The Mason Spirit

One of George Mason University’s newest “graduates” is 2 feet tall, has a wet nose, and loves a good belly rub.

Tiffany and Railey Jolliff graduate together. Photo by Laura Sikes

Railey Quiltstrom Dog-Jolliff, a devoted service dog, “graduated” from George Mason’s School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs earlier this month and received an honorary diploma.

The 8-year-old Labrador retriever attended every class with Tiffany Jolliff, who is blind, during her two years in the Organization Development and Knowledge Management degree program. Railey and Jolliff, a program specialist at the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, have been a team for seven years.

“Railey and I have been through a lot together over the past seven years—degrees, cross-country moves, internships, and jobs,” Joliff says. “And while I, of course, could have handled all of these things on my own, it has been a blessing to have him as my unconditional companion through everything.”

As Jolliff completed her degree program, it was only fitting for Railey to be honored, too. He will be retiring from service next year.

—Keith Strigaro