George Mason University Selects Chartwells Higher Education as New Dining Services Partner Colleen Rich Tue, 06/24/2025 - 16:01 Body New contract brings fresh innovation, sustainability, and student-first experiences to campus beginning July 1, 2025 Fairfax, VA — George Mason University has selected  Chartwells Higher Education, a national leader in campus dining, as its new dining services provider, following a comprehensive and competitive RFP process. George Mason’s contract with Chartwells begins on July 1 and is expected to transform dining on campus. Chartwells brings a strong track record of collaboration, creativity, and customized solutions to its work with more than 320 colleges and universities across the country. As part of Compass Group, the world’s largest foodservice organization, Chartwells offers George Mason access to a broad network of culinary innovations, emerging technologies, and food service partnerships—including opportunities through its relationship with Thompson Hospitality, a Northern Virginia-based hospitality contract food service, restaurant, and catering company. Rendering of Ike's. Renderings provided by Chartwells Higher Ed “At George Mason, we are always looking for new ways to enhance the student experience,” said Pascal Petter, associate vice president for Auxiliary and Business Services. “Chartwells demonstrated a strong understanding of our community’s needs and showed real excitement about the potential to bring innovation, inclusive dining, and sustainability to every dining location on campus. We’re confident this new partnership will elevate dining across all our locations and support the university’s Strategic Direction.” Chartwells’ vision for George Mason includes exploring new culinary concepts, expanding access to technology and robotics, further elevating food variety and quality, and streamlining convenience for busy students, faculty and staff—all while embracing Mason’s values around inclusion, health and well-being, and sustainability. As part of this vision, the existing fleet of Starship delivery robots will continue serving the campus community under the new contract. With a focus on authentic engagement, Chartwells also brings expertise in student-focused marketing, interactive events, and flexible meal plan options that will evolve over time to meet community needs. "We are honored to build an inclusive, people-first dining experience for George Mason University," says Nelson DeFigueiredo, divisional president at Chartwells Higher Education. "Our approach is to collaboratively create high-quality dining spaces that fuel a global student population, while also aligning with George Mason's sustainability goals." As George Mason prepares to welcome its new dining partner, the university also recognizes and thanks Sodexo, who has served as its dining partner for more than 30 years. Sodexo’s contributions have touched every part of campus life, from daily operations to national recognition for innovation and inclusion. They helped Mason become the #1 allergen-friendly university in the nation (via Spokin), introduced a National Association of College and university Food Services (NACUFS) award-winning Future 50 Foods station, and made George Mason the first university in the country to launch autonomous delivery robots. Throughout their tenure, Sodexo also implemented robust composting programs and prioritized local sourcing—advancing sustainability and leaving a lasting legacy of service. “Mason Dining has grown and evolved in meaningful ways thanks to Sodexo’s long-standing commitment to our students and community,” added Petter. “We’re deeply grateful for their years of partnership and service.”   Additionally, Chartwells plans to retain many of Sodexo’s current staff. “As an organization that values creating meaningful opportunities for their people, we have engaged with current dining employees and provided all those who expressed interest the chance to apply for a position with the Chartwells team,” DeFigueiredo noted. Further information will be shared in the coming months about the transition process, upcoming opportunities for community feedback, and ways for students to help shape the future of dining on campus. About George Mason George Mason University is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., George Mason enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. George Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched Mason Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at gmu.edu.      FAQs on Mason Dining Media Contact Aliya Rinaldi Associate Director of Marketing and Communications George Mason University Auxiliary and Business Services arinaldi@gmu.eduTopics Topics Campus News Press Releases Mason Dining

“Patriots United. Together We Thrive.” is Athletics’ vision to strengthen George Mason’s competitive future Katarina Benson Wed, 06/18/2025 - 15:31 Body It’s less about wins and losses for Marvin Lewis, and more about building enduring bridges for the long term.  The George Mason University assistant vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics recently unveiled his vision with an ambitious five-year strategic plan called “Patriots United. Together We Thrive.” The plan aims to enhance student-athlete experiences, strengthen resources, raise competitiveness, curate storytelling and engagement opportunities, and cultivate a championship culture.  The plan is designed to keep George Mason competitive in the fast-changing college sports landscape with improved facilities, expanded resources, and robust support for student-athletes.  “I believe athletics is the front porch of this university, but our job is to unite the community,” Lewis said. “In this evolving landscape, our university needs athletics at the forefront, with our basketball programs gaining strong visibility—locally, regionally, and nationally. These pillars will guide our efforts as we continue to elevate George Mason Athletics and deliver on our mission to inspire and transform lives through the power of sports.”  Marvin Lewis. Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding Lewis presented his plan, as well as the fundraising priorities, to the university’s Board of Visitors (BOV) in February, where his call for support in building a winning program to unite the Northern Virginia community resonated.  “If we look around the country at the elite universities, I think you’ll find the combination of great athletics and great academics,” BOV board member Jon M. Peterson said at the meeting. “I think we’ve got the academics; I just think we need to bring the other side up to match.”  Key Highlights of the Plan There is a $35 million fundraising goal within the Mason Now: Power the Possible comprehensive campaign, to elevate George Mason Athletics, enhance student-athlete experiences, and strengthen the university’s competitive position.  Basketball Greatness:   The university’s signature men’s and women’s basketball programs are central to the plan, with $22.5 million allocated to position George Mason as the unofficial college team of Northern Virginia.  Focused on attracting, recruiting, and retaining top-tier talent, providing championship-level support, and developing student-athletes to their full potential.  A significant portion will fund the construction of a new Basketball and Academic Performance Center, a 30,000-square-foot facility with practice courts, coaches’ offices, locker rooms, a weight room, and an academic support center for all student-athletes.  Sports Performance Ecosystem:  $8 million will be allocated to enhance mental health and wellness services, as well as nutrition and fueling programs, based on student-athlete feedback identifying these as the top requested resources.  Patriot Pathways: Champion to Career:  $3 million will go toward this program, which provides holistic development opportunities for student-athletes beyond sports, including financial education, career readiness, leadership development, and civic engagement.  Athletic Director Opportunity Fund:   Aimed at supporting emerging opportunities, this $1.5 million fund will invest in innovative technology pilots, one-time campus and local business collaborations, and special projects to strengthen recruitment and retention efforts.  Lewis predicts the addition of the Basketball and Academic Performance Center would be a “game-changer” for George Mason. This plan also highlights the need to upgrade the 40-year-old, 10,000-seat EagleBank Arena, which will require spending up to $10 million.  “Men’s and women’s basketball are our flagship programs,” said Lewis, a former four-year starting shooting guard and team captain at Georgia Tech, who led the Yellow Jackets to the 2004 national championship game. “They’re the most visible programs for our university, so making sure they have the resources they need is imperative.”  Lewis emphasized the broader benefits of a successful, high-profile comprehensive athletics program, noting the increased visibility can lead to increased student enrollment and attract more academically talented students who might not have otherwise considered George Mason.  While most current George Mason students weren’t around for the Patriots’ Cinderella run to the 2006 Final Four, Lewis believes winning can revive that same spirit. Signs of renewed excitement are already evident after both the men’s and women’s basketball teams had successful seasons this winter.  This season marked a historic year for George Mason Athletics, as the Patriots added to their proud legacy by capturing a combined five regular season titles and conference championships—marking the most successful year in the university’s Atlantic 10 era and the highest single-season total since 1994–95.  “Everybody loves winners,” Peterson said. “We need more winners, and we’ll attract more students.”  The magic starting to take hold at George Mason hasn’t gone unnoticed in the sports world, as Lewis was named to the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee in May.  But building a championship culture doesn’t come easily, and it will require an all-hands-on-deck approach from the entire campus and local community.   The university’s BOV recognized its role in this effort, using the May meeting to formally approve a name, image, likeness (NIL) policy that compensates student-athletes through personal branding opportunities. Lewis said the policy aligns George Mason with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s legal framework, pending NCAA legislation, and peer institutions.  Visit the Patriots United. Together We Thrive page for more information. Visit the Patriots United website Related News George Mason Athletics embraces a new era of excellence June 23, 2025 “Patriots United. Together We Thrive.” is Athletics’ vision to strengthen George Mason’s competitive future June 20, 2025 A historic year for George Mason Athletics June 20, 2025 Quinn-Irons led George Mason’s charge into the baseball postseason June 20, 2025 Patriot Profile: Midori Galligan June 2, 2025Topics Topics Campus News Athletics Student Athlete Mason Now campaign

A historic year for George Mason Athletics Katarina Benson Wed, 06/18/2025 - 15:28 Body The 2024-25 school year was one for the record books for George Mason University Athletics, delivering five Atlantic 10 Conference (A-10) titles and the most successful run since joining the league 11 years ago.  The Patriots captured A-10 titles or championships in:  Men’s soccer—first regular season title in program history marking the team’s first title since winning the 2013 tournament championship  Men’s basketball—first regular season title in program history  Women’s basketball—first tournament championship in program history  Women’s indoor track and field—first championship since 2014  Men’s outdoor track and field—first championship since 2019  Women's basketball A-10 champions. Photo by Art Pittman/Athletics “This year’s success is a reflection of the passion, resilience, and drive our coaches and student-athletes bring every day,” said Marvin Lewis, assistant vice president and director of athletics. “We’re proud to make history together and a strong sign of what’s possible for George Mason Athletics moving forward.”  This marked the highest single-school year total in program history, surpassing the previous record of four titles set during George Mason’s inaugural A-10 campaign in 2013–14. It also marked the first time since 1994–95, during the university’s tenure in the Colonial Athletic Association, that the Patriots won five combined regular season and conference championships in one academic year.  Men's outdoor track and field. Photo by Rafael Suanes/Athletics Additional highlights from a banner year:  Men’s soccer Head Coach Rich Costanzo was named A-10 Coach of the Year after guiding the Patriots to their first regular season title, finishing 13-4-1 overall and 6-1-1 in A-10 play—their best conference finish—and earning them a top seed in the A-10 Championship.  Men’s basketball Head Coach Tony Skinn was named A-10 Coach of the Year after leading the team to a share of its first-ever regular season A-10 conference title, a program-tying 27 wins,  and its first National Invitation Tournament (NIT) appearance since 2009.  The women’s basketball team recorded a program-best 27 victories, won its first A-10 Tournament title, and secured its first National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Tournament appearance.  Student-athletes earned a collective 3.32 grade point average (GPA), with a record 78 named Provost Scholars earning a 3.75 GPA or higher, and nearly half securing Dean's List honors. In total, 18 student-athletes earned all-conference honors or individual titles, and 75 earned weekly conference awards.  With historic wins, academic excellence, and rising national visibility, George Mason is building momentum, positioning the university as a competitive force in the A-10 and across the collegiate athletics landscape. Topics Topics Athletics Campus News Student Athlete Students

Mason Korea partners with Incheon City to advance K-content development Katarina Benson Fri, 06/06/2025 - 20:42 Body Mason Korea recently hosted the inaugural iDesign Seminar: K-Content in collaboration with Incheon City. The event brought together academic, government, and industry leaders to explore strategies for strengthening Korea’s cultural content sector. It was supported by Incheon Metropolitan City, Incheon Tourism Organization, Hanwha Corporation, and SM C&C. During the seminar, Mason Korea announced plans to establish a K-Content Research Center, which will provide academic and policy support for “K-con-land,” a new Korean-content hub initiative led by the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZ). K-Content Seminar panelists. Photo provided The event opened with a congratulatory address from Joshua Park, campus dean of Mason Korea. The first session, under the theme “Decode,” featured K-pop expert Gyu Tag Lee, an associate professor of global affairs at Mason Korea who presented on the growth of K-content from a discourse analysis perspective. This was followed by the “Deploy” session, which included case presentations by four industry practitioners—Bomin Seo (Incheon City), Song Jae Lee (SM C&C), Taehyun Kim (Incheon Tourism Organization), and Beom-seok Moon (Hanwha)—who shared real-world insights on policy, branding, tourism, and content innovation. The experts shared their thoughts on the global potential of K-content, best practice case studies, and concrete policy ideas to help position Incheon as a global content hub. In the final session, Lee moderated a panel discussion on how Incheon can drive K-content creation. Mason Korea students also contributed thoughtful questions during the Q&A session, sparking further dialogue. “The Korean Wave, or Hallyu—which refers to the globalization of K-culture and K-content—has already spanned nearly 30 years,” said Lee. “It began with the popularity of Korean dramas in Chinese-speaking regions and has since expanded to K-pop and the broader realm of Korean media and culture. Now is the time to envision the future of K-culture and K-content. This requires not only strong central government support but also regional efforts to develop K-content.” “Mason Korea has long engaged in research and education on Hallyu, the K-pop music industry, K-games, and public diplomacy, involving experts from various fields,” said Park. “The K-Content Research Center, to be launched this year, will work closely with Incheon City to develop local content discourse, advance academic research, promote programs, and nurture future talent.” He added, “This seminar serves as a model of university-industry-government cooperation and a meaningful starting point for shaping the future of K-content. Mason Korea will continue to expand research and education collaborations with domestic institutions, businesses, and universities to play a trusted role as a global gateway contributing to the development of Korea’s K-content industry.”Related Stories Mason Korea graduates Class of 2025 June 24, 2025 Mason Korea partners with Incheon City to advance K-content development June 9, 2025 Mason Korea hosts record-breaking digital art competition June 5, 2025 Mason Korea undergrads publish research in international environmental journal June 2, 2025 George Mason and Fairfax City leaders visit Korea to advance entrepreneurship May 20, 2025 Topics Topics Mason Korea Campus News partnerships

Cowen named to inaugural TIME100 Philanthropy List Colleen Rich Fri, 06/06/2025 - 10:51 Body George Mason University economics professor and alumnus Tyler Cowen, BS Economics ’83, has been named one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in philanthropy.  Cowen is being recognized for his leadership of Emergent Ventures, a fellowship and grant program, housed at George Mason’s Mercatus Center, that backs entrepreneurial thinkers and doers with extraordinary potential. Since its launch, Emergent Ventures has funded more than 1,000 individuals around the world who are advancing work across a wide array of fields, including science, policy, and journalism. “I’ve focused on trying to mobilize talent that otherwise is not discovered or inspired,” Cowen told TIME, explaining that he screens most of the applications himself.  Emergent Ventures’ successes include funding one of the first COVID-19 saliva tests via its Fast Grants program and a prison reform startup that used data analysis to identify more than 150,000 safe candidates for early release. “Tyler's vision for Emergent Ventures is to do philanthropy differently,” said Economics Department chair Daniel Houser. “He created a highly effective and influential approach to broad-based giving that includes rapid decisions and taking an occasional risk. Tyler supports leading established scholars and also helps to develop prodigies at earlier stages of their career, sometimes as early as high school.”  Cowen, who has led Emergent Ventures since 2018, is the director of the Mercatus Center and a faculty member of the Economics Department’s The Center for Study of Public Choice. A nationally renowned economist, he is a columnist for The Free Press and contributes daily to the Marginal Revolution blog.  Responding to the honor, Cowen wrote on the blog, “It is the Emergent Ventures winners who deserve the real credit, thanks to them!” The inaugural TIME100 Philanthropy list recognizes 100 individuals who are reimagining the ways giving can drive meaningful change. Philanthropists from 28 countries made the list, including Warren Buffet, Michael Bloomberg, and Oprah Winfrey. Cowen was recognized in the innovators category along with Catherine, Princess of Wales; skateboarder Tony Hawk; and actor Michael Sheen.  The full list is available at here. Read more about Cowen’s work with Emergent Ventures here.  Tyler Cowen joined University President Gregory Washington on the Access to Excellence podcast to discuss Emergent Ventures. Listen to the episode.Related News A watershed year for George Mason University sustainability data June 30, 2025 This George Mason psychology researcher is clocking in to make workplaces safer for all June 26, 2025 Student-led Chesapeake Bay project showcases George Mason’s commitment to environmental stewardship June 25, 2025 Alumnus uses his creative voice to build connections, honor heritage, and foster peace June 18, 2025 Kotcher named interim director of the Center for Climate Change Communication June 12, 2025Topics Topics Campus News Alumni College of Humanities and Social Sciences Mercatus Center

George Mason launches Grand Challenge Initiative to secure sustainable, prosperous future Katarina Benson Wed, 06/04/2025 - 14:45 Body George Mason University has launched its Grand Challenge Initiative (GCI), a comprehensive research framework backed by an initial five-year, $15 million investment. The initiative will align university resources, faculty expertise, and educational programs around six interconnected solution areas addressing what George Mason President Gregory Washington describes as “humanity’s ultimate grand challenge”—securing a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous future. “Our world is at a crossroads,” he said. “It is time to either brace for global decline and a future that none of us want, or seize control of our destiny and work to reverse course. It will take all of us working together on all these solutions at once to alter the trajectory of our future.”  The initiative, developed through a faculty-driven task force led by Andre Marshall, vice president for research, innovation, and economic impact, focuses on six grand solutions:  Advancing 21st-century education for all  Building a climate-resilient society  Driving responsible digital innovation and sustainable infrastructure  Improving human health, well-being, and preparedness  Pioneering space exploration, research, and collaboration  Strengthening peace, trust, and engagement in democracy  In the latest episode of the Access to Excellence podcast, Marshall discusses this new initiative and how it will shape the future of our university.  “George Mason is driven by discovery,” said Marshall. “This means unleashing our bold ideas from their theoretical and laboratory boundaries, thoughtfully cultivating them as they take shape, and fearlessly deploying them as innovations that will transform our lives.”  GCI will enhance educational opportunities, increase faculty talent and expertise, align current research projects, seed new proposals, and build essential infrastructure across George Mason’s campuses. Working in conjunction with the university’s billion-dollar Mason Now: Power the Possible campaign, the initiative seeks partnerships with government, industry, and nongovernmental organizations.  Several pioneering projects already are underway, including:  A $5 million U.S. Department of Education grant to expand the number of counselors serving high-need schools  A $1 million Google-funded cybersecurity clinic partnership with Howard University  A $6 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to help local communities become climate-resilient  A $1.78 million National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant to improve maternal and child health through a study on environmental impacts and health outcomes  The Landolt NASA Space Mission is George Mason’s first space mission and will place an artificial “star” in orbit to enhance telescope calibration  The Carter School was named a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 Hub Chair, one of only two U.S. universities selected for peace and conflict resolution  As the most innovative public university in Virginia according to U.S. News & World Report rankings for two consecutive years, George Mason continues to expand its research footprint and economic impact across the commonwealth. A media tool kit for the George Mason community is currently being developed. This will include graphics, Powerpoint slides, and email signatures, and it will be made available on the GCI website. More on the Grand Challenge Initiative  Related News Student-led Chesapeake Bay project showcases George Mason’s commitment to environmental stewardship June 25, 2025 Groundbreaking mobile app captures and documents bruises to help survivors of interpersonal violence June 5, 2025 George Mason launches Grand Challenge Initiative to secure sustainable, prosperous future June 5, 2025 George Mason awarded $5 million from U.S. Department of Education to increase school counselors in high-need schools June 4, 2025 Podcast — EP 68: A Future We Want: One Grand Challenge. Six Grand Solutions June 3, 2025Topics Topics GCI-Grand Challenge Initiative Campus News Research

NuScale Energy Exploration Center at Fuse offers students a state-of-the-art simulated reactor control room Katarina Benson Wed, 06/04/2025 - 13:59 Body George Mason University's College of Engineering and Computing announces the opening of the Energy Exploration (E2) Center in partnership with NuScale Power Corporation at Fuse at Mason Square.   The E2 Center, the largest of its kind in the United States, engages students in hands-on nuclear science and engineering educational activities. The center was funded by a grant from the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank, powered by the Virginia Department of Energy, a strategic investment in Virginia’s nuclear energy workforce development.  NuScale E2 Centers, including the one at George Mason, feature a state-of-the-art simulator that replicates a NuScale small modular reactor (SMR) control room. Students at George Mason will have the unique opportunity to assume the role of a control room operator, engaging with real-life scenarios that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application.   NuScale control room. Photo by Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding “This cutting-edge SMR control room simulator will ensure that our students have access to emerging technologies that will drive innovation,” said Ken Ball, dean of the College of Engineering and Computing at George Mason. “Partnerships such as this give our students the tools and education they will need to prepare for the future and become part of Virginia’s dynamic workforce.”   George Mason is invested in solving humanity’s ultimate grand challenge: securing a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous future. As a part of the Grand Challenge Initiative, the simulator is part of George Mason’s commitment to advancing a 21st-century education for all as well as building a climate-resilient society.   The establishment of NuScale’s E2 Center at George Mason also marks a significant advancement for Virginia's educational landscape, preparing the next generation of nuclear professionals to engage with the evolving energy industry.  "A reliable and increasingly clean energy future is what the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank is all about," said Glenn Davis, director of the Virginia Department of Energy. "With this investment alongside world-class higher-education partners at George Mason and cutting-edge industry leaders at NuScale, we're ensuring Virginia has the energy to power our thriving economy and the expertise to continue leading the nation in innovation, education, and opportunity."  “The opening of NuScale’s E2 Center at George Mason reinforces our mission to drive innovation in nuclear energy and inspire the next generation of leaders,” said NuScale President and Chief Executive Officer John Hopkins. “Together, we are shaping a skilled nuclear-ready workforce and fostering a more informed public, providing a strong foundation for the future of clean, reliable energy in Virginia and around the world.”  User in the lab. Photo by  Eduardo Macedo/Office of University Branding Fuse at Mason Square is a 345,000-square-foot facility designed to promote technology, partnerships, and community engagement. The E2 Center, which opened at the end of May, offers opportunities outside the college curriculum, including practical demonstrations and interactive tours for local leaders and K-12 students, to deepen their understanding of nuclear power and the role it plays in providing reliable, clean energy.  In addition to the E2 Center at George Mason, NuScale has centers at Idaho State University, Ohio State University, Oregon State University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Texas A&M, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, South Carolina State University, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, and Seoul National University. Learn more about NuScale E2 Centers here.   More on Fuse at Mason Square  Related Stories NuScale Energy Exploration Center at Fuse offers students a state-of-the-art simulated reactor control room June 4, 2025 Victor and Diane Hoskins make a gift to fuel the future of George Mason students—and Northern Virginia December 18, 2024 George Mason’s Fuse at Mason Square opens with its commercial launch December 9, 2024 Stanley and Rosemary Hayes Jones invest $1.4M in George Mason for STEM education and research December 4, 2024 Civil engineering student builds a solid foundation with summer internship October 7, 2024Topics Topics Campus News Mason Square Fuse at Mason Square

Christopher Kardambikis on the Power of Print, Publishing, and Possibility Lakin Raybuck Mon, 06/02/2025 - 13:27 In This Story People Mentioned in This Story Christopher KardambikisBody Christopher Kardambikis never set out to create work that would sit behind glass or live in private collections. Instead, he found his voice and purpose through publishing zines, artist books, and prints—things people could hold, trade, collect, and care about without needing a trust fund.  Now an associate professor and director of studio art at George Mason University's School of Art, Kardambikis brings that same ethos into the classroom. He teaches printmaking, book arts, and a deeply collaborative publishing minor that opens students up to something much more tangible than the "starving artist" cliché.   "I want the work to be distributed," he says. "I want normal people to actually access it."  It's a perspective shaped not just by art school or gallery walls but by real-world experiences that most students never hear about. Before coming to George Mason, Kardambikis worked as an artist's assistant and then at an art shipping warehouse in Long Island, New York. His job? Packaging up expensive artwork and preparing it for storage, sometimes indefinitely.   "There's so much work that just sits in crates," he recalls. "These paintings get bought by wealthy collectors, but no one ever sees them. They're not even being enjoyed. They're investments, sitting on shelves."  With print-based art, he found a medium that could move freely, outside the confines of exclusivity.  Christopher Kardambikis of George Mason's School of Art. Photo provided His long-running podcast Paper Cuts was born from that same spirit of access. Launched initially during his artist residency at Pioneer Works in Brooklyn, the project started as a way to interview zinesters and small press artists as an excuse to talk to people about the books they make. Over the years, it's grown into a traveling platform for community, collaboration, and archival storytelling.  It also gave him a way to connect. "When I moved to new cities—Pittsburgh, San Diego, LA, New York—I always started a publishing project. That's how I made friends. That's how I met people and became part of a scene."  At George Mason, he's helping students see how print and publishing can do the same for them.  Students team up with working artists, presses, and organizations across the region through the School of Art's Dynamic Publishing minor. They produce real books, collaborate with local creatives, and watch their work move from concept to finished product—all while developing a skill set that's adaptable, entrepreneurial, and community-focused.   And while he's quick to point out that not everyone needs to start their own press, he wants students to understand the range of what's possible. He introduces them to people building careers through small studios, cooperative print shops, local arts education, and community-centered creative work.  "You're not limited to being in a gallery," he says. "You don't have to wait for someone to give you permission."  One of his goals is to help students see just how resourceful they already are. In his classes, students don't just learn the techniques. They learn how to plan, produce, and problem solve, often using materials or processes far outside traditional expectations. "You learn to do the research, figure it out, and follow your vision wherever it leads. That's not something you can teach in theory. You have to live it."  He also believes deeply in the relevance of physical work in a digital-first world. Books, he says, still matter. Maybe now more than ever.   "Websites disappear. Apps go away. But books can last hundreds of years. They're solid. They hold stories. They're touchable, tangible, real."  It's not about resisting technology. It's about remembering that the physical and the digital don't have to be at odds. In fact, for many of his students, learning how ink interacts with paper changes how they think about design altogether.   "Once they've made something by hand. Once they've printed it, folded it, held it, it shifts how they understand what they're doing," he says. "It gives it weight."  And for Kardambikis, that's the point: helping students create work that carries weight not just on the page but also in the world.   Topics Topics School of Art College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) innovative classes Campus News minors