Honoring Alumni and Friends
Members of the President’s Circle were recently honored by President Alan Merten and his wife, Sally, at a reception at the home of George Mason University Foundation Chair Albert Dwoskin and his wife, Claire. Special guests were men’s basketball head coach Jim Larranaga and women’s basketball head coach Debbie Taneyhill, BA English ’92 and MEd ’98. The President’s Circle recognizes donors who have given $1,000 and above during the fiscal year.
Tony Pierce ’83 and Rodney Turner JD ’93
Jon Larranaga ’02 with parents, Liz and Jim
Debbie Taneyhill ’92, MEd ’98 and Alumni Association president Pete Farrell ’79, MBA ’85
Endowment Reaches Record Level
The George Mason University endowment was valued at a record $46.5 million at the close of the 2006 fiscal year on June 30. Managed by the George Mason University Foundation, gifts to endowment are invested in perpetuity to ensure a steady source of income over time to support Mason students, faculty, and programs.
Targeted Campaigns Move Forward
The Campaign for Mason Students, which seeks to raise $10 million by 2008 to increase the number of merit- and need-based scholarships and expand student resources and services, has raised nearly $8 million to date. For more information, visit www.gmu.edu/development/invest.html.
The Campaign for the Community Performing Arts Center, which seeks to raise $15 million in endowment by 2009 to assist Prince William County and the city of Manassas in the creation of a multiuse performing arts center on the Prince William Campus, has raised nearly $4 million to date. For more information, visit www.communityperformingartscenter.com.
The 2010 Campaign within the Volgenau School of Information Technology and Engineering has raised $11 million to date. The campaign seeks to raise $20 million by 2010 to recruit top information technology students, expand building space, and encourage new partnerships between faculty and industry. For more information, visit ite.gmu.edu/corporatepartnerships/2010_campaign.htm.
Green Coat Society Launched
The Patriot Club recently initiated the Green Coat Society to recognize donors who contribute to Mason athletics at a minimum of $5,000 annually and make a three-year commitment at this level for a total contribution of at least $15,000. Members receive distinctive Mason jackets, priority ticket and seating options, special recognition, and more. For more information, visit gomason.cstv.com/boosters/gema-boosters.html.
New Law Affects Donor Advised Funds
A new federal law prohibits donors from receiving quid pro quo benefits as a result of gifts from donor advised funds, which include funds created within a community trust or foundation or within such entities as the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund or Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program. Quid pro quo benefits include seats at galas, athletic privileges, or other material goods in exchange for the funding. In addition, donor advised funds may not be used to satisfy a personal pledge. For more information, call 703-993-8738.