By Mary Frances Forcier
A George Mason University initiative that helps young alumni stay connected to and involved with George Mason recently received international recognition.
The Council for Advancement and Support of Education, headquartered in Washington, D.C., with members around the world, recently named Mason a silver award winner in its 2014 Circle of Excellence awards program.
Golden Quill Society members were inducted in a spring ceremony at the Mason Inn. The society helps student leaders become engaged alumni volunteers. Photo by Craig Bisacre.
Mason was recognized for its Golden Quill Society, which helps transition outstanding student leaders into key alumni leaders. “The society’s innovative approach to young alumni leadership allows it to accomplish many of Mason’s key goals,” says Chris Clark-Talley, associate vice president for alumni relations. “Creating an alumni leadership pipeline, helping young alumni engage with the university, and enhancing alumni visibility across the university—all are essential to Mason’s future.”
The Golden Quill Society gives more than 50 young alumni the skills to make meaningful volunteer engagement a strong part of their lives. Designed solely with young alumni in mind, the society’s flexible leadership structure encourages members to become volunteer engagement entrepreneurs by creating their own leadership opportunities.
Society members serve a five-year term, in which they perform at least two personally significant acts of volunteer engagement or philanthropy annually and participate in quarterly meetings. Current members (presently in six states and Mozambique) host events, mentor current students and lead alumni chapters.
A panel of experts selected the institution’s entry in the Student Alumni Initiatives category; among seven entries, Mason’s entry was the only one chosen for recognition.
The Golden Quill Society gives more than 50 young alumni the skills to make meaningful volunteer engagement a strong part of their lives. Photo by Craig Bisacre.
This year, 629 higher education institutions, independent schools and nonprofits worldwide submitted more than 3,000 entries in 100 categories for consideration in the Circle of Excellence awards program. Judges gave 283 bronze, silver and gold awards. Thirteen institutions received the top prize of a grand gold award.
The Council for Advancement and Support of Education is one of the largest international associations of education institutions, serving more than 3,650 universities, colleges, schools and related organizations in more than 80 countries. The council is the leading resource for professional development, information and standards in the fields of alumni relations, communications, educational fundraising and marketing.