Career Connection Alumni Award

The Career Connection Outstanding Alumni Award celebrates Mason alumni who make a significant impact on students’ career goals, employment plans, or graduate school preparation. 

Nominees are passionate about supporting students’ professional growth and invest extra time in their career readiness. George Mason University Career Services staff select and recognize outstanding alumni for this honor.

Alumni may be recognized for: 

• Showing up to career fairs to engage with and mentor students 

• Attending alumni networking events to foster career connections 

• Serving as panelists on GMU Career Services events to share industry insights 

• Leading GMU recruitment programs at their respective organizations 

• Providing mentorship and career advice to students and recent graduates 

• Offering resume reviews, mock interviews, or other career development support 

• Encouraging students to participate in internships, research, and study abroad opportunities 

• Writing letters of recommendation or serving as professional references 

By recognizing outstanding alumni, we celebrate those who go above and beyond to help George Mason students succeed in their professional journeys. If you know an alum who deserves this recognition, email careers@gmu.edu with your suggestion!

• 2016: Rachel Bruns, BA Global Affairs ‘13 

• 2015: Cate Bechtold, BA Dance ‘09 

• 2014: Dan Jaycox, BA English ‘08 

• 2013: Jonathan Lamb, BA Psychology ‘97 

• 2012: LaToya Allen, BA Sociology ‘02 

• 2011: Diana Gibb, PhD Education ‘91 

• 2010: Dianne Guensberg, BA Accounting ‘82 

• 2009: Garbo Cheung-Jasik, BA Communications ‘03, MPA ‘07 

• 2009: Robert Santos, BA International Studies ‘89 

• 2008: Lisa Rossner, BA Communications ‘89 

• 2007: Chris McGowan, BS Accounting ‘94 

• 2006: Marvin Watkins, BS Economics ‘87, MA Economics ‘80 

• 2005: Beverly (Charlesworth) Walker, BS Accounting ‘98 

• 2004: Kristie (Douglas) Woodside, BS Administration of Justice ‘98 

• 2003: Paul D. Garriss, BS Accounting ‘92 

• 2003: Linda Borostovik, BA Pyschology ‘93 

• 2002: Erin Ogburn, BA Integrative Studies ‘01 

• 2001: Katy McPherson, BA Communications ‘96 

• 1999: Rose Tajvidi, BA Marketing ‘85 

• 1998: Gary Powers, MPA ‘95 

• 1998: Allison Ritman, BA Communications ‘87 

• 1997: James Laychak, BS Accounting ‘83 

• 1997: David Oates, MS Mathematics ‘81