In This Story
George Mason University’s staff and faculty bring their generosity to their work each day, and many go a step farther by contributing to George Mason through financial giving. Each year, the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations holds a celebration of faculty and staff generosity and commitment, and this year debuted two awards highlighting a faculty member and a staff member who embody the many ways in which the George Mason community gives to its students and programs.
“George Mason’s success streams directly from the many ways that our faculty and staff give of themselves,” said Trishana E. Bowden, vice president of advancement and alumni relations and president of the George Mason University Foundation. “We are incredibly fortunate to benefit from this culture of philanthropy, and we created the Luminary Award and the Spirit of Giving Award to let us tell the stories of individuals whose giving serves as an inspiration to us all.”
The Luminary Award honors faculty donors whose philanthropy and advocacy serve as a shining example for the George Mason community, she said. These faculty members go beyond their professional roles to champion George Mason students and programs, inspiring students, colleagues, and the broader university community to engage in meaningful giving through their leadership, advocacy, and their own commitment to giving.
The inaugural Luminary Award was given to Kim Eby, vice provost for faculty affairs and development.
“Kim truly embodies the ethos of the arts at George Mason,” said Rick Davis, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, as he presented the award. “For years, Kim has served as the co-chair of the Dance Fête, our annual celebration of dance and philanthropy. Through her leadership, this event has grown in both impact and visibility, ensuring that our dance students have the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to excel.
“Kim’s support of George Mason students extends across and beyond the arts, from dance to music, from undergraduate research to supporting student food and housing insecurity issues. She has given not only her resources but also her time, energy, and leadership to ensure that the students continue to thrive at George Mason.”
Eby appreciated that the award reflected the length and breadth of her service to the university. “It is an honor to be recognized with the inaugural Luminary Award, particularly since George Mason has been my professional home for nearly 30 years,” she said. “The knowledge that I am part of making a difference for our students brings me a sense of purpose and gives hope. I know that together we can have a tremendous impact on our community.”
Bowden also announced a Spirit of Giving Award to recognize staff members who embody the university’s philanthropic spirit and actively contribute to the university through charitable giving, service, and engagement. Their deep commitment to supporting George Mason’s mission, whether by donating, leading fundraising efforts, or encouraging a culture of giving within their departments, exemplifies selflessness and generosity, strengthening the George Mason community and inspiring others to give back.
The first Spirit of Giving Award was given to Philip Wilkerson III, MEd ’23, an employer engagement consultant with the Office of Career Services, and was presented by Lewis Forrest II, associate dean of University Life.
“Philip's charitable giving supports initiatives benefiting student success, including the College of Education and Human Development Dean’s Excellence Fund, University Life Student Emergency Assistance Fund, the Black Scholars Endowment, and the Career Readiness Fund,” said Forrest. Moreover, he said, Wilkerson "literally knows everyone on campus. His light and energy make it easy for others to be inspired to give their time, talents, or gifts to George Mason.”
Forrest described a particular effort of Wilkerson’s that has made a positive impact: “The Pats for Patriots initiative enables members of our community to send kind messages to colleagues. These are easy ways to show someone you see them, and it costs nothing,” said Forrest. “This is what Phil does, he gives of himself so that others can benefit. Because of his leadership, more than 2,000 George Mason Patriots have submitted recognition to colleagues and friends. This is what it means to give in a variety of ways.”
Wilkerson said that George Mason was the place where he found his life’s work in helping others. "This award made me feel seen, heard, and valued as someone who contributes to George Mason University through my day-to-day efforts. That means the world to me because George Mason has given me so much—a community, a career, and a profound sense of purpose and belonging,” he said. “I’m honored to be recognized in this way, and I will continue to do the work that helps the next generation of students feel empowered, just as George Mason has empowered me. It’s about sustaining the thriving community that has given us so much.”
That thriving community, said Bowden, is “a reflection of care, dedication, and belief in our students, our mission, and our future that makes an impact far beyond the classroom or office. Our faculty and staff offer an extraordinary commitment to the university, and it is an honor to highlight their service—and to thank them.”