To celebrate the Golden Anniversary of George Mason University’s Alumni Association, this year’s Alumni Weekend features a gold soiree under the stars at the Fairfax Campus, new interactive experiences tailored for families and adult-friendly events that only Mason could offer.
The program, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 11, through Sunday, Oct. 14, boasts 28 activities. There are opportunities to reconnect with fellow alumni, experience what’s new at Mason and, in this special milestone year, reflect on 50 years of alumni engagement.
“Where else can you get food, drink, fun, networking and just a great night out for such a great deal?” asked Adrienne Teague, associate director of alumni relations.
Teague mentioned several new highlights alumni should be on the lookout for.
Family-friendly activities have been included by popular demand, including the Mason Showcase on Saturday with the Mason Community Arts Academy.
“You can enjoy instrumental and artist showcase performances during the Mason Showcase family-friendly lunch,” said Teague. “Then you can take a tour on a trolley around campus that ends with an Instrument Petting Zoo, where you can touch and feel different instruments and see what you might like to [play one day].”
Teague also spotlighted the Mason Science Experience, where attendees can check out what it’s like to be a biologist during a hands-on experiment, tour Mason’s honey bee apiaries and see what it’s like to be a forensic scientist by dusting for fingerprints and looking at blood samples, among other activities.
On the social side, alumni and their guests will be able to dance the night away at Mason’s signature Golden Bash (known in past years as the Green and Gold Bash). Teague describes this event as “the party of the season,” with both kid-friendly activities and adult-atmosphere programming later in the evening.
That’s not to mention the opportunities to meet and hear from authors (many of whom are Mason alumni) at Fall for the Book, attend a comedy show, join an all-you-can-eat-and-drink brunch along the DC Metro line and plenty more.
“It’s a great time of year to visit, and I hope alumni will come back and reminisce but also get energized to engage even more with the Mason Nation community,” said Christine Clark-Talley, associate vice president for alumni relations. “I want alumni to feel proud of their connection to Mason.”
View the schedule and register at alumniweekend.gmu.edu.