George Mason Black Alumni Chapter

Today, we honor Juneteenth — a powerful reminder of resilience, liberation, and the continued pursuit of freedom.

On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, news of freedom finally reached enslaved people in Galveston, Texas. Juneteenth marks the day when all enslaved Black Americans were declared free — a turning point that echoes through generations.

For the Black Mason community, Juneteenth is more than history — it’s legacy. It’s a celebration of our ancestors’ strength, our students’ brilliance, and our alumni’s impact.

As we honor this day, may we continue to celebrate Black excellence, advocate for justice, and uplift our communities — not just today, but every day.

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Please join us in congratulating Dr. Cameron J. Harris, ‘06, the 2025 Distinguished Black Alumni Award recipient! Dr. Harris exemplifies leadership, service, and academic excellence—deeply impacting the Mason community and beyond.

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Dr. Cameron J. Harris, BA ‘06, is Area Chair and Associate Professor in Business Foundations at the Donald G. Costello College of Business at GMU. Dr. Harris has taught across the Fairfax, Arlington, and Korea campuses. He earned his master’s and PhD in Higher Education Administration from Indiana University and held previous roles at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and IU.

At Mason, he has served as Assistant Chair, Faculty Fellow for Inclusive Excellence, and Inclusive Excellence Fellow. He advises the Mu Mu chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and the Black Student Alliance. A former VP of Events for the Black Alumni Chapter, Dr. Harris’s research focuses on teaching and the experiences of Black doctoral students. His many honors include the GMU Presidential Award for Faculty Excellence in Diversity and the Dean’s Teaching Faculty Fellows Award.

Introducing the 2025–2026 Black Alumni Chapter Board of Directors! 💛💚

Thank you to all the alumni who participated in this year’s election—your voice and support continue to shape the future of our Mason Black alumni community. We’re proud to welcome this dynamic group of leaders who are committed to connection, celebration, and service. ✨

President – Deion Maith, BA ‘20
VP of Events – Tiara Jackson, BA ‘12
VP of Engagement – Avory Ransome, BS ‘21
Historian – Malcolm Priester, BA ‘23, MA ’25
Treasurer – Obum Egolum, BS ‘20
Immediate Past President – Deidra Bailey, BA ‘09, M.Ed ‘11
Strategic Advisor – Chris Preston, BS ‘96

✨ Directors at Large
Kaala Evans, BS ‘14
Paul Wyche, BS ‘25
Maxine Maloney, MPH ‘13
Cynthia Porter Johnson, BA ‘93, MS ‘02
Ja’Lisha “Jae” Urquhart, BA ‘18

Here’s to another amazing year of impact and community. Let’s get to work! 💪🏾

Congratulations Class of 2025! 🎓

We are beyond proud to welcome you as the newest members of the George Mason Black Alumni family! 🎉 Your hard work, dedication, and resilience have led you to this incredible achievement, and we’re excited to continue supporting you as you embark on the next chapter of your journey.

As a member of the Black Alumni Chapter (BAC), there’s no fee or extra steps to join – you’ve don’t the hard part🎓, and you’re part of the family!

Stay connected with us! Visit the link below to join our email list, where you’ll get the latest on upcoming events, Black alumni news, and exciting opportunities to be recognized at future events.

eepurl.com/ddYwhr

We can’t wait to celebrate all your future accomplishments! 💚

BAC Family — It’s Election Time!🗳️
Elections for the Black Alumni Chapter are officially open! Check your email for your ballot and make your voice heard by Tuesday, May 28 at 11:59 PM ET.

Didn’t receive the email? No worries — send us a message directly and we’ll get you squared away.✅

Let’s shape the future of BAC together!💚💛

The Black Alumni Chapter was proud to support George Mason’s 2025 Cultural Graduation Celebration! Our chapter president, in partnership with the Latino Alumni Chapter, delivered closing remarks and hosted a special reception honoring the graduates. We’re especially proud to celebrate two of our very own board members—Malcolm Priester and Shelby Adams—on their graduation. 💚💛Congratulations, Class of 2025! Your BAC family is cheering you on.

Last Call!🤩

Nominations for the BAC Board of Directors close tonight at 11:59 PM ET! Don’t miss your chance to shape the future of the Black Alumni Chapter.
Submit your nomination now — link below!💚💛

forms.gle/dKYtXrTNp8t8Ys9o7

Ready to lead? The George Mason Black Alumni Chapter is now accepting nominations for our Board of Directors!💚💛

All positions are available—and we’re looking for passionate, dedicated alumni ready to serve in a volunteer leadership role. Terms begin July 1, 2025 and run for up to two years. Complete the form using the link to submit your nomination today!✅

https://forms.gle/dKYtXrTNp8t8Ys9o7

Please note: A nomination does not guarantee a board seat; it places the nominee on the ballot for voting.‼️

Submit your nomination today and help shape the future of the BAC!📩 Nominations close Friday, May 10 at 11:59 PM. ⏱️

We’re excited to welcome George Mason University Foundation, Inc. as a Silver Level Sponsor for our upcoming Forty Under 40 celebration! Thank you for supporting and investing in the excellence of our Black alumni community. Let’s keep building together!

The celebration continues! 🥂🎉 Join us on Sunday, April 6, from 12-2 PM at The Park for an unforgettable Bottomless Brunch as we keep the Forty Under 40 energy going! 🍽️✨ If you missed out on gala tickets, this is your chance to celebrate with fellow alumni over great food and endless mimosas! 🍾🔥

📍 The Park
⏰ 12-2 PM
🎟 Must register to attend – https://gmblackalumni2025.eventbrite.com/

Don’t wait—secure your spot now and let’s toast to Black excellence! 🏆

Join Mason’s BAC as we support VCU’s Black Alumni Council’s upcoming A10 Tournament Watch Party this Friday, March 14 at The Park on 14th in Washington DC. 🏀🥳

Registration is required to attend and to receive a wristband to access the reserved floor. Link is below and we hope to see you there 😎.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-10-conference-watch-party-at-the-park-tickets-1277106944249

Thank you to for the invite. 🖤💚💛

Meet the Next Eight Honorees of the GMU Black Alumni Forty Under 40!⭐️⭐️

We’re excited to introduce the next group of outstanding honorees shaping industries across wellness and health, consulting, higher education advocacy, career advising, law, and executive leadership as CEOs. Their impact is undeniable, and we are proud to recognize their excellence!

We will celebrate these changemakers at our sold-out Forty Under 40 Honors Gala on April 5 at the Tysons Corner Marriott!

Missed out on tickets? You can still be part of this moment! Support the Black Alumni Chapter by donating or becoming a sponsor. Every contribution helps fund scholarships and strengthen our chapter’s initiatives.
More honoree spotlights coming soon—stay tuned!