Author: Hannah King

Congratulations to Brian Barfield, building engineer, for being recognized as the January 2026 Facilities & Campus Operations (F&CO) Employee of the Month! Barfield was nominated by fellow Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center colleagues, Karla Balk, Fitness/Operations Supervisor; Robert Hinzman, Operations Manager; and Olga O’Brien, General Manager.

While only being a team member at the Freedom Center for 5 years and less than one year in his new leadership position as Building Engineer, Barfield has demonstrated his incredible leadership skills and has consistently gone above and beyond in his role to support the George Mason community and visitors.

Learn more about Brian on the Facilities website!

We’re excited to open the call for speaker proposals for the Thrive at Mason Bootcamp, which will be held virtually on July 14-15, 2026.

This year’s theme, Thrive in Practice: Tools, Processes, and Practical Skills, focuses on actionable approaches staff can apply directly in their day-to-day work. This event is designed to support practical learning through knowledge sharing, real-world examples, and skill-building experiences.

We invite George Mason colleagues to submit session proposals that highlight effective tools, streamlined processes, and practical skills. Proposed sessions may take the form of presentations, interactive workshops, demonstrations, panels, and facilitated discussions.

If you are interested in contributing as a volunteer speaker, please complete and submit the Speaker Proposal Submission Form. Additional details regarding session forms, timelines, and expectations will be shared upon selection following proposal review.

Submit a Proposal: Thrive at Mason Bootcamp 2026 – Speaker Proposal Submission Form

Proposals are due by March 3, 2026. Speakers will be selected by the end of March 2026.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact [email protected].

Thank you for considering this opportunity and for supporting learning and growth across the George Mason community.

University Libraries offer 24/7 online access to Rosetta Stone, the premier software for language learning. Acquire a new language or brush up your skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening, as well as grammar and vocabulary.

It takes the average learner 50 hours to complete a chosen language level with the Rosetta Stone Library Solution. Schedule 30 minutes a day and best practices show that within 20 weeks the self-paced learning can be accomplished.

For more information, visit the University Libraries website.

The Support Group for Working Mothers at George Mason is one way faculty, staff, and students can come together, discuss the issues confronting working mothers, and perhaps motivate changes on campus.

If you are interested in sharing stories and being part of an informal organization of working mothers, please join them! Spring meetings will kick off on Microsoft Teams with a hybrid format. Feel free to visit their website for meeting dates and more information.

Facilities & Campus Operations (F&CO) have launched annual awards to celebrate many of their exceptional team members.

F&CO leadership and the Culture Champion Committee have partnered on this initiative and are excited to present the annual awards listed below.  All F&CO team members, and those outside the division, are encouraged to nominate their peers for future awards. Congratulations to the following award winners:

Team Member Awards:

• Facilities Management Operations
  • Frank Pierpoint, Plumber, Zone 2
  • Epifanio Escamilla, General Maintenance Tech II, Zone 2
  • Jose Vargas, General Maintenance Tech II, Zone 4
  • Gordon Maginness, HVAC Tech I
• Facilities Services
  • Keith ”Wally” Wallace, General Services Supervisor
• Regional Campuses
  • Amanda Parnell, Mason Square Operations Manager
• Business Services and Facilities Administration
  • Colleen Regan, Zero Waste Mason Program Manager
• Planning, Design, and Construction
  • Jennifer Gantt, Project & Relocation Coordinator
• Janitorial Services
  • Martha Rodriguez, Housekeeper
• Rookie of the Year
  • Danielle Busch, Scheduling and Event Manager
• Wage Employee
  • Audrey Kwakye, Communications & Marketing Administrator
  • Robert Kupczak, Gardens Coordinator
  • Demin Zhu, Patriot Green Fund Coordinator
  • Matt Gaines, Scheduling and Event Coordinator

Supervisor of the Year

• Juma Handon, Zone 4 Supervisor

Culture Champion of the Year

• Jason Reed, Electrician II, Zone 4

Innovation 

• Tan Nguyen, Waste/Recycling Worker

University Community Partnership 

• Donielle “Doni” Nolan, Greenhouse & Gardens Program Manager

Safety Champion of the Year 

• Kevin Brim, Recycling & Waste Management Supervisor

Special Initiative / Project Team

• Better Bins Preview
  • Ben Auger, Engagement Coordinator
  • Kevin Brim, Recycling & Waste Management Supervisor
  • Colleen Regan, Zero Waste Mason Program Manager
  • Amber Saxton, Campus Efficiency Program Manager
  • Maggie Accardo, Lead Sign Maker
  • Charlie Bobosh, Senior Sign Maker
  • John Forgy, Environmental Graphic Design Manager
  • Mike Lay, Assistant Director, Facilities Services
  • Chris Williams, Associate Director, Housekeeping
  • John Rogers, Associate Director of Housekeeping, Housing & Residence Life

Employee of the Year

• Kevin Brim, Recycling & Waste Management Supervisor

If you’d like to learn more and read some of the kudos from the nominations, you may do so on the Facilities website.