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Mason Spirit is published three times a year by the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations in conjunction with the Office of Communications and Marketing.
Alumni Profiles
Alumni Profile: Tracy Russillo
By Mason Spirit contributor on November 30, 2017
Lt. Col. Tracy Russillo, BS Law Enforcement ’88, a 28-year veteran of the Virginia State Police, is the first woman to be appointed deputy superintendent of the department. Prior to this position, she was also the first female to receive major and lieutenant colonel status.
Meet the Mason Nation: Dan Walsch
By Colleen Kearney Rich on November 7, 2017
You might recognize Dan Walsch, PhD Communication ’11. For nearly 20 years, he served as Mason’s director of media relations and spokesperson and could be seen on the local news from time to time. He also taught public relations classes in the Communication Department for most of his 28-year career at Mason. In fact, teaching is what led him to his current position.
A Daughter’s Tribute
By Mason Spirit contributor on November 7, 2017
On January 8, 1973, Lt. Col. William L. Deane of the U.S. Army was declared missing in action in Vietnam. His daughter, Sharon M. Deane, MA History ’10, was 8 at the time. For 27 years, the Deane family waited and hoped for answers. In April 2000, his remains were interred at Arlington National Cemetery in a special ceremony recognizing his ultimate sacrifice.
Alumni Profile: Jason Von Kundra
By Cathy Cruise, MFA '93 on August 4, 2017
The phrase “farm to table” resonates with many of us these days, and for Jason Von Kundra, BS Earth Science ’12, it’s more than criteria for picking a restaurant—it’s a livelihood. Von Kundra lives and works at Harvest Table Farm in Meadowview, Virginia, supplying food year-round for nearby Harvest Table Restaurant.
Alumni Profile: Maria Ambrose
By Mason Spirit contributor on August 4, 2017
For Maria Ambrose, BFA Dance ’11, an early opportunity at Mason planted the seed that would grow into her professional career, and land her in the spotlight.
Alumni Profile: Nathaniel Provencio
By Damian Cristodero on August 4, 2017
As principal at Minnieville Elementary School in Woodbridge, Virginia, Nathaniel Provencio turned an underperforming institution into one of Prince William County’s best performing elementary schools. His efforts earned him recognition as the Washington Post’s 2017 Principal of the Year.
Good as Gold
By Damian Cristodero on May 12, 2017
U.S. Olympic gold medalist David Verburg, Health, Fitness, and Recreation Resources ’13, returned to campus in February, where he was honored during the men’s basketball game with La Salle.
Mason Spirits
By Mason Spirit contributor on May 12, 2017
Crafting “adult beverages” is one of the growing of the industries in Virginia, and entrepreneurial Mason alumni are well represented.
Bethany Hall-Long, Alumna of the Year
By Colleen Kearney Rich on April 26, 2017
When Mason alumna Bethany Hall-Long was sworn in as lieutenant governor of Delaware on January 17, she also became the first Mason alum to hold the second-highest office in state government. She is this year’s Alumna of the Year.
Alumni Profile: Jay Coakey
By Damian Cristodero on April 26, 2017
When Mason alumnus Jay Coakley began collecting hats to give to kids battling cancer who had lost their hair to chemotherapy, he expected the initial rush of donations to quickly slow.
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