George Mason University’s Office of Government and Community Relations presented the Jack Wood Award for Town-Gown Relations to community members and Mason partners who demonstrated leadership in fostering mutually beneficial relationships between the university and the community during the past year. Nominations are accepted for the following award categories:
· Government (Office/Agency or Elected Official/Staff)
· Community Member (including Alumni)
· Business/Non-Profit
· Faculty/Staff
· Mason Student (Individual or group initiative that is not being done for academic credit and/or a grade)
· Partnership Initiative (an initiative created between a Mason entity and an external organization(s) to benefit both entities)
This year’s awardees are:
· Faculty/Staff: Dr. Esperanza Román-Mendoza, Professor of Spanish and Spanish Linguistics
· Business/Non-Profit: Micron Technology, Inc.
· Partnership Initiative Category: Patriot Perks
A Specialty Award for Legacy was also presented in honor of John Tilghman “Til” Hazel Jr. The Legacy award recognizes leadership achievement in town-gown relations over a period of time longer than five years.
The award’s design is emblematic of the university’s relationship with its community partners. The clear glass represents the transparency between Mason and the surrounding community. Inside are four intertwining color strands representing each community – the university, residents, business, and government.
The award is the namesake of Jack Wood, former Mayor of the then -Town of Fairfax. Wood was instrumental in the establishment of a college campus adjacent to the township and deeding it to the university, thus beginning a Town-Gown relationship for the university.
Learn more about the 2022 Jack Wood Award recipients on our website.