The Mason Spirit

For Mason Athletics fans, it might seem like several people are shopping at the same store for their outerwear. But when you spot someone at a game wearing a green coat, it’s possible it means something more than just school spirit.

Green Coat Society members are honored at a men’s basketball game. Photo courtesy of Patriot Club

The Green Coat Society was founded in 2006 as a multiyear giving society to support Intercollegiate Athletics. Starting with a handful of diehard supporters, the group now numbers more than 60 people, including former student-athletes, local businesses, and even a family. Board of Visitors member Buddy Beck and his wife, Charlotte, and their two children, Michael Beck and Debi Corbatto, BS Marketing ’86 and MS Exercise, Fitness, and Health Promotion ’03, along with their respective spouses Beverly and Fabrice, are all members.

Society members pledge $25,000 to support student-athlete scholarships, which can be paid over five years. Since its inception, the group has pledged $1.5 million in support to Mason student-athletes. To put that in context, Intercollegiate Athletics, which has 500-plus student-athletes, provides more than $4 million in scholarships annually.

For more information, visit the Patriot Club section of gomason.com.