For press releases issued after to Jan. 20, 2012, see http://newsdesk.gmu.edu/category/press-releases/
Apr. 16, 2008
Media Contact: Tara Laskowski, tlaskows@gmu.edu 703-993-8815
Following are story ideas and events you might be interested in covering at George Mason University. For more information on any of these ideas, please contact Mason’s Media Relations at mediarel@gmu.edu or 703-993-8815.
FEATURE STORY IDEAS
Faculty Member of the Year Lets Kids of All Ages See the Stars
After almost 16 years of teaching in Mason’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, this spring Professor Harold Geller finally received a scouting merit badge in astronomy. It was given to him by a group of boy scouts who came to the new campus observatory for a session. They were just one of many groups with whom Geller has shared his knowledge of the night skies. Geller’s office is decorated with hand-drawn thank you notes from local schoolchildren, and many of these cards were included in his nomination package for 2008 Faculty Member of the Year.
Geller is the keeper of the observatory archives and history. He designed, developed and raised funds for the construction of the university’s new observatory (its third, he will remind you), which will house a 32-inch Ritchey Chrétien telescope that is being custom-built for the university.
"His passion for astronomy is topped only by his extreme love for teaching about it," says Tere Linehan, assistant dean in the College of Science.
Media Contact: Tara Laskowski, 703-993-8815, tlaskows@gmu.edu
Mason Students Place Fifth in the Nation with Public Speaking Skills
While most people are terrified at the thought of public speaking, the George Mason University Forensics Team thrives on it. After this year’s national tournament, the team can “speak” from the rooftops that they are fifth in the country—making this the 23rd year in a row the team has placed in the top 10 in the nation.
Senior Ian Summers was named the 2008 National Champion in Persuasive Speaking. And senior Chrissy Kendall was honored nationally as one of the 16 All-Americans of Intercollegiate Forensics for her service, dedication and exemplary performances and speeches. The team is directed by Peter Pober.
Media Contact: Tara Laskowski, 703-993-8815, tlaskows@gmu.edu
Students Win Award to Conduct Literacy Event
Lisa M. Rabin, associate professor of Spanish at Mason, and some of her undergraduate students received a $1,000 State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning Award to launch a service-learning project for Global Youth Service Day on April 26. Their event will benefit the community of Culmore, Virginia, and will be held in partnership with Tenants and Workers United and other community organizations. The Culmore Celebration of Literacy and Social Empowerment will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Bailey’s Field Park in Falls Church, Virginia. It will mark the dedication of a lending library for Culmore residents at the Culmore Family Resource Center and includes a free book distribution for children; entertainment in music, poetry, puppetry and dance; and a youth soccer tournament.
Media Contact: Tara Laskowski, 703-993-8815, tlaskows@gmu.edu
Mini Student Public Relations Team Develops Annual Luau Event
While most college courses use textbooks to teach students the skills needed to succeed in the real world, a group of seven students is actually putting these skills to the work—for the greater good of the student body. In a class designed by Christine LaPaille, vice president for University Relations at Mason, students formed a mini public relations team and were tasked with identifying a problem on campus, creating a solution and marketing that solution. The team focused their efforts on increasing campus activities and developed a campaign around a new end-of-year tradition: a luau. The students developed a budget, marketed the event and produced materials as though they were their own public relations agency. The After Mason Day Luau will be held near Mason Pond on Friday, April 25. Students will be dressed in Hawaiian attire and the event will include activities such as tug of war, a relay race, limbo and a hula hoop contest.
Media Contact: Catherine Ferraro, 703-993-8813, cferraro@gmu.edu
EVENTS
Virginia Tech Day of Remembrance
Wednesday, April 16, 7:30 p.m. on the North Plaza
To commemorate the events that took place on the Virginia Tech campus a year ago, George Mason University will hold a vigil and night of reflection to honor the victims of the tragedy. The event will also acknowledge violence at other universities and colleges throughout the past year and will seek to unite the Mason community while providing a safe venue and support to discourage violence.
The university and surrounding community are invited to attend. Candles will be provided. Media Contact: Catherine Ferraro, 703-993-8813, cferraro@gmu.edu
EarthFest featuring Ralph Nader
When: Saturday, April 19
Where: Student Quad in front of Student Union Building I
Time: 2 to 10 p.m.
EarthFest, a sustainability festival, will be a day-long event featuring environmental speakers, local bands and food and educational vendors. Ralph Nader will speak at 3:40 p.m. For more information, visit http://gmu.edu/org/environment/earthfest/.
Media Contact: Tara Laskowski, 703-993-8815, tlaskows@gmu.edu
Vision Lecture Series: "The Dawn of the Age of Personalized Therapy"
Monday, April 21, 2008 at 8 pm.
Center for the Arts Concert Hall, Fairfax
Scientists Emanuel Petricoin III and Lance Liotta will present their lecture for the Vision Lecture Series. At Mason's Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, scientists are focusing their efforts on a new paradigm for early diagnosis and personalized management of disease. The lab uses proteomic techniques and novel nanotechnology methods to harvest proteins in blood that may indicate the presence of cancer or other diseases. Instead of using the current 'trial and error' or 'one-size-fits-all' methods to prescribe therapies, proteomics can help provide the missing element to support the promise of personalized medicine.
Media Contact: Jim Greif, 703-993-9118, jgreif@gmu.edu
Earth Day and Bike to Mason Day
When: Tuesday, April 22
Where: North Plaza, outside of Johnson Center Cinema (unless otherwise noted)
The entire Mason community is encouraged to bike to the Fairfax Campus to celebrate Earth Day. Daylong events include free food, free bike tune-ups, giveaways and speakers. Bikes for the World will on hand to collect donated used bikes. For more information, visit: http://transportation.gmu.edu/BiketoMasonDay.html.
Media Contact: Tara Laskowski, 703-993-8815, tlaskows@gmu.edu
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