarkg Thu, 05/07/2026 - 09:43

Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day is an annual tradition at ��ɫ��Ƶ. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

��ɫ��Ƶ welcomed 262 “Junior Patriots” and their families for Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day at the Fairfax and Mason Square campuses on April 23. The day kicked off with music and dancing by the Green Machine, a visit from the Patriot mascot, and the Junior Patriot Palooza on Merten Lawn, hosted by Human Resources.

The Touch a Truck event is always a hit. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

With 45 hands-on activities, junior Patriots visited campus departments and offices to explore robotics, emergency preparedness, and video game design, watched K-9 and drone demonstrations from George Mason Police, and took a behind-the-scenes tour of the Center for the Arts.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Active events included blending smoothies on Mason Dining’s blender bike, and climbing aboard fire, police, and SWAT vehicles at the popular Touch a Truck event.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Creativity and play took center stage with crafts, pickleball, story time with University Libraries, scavenger hunts, mock courtroom visits, dance classes, lawn games, and more—offering a dynamic mix of learning, movement, and fun.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Thank you to the campus partners whose creativity and commitment made the day such a success.

Take Your Junior Patriot to Work Day will return on Thursday, April 22, 2027. Interested in hosting an activity? Contact engagehr@gmu.edu.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

Storytime on the plaza at Mason Square. Photo provided

George Mason Police shared a drone demonstration at Mason Square. Photo provided

Moot Court at Mason Square. Photo provided

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��ɫ��Ƶ named a Best Workplace for Commuters across all of its Virginia campuses

lclarkg — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:53:26 +0000

��ɫ��Ƶ named a Best Workplace for Commuters across all of its Virginia campuses lclarkg Thu, 02/12/2026 - 09:53

��ɫ��Ƶ has once again been recognized for its commitment to providing employees with high-quality commuter benefits and transportation options. This year, all three of George Mason’s Virginia campuses—Fairfax, Mason Square, and the Science and Technology Campus—have earned the Best Workplace for Commuters recognition.

This marks the first time the Science and Technology Campus has received this award, highlighting its continued growth and the commuter-focused programs that support faculty and staff.

All of ��ɫ��Ƶ's Virginia campuses have been recognized as Best Workplaces for Commuters. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

Best Workplaces for Commuters is a national program that recognizes organizations offering comprehensive commuter benefits that help reduce environmental impact, improve commuting experiences, and support employee well-being.

“This recognition reflects the intentional work happening across all of our campuses to make commuting easier, more flexible, and more sustainable for our employees,” said Josh Cantor, director of parking and transportation.

George Mason’s continued inclusion on the Best Workplaces for Commuters list reflects its ongoing investment in sustainable transportation, flexible commuting options, and a campus culture that prioritizes accessibility and quality of life.

The Science and Technology Campus became eligible for recognition this year due to the growing number of employees on campus, boosted by the opening of the Life Sciences and Engineering Building last year.

Capital Bikeshare stations are available on the Fairfax Campus and at Mason Square. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“We are especially proud to see the SciTech Campus recognized independently and to continue advancing innovative solutions that improve the daily experience for our campus community,” Cantor said.

Faculty and staff in Auxiliary and Business Services and Parking and Transportation support innovative commuter programs and technology-forward solutions across all of George Mason’s campuses. At Mason Square, this recently included the implementation of a new parking garage technology system, streamlining parking access across multiple garages and enhancing the commuter experience.

For more information about commuter programs and transportation options at George Mason, visit the Parking and Transportation website.

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Patriot Pantry expands to Mason Square

Katarina Benson — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 21:11:33 +0000

Patriot Pantry expands to Mason Square Katarina Benson Thu, 01/29/2026 - 16:11

On January 20, ��ɫ��Ƶ expanded one of its most essential student support services. The Patriot Pantry officially opened a new location at Mason Square, extending food security resources to a campus that primarily serves graduate and professional students.

Operated by the Basic Needs Services team at the Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC), the pantry provides nonperishable food and hygiene products to students experiencing food insecurity. The service is designed to reduce stigma and remove barriers that can interfere with academic success.

The idea to expand the Patriot Pantry to Mason Square began with students in Jennifer Sklarew’s EVPP 480 Sustainability in Action class who noticed a gap in resources for Mason Square’s predominantly graduate and professional student population.

The Pantry is housed in the Student Lounge in Van Metre Hall, Room 211. Photo provided

Environmental science major Julia Frost, environmental and sustainability studies majors Isabella Barrera and Crystal Park, and business major Noah Brown, mentored by Sklarew, an assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy, partnered with SSAC to create the new pantry. All four graduated in 2025.

With funding from a Mason Impact Mini Grant awarded by the Office of Undergraduate Education, the students funded the storage cabinet now used for pantry order pickup. SSAC assumed responsibility for operations, integrating the Mason Square location into its broader Basic Needs Services model and ensuring the pantry would function as a permanent, low-barrier resource.

“Food insecurity is a challenge no one should have to face, yet many do,” Barrera said. “Our goal is to help ensure that all students have access to a basic human right: food.”

The Patriot Pantry at Mason Square builds on a service with a long history at George Mason. What began nearly 12 years ago on the Fairfax Campus as a volunteer-led effort became a permanent student service in 2016, housed within SSAC. Since then, pantry usage has increased by 990%.

The expansion was also supported by funds from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) through the Hunger-Free Campus Food Pantry grant program. These funds will be used to stock the Patriot Pantry at Mason Square with nonperishable food items and essential hygiene products.

Additional support was provided by a $10,000 College Pantry Grant from the Capital Area Food Bank, awarded to SSAC at a time when demand for basic needs support continues to grow.

Professor Jennifer Sklarew, Isabella Barrera, Crystal Park, and Noah Brown, with Melissa Thierry, director, University Life Regional Campuses, standing by the pick-up cabinet for the Patriot Pantry at Mason Square. Photo provided.

Dwayne Hamilton Jr., assistant director for Basic Needs Services, emphasized the pantry’s role in supporting students from diverse economic backgrounds, particularly graduate students who are often overlooked in higher education support services.

“Addressing basic needs concerns through the Patriot Pantry at Mason Square moves students toward the ideal experience at George Mason: freedom and learning,” he said.

Students can now place orders through the Patriot Pantry at Mason Square order page and pick up items in the cabinet in the Student Lounge in Van Metre Hall, Room 211—a discreet, accessible location designed to prioritize privacy and dignity.

Community members may also support the pantry by donating nonperishable food and hygiene products through the Amazon Wishlist, contributing to the Student Food and Housing Insecurity Fund, or dropping off donations in the Student Lounge in Van Metre Hall, Room 211. A full list of accepted items is available on the Patriot Pantry homepage.

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