Costello College of Business News

Sumeet Shrivastava, EMBA ’94, has been dedicated to the success of the School of Business and George Mason University ever since he became a Patriot. Shrivastava, also president of the George Mason University Alumni Association, has established the Shrivastava Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship Endowment to recognize student leaders from underrepresented groups who are contributing to diversity and inclusion at Mason.

C. Kat Grimsley, former director of the Masters in Real Estate Development program at Mason, was one of six co-authors and core researchers on a recent U.N. report on affordable housing, in line with United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)’s #Housing2030 initiative.

Always looking for an edge, Giovanni Rodriguez would scan website after website for scholarships and other opportunities. His persistence paid off when he was announced as the undergraduate recipient for the Emerging Business Leader Award in 2021.

Leila Austin, assistant professor of Business Foundations, was named one of the 2021 Dean’s Teaching Faculty Fellows. Austin, who has been with the School of Business for the last five years, truly values her role as an educator.

All eyes were on Afghanistan this summer, as the removal of U.S. troops were expedited, creating a perilous environment for all who champion freedom and human rights in the face of the Taliban. Read more about how alumnus Marc Andersen helped evacuate an Afghan human rights attorney.

Esteemed professor of finance, Gerald A. Hanweck, Sr., passed away peacefully on December 6. Faculty and staff at George Mason University School of Business mourn the loss of their long-time colleague.

Gretchen Hendricks, instructor of Business Foundations, was named one of the 2021 Dean’s Teaching Faculty Fellows. While Hendricks joined the Foundations area in 2016, this wasn’t her first position with the School of Business.

Mason graduating senior Alex Lee devoted hours upon hours to attending networking events hosted by the School of Business. He talked to potential employers, asked questions, put himself out there.

The Montano Student Investment Fund (SMIF) recently hosted the Alpha Challenge, the group’s first stock pitch competition on George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus. More than $3,000 in cash prizes were awarded to student participants.

After graduating from the School of Business with her BS in accounting, Melissa Perera returned to complete her masters and get another leg up on her competition. Perera’s hard work was rewarded with the 2021 Graduate Division Emerging Business Leader Award.

Jeremy E. Plotnick, director of the minor programs at the School of Business, was named one of this year’s Dean’s Teaching Faculty Fellows.

The Center for Government Contracting in the George Mason University School of Business has appointed seven new researchers to support ongoing and future Center projects.