Pats for Patriots April Round-Up
This past April, the Mason community was showered with kindness. Below is a highlight of the Pats for Patriots submitted in April 2024.
Paul Allvin
Office of University Branding
“Thanks so much for coming in on Thursday to speak with Student Government! The students enjoyed talking with you.”
– Student
School of Policy and Government
Friba Alizai
Office of Strategic Planning and Budget
“Friba always puts a smile on my face whenever I see her or receive a message from her during the workday. She exudes kindness and spreads joy wherever she goes, and this is so appreciated in the workplace! We need more people like Friba.”
– Whitney Owen
University Business Consulting
David Atkins and Janae Johnson
Office of University Branding
“Thank you David and Janae for sharing your stories in the "Awareness Put On Me" book. Reading your stories put a smile on my face and brought me so much joy. Your words were very inspirational and encouraging. Keep on shining!”
– Philip Wilkerson
GMU Career Services
Chrystal George-Mwangi
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
“Chrystal has been the epitome of a wonderful mentor, colleague and friend. She has generously shared wisdom or resources when needed. I had successes this year because of her.”
– Jeffrey Grim
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Rachael Goodman
College of Education and Human Development
“Really appreciate you getting us together to celebrate RMTs transition. We definitely need to connect more even when there's no major milestones to celebrate.”
– Sam Steen
College of Education and Human Development
Haydee E Holbrook
Human Resources
“Haydee is my “go to” person for anything payroll. Haydee is always available to listen to what I have messed up and then immediately turns around and gets the fix in place. I never feel like I am a bother, even though I am, as Haydee is always Miss Sunshine and very positive and gracious. We are fortunate to have an extremely professional, polished employee working for HR. She brings a smile to me whenever we chat because I can tell that she enjoys her position and is very good at it.”
– Cherie Galantis
ITS
Mary Horner
Center for the Advancement of Well-Being
“Mary is a phenomenal human. I could stop right there because that sums it up, but let me just emphasize how she is always helpful (personally and professionally), how she knows her stuff, how she keeps it real, how she is willing to research all sorts of things to ensure we're able to do our work. She's the bright light in our unit, and I look forward to her smile, her laugh, and her kindness each day.”
– Katie Clare
Center for the Advancement of Well-Being
Tony Houdek
ITS
“Tony is a fierce supporter of me and everyone he encounters. I have seen first-hand the impact he has and the devotion he has for helping people realize their full potential. He is fair, honest, and caring. He takes time to acknowledge, appreciate, and listen. He's an excellent role model and mentor, to all levels of leadership. Thank you, Tony!”
– Whitney Sublett
ITS
Christine Landoll
Costello College of Business
“Professor Landoll is always looking for ways to make our campus better and support her students. She has always been encouraging, kind, and supportive, embodying the Mason Chooses Kindness spirit. My time at Mason would not be the same without her!“
– Student
Costello College of Business
Kim Largen
College of Science
“Throughout the time we were colleagues, I've always appreciated the quality of the educational opportunities you offered our students. Thank you!”
– Dann Sklarew,
College of Science
Siona Listokin
Schar School of Policy and Government
“Thank you for consistently supporting my student leadership. It means the world to me.”
– Student
Schar School of Policy and Government
Phyllis Malkiewicz
Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center
“Phyllis constantly goes above and beyond for our preschoolers! She is amazing! She gives and gives in so many ways!”
– Olga O’Brien
Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center
Hatisha Mehta Jeffrey
Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations
“Hatisha was so generous with her time and provided tremendous feedback & perspective in reviewing materials for me.”
– Jeff Danaher
Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations
Anike Oladeji
Mason Recreation Student Employee
“Thanks for keeping the RIC ship afloat. Appreciate you holding us accountable and keeping us moving on projects. You are amazing.”
– Student Employee
Mason Recreation
Bridget Peabody
Human Resources
“Bridget is such a bright light wherever she goes and is always willing to help anyone who needs it. She's the best!”
– Stephanie Barnett
Costello College of Business
Cathy Pinskey
Facilities
“I always appreciate that I get to work with you, and am glad FUSE brought us together! Your constant support and mentorship made it much easier for me to proceed through the hard and busy days.”
– Melissa Thierry
University Life
Keith Renshaw
Undergraduate Education
“I want to thank Keith for being a great supervisor! He has used his network to support the Office of Fellowships and our students succeed, and he fully supports our vision of applicant inclusivity.”
– Megan Bruening
Office of Fellowships
Bree Riddick
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
“You are very sweet and understanding which makes the environment welcoming and comfortable. Thank you for being there for students and offering encouraging words. You are one of the professors I wish everyone could have.”
–Student
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Kelly Schrum
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
“I want to thank Keith for being a great supervisor! He has used his network to support the Office of Fellowships and our students succeed, and he fully supports our vision of applicant inclusivity.”
– Jeff Grim
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Dann Sklarew
College of Science
“Thank you for the pizza and fellowship after the Sustainability Career Panel last week. You are clearly a mentor to many Environmental Science students and I can see how you make an impact on GMU students’ lives.”
– Philip Wilkerson
Career Services
Dr. Sammy Steen
College of Education and Human Development
“You have been a great mentor to me and someone who has added tremendous value to my life both academically and personally. I enjoy our walks together and I appreciate how you make me think deeper about my feelings and thoughts. You are a leader and I am grateful to have you in my life.”
– Philip Wilkerson
Career Services
Eleana Velasco
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
“Eleana is consistently supportive and kind to each member of our team and has been especially thoughtful in the transition of our newest team member, extending her help in achieving tasks and checking in during stressful weeks. Her generosity of time and spirit makes her an integral and valued member of our group!”
– Erin McSherry
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Phil Wilkerson
Career Services
“Thanks for all the hard work you put into the Alumni Mixer yesterday! I had a great time connecting with alumni and talking about career paths.”
– Student
Schar School of Policy and Government
Jennifer Wood
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
“You are someone who has always encouraged me, and I really appreciate that. Your positivity is contagious and I love how you’re always willing to help us.”
– Student
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Send a word of appreciation to a colleague today! Submit a Pats for Patriots!