President Ángel Cabrera presents Sharon Bloomquist with her Employee of the Month award on Feb. 2, 2018. Photo by Ron Aira.
As you enter the office of Sharon Bloomquist, graduate program coordinator in George Mason University’s Environmental Science and Policy Department, displayed on her walls are certifications and honors she has received over the course of her career.
The newest addition is recognition from George Mason as its February Employee of the Month.
“I work with some iconic people, so it’s very humbling,” said Bloomquist, who is retiring in May after 18 years at the university and moving to Ann Arbor, Mich. “I got my undergrad degree here (BA Communication ’06), my kids did too, and my husband got his PhD. Honestly, I don’t see this as an individual success, I see it as a team success, for not only my family, but for my Mason family, too. I see it as something we have all worked toward.”
Bloomquist then points to the pictures in her office of her past master’s and PhD students.
“I’ve made a lot of friendships here, and that to me is golden,” she said. “These are my kids. I’ve gotten to know them, and have helped them through their process as well.”
As a graduate program coordinator, Bloomquist’s daily tasks include advising accelerated master’s students and INTO program students, updating programs of study, and assisting with the academic review process.
“Our students have such a passion for environmental issues,” Bloomquist says. “What I love most about this job is helping those who are helping to make a difference in environment and policy issues today—that in a nutshell is everything.”
In his letter endorsing Bloomquist for Employee of the Month, University Professor Thomas Lovejoy called Bloomquist “a den mother for all graduate students in the department, from first inquiry to completion of degree. Short of cloning her, it would be great to shed light on her wonderful performance by recognizing her as Employee of the Month.”
Monica Marcelli, senior lab and research specialist, said, “I know her on both a personal level and professional level. She cares so much about others, and is so efficient. Sharon can do her job, and will still have time to help everyone else.”
President Ángel Cabrera presented Bloomquist with her award Friday, Feb. 2, in Merten Hall.
“For me, being graduate program coordinator is very personal, and very close to my heart,” Bloomquist said. “It always will be, and for the rest of my life. I will continue to take on environment issues in whatever capacity it brings. Who knows what’s waiting for me in Ann Arbor.”