ALUMNI STORIES

50th Anniversary

We’ve Always Been Green and Gold—and Now We’re Golden

What started in just a single building in 1957, with only 17 students, has grown into a community of more than 39,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Today, Mason is the largest public research university in Virginia with three campuses in Virginia and one in Songdo, Korea. From George Mason University’s origins as a branch campus of the University of Virginia to its current status as Virginia’s largest, most inclusive, and most innovative university with more than 220,000 alumni around the world, Mason has experienced 50 remarkable years of growth and achievement.

“Mason at 50” represents an inflection point for the university, as we look to the half century ahead and focus on the university we are becoming, the students we are graduating, and the world we are helping to shape.

For more information you can visit: 50th.gmu.edu

Big Moments in the History of George Mason

1972 On April 7, 1972, Governor A. Linwood Holton Jr. signed legislation establishing Mason as an independent member of Virginia’s system of colleges and universities, separating George Mason College from the University of Virginia.

1986 James Buchanan wins the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences.

2002 University Libraries hits 1 million volumes. Vernon Smith wins the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences.

2004 With an enrollment of 28,750, Mason becomes the largest public university in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

2006 The Mason men’s basketball team becomes the original “Cinderella” team of March Madness as it made its exciting run from an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament’s Final Four.

2016 Mason is designated as an R-1 research institution.

The original quad at George Mason University.

Sheryl and Bill Margo’s Gift to Impact Fellows Honors Legacy of Sally A. and Albert W. Kaider

BY GREG JOHNSON, ’13

Despite their own limited resources, Sally A. and Albert W. Kaider always made helping others a priority. Their legacies will now be honored as the new name of the Business for a Better World Impact Fellows 2021-2022 First Year Experience. The generous gift to the program was made by their daughter and son-in-law, Sheryl and Bill Magro.

Launched in the fall of 2020 out of the Business for a Better World Center (B4BW) at the George Mason University School of Business, the Impact Fellows Program was created to help first-year students from underrepresented groups develop the skills required to take on the grand challenges the world faces today. Over two years, the Fellows learn about the United Nations sustainable development goals and how they can directly drive social change. Co-Executive Director of the Business for a Better World Center Anne Magro is the daughter of Sheryl and Bill Magro. Always ones to give back, Sheryl and Bill were galvanized by Anne’s enthusiasm for the program, finding that its mission was very much aligned with their own views. “I have an enormous amount of respect for Sheryl’s parents, who really epitomized the true spirit of giving, especially Sally,” says Bill Magro. “Here was a woman who literally took off her new coat in the freezing Western Michigan winter and gave it to someone in need.” While the Kaiders were challenged to pay their own bills, they never failed to help those around them experiencing even greater hardships. That sense of responsibility for those in need has been passed down to their daughter and son-in-law. From funding a free dental clinic to stocking food pantries, Sheryl and Bill consistently step in to support their community. Sheryl and Bill are quick to note that they didn’t decide on the gift because of their daughter’s involvement, but Anne’s passion for the program was highly contagious. Still in its infant stages, the success of the program is so far best characterized by feedback from students. Ashanti Martin, a sophomore studying marketing, credits Impact Fellows with opening her eyes to sustainability practices. “I’ve gained a great understanding of the United Nations sustainable development goals, and I know that I can take those practices to companies I work at in the future,” says Martin. “Another takeaway from Impact Fellows was learning about cultural intelligence and different forms of bias.” Selassie Fugar, a sophomore studying business analytics, also interns in the B4BW’s Summer Team Impact Program project. “It’s been an amazing program with faculty who have been so helpful in setting me up with the right resources and internships,” says Fugar. “I don’t think I would have been able to make those connections without Impact Fellows.” First-generation students represent a significant portion of the School of Business, and the Magros can’t help but find themselves relating to them. “Our students really mirror my parents’ experiences, as my mom was the first in her family to go to college, and my dad was in the first generation to graduate from college in his family too,” says Anne Magro. “My mother worked to make sure that people’s immediate needs were met, and then also their needs to sustain themselves in the future, whether that be through job training or education,” says Sheryl Magro. “My husband and I passed the value of education down to our children, and now it’s really come full circle, with this program being named in my parents’ honor.” Sheryl and Bill Magro see their gift to Impact Fellows as an investment, and the objective is twofold— equip students with the tools they need to sustain success in their own lives and act as catalysts in solving many of the world’s most pressing problems. In the end, the Magros hope that their gift motivates others to pay it forward, just like Sally and Albert Kaider always did. To learn more about the B4BW Center or the many ways you can make a difference in our students’ lives, please contact the center at b4bworld@gmu.edu

Sheryl and Bill Magro. Photo Credit: Anne Magro

Alumni-to-Alumni: Sharing Thoughts and Insight

LISA FEATHERNGILL

BS Accounting ’85 National Director of Wealth Planning at Comerica Bank

Find a profession that interests you early in your career and stay with it. The longer you can focus on an area of expertise, the more known you will be in that field, which opens up a lot of possibilities. Focus and work hard. Learn as much as possible. This makes you valuable to an employer, which gives you the opportunity to make more money and have more flexibility. I started with Arthur Andersen right out of school. I had the job lined up in December prior to graduation thanks to the Career Center. I specialized in tax and financial planning early in my career and have stayed in the field in a variety of roles ever since. The field has evolved immensely, which will be true of other careers. Don’t be afraid to follow your interests!

CORNELL HARRIS

Executive MBA ’96 Practice Partner, Wipro Limited

Beginning your career, it is important to pace yourself and take things one step at a time. No one expects you to be perfect on day one. No one expects you to know the answer to everything. They simply desire that you know where to get the information. So, as you adopt a growth mindset and focus on learning, I suggest that building your network is critical. It is important that you become an “information broker” —a person who occupies a key role in connecting with varied groups of people. Networks deliver three unique advantages: private information, access to diverse skill sets, and positional power. Executives see these advantages at work every day but might not pause to consider how their networks regulate them. When we make judgments, we use both public and private information. In the Information Age, public information is so easily available from a variety of sources. Precisely because it is so accessible, public information increasingly offers significantly less competitive advantage than in years prior. Private information, by contrast, is gathered from personal contacts, who can offer something unique that cannot be found in the public domain. This may be the release date of a new product, unpublished software code, or knowledge about what a particular interviewer looks for in potential candidates. Private information, therefore, can offer an edge. Consequently, the value of your private information to others, and the value of others’ private information to you, depends on how much trust exists in the network of relationships. Those relationships can be in the form of mentors, work groups and social encounters with working superiors. TIEN HUYNH

BS Finance ’16 AVP, Portfolio Manager, Capital Bank, N.A.

Experience with an internship is a very important first step to landing the first big job right out of school. Through the internship, you will not only gain firsthand experience in the field, but you also find out if that career path is suitable for you. If you were not able to get an internship during school, seeking one after graduation is not too late. Instead of settling for a job that pays, but might not be relevant to your field, get an internship that might lead to a full-time position in a field of your interest. Second, networking gives you a better chance of landing a job than simply submitting your resume online. Network as much as you can through attending career fairs and even calling professionals whose positions you are interested in. Schedule a visit to shadow their job. Invite them out for a coffee or lunch. Their company might have an entry-level position open, or they might know who is hiring. However, your goal is to genuinely learn about their jobs and the company, not to ask for a job. Last but not least, be who you are and be comfortable in your own skin. Reflect on what your strengths and weaknesses truly are. You might be an introvert, so social skills might not be your A-game. But at the same time, you could be analytical, someone who pays extra attention to the details. Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Elevate your strengths and learn to mitigate your weaknesses. Congratulations and best wishes on your next journey!

ISABELLA BAH

BS Finance ’21 Staff Acountant, Burdette, Smith, & Bish LLC

I believe that it is important to try and venture into different areas in your career to find out what is best for you. As I am beginning to navigate the different areas of accounting, I have gained more of a well-rounded perspective on what area I would like to specialize in. I do not believe that I would have come to this realization had I not pushed myself out of my comfort zone and challenged myself to learn new information and unconventional learning techniques. Second, I believe uncovering my zone of genius has been crucial to my success. With this tip, I have taken the time to identify what my natural talents and passions are and utilize them in spaces that allow me to accomplish my personal and professional goals. The last piece of advice I have adopted was to discover my sense of self. I find this to be very important, especially after graduating college. These last few years have allowed my ability to assess the person I was and compare it to the person I want to become. So, be sure to keep an open mind and welcome various opportunities in your life for growth.

CHUCK LA ROCK

BS Finance ’07 Senior Vice President, Jones Lang LaSalle

Value internal relationships. It is very exciting to get into the working world, start a career, and take the next steps following completion of school. You want to make your mark on the world! Wherever you end up, whether that is a temporary position or your dream job, don’t underestimate the importance of internal relationships. Particularly in a sales position, it is easy to direct focus solely to external prospects or that next sale. However, the relationships and respect you have with your peers, colleagues, and superiors can be equally as important for both your personal and business development, mentorship, and advancement.

PHAT PHUONG

BS Finance and Accounting ’17

Force yourself to become better than you are. Whether it is continuing your education, developing networking skills, or initiating leadership roles, no one is going to invest in you better than you. I cannot stress enough about continuing education. Take courses or earn certifications to stay relevant and competitive. Hiring managers will view and compare you against other applicants to see if you met the role requirements, are a good fit for the team, and what you can bring to the team. Having more knowledge in performing your job tasks or having certificates to demonstrate you can do your job would give you a comparative advantage over other applicants. For networking, it takes humility to stretch out your hand, not knowing if the other person will reach out to you. Endure with the mindset that networking is about what you can do for the other person—only then will you understand your value and your weaknesses. Lastly, take on leadership roles whether it is in the workplace or your community. Volunteer work can be an opportunity you create for yourself. For example, volunteer at your local church or for a local small business owner in your desired professional field, such as performing bookkeeping or helping with taxes if you are in the accounting field. Another leadership initiative is to join a local Toastmaster group to build your confidence and your ability to influence others in accomplishing a common and ethical task.

JACKIE KALINOWSKI

BS in Management ’18 Management Consultant, Accenture Federal Services

When an opportunity presents itself, always say “Yes!” When you receive requests to learn a new tool or become involved in a new process, it’s always beneficial to take advantage of new opportunities. Though not every experience is inherently positive, all experiences expand your knowledge which you depend on the rest of your life. I got my current (dream job) as a consultant by accepting new experiences. During my sophomore year, I attended a weekend event hosted by Accenture, which led to an internship and subsequently a full-time position. It would’ve been easier for me to relax and study that weekend, but by saying “Yes,” it has led to a career that aligns with my interests and fulfils me!

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee

What Brings Us Together

BY GREG JOHNSON, ’13

Each voice is a resource that becomes a true strength when everyone’s perspectives are valued. With diversity in spades, George Mason University has plentiful resources. Now, the School of Business Alumni Chapter’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee relentlessly pushes for every Patriot to feel welcomed and included so that the school can continue ascending to new heights. Founded by Jason Howell, BS Accounting ’97, and Inaugural Chair David Atkins, BS Decision Science ’90, the Committee’s mission is to “Foster a culture of inclusion and proactively leverage diversity to enhance alumni engagement.” Jennifer Rhodes, EMBA ‘05, served as the chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee on the School of Business Alumni Chapter Board for the fiscal year 2021. “I chose Mason because I saw strong female students and leaders, professors who cared, and diverse perspectives from students being raised in thoughtful classroom discourse,” she says. “Now, I’m giving back to ensure diversity and inclusion remains a pillar of strength for the School of Business.” Her voice is a critical addition to the Board in ensuring that alumni businesses exhibit the inclusion that they preach. Today the Committee is led by Falahyar Fatmi, MS Technology Management ’05. Paramount to the Committee’s objectives are open communication and collaboration. “Leaders at Mason want to include everyone’s input, but many people don’t know who to ask or talk to,” says Howell. The central relationships that the Committee develops are with Mason’s alumni chapters— Black Alumni, Latino Alumni, and Lambda Alumni Chapters. “The Committee even works to collaborate with student chapters to foster diversity and inclusion in the day-to-day goings of any chapter so that every Patriot feels welcome in any student organization,” says committee member Michael Ly, BS Accounting ’12, MS Accounting ’13. Within the School of Business, inclusion is advanced through personal outreach. It consists of engaging with alumni about board leadership positions and other recognitions, interacting with future business alumni, and encouraging alumni to participate in school events. “Personally, attending those events and interacting with my peers opened my eyes on new perspectives in life,” says committee member Ava Nia, BS Marketing ’19. “We should embrace our differences and celebrate them—something organizations at Mason thrive to do.” When every member of the School of Business community contributes their time and ideas, it pushes everyone involved to be more effective leaders and to think more critically. In April of last year, the School of Business completed the Diversity and Inclusion Workshop Series to coincide with Celebrate Diversity Month. Jointly presented by the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the School of Business Alumni Chapter and the School of Business Office of Student Success and Academic Services, the series provided a judgement-free zone where participants could share experiences, ask questions, and learn from each other and from the moderators. “Whether the attendees were in Herndon or in Albuquerque, New Mexico, our Patriots came together and created a space for virtual adult learning and sharing,” says Jennifer Rhodes. “Each personal contribution enriched the experience for all those involved.” The feedback from workshop series participants illustrates how effective the sessions were. “This was an excellent series. All of the presenters were amazing. The content was fuel to move our advocacy forward,” says Melissa Hartman, MBA ‘95. Laura Niel, BS Accounting ’87, added, “Thank you to the School of Business for a great series and encouraging us to be diversity and inclusion ambassadors. I’m very proud to be a Mason Patriot.” Another participant, Renée Harrison, MBA ’12, said, “I really appreciate this type of free workshop being available as a graduate of Mason.” The Committee encourages businesses to challenge themselves in the ways they operate by being more inclusive. You do not have to be a committee member to give valued feedback. “We are always considering new ideas, new perspectives, and asking if we heard from every group,” says Rhodes. The members like to repeat a mantra that resonates with them and their mission: “What makes us unique is diversity, what brings us together is inclusion.”

David Atkins, Inaugural Chair BS Decision Sciences ’90

Jason Howell BS Accounting ’97 Jennifer Rhodes Executive MBA ’05

Ava Nia BS Marketing ’19

Michael Ly BS Accounting ’12 MS Accounting ’13

School Welcomes Newest Dean’s Advisory Council

Members

The School of Business welcomed nine new board members to the Dean’s Advisory Council in 2020 and 2021. The council acts as a partnership between the school and business leaders in order to deepen the business community’s participation in the development of Mason business students. Members of the council represent a variety of industries and provide a real-world perspective that ensures the school’s program curricula meet current industry needs. “Crucially, council members share our story, which is essential in helping raise our profile and in celebrating the way Mason makes it possible for so many people to tackle real-world business issues in a holistic, sustainable fashion,” says Dean Maury Peiperl.

Active on several advisory boards within the School of Business, Dale “Dusty” Wince, Jr.’s (’12) leadership on the Dean’s Advisory Council has been instrumental in establishing and strengthening partnerships between the School of Business and the surrounding business community. He continues to be a passionate advocate and leader at Mason. With Wince now stepping into the role as the immediate past council chair, the School of Business is pleased to announce that Elaine Marion, ’95, chief financial officer at ePlus Inc, has taken the reins as new council chair as of 2020. “The Dean’s Advisory Council is an important contributor to the George Mason University School of Business on two fronts,” says Marion. “First, the Council advises the business school with trends in industry to prepare graduates with the skills and traits that employers are seeking. Second, the Council promotes George Mason to their network and colleagues to further the business school’s partnership with industry and the community.” The School of Business looks forward to continuing to advance on both fronts with Marion at the helm of the council.

Elaine Marion Chair, BS Accounting ’95

Marion has more than 20 years experience in accounting and finance including experience in the areas of corporate finance, risk assessment and management, strategic planning, human resources, business insurance, and information technology. Marion was named one of the Influential Women of Virginia by Virginia Lawyers Weekly, Class of 2012.

Horace Blackman BA American Studies ’93

Horace Blackman is a senior vice president for Consulting Services and leads the Health and Human Services Markets at CGI Federal, a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary of CGI Inc. In this role, he is responsibility for the strategy development and execution of business and technology solutions to a diverse set of clients within this market. Nancy Collins BS Business Administration ’80

Nancy Collins is the board chairman and principal of Everest Care Management (ECM) - a medical services company focused on workplace injuries. In this role, Collins sets the strategic direction for the company’s business expansion. She takes pride in maintaining positive client relationships and fostering an employee empowered culture at ECM. Chris Cage

Chris Cage is the executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO) of Leidos. He oversees all financial activities of the company, including accounting and financial reporting, treasury, tax, planning and analysis, and investor relations.

Craig Kendall

As president and owner of Financial Investments, Inc. (FII), Craig Kendall has created wealth and established financial security for hundreds of clients, from individuals who entrusted their life savings to him to large institutional investors who see the value of his unique investment approaches. Paul Cusenza

Paul Cusenza is the chairman and CEO of Nodal Exchange and Nodal Clear. Nodal Exchange is a commodities exchange listing futures and options for trading and Nodal Clear acts as a central counterparty clearing house. The majority of U.S. power futures open interest is held at Nodal and represents over $50 billion in notional value.

Natalie Randolph

Natalie Randolph began her tenure as the director of Equity, Justice & Community (EJC) in July 2019. In this role she is the senior administrator responsible for leading and coordinating all institutional equity and inclusion initiatives. Rick Hubbard BS Decision Science ’85, MBA ’90

Rick recently started a new position as CEO of Gemini Communications. Gemini operates in the fiber construction and telecommunications services arenas under two world class operations and brands. Cable Construction and Utilities LLC (CCU) provides services to traditional Cable Company customers and BlueStreak LLC serves telecommunication service providers.

Mark Rothman

Until its sale in April of 2002, Mark Rothman owned and operated The MYTA Corporation, one of the largest IT staffing firms in the Washington, D.C., area. He serves on the board of several private companies and works with numerous nonprofits including Junior Achievement, The Leukemia Lymphoma Society, and Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ).

Katharyn White

In her current role as vice president of Federal Ecosystem at IBM, Katharyn While is bringing togerher companies to solve important global issues. Katharyn brings to this role a passion for positive change, and over twenty five years of GTM, channels, transformation and government experience.

A Strong Tradition of Building Partnerships through Advisory Boards and Councils

More than 300 leaders representing 175 companies serve as advisors on School of Business boards and councils.

If you’d like to get involved you can contact Christina Spring, director of advancement and alumni relations, at cspring4@gmu.edu or 703-993-5297.