Volition, Mason’s undergraduate literary and arts journal, recently partnered with House Studios, a Grammy Award-winning multimedia company, to host a very special Open Mic Night to showcase the talents of Mason students and promote the arts scene on campus. Billed as a “music industry night,” the event offered students a chance to perform for recording professionals and appreciate the creativity of their fellow Patriots.

Over 130 attendees and performers turned out on Thursday, March 8th, for an evening of live performances including original music, poetry, spoken word, rap, a cappella, and standup comedy in the Johnson Center Bistro. In addition to a diverse set of Mason performers, three artists signed to the House label — Mannywellz, Luke James Shaffer, and Sydney Franklin — performed songs from their current albums. Listen to WGMU Radio’s exclusive in-studio interviews with Manny and Luke over at www.wgmuradio.com.

Volition has been a showcase for emerging artists for over 20 years and currently publishes a print issue featuring original creative work submitted by Mason students every semester (click here to read the most recent issue). As a living complement to their print work, Volition hosts two Open Mic Nights per semester that provide a platform for students with aspirations in the performing arts to share their creations and experience the works of other artists.

Special thank you to Daniel Strauch and Jake Grotticelli from House Studios for helping make this event possible! Many thanks also to Mannywellz, Luke James Shaffer, and Sydney Franklin for sharing their time and talents with the Mason community.

Check back for more Volition Open Mic Night events in Fall 2018!

On Friday, December 8th, Student Media hosted Happy Birthday, George! in Patriot’s Lounge (SUB I) and welcomed over 200 faculty, staff, students, and community members to celebrate #292YearsofGeorge. The party included birthday cake, music, activities, some amazing raffle prizes, a giant birthday card, and special guests the Green Machine, the G-Men, the Mason Patriot, and George Mason himself!

This annual event provides a chance for the Mason community to honor our university namesake’s legacy and ideas, including the drafting of the Virginia Declaration of Rights — one of the documents upon which the U.S. Constitution was based. George Mason is known to history as the Father of the Bill of Rights, and his contributions to democracy helped secure the five freedoms guaranteed to all Americans under the First Amendment. The very freedoms that George Mason fought for so passionately are critical to the work of Student Media today, including the freedom of speech and of the press.

Of George Mason’s vital contributions to democracy, fellow Virginian and founding father Thomas Jefferson had this to say: “The fact is unquestionable, that the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution of Virginia, were drawn originally by George Mason, one of our greatest men, and of the first order of greatness.” (1825)

This year’s celebration was a great success, and Student Media would like to thank everyone who attended and supported our event. A big thank you to Student Media students and staff, Don McAndrews, Janis Harless, Bobby Lacy, the G-Men, the Mason Patriot, Willy Frasier, and Aaron Grossman.

Sponsors who donated prizes include: Buffalo Wild Wings, Tyson’s Biergarten, Room Escape Fairfax, Muse Paintbar, CorePower Yoga, Yard House, Shear Madness, Gunston Hall, Wing Zone, Parking Services, Mason Recreation, University Mall Theatres, Dave & Buster’s, Alexandria Waterfront, Housing & Residence Life, and University Life.

Join Student Media and the Society of Professional Journalists help local children in need by donating toys, books, gift cards, electronics, and personal care items from November 15th to December 5th.

Donation boxes are located in Student Media (The Hub 1201), Patriot’s Lounge (SUB I), and the Johnson Center Atrium.

Please note that all items MUST be brand new. Please refrain from gift wrapping donations.

Click here for a list of things that are currently needed at the hospital. These items provide comfort, security and happiness to patients during their stay.

Email [email protected] with questions.

Thank you for your generosity during this holiday season!