Facilities

Year: 2025

Facilities ITS Elevator Upgrades

Beginning in January 2025 and finishing in mid-March 2025, Facilities & Campus Operations’ (F&CO) very own Facilities Information Technology Services (FITS) team led a project to transfer nearly 140 elevators from wired to cellular phone services. The full installation was done within 90 days and was completed roughly two weeks ahead of schedule, thanks to the incredible collaboration and effort made by multiple George Mason University teams. 

The outdated wired lines, Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), were replaced by FirstNet, a fully cellular service provided by AT&T. “We now have great tools to monitor communications status and can investigate issues to ensure the highest level of uptime.” Said Chris Freas, Director, Facilities IT Services . “Meaning less time for elevators to be out of service.” In addition to replacing the outdated wiring, the new phone system now alerts passengers when their call has been received, the precise location of where they are, an emergency contact phone number, as well as a stronger cellular connection. 

Because of the incredible collaboration between our teams, the transition and installation of the new phones and services have gone smoothly. “I am super happy and impressed with the communication, the work between the network of George Mason employees, and the technical abilities that we had to possess to make this happen.” Said John Fahey, BRL Building Systems Engineer. 

Huge shoutout to FITS, Information Technology Services (ITS), Robert Sheard, Facilities Management Zone 6 Elevator Maintenance Contract Administrator, and external contractors. 

Spring 2025 Commencement Kudos

Shout-out to all of our Facilities & Campus Operations (F&CO) teams for going above and beyond to prepare the entirety of the Fairfax Campus and EagleBank arena for the Spring 2025 Commencement ceremony. Although our work is often behind the scenes, your efforts have not gone unnoticed by the George Mason Community.

“A huge shoutout to Facilities [and Campus Operations] for the countless behind-the-scenes efforts that keep our campus looking its best.” Said Rachel Quinn, AVP of Mason Operations and University Events. “From setting up fencing for security, moving equipment and supplies, to taking care of all the trash and recycling throughout the week—your support is absolutely essential. A special thank you to Keith Wallace and team, whose dedication and willingness to go above and beyond are deeply appreciated.”

Thank you all once again for the incredible work to ensure our campuses run smoothly!

Meet the 2025 Summer Internship Cohort

George Mason Facilities & Campus Operations (F&CO) extends a warm welcome to our new Summer 2025 interns! The interns will gain meaningful and applicable real-world experience through targeted projects throughout the summer.

Featured from left to right:

  • Mayur Ravikumar, Project Management
  • Abdallah Abdallah, Land Development
  • Andrew Graf, Waste & Recycling
  • Quinn Bethel, Sustainability
  • MK Essandoh, Building Automation
  • Linda Melendez, Human Recourses
  • Kiersten Mullins, Events Management
  • Kenna Sarver, Communications & Marketing
  • Wendy Agutu, Project Management

May 2025 Facilities Employee of the Month – Rick Coulson

Celebrating Rick Coulson as the May 2025 Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Rick Coulson, HVAC Tech III, for being recognized as the May 2025 Employee of the Month! Coulson was nominated by Ronnie Wells, Zone 2 Manager, and Wallace Riegel III, Zone 2 Supervisor. 

Coulson played a critical role in resolving a persistent temperature issue at the Potomac Science Center located in Woodbridge, VA. Despite facing multiple challenges, Coulson’s commitment to excellence, diligence, and solution-focused thinking led to the identification and repair of a malfunctioned chilled water actuator.

In addition to fixing the immediate issue, his work has also helped ensure the long-term reliability and efficiency of our HVAC systems. “Rick’s dedication, professionalism, and technical skill make him highly deserving of this recognition.” Said Wells. "I am pleased to submit this nomination in appreciation of his outstanding contributions."

Coulson is also an incredible team player by supporting his team members whenever possible. "He has a great attitude all the time, and he is always willing to help anyone that needs his help," Said Riegel, "he is always willing and ready to teach others in any way he can."

Interested in submitting a GMU Facilities Employee of the Month nomination? Check out the new process here! 

Earth Month 2025 Recap

This April 2025, F&CO, University Sustainability, and university partners celebrated Earth Month! Here are a few highlights from the events that took place during the month. Remember that you can celebrate the Earth, all year round – not just in April! Thank you for helping us #sustainMASON!

Earth Month 2025 Highlights: 

  • Earth Month 2025 Video: In partnership with George Mason Student Government, a long-form video and a series of reels were produced to encourage on-campus sustainability actions and educate about different ways to be more sustainable on campus. 
  • Seed Library: Funded by the Patriot Green Fund, the Seed Library, located in Fenwick Library, provides patriots with seeds that they can take home, plant, and even return! To celebrate, the seed library hosted various interactive events. 
  • Food Redistributions: Hosted by University Sustainability’s Greenhouse & Gardens program, fresh food redistributions were held twice a week. The fresh produce included leafy greens, microgreens, tomatoes, and more! 
  • Waste Audits: F&CO hosted the following waste audits to encourage students to learn about waste and proper disposal methods: 
    • Weigh the Waste in partnership with Mason Dining 
    • Better Bins Preview 
  • Patriot Packout (PPO): Patriot Packout 2025 is ongoing until May 14! Donate like-new and gently used items at various locations on the Fairfax, SciTech, and Smithsonian School of Conservation campuses. This last April, PPO hosted various Swap & Hops and workshops. 
  • Stream Cleanup: This month, participants volunteered with F&CO’s Land Development team to help clean up the Fairfax campus and preserve our waterways. In total, over 45 lbs of trash were picked up! 
  • Leaf a Life you Love: Hosted by Greenhouse & Gardens, students tasted various salad greens and won prizes, including houseplants and grow kits. 
  • Facilities & Campus Operations Complex Tour: This month, Mason Facilities held a tour of the Facilities complex. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the 24-hour operations that keep Mason campuses thriving. 

2025 Outstanding Achievement Awards

Human Resources is excited to announce the 2025 Outstanding Achievement Awards recipients! 

The ceremony was broadcast by GMU-TV and a link of the recording is on the Outstanding Achievement Awards website. As we enter awards season at George Mason, it's important to us at George Mason Facilities & Campus Operations to recognize our fellow Patriots for their success. Congratulations to the following award winners within F&CO!

Goldie and Dianne Hattery Award for Excellence

  • Claudia Flores, SciTech Housekeeping Supervisor

Sustainability Hero Award

  • Makenzie Gold Quiros, Chief Housing Officer Executive Assistant, HRL Office Manager

Patriot Pathbreakers Award

  • FUSE and LSEB Operations Team
    • Laura Bayr, Sr Interior Designer
    • Colby Grant, Director of Operations, SciTech 
    • Sara Hawes, Director of Operations, Mason Square
    • Mike Herman, Sr Project Manager, PD&C
    • Cathy Pinskey, Director, Program Management, PD&C
    • Greg Rahimzadeh, Construction Field Representative
    • Mirwais Safi, Building Construction Inspector
    • Virginia Steele, Director, Program Management, PD&C

April 2025 Facilities Employee of the Month – Joseph Knight

Celebrating Joseph Knight as the April 2025 Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Joseph Knight, Zone 4 General Maintenance Tech II, on being recognized as the April 2025 Employee of the Month! Knight was nominated by Said Bouiftilen, Zone 4 F&CO Housing Manager.

With his tendency to volunteer on weekends and holidays, Knight’s exceptional work ethic and dedication have played a huge role in supporting his team. According to Bouiftilen, his “willingness to go above and beyond to assist the rest of the team and the team player attitude rubs positively on all of us.”

Interested in submitting a GMU Facilities Employee of the Month nomination? Check out the new process here! 

March 2025 Facilities Employee of the Month – Mathew East

Celebrating Mathew East as the March 2025 Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Mathew East, Events Services and Production Supervisor, F&CO SciTech, on being recognized as the March 2025 Employee of the Month! East was nominated by Erin Iacangelo, Events Coordinator, F&CO SciTech Campus. 

Since becoming a full-time team member, East has shared his expertise in the field and helped his team make consistent improvements to our auto and visual services. Constantly going above and beyond by making recommendations on system upgrades to benefit our clients, East has also reached out to vendors he’s built relationships with to assist with large projects and was once able to secure a vendor to meet the needs of a client within a 48-hour window.

“Matt has been a great addition to the team.” Said Iacangelo. “His humorous personality, willingness to help, enthusiasm, and overall general outlook on life makes him a joy to be around and a true Mason patriot.”

With recognition from HR and his team members for his outstanding service, East has shown himself to be a strong team player and works for the betterment of the University.

Interested in submitting a GMU Facilities Employee of the Month nomination? Check out the new process here! 

SEAHO Service Award Winner: Said Bouiftilen

Congratulations to Said Bouiftilen, F&CO Housing Manager, for receiving the Southeastern Association of Housing Officers (SEAHO) Award! The annual award is given to housing staff members who have significantly contributed to residence hall students and the housing organization. According to Shannon Jordan, Associate Dean and Chief Housing Officer, Bouiftilen has displayed “excellent leadership, flexibility, and commitment to delivering the best facilities to our residents.”

Turning “Trash” into Treasure: Diverting Surplus Property from the Waste Stream

 

Since the arrival of Steve Pulis, F&CO Purchasing Manager, in 2017, George Mason University has earned over $1M in surplus property sales. As a result, the university is now ranked at number 7 among other higher education state agencies for total surplus sales through GovDeals in Virginia. 

When the university’s offices and departments declare surplus, F&CO staff members from Central Receiving store the items in the warehouse on the Fairfax campus. The items are free to internal departments and other state agencies. Surplus items are also auctioned via GovDeals.

Read More