Author: Amanda Corrigan

Winter is finally here! While most of the campus is preparing for course finals and wrapping up the academic year with winter convocation, I find December to be a time of reflection and refocus. This year with a  few extra days off, I am excited to be able to spend even more time focused on my well-being both at work and at home.

As this is also a season of thanksgiving and appreciation, I wanted to take a moment and truly thank you for all you do here at Mason. I am astounded at all the accomplishments by our staff on a daily basis. YOU make a difference here at Mason for every student and college you interact with, and even those you don’t! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping make Mason my home this holiday season.

Stephanie Payton

Chair, Mason Staff Senate

George Mason University will honor faculty, staff, and retirees at Faculty/Staff and Retirees (FSR) Appreciation Night at a Mason basketball game on Wednesday, December 3, when Mason hosts a basketball doubleheader. The women’s team will face East Tennessee State University at 5 p.m., followed by the men’s team versus Old Dominion University at 7:30 p.m.

All full-time faculty/staff and retirees are eligible to request up to four free tickets. All requests must be submitted online. The deadline to request tickets is Sunday, November 30. Submit requests here.

For questions, contact [email protected].

After a successful career in headhunting and then 10 years at home raising our children, I took a position at the elementary school in our neighborhood. When our youngest moved on to middle school, I craved a change to an environment that would build on my skills and challenge me. However, I felt a strong need to work close to home so I could be available to my family if needed. With Mason only 4 miles down Braddock Road, it seemed the likely choice.

What I didn’t know then about Mason, and of the Associate Dean who hired me, is that this is the best place to work if you are family-oriented. Hands-down! I came to Mason because it was convenient geographically. I stay at Mason because this has become my home and I enjoy my job, co-workers, and colleagues across campus.

I joined the Staff Senate because of the opportunities to network across campus. Here in the Student Services Office we serve our students by helping them navigate the policies and procedures associated with special requests. At times it is necessary for students to be referred to other academic, service, or administration offices across campus. As a Staff Senator, I have had the opportunity to work beside individuals who later serve as a resource for our students.

Currently I serve on the Education and Outreach Committee. Our responsibility is to communicate and educate Mason staff about campus policies, programs, and services. We do this via a monthly newsletter, on our web page, and through email when necessary. In addition, I have served for several years on the University Dining Committee.

Outside of my day job, my daughter and I have a shop on Etsy, BBsBanners, where we sell one-of-a-kind custom and ready-made fabric banners, canopies for infant car seats, and Twirly Girly skirts. My daughter does the marketing and posting; I am the seamstress.

When I’m not working at Mason, or sitting behind my sewing machine, I enjoy the company of my husband, our four children, and five grandchildren (#6 will be here in March).

An on-site flu shot clinic will be offered for COVA Care, COVA HDHP, and COVA HealthAware participants in conjunction with Faculty-Staff Enrichment Day on Tuesday, December 2, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Johnson Center, Gold Room.

To make an appointment, call 1-877-728-6655, Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

For details, view Flu Shot Information. Contact Life/Work Connections at 703-993-2600 with additional questions.