Facilities

2023 Patriot Packout (PPO) – a Success!

Patriot Packout (PPO) 2023, George Mason University's annual end-of-the-year donation initiative, collected and redistributed 5,700 pounds of donations valued at up to $29,614. 4,113 pounds of donations went to individual Mason Patriots and Mason’s on-campus resources, and the remaining 1,587 pounds were redistributed to local community resources. Mason FacilitiesUniversity Sustainability team supported PPO 2023 and the Patriot Packout Planning Committee led the planning, design, and implementation of this year's PPO.

PPO provides on-campus donation resources for all Mason Patriots affected by move-out to divert new, like-new, and gently used items from the trash into the hands of Mason students, faculty, staff, and community members who need them.  

PPO first began in 2003 when Mason Facilities staff collected clothing items and transported them to the local Salvation Army. It became a formal initiative in 2010, through a partnership between University Sustainability, Housing and Residence Life, Parking and Transportation, and Facilities Management. 

PPO volunteers collect like-new, gently used, and new donations at specific sites on the Fairfax Campus, the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, and the Science and Technology Campus. Acceptable donations include clothing, non-perishable food and hygiene items, books and school supplies, small appliances, electronics, small furniture, and household goods.    

In 2023, University Sustainability launched the Patriot Packout Planning Committee to expand PPO’s impact and prioritize the free redistribution of donated goods to Mason Patriots in need. For PPO 2023, the PPO Planning Committee was co-facilitated by Colleen Regan, University Sustainability’s Zero Waste Specialist, and Ben Auger, formerly the Sustainability Engagement Coordinator with University Sustainability. More than twenty Mason community members served on the PPO Planning Committee and worked together to plan, design, and implement this year’s PPO with support from the Mason FacilitiesUniversity Sustainability team and more than 45 volunteers. 

Regan emphasized the collaborative nature of PPO 2023, saying that, “This year’s Patriot Packout would not have been possible without the commitment of the PPO Planning Committee and the collaboration of the entire Mason community. We set out to host a PPO event that was more reflective of the needs of Mason students, faculty, and staff across our campuses.”  

PPO 2023 occurred from May 5 – May 22 at the Fairfax Campus while being held from May 5 to the end of June at the Science and Technology Campus and Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation. Donations were collected at four pop-up locations near the residence halls and three 24/7 sites on the Fairfax Campus, in the Beacon Hall lobby on the Science and Technology Campus, and in the lobby of the G.T. Halpin Family Living and Learning Community residence hall on the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation Campus.  

This year marked the first time the Science and Technology Campus and the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation were formally integrated into PPO, led respectively by Michal Galvin, the Associate Director for Regional Campuses with University Life, and by Kristal Miller, Resident Director, and Susie Mueller, SMSC Facilities Admin. 

Another first for this year's PPO was the inclusion of two clothing ‘Swap and Hop’ events hosted on May 7 and May 8 by PPO Committee member and current Mason undergraduate student, Mona Hassan. Students swapped their clothes with previously donated clothing they wanted or needed while being encouraged to donate items to PPO.  

After donation collections ended on May 22, donated items were transported to the Gillespie Gallery of Art, generously provided by the Mason Exhibitions team as a temporary storage location. All donations were carefully sorted, organized, and inventoried by volunteers for data reporting purposes. 

After the process of sorting, organizing, and inventorying was completed, the redistribution of donated items began. Approximately 903 pounds, valued at up to $5,802, of high-need items were redistributed directly to the Patriot Pantry, Trans Clothing Closet, Art Supply Sharing Closet, the First Gen+ Center, Parking and Transportation, INTO Mason, Computing and Engineering Diversity Resource and Information Center (CEDRIC), Mason Innovation Exchange (MIX), and the School of Art’s Painting Studio.  

On June 8, 304 pounds of food and unused, personal hygiene supplies (valued at up to $789) were donated to the Patriot Pantry to support Mason Patriots who are experiencing basic needs insecurity. This effort was made possible by Parking and Transportation’s integration of their end-of-semester Patriot Pantry Donation Drive with PPO, and Mason Dining’s partnership with Move for Hunger, who transported donated supplies. Move for Hunger brought another 100 pounds of donated food, hygiene, and emergency supplies (valued at up to $257$) that the Patriot Pantry could not accept to Food For Others, a Fairfax non-profit supporting people in the local community experiencing food insecurity.   

On June 26 and June 27, PPO’s first-ever Free Redistribution Event was hosted in the Gillespie Gallery. Thanks to this space, more than 110 Mason students, faculty, and staff attended the event and freely selected from the items donated during PPO. Mason Patriots received 1,815 pounds of items valued at up to $9,795 during this event, including academic supplies, clothing, bedding, household goods, electronics, and more.  

Following the Free Redistribution Event, 1,567 pounds of donations, valued at $9,590 that could not be redistributed to Mason Patriots were donated to the following local community resources: Committee for Helping Others, Food For Others, Immanuel’s Hope, Shelter House (Katherine Hanley), Women Giving Back, and the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. Additionally, items from the Science and Technology Campus and Fairfax Campus were donated to three non-profit thrift stores: House of Mercy, AmVets, and Green Drop. Non-perishable food donations collected at SMSC were donated to “Blessings Boxes” and all other items were donated to Page One. 

“Last year, less than 600 pounds of useful donations were distributed through on-campus partners, and this year we redistributed over 4,100 pounds of goods and supplies within our campus community – with 82% of that going directly to individual Mason Patriots for free. The greatest success of PPO 2023 was that it demonstrated the positive impacts that Mason students, faculty, and staff can make through our collective efforts,” said Regan. 

PPO provides Mason Patriots with items they need through free redistribution, and it educates the Mason community about appropriate waste disposal. The beginning and end of each semester are challenging for the Facilities Housekeeping and Waste and Recycling team members due to the tremendous volume of waste generated. Responsibly sorting and disposing of waste protects Mason workers from harmful exposures, facilitates efficient waste hauling to avoid overflowing bins, and ensures maximum recovery of waste resources by diverting them away from incineration through recycling and composting.  

By sorting waste materials and donating usable items, Mason Patriots helped save Mason Facilities and the University $1,414 in avoided waste hauling costs during Spring 2023 move-out. Kevin Brim, Facilities Waste & Recycling Supervisor, said that “As a Mason community, we continue to improve how we process our waste and recycling, which fall under strict rules and regulations. PPO demonstrates how donating usable items, instead of throwing them away, and appropriately disposing of waste is good for people, good for the environment, and good for the university!” 

To increase Mason Patriots’ access to donated items, approximately 567 pounds of items donated during PPO, primarily clothing and household goods, were put aside in a storage container provided by Mason Facilities Management for campus redistribution during the academic year. Mason Patriots can freely select any items they need, or swap items with others at the PPO ‘Swap and Hop’ table at Mason Dining’s monthly Farmers’ Markets on the Fairfax Campus.  

The upcoming Farmers’ Markets are scheduled from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 1, at the Wilkins Plaza near Southside Dining Hall and Wednesday, December 6, in the Southside Dining Hall Lobby. This monthly opportunity provides Mason Patriots with increased access to receive items they need or donate items they’re no longer using.  

Regan invites all members of the Mason community to participate in Patriot Packout. “Patriot Packout is a community-based initiative, and all Mason Patriots are welcome to join the effort to make PPO 2024 even better!”  
 
Folks participating in the monthly Swap and Hop events and all readers of this article are encouraged to join the Patriot Packout Planning Committee. 

 

PPO 2023 Impact Summary: 

  • 5,700 pounds of donations valued at $29,614 were redistributed during Patriot Packout 2023.  
  • Donations were redistributed directly to Mason Patriots in need as well as 9 on-campus and 11 off-campus partners.  
  • 88%5,016 pounds – of all PPO donations were redistributed for free to individual Mason Patriots, Mason campus resources, and local community resources  
  • 3,229.24 pounds of donations were redistributed for free and directly to Mason students, faculty, and staff.  
  •  82% of all freely redistributed donations went directly to individual Mason Patriots in need and Mason on-campus resources 

Want to support PPO and help make Mason even more sustainable? Submit your interest form to join the Patriot Packout Planning Committee  

Want to get involved? Attend PPO’s Donation Swap and Hops at Mason Dining’s Farmers Markets! 

Want to tell us about your experience during PPO 2023? Submit your Patriot Packout 2023 Feedback Form! 

Patriot Packout is people-powered and made possible with the support of volunteers, Mason partners, community partners, and the PPO Planning Committee. The Patriot Packout Planning Committee extends gratitude to all Committee members, Mason and non-Mason partners, volunteers, and everyone who donated to PPO.  

The authors recognize there are more PPO stories than can fit in a single article and invite folks to share their PPO stories by emailing [email protected]. 

Tour the Fairfax Facilities Complex

Join us on a tour of the Mason Facilities complex on the Fairfax Campus. You’ll see the Customer Service Center in action and walk through the different trades’ zones like the sign shop, automotive, snow response, waste & recycle management, our warehouse, and our Central Heating & Cooling Plant. Participants will be able to ask questions while getting a sneak peak of the 24-hour operation that keeps the Mason campuses thriving. 

Tour dates scheduled per each semester.

 

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October 2023 Facilities Employee of the Month – Tan Nguyen

 

Celebrating Tan Nguyen as the October 2023 Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Tan Nguyen, Recycling and Waste Worker, Facilities Management (FM), for being recognized as the October 2023 Facilities Employee of the Month! Tan was nominated by FM' s Recycling and Waste Management Supervisor, Kevin Brim.

Tan has consistently demonstrated outstanding commitment to his work, making valuable contributions to our department since joining as classified staff in August 2021. Before Tan's promotion to a classified position, he served as a wage worker for over a decade and has maintained the same level of exceptional performance throughout his career at Mason.

"I'm nominating Tan as the Employee of the Month to not only honor his hard work and contributions as a classified staff member in our department, but in recognition of his diverse skill set, proactive problem solving, and long-standing dedication to improving our recycle operations," said Kevin.

Tan's versatility and attention to detail sets him apart as an exceptional employee. He speaks English as a second language and possesses a wide range of trades and job skills that often go unrecognized. Tan's always making repairs around our shop and takes the initiative to respond to equipment and mechanical issues that affect the entire team.

Tan's dedication to our goals as a dept is unmatched, and he approaches his job with a positive attitude every day. He is a self-starter and continues to improve each day. His performance and ability to quickly learn new things speaks to his commitment as a Facilities employee and makes him an excellent candidate for Employee of the Month.

Greenhouse & Gardens Partners with Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP)

The Greenhouse and Gardens Program – part of the University Sustainability unit in Mason Facilities – finished hosting 7 high school and undergraduate students for this summer’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) managed by the College of Science.  

Beginning in 2019, Doni Nolan, the Greenhouse and Gardens Program Manager, began to host ASSIP students each summer for an 8-week internship. ASSIP interns gain hands-on experience while conducting innovative research. Doni supervises, mentors, and supports each ASSIP student throughout their internship experience, utilizing the Greenhouse and Gardens Program’s sites, which include the Presidents Park Greenhouse, the Innovation Food Forest, and the Potomac Heights Garden.  

“They’re always so enthusiastic and work great as a team,” said Doni.  “I feel so lucky to have their help to continue my PhD research that also helps us grow more food at the [Presidents Park] Greenhouse. Some of the research has had significant results that inform our decision-making and lead to increased production.” 

In 2023, the ASSIP students completed their internships in the Greenhouse, located on the Fairfax Campus. The Greenhouse produces approximately 1,000 pounds of produce – microgreens, lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries, herbs, and more – every year using a hydroponic system and an aquaponic system, both grow crops with water rather than soil.  

Produce grown in the Greenhouse’s hydroponic system is provided to Mason Dining and incorporated into the salad and sandwich bars at the dining facilities. Hydroponic and aquaponic-grown produce is also made freely available for Mason Patriots who need food as part of the Greenhouse and Gardens Program’s food justice efforts – free pick-up times can be reserved here.  

Hydroponic production encounters different challenges than soil-based production. In a moist environment with recirculating water, pathogens can emerge that feed on the growing plants. “Root rot” - where the roots of a growing plant are compromised – is often a consequence of these pathogens that ultimately leads to the loss of the affected plants.  

This year’s ASSIP students committed to address this challenge.  Students began their research in the Greenhouse to better understand how root rot could be prevented.  

Through their research, the ASSIP students identified Pythium, which is a common and destructive phytopathogen that feeds on root tissues and new seedlings. This feeding can result in root rot and the death of young plants. However, diverse rhizo-microbiomes (the microbiome of root systems) are known to protect roots from microbial pathogens, if they contain the right bacteria and fungi. So, the students conducted research to determine which microorganisms might already be present in the Greenhouse and providing this protection.  

ASSIP students assessed the ability of six different microbiome samples to inhibit the growth of Pythium sp. Potato dextrose agar was sterilized and poured into petri dishes, then inoculated with each of the samples, left for five days to incubate, and then observed under 1000x magnification using microscopes by the students.  

After reviewing each of the samples, the students identified the bacteria B. subtilis as the dominant beneficial species throughout the Greenhouse’s systems. This bacterium created a zone of inhibition on the agar that exemplifies its ability to inhibit the growth of Phythium, and hence prevent root rot.  

The ASSIP students suggested additional research be conducted to identify the strains of B. subtilis that they found and determine what protein causes the protection. If the Greenhouse cultivated healthy cultures of the strains of B. subtilis, it could decrease root rot and improve overall produce yields. 

“The bacteria we found directly inhibited Pythium in the petri dish experiment we performed,” said Doni  “I’m excited to take next year’s students to the lab with me to sequence the proteins it creates and discover the microbiology of what’s happening. This research could lead to journal publications and patents potentially in the future.” 

Every year, the Greenhouse and Gardens Program hosts thousands of volunteers, dozens of interns, and special events. Mason Patriots and community members are invited to experience the Greenhouse and Gardens Program’s sustainable agriculture sites by volunteering. Learn more about the Greenhouse and Gardens Program’s sustainable agricultural efforts 

“I wouldn’t trade this opportunity at all,” said Anshu Palicherla, a Briar Woods High School student and part of the 2023 ASSIP.  “Doni encouraged us to be curious and make mistakes. I developed a strong love for research and challenging the unknown, which I would like to continue into my future.” 

 

Mason Facilities is a proud campus partner of the Institute for a Sustainable Earth’s (ISE) Mason as a Living Lab Initiative, encouraging and supporting student, faculty, and staff use of Mason’s campuses as living laboratories to develop and propose novel solutions to sustainability challenges.  

REFERENCE: College of Science’s article about ASSIP: https://science.gmu.edu/news/deans-blog-aspiring-scientists-immersed-meaningful-stem-research-mason  

Facilities Fall Prep 2023

During the summer months, in preparation for the start of the fall semester, Mason Facilities 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 Facilities handles the operations of making Mason run smoothly.

Adding New Aunt Flow Dispensers to Mason

This Summer 2023, Mason Facilities installed Aunt Flow Dispensers on the Fairfax, Mason Square, and Sci-Tech Campuses. This was done in partnership with The Patriot Period Project, a student-run organization that provides free feminine products in a few locations on Mason’s campuses. Mason Facilities collaborated with The Patriot Period Project and provided Aunt Flow dispensers as a way to provide free feminine care products across all three main Mason campuses. 

The project was started in Fall 2022, with initial plans to only install a couple of units on the Fairfax campus, but the project expanded to 15 dispensers. Although they’ve only recently been installed, they have already made a positive impact across our campuses. 

“We've heard so many positive comments about this project,” Said Sophia Nguyen, Student Body President of George Mason University and a member of the Patriot Period Project.  “Many students came to us saying how these dispensers saved their lives when they forgot their menstrual products at home as well.”

The current locations of the dispensers can be seen below:

FFX

  • JC – 1st floor (East/David King side)
  • JC – 3rd floor (West/PAB side)
  • Exploratory – 1st floor gender inclusive (near room 1102/JC side)
  • Peterson – 1st floor women’s (restroom between elevators and classrooms)
  • Engineering – 2nd floor women’s (near room 2247)
  • Horizon – 2nd floor gender inclusive (near room 2206)
  • Fenwick – 2nd floor gender inclusive (near Dissertation Services)
  • HUB – 2nd floor women’s (near Student Involvement Office)

 

Mason Square (Arlington)

  • Van Metre – 1st floor women’s room
  • Van Metre – 2nd floor gender-inclusive restroom (near room 211)
  • Van Metre – 3rd floor women’s room
  • Scalia – 1st floor women’s room (near elevators)

 

Sci-Tech (Manassas)

  • Colgan – 1st floor women’s (near room 115)
  • Katherine Johnson – 1st floor women’s room (near room 150)
  • Hylton - This location is still being finalized and approved by Hylton, but it most likely will be the first floor, main women’s room.

Additional contributors to the project:

  • Student Health Services
  • Mason NAAPC
  • Mason Student Government

Launching Custodial Pilot Program

Mason Facilities is excited to announce the Custodial Pilot Program launching this fall on the SciTech campus and in Merten Hall on the Fairfax campus.

This pilot program is part of Mason's ongoing efforts to establish new service models that enhance Mason’s efficiency and service delivery.

The Custodial Pilot Program will impact the following services:

  • Centralized Trash Cans: Centralized trash cans in common areas standardize cleaning protocols and resources
  • Focus on High Traffic Areas: Common spaces and high traffic areas will be cleaned daily
  • Bi-weekly Private Office Cleaning: Offices will be cleaned to the same standard, under a new two-week frequency*

We will begin the transition to centralized trash repositories October 1, 2023.  During the pilot, data from SciTech and Merten will be routinely collected and assessed.  We will be analyzing the data and each of the differences and successes of the pilot programs.

SciTech Campus - Pilot Green
  • All personal trash cans in offices will be removed.
  • Click here for a list of communal trash can locations.
  • Download and share Pilot Green details.
Merten Hall - Pilot Gold
  • Personal trash cans will remain in offices, though office occupants will be responsible for emptying those trash cans into the larger trash receptacles in common areas.
  • Trash can liner dispensers will be installed in breakrooms so office occupants may replace liners whenever needed.
  • Do not place food waste into personal trash cans in offices. Place all food waste into the large, centralized trash receptacles within common spaces as soon as possible.
  • If you would like to voluntarily opt-in to having your personal trash can removed, email [email protected] to let our Customer Service Center know.
  • Click here for a list of communal trash can locations.
  • Download and share Pilot Gold details.

Thank you for your partnership to improve Mason’s efficiency -- together we can make a difference! As always our mission is to create a safe, healthy, and high-quality, physical environment for all members of the Mason community.

For further questions, contact the Mason Facilities Customer Service Center at [email protected]

*Note: If office cleaning is needed outside of the new frequency, submit a work order.

FAQs

Elevating Mason’s Green Studio with the PGF

Jennifer Ashworth, manager of the Green Studio, along with a group of volunteers planting 100 native trees on Fairfax campus. This project is a socially engaged performance action, accompanying several artworks by Kehoe in the public art exhibition, Approaching Event Horizons: Projects on Climate Change, presented by Mason Exhibitions. Photo by: Sierra Guard/Creative Services/George Mason University"

Jennifer Ashworth, manager of the Green Studio, received Patriot Green Fund support to revamp the garden in preparation for the new academic year.  
 
The Green Studio, located on the grounds of George Mason University’s School of Art, was founded by Professor Mark Cooley in 2010 as a permaculture garden and outdoor studio and lab space dedicated to hosting ecological art and design projects by students from across the arts and sciences. It has been home to numerous projects over the years and is a campus space where students can volunteer to support its operations while learning about Mason’s natural environment. 
 
Ashworth, who was hired in 2022, wanted to elevate the space in preparation for more student projects in the future. She applied for funding through University Sustainability’s Patriot Green Fund, a $100,000 per year sustainability fund, provided by Mason Facilities, to make Mason’s campuses more sustainable through infrastructure improvements and student research projects. In May 2023, the PGF Committee, which consists of students, staff, and faculty, approved the application and awarded $1,200 towards the acquisition of new soil and plants for the garden. 

An overarching goal of the project was to support the garden as a thriving ecosystem that could provide a sanctuary for native wildlife. Ashworth selected native species that would combat overgrowth and facilitate maintenance of the space while also crafting a visually appealing garden.  
 
Beyond the immediate benefits, Ashworth has a long-term plan for the garden. She envisions it as a living, learning laboratory that fosters educational workshops and projects. By collaborating with campus classes including those in the Arts, Environmental Studies, and Civil Engineering, she wants to create opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning experiences, allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of the ecosystem and sustainable practices.

I’m excited for the next generation of students to explore the Green Studio," said Jenn.  "It’s their space - an open studio space for research, experimentation, expression, or just a space to absorb. It’s wild and beautiful and worth discovering” 

To get involved and volunteer in the garden, interested individuals can visit University Sustainability’s volunteer portal or reach out to Jenn Ashworth at [email protected]. 

 

Mason’s Ready for Pickleball

In Summer 2023, Mason Facilities and Mason Recreation completed new pickleball courts next to the Recreation Athletic Complex (RAC) field on the Fairfax campus!

As “America's fastest growing sport,” pickleball has taken the DC metro area by storm, including George Mason University. These new pickleball courts have given a new life to the once-there tennis courts, which were rarely used.

The new court also features ROTC pull-up bars, learn-to-play sessions, drills, and open play. More information can be found here.

Shout out to all those who were involved with the project:

Christy Hogan, Sr. Director of University Asset Management
Lee Ann Houston, Assistant Director of Facility Operations from Mason Recreation
Paul Bazzano, Assistant Director of Competitive Sports and Athletic Training, from Mason Recreation
Erich Miller, Grounds Program Manager, Grounds, from Facilities Management
Abu Monjer, Mgr, Projects, Construction, and Infrastructure, Zone 6, from Facilities Management

Revamping Recycling at the Center for the Arts

 

The Center for the Arts at Mason (CFA) on the Fairfax campus is proud to announce the successful revamp of its zero waste infrastructure, thanks to the support of University Sustainability's Patriot Green Fund. The initiative implemented sleek new waste and recycling stations to improve Mason’s diversion rate, aiming to reach Mason's zero waste goal of diverting 90% or more of waste from the trash.   

While digital event programs are readily available for patrons at CFA, the need for paper programs and the subsequent recycling of them still exists. Maura Glascock, Production Coordinator, recognized the potential for increased waste diversion and spearheaded the effort to enhance the zero-waste infrastructure. She applied for funding through University Sustainability’s Patriot Green Fund, a $100,000 per year sustainability fund, provided by Mason Facilities, to make Mason’s campuses more sustainable through infrastructure improvements and student research projects. In May 2023, the PGF Committee, which consists of students, staff, and faculty, approved the application and awarded $17,500 towards the acquisition of these new waste stations.    

To optimize their strategy and encourage behavioral change, CFA collaborated with University Sustainability staff members, including Colleen Regan, Zero Waste Specialist, and Amber Saxton, Program Manager - Campus Efficiency. They also sought the expertise of Kevin Brim, Supervisor for Recycling and Waste Management at Facilities Management. Together, they identified the most effective layout for recycling and trash stations, ensuring proper restrictive lid openings and other zero waste design standards were included to discourage contamination. The team also prioritized the aesthetics of the design and selected stainless-steel materials for the bins, ensuring their recyclability at the end of their long lifespan, estimated to be 20 years or more.  

As part of the installation, University Sustainability conducted a volunteer waste audit over the summer to establish a baseline contamination rate (9%) and will use this to evaluate improvements in recycling over this academic year. Colleen Regan recognizes the impact this project can have for improving waste diversion across campus.  

“CFA’s installation aligns with Facilities' current effort to improve zero waste design standards and guidelines across the University. Collocating waste streams and standardizing bins’ appearance through consistent labeling and color coding are all key design improvements for increasing the University community’s access to recycling. This PGF project provides a blueprint for implementing upgrades that support everyone’s ability to contribute to our zero-waste goal.” 
 
The new recycling bins have already been successfully utilized during summer orientations for the influx of new students, demonstrating their immediate impact in fostering sustainable practices. 

Learn how to dispose of your waste appropriately to make Mason even more sustainable! Your actions help the university achieve its zero-waste goal of diverting 90% (or more) of all waste items away from the trash through reuse, recycling, and composting.  

Individuals with innovative ideas to further enhance sustainability at Mason are encouraged to reach out through the Patriot Green Fund interest form.