Facilities

Author: Facilities Communication

George Mason University Published in Guide to Green Colleges for 15th Year in a Row

For the 15th year in a row, George Mason University has made it onto the Princeton Review’s recently published Guides to Green Colleges list. This list highlights universities nationwide based on their sustainable programs, policies, and practices. Criteria for inclusion are based on many factors, but a university’s comprehensive reporting through the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s (AASHE) STARS framework remains key to making the list. George Mason University, a member of AASHE, was the first university in Virginia to receive a Gold rating from AASHE STARS and since that achievement in 2014, Mason has achieved four consecutive Gold ratings.  

For the recently published list, Princeton Review recognized Mason for having a dedicated University Sustainability office under Facilities and Campus Operations, and for the university’s support for alternative transportation programs like Commuter Choice, free Mason Shuttles, telecommuting, and programs associated with its Bike Friendly University Silver ranking. George Mason also received high marks for improvements in waste reduction and diversion rates since 2020. This includes doubling its composting tonnage from Dining partners to over 125 tons per year, reducing single-use plastics purchasing by 50%, adding glass recycling initiatives, and recycling/donating over 90% of its construction and demolition waste during that period. 

Other points were received for constructing all buildings on George Mason’s campuses to LEED Silver or higher levels, including Fuse, a LEED Platinum building at Mason Square with state-of-the-art smart and green building technologies. Finally, George Mason received credit for not only having an environmental studies major and sustainability-focused coursework, but also sustainability learning outcomes – building a culture of sustainability by placing a high value on experiential learning at campus sustainability sites like the President’s Park Greenhouse, sustainability-aligned research in classrooms, labs, and George Mason Living Lab sites. 

November 2024 Facilities Employee of the Month – Jesus Sanchez

Congratulations to Jesus Sanchez, Construction Field Representative, Project Management for being recognized as the November 2024 Employee of the Month! Sanchez has received nominations from Christine Powell, Construction Superintendent, and Steven Rivera, Construction Field Representative.

Sanchez has not only been an excellent mentor to new employees, but also an incredible team player. “Jesus is an absolute pleasure to work with, contributing positively to the work environment and fostering strong professional relationships. His positive impact is evident from his role in assisting with the training of the newest members of the field representative team.” Said Powell. 

Sanchez’s thorough attention to detail and exceptional problem-solving skills have guaranteed that projects are not only code-compliant, but also run as smoothly as possible. “He demonstrates expectational performance and knowledge within the design and construction industry. Not only is he a team player to Facilities, he is also a tremendous asset to George Mason University.” Said Rivera.

The remarkable knowledge and performance from Sanchez have proven invaluable to not only his team, but to George Mason University as a whole.

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

All Together Different – Facilities Spotlight: Kevin Brim

Meet Kevin Brim, Recycle/Waste Supervisor, here at George Mason University’s Facilities department. Brim’s impact on George Mason’s waste management system is transformational, including the launch of the Glass Recycling program and the installation of 20+ solar powered Bigbelly zero waste stations.

Facilities All Together Different Campaign

The George Mason Facilities & Campus Operation's Culture Champion Committee (C3) strives to ensure all Facilities employees are heard and feel a sense of belonging, inclusion, and recognition.  Check out the videos here!

2024 Facilities & Campus Operations Team Member Awards

Facilities & Campus Operations (F&CO) is launching annual awards to celebrate many of our exceptional team members within this division.

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.

Nominations will close on Friday, November 22, 2024. 

Team Member Awards These awards recognize people by their co-workers and peers who has demonstrated dedication, collaboration, contribution, and perseverance within their department or team. This person demonstrates a sense of care for those they interact with as well as a seriousness to their role and responsibilities.
7 Team Member Awards will be given out for the following groups:

  • Facilities Management Operations, $1,000 each (3 winners) - All Zones Employees, CHCP, Energy Management, Building Automation
  • Facilities Services, $1,000 - Warehouse, CSC, Waste & Recycling, General Services, Auto Shop, Grounds
  • Regional Campuses, $1,000 - All Regional Campuses Staff, including BRL and Freedom Center (excluding Zone 1 and 2 and wage)
  • Business Services and Facilities Administration, $1,000 - All Business Services, Sustainability, Environmental Compliance Employees
  • Planning, Design, and Construction and Asset Management, $1,000 - All PDC and AM Employees
  • Janitorial Services, $1,000 - Janitorial and Housekeeping Staff (excluding Freedom Center)
  • Wage Employee, $250 each (4 winners) - non-student wage employees 

Supervisor of the Year, $1,000 This award recognizes a professional staff member who demonstrates a robust, informed supervisory experience for their team, allowing for personal and/or professional development of supervisees, guidance through success within their position, and overall holistic care. This award recognizes a person who inspires others, demonstrates trust in their team, and advocates for the betterment of those they serve. Those who supervise full-time staff members are eligible for this award. 

Culture Champion of the Year, $500 Award specifically selected by the C3 to recognize an employee who goes above and beyond to improve the culture in F&CO through engagement, kindness, connection, and making others feel welcome. This employee exemplifies the mission of the C3: recognition, engagement, and community. All F&CO employees are eligible for this award.



The following awards will be selected by F&CO Leadership. No nominations are being solicited.
Employee of the Year, $1,000 + 2 Days of Recognition Leave The Employee of the Year award is selected by F&CO Leadership and recognizes one Employee of the Month recipient who demonstrates extraordinary service, dedication, and contributions to the department beyond the requirements and expectations of the job. 

Special Initiative / Project Team, $500 each (multiple winners) This award recognizes a group work who worked together to complete a special project or initiative with a specific deliverable and timeline. The group may be cross-functional and include members of multiple departments, representing teams from across Facilities & Campus Operations. Their work demonstrates commitment to the mission and a willingness to take on additional tasks beyond the requirements and expectations of the job for an important time-bound and deadline-driven initiative.

All Together Different – Facilities Spotlight: Brenda Claudio

Meet Brenda Claudio, Senior Environmental Specialist, here at George Mason University’s Facilities department. Claudio’s extensive work experience and background in civil engineering supports allows her to effective and efficient management of projects across George Mason’s campuses, ensuring compliance with stormwater laws, regulations, and campus planning criteria. The Culture Champion Committee’s (C3) Spotlight video series recognizes Facilities employees and their essential work supporting the mission of the university.

Since filming, Brenda has moved over to the Planning, Design & Construction team within George Mason Facilities as a Project Manager. She continues to work closely with Land Development.

Facilities All Together Different Campaign

The George Mason Facilities & Campus Operation's Culture Champion Committee (C3) strives to ensure all Facilities employees are heard and feel a sense of belonging, inclusion, and recognition.  Check out the videos here!

October 2024 Facilities Employee of the Month – Chidi Knight

Congratulations to Chidi Knight, Electrician, Zone 3, for being recognized as the October 2024 Employee of the Month! Knight has received three incredible nominations from Gordon E. Lansdowne, Supervisor, Zone 3; Emily L Ross, Deputy Chief, Police & Public Safety Headquarters; and Beverley Jackson, Comms & Records Manager, Police & Public Safety. 

Knight has shown incredible dedication and care for his role as an electrician for F&CO, and after providing so much support to the George Mason Police Department, Knight and his team have left a lasting impression.

“[He] consistently goes the extra mile and delivers quality work.” Said Jackson. “He tackles every problem efficiently without having to make multiple trips to get tools or materials. His ability to balance speed with precision is impressive and contributes to the operation of our facility.” 

Always eager to work, Knight is also known to arrive early before students arrive to work on necessary projects and is reported to be an incredible team player. He also explains complex electrical issues in “easy-to-understand terms”, allowing others outside of the field to understand the process.

“He is obviously dedicated to his work and every time I talk to him around campus, he speaks positively about his work and the people he works with.” Said Ross. “Chidi demonstrates a sense of pride and loyalty to the university and his department.”

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

 

 

Facilities Fall Prep 2024

During the summer months, in preparation for the start of the fall semester, George Mason Facilities & Campus Operations (F&CO) runs through an extensive checklist to get all campuses ready.  From landscaping upkeep to classroom refreshes to updating signage, Facilities ensures that each experience on campus is one of quality.  Below are just some examples of how F&CO handles the operations of making Mason run smoothly.

Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center Wins Prince Williams Readers’ Choice Award

Health & Fitness Expo at Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center on Prince William campus. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Creative Services/George Mason University
Freedom_Gym

 

The Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center has won the Best Gym/Fitness Club award from the Prince Williams Times! Located on the SciTech Campus in Manassas, the Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center provides a broad range of recreational and educational services and programs to the community year-round. The 110,000-square-foot center features multiple pools, family locker rooms, a full gym, various studios, racquetball courts, and a child care center. 

A celebration for the awardees will be held Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 4 PM - 7 PM at Sinistral Brewing.

32 Classrooms Refreshed Ahead of Fall 2024 Semester

Before Photos

After Photos

 

Mason Facilities & Campus Operations’ Project Design & Construction team have renovated 32 classrooms across the Fairfax, SciTech, and Mason Square campuses! The renovations included new seating, paint, flooring, and facility and AV refreshes. Design and construction for the project began on October 23 and were completed in August 2024. 

The following buildings received the renovations:

Fairfax:

  • West Building
  • East Building
  • Exploratory Hall
  • Innovation Hall
  • Peterson Hall
  • Planetary Hall
  • Research Hall
  • Music/Theatre Building
  • Angel Cabrera Global Center

Mason Square:

  • Van Metre Hall

SciTech:

  • Colgan hall
  • Katherine Johnson Hall

September 2024 Facilities Employee of the Month – Dennis Petterson II

Congratulations to Dennis Petterson II, Acting Superintendent, CHCP, for being recognized as the September 2024 Employee of the Month! Petterson was nominated by Rosendo S. Monsanto, Boiler Operator, CHCP.

As an employee for nearly 30 years, Petterson has shown unwavering dedication and commitment to our institution's mission. 

"As a pillar of our community, he has consistently gone above and beyond in his roles, fostering an environment of excellence and collaboration." Said Monsanto. "His extensive tenure is marked by countless instances of mentorship, leadership, and innovative contributions, which have significantly enriched the university's academic and social fabric."

Petterson has also received letters of support from colleagues, supervisors, and students in appreciation of his "indispensable role in advancing our shared goals."

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