FROM OUR READERS

Before GMU, There Was GMC

➤When my father was near his end, and I would go into the room where he was lying in bed, he would smile and say, “I’m still here!” He meant this to be humorous, so he drew out the words and said them with his eyes still shut and a little smile.

Well, I’m just guessing, but there are probably a few members of the classes of 1968 and 1969 still here. Me, for one.

I started at George Mason College [GMC] in 1965, after serving four years in the Air Force. It was tough getting back to studying, but eventually my grades were pretty good. It was a blessing for me when GMC had enough books in its new library to offer four-year degrees. That meant I didn’t have to transfer to another school after my first two years, but it also meant that the D I got in biology freshman year would count toward my BA in history.

Because I had taken a few courses while in the Air Force and attended summer school, I graduated in three years. I was in the first graduating class, 1968.

For other members of the class of 1968 who are “still here,” give the Mason Spirit magazine a shout-out!

Gordon MacPherson, BA History ’68

First Class Ring?

➤On page 26 of the Spring 2022 issue, there is a photo of the 2002 official George Mason ring implying Art Carved provided the first class ring. This is incorrect as the first class ring was 1968, which I purchased and recently donated to Mason’s archives. In 2021, I met with Mason archivist Bob Vay and gave him my class ring and several other items from the GMU early years. He had never seen this ring and was very pleased to add it to the archives. I specifically chose a dark green stone as I was one of the students who originally proposed dark green and gold as the official GMU colors. At that time, Bob Vay also recorded an oral history of my experience at George Mason College from 1964 to 1977. I send you this information as I would not want students or alumni reading the article to think that GMU began in 1972, as much occurred before that year that gave GMU the identity it has today.

Chris Powell, BS Biology ’73, MS ’77

Don’t Forget SMSC

➤I am writing to inquire about why one of the greatest successes for Mason in its 50-year history—the colossal partnership established with [the] Smithsonian Institution that led to the creation of the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC) located inside the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia—was not prominently featured as part of the Mason Spirit 50th celebration edition.

The Smithsonian-Mason partnership is a success on an international scale, producing high-quality research, new teaching and learning opportunities, and numerous MS and PhD students in conservation biology, a group in which I am so grateful to be included. It has also boosted Mason in its rankings on many levels. This partnership was, in large part, made possible by the vision of Steve Monfort, PhD Environmental Science and Policy ’93, director of SCBI at the time and a Mason alum.

I was very eager in opening this edition of the magazine to see photos of Mason researchers working with cheetahs, pandas, and seeing students in various countries around the world in the field, but I was instead quite deflated not to see any recognition of the partnership with Smithsonian.

As I have not read every line of every page, perhaps I have missed this—and do let me know if so.

Ryan Valdez, PhD ’15

Ryan, you are correct. We blew it. The Smithsonian partnership was included in an earlier draft and fell out of the timeline during a reorganization of Mason moments. We are huge fans of SMSC and have had an SMSC research story in almost every issue. In this issue, we feature some elephant research on page 4. Also, please know that the partnership is noted on our interactive timeline on 50th.gmu.edu where we had more room to include even more Mason moments. And the year isn’t over; there is still time for us to celebrate this unique partnership and its contributions to conservation efforts around the world.

Editor's Note: The global paper shortage has affected the Mason Spirit's production schedule and caused delays. As a result, our summer issue has become the summer/fall issue.

We want to hear from you.

Letters to the editor are welcomed.

Send correspondence to Colleen Kearney Rich, Managing Editor, Mason Spirit, 4400 University Drive, MS 2F7, Fairfax, Virginia 22030.

Or send an email to spirit@gmu.edu.

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