On Friday, December 7th, Student Media hosted Happy Birthday, George! in Patriot’s Lounge (SUB I) and welcomed over 200 faculty, staff, students, and community members to celebrate #293YearsofGeorge. The party included birthday cake and refreshments, music, games and activities, 20 amazing raffle prizes donated by local businesses, a giant birthday card, and special guests including the Mason Patriot, Nancy Mason, 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, and the Mason Patriot.
Sponsors who donated prizes include: Chuy’s Mexican Restaurant, Room Escape Fairfax, Tyson’s Biergarten, CorePower Yoga, Brion’s Grille, Gunston Hall, EyeAmAmerican, Washington Capitals, McAlister’s Deli, Student Involvement, Mason Recreation, University Bookstore, and University Life.
