4 Years At Mason: What’s Changed?

For all you senior collegiettes, coping with your pending graduation can be hard. As I we reflect on our years at this university, it’s crazy to think about all of the changes GMU has gone under. Whether you’re a senior who remembers these first-hand, or a freshmen who will be shocked that so much has changed, let’s see how this place has changed, starting from the fall of 2010…

2010:

• The Mason Inn opened right before move-in in Fall 2010. I personally remember staying there the night before freshman move in, which seems like only yesterday!
• Pilot House opened the fall of 2010. This was perhaps one of the greatest things that could have happened for me my freshman year. I lived in Dominion, so I completely dedicate my weekend night memories to Pilot House!  P.S. I believe that year is the reason they stopped serving pizza after a certain time.
• Hampton Roads and Eastern Shore opened in fall of 2010. Both of these opened with Pilot House and the walkway that leads from the commons to this area. It was a beautiful addition to the campus, and the place I spent almost everyday of my freshman year at.
• Sub II (the HUB) was renovated in spring of 2010. The building now known as the HUB used to be SUB II, and the second floor was reopened on February 15th, 2010 renovated to include was it has now. The Original Burger Company and the game room were built, and Original Burger used to be the place to BE when it opened.

2011:

• In 2011, Red Mango and Auntie Anne’s opened. I think it was in fall of 2011 but don’t quote me on it. Both were opened in Tidewater, and I took them for granted. I think I’ve been there all of one time, but wish I had gone more for a quick snack, rather than going to the convenience store.
• University Hall opened on May 15th, 2011. University Hall and the whole sidewalk that goes around it were crazy during construction. I watched the whole thing come to life, and it’s so much prettier than I originally imagined. Now I spend most of my days at Panda Express and Einstein’s!
• May 2011 the new Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Paul Hewitt joined Mason. I honestly don’t know much about basketball but it surprise newer students to know our coach hasn’t really been around that long. Personally, I just go to the games and yell when we get points, haha!

2012:

• Rogers and Whitetop opened in January 2012. When it first opened, freshman and students from the commons were moved into these buildings so the commons could be renovated. I was lucky enough to live in Rogers my junior year, and it was actually a really nice place (I had a corner apartment though!).
• President Cabrera was inaugurated on July 1st, 2012. I can’t believe President Cabrera has only been here for a little over a year! He’s the 6th official president the university has seen, and I think he’s doing great things for us. If you follow him on Twitter you know he’s actually a hilarious person!
• Fall 2012, Sub I expanded. I remember walking in the JC and saying, “Wait…really though where is Taco Bell?” Junior year, they moved Taco Bell into Sub I to make it a full service restaurant, as well expanding Chick-Fil-A and putting everything behind a counter. Other people will remember the days of Burrito Del Ray and the Chick-Fil-A line that made getting free drinks super easy. I may be the only one who misses Burrito Del Ray, but you can never have too many burritos!
• Fall 2012, the JC renovated food options. Something called “Hot Spot” opened as well as “Sprouts.” Now, I’m old fashioned so I’ve never been to Hot Spot, and it seems too complicated to order, I’m intimidated! They also closed down good old La Vincita and put Red, Hot and Blue in. I miss being able to get one of those greasy, single serving pizzas and going about my day!

2013:

• March 4th, 2013, new VP was inaugurated. J.J. “Wagner” Davis is the new Vice President for Finance and Administration. I had the opportunity to speak with her about projects she’s spearheading like the Mason Inn Task Force, and she has some great plans to help students get the most for their money at Mason.
• April 16th, 2013, new women’s basketball coach. Coach Nyla Milleson joined the Mason family.
• Fall 2013, Planetary and Exploratory Hall opened. I was shocked when I first walked by the new building. The expansion links both of the buildings together that used to be Science and Tech I and II. Mason put in beautiful stone benches and glass panels in the renovation. The campus has really been transforming from when I was a freshman!

Currently, the renovations to Fenwick and that pathway are being constructed, as well as Campus Drive which will help Mason traffic get from Braddock straight to campus easier, reducing peak time traffic. There’s also a new residential hall named Taylor Hall going up next to the park and Lot R, as well as the renovations to Ike’s. I couldn’t have imagined this campus if you told me as a freshman everything that would change. I only hope these things continue to change to increase the pride our university has and make the campus even more beautiful. Go PATRIOTS!

Picture taken from:

http://schooloftomorrowusa.com…

http://alumni.gmu.edu/images/W…

• GMU
• seniors
• timeline