Rebecca (Becky) Hartley, who held the position of Assistant Vice President, Research Integrity and Assurance, in the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact, died October 16 at the age of 58.
In her role, she ensured that Mason’s research, scholarship, and creative work were ethical and complied with the appropriate rules and regulations.
“Becky was an amazing woman and a true leader. Her professionalism and ability to tackle complex and sensitive issues were unmatched,” said Mike Laskofski, Associate Vice President of Research Services. “She cared about people and treated everyone with respect and compassion. I felt like every interaction with Becky was a learning experience. Her strength, determination and commitment to making everyone around her better are qualities I admire deeply. I have never met anyone quite like Becky; she was one of a kind and will be truly missed.”
She also served as assistant coach for throws for the Mason Track and Field Team since 2004. “Becky built the throws program from scratch, and her success was critical to Mason winning several [Colonial Athletic Association] and A10 track and field championships,” said Andy Gerard, head coach for Mason Track and Field. “But Becky, most assuredly, was first and foremost, a teacher to a whole generation of student-athletes. She instilled life lessons and shaped everyone fortunate enough to interact with her.”
She graduated cum laude from Dartmouth College in 1985, going on to earn a master's degree in 1988 and a JD in 1994, both from the University of Virginia. She was editor-in-chief of the Journal of Law and Politics at University of Virginia Law and elected member of the Raven Society. She spent 20 years in private practice at several Washington, D.C., law firms.
She is survived by her husband, Paul Ammann, who is Associate Professor of Computer Science at Mason, and her son, Matthew Ammann, who is a firefighter with Loudoun County Fire and Rescue.
A celebration of her life is planned for Saturday, December 10, at Mason’s Fairfax Campus. All who knew her are welcome. Details for the celebration and additional remembrances about Becky are available at rememberingbeckyhartley.com.
In the meantime, the family asks that donations and memorial tributes be made to two causes close to her heart. One is The Becky Hartley Memorial Track and Field Scholarship, via the George Mason University Foundation Inc., 4400 University Drive, MS 1A3, Fairfax, VA 22030 or online at advancement.gmu.edu/hartley.
The other is the Patriot Pantry. Donations can be made directly at this online link; donors can include “Rebecca Hartley Memorial” in the “additional comments about your gift” at the bottom of the form.