A NEW LOOK FOR THE AFC POOL
By Sarah Wheeler, Staff Writer
The Aquatic Fitness Center’s (AFC) competition pool underwent renovations between June 12 and Aug. 30. The recreation facility team worked with local contractors to improve safety as well as aesthetic qualities. Existing tile around the pool was removed to add control joints under the new tiles. Control joints work under the tile to assist with the natural contraction and expansion of the deck. An adhesive tile with a more slip-resistant texture than the previous tile was added over top. Two sets of new starting blocks were also added for an improved look. These will help Mason Recreation programs showcase the competition venue. The competition pool goes as deep as 13.5 feet and is 25 yards by 50 meters. According to University Life, the “facility is regarded as one of the fastest pools in the Northern Virginia area.” It was also where an American Record was set in the women’s 1650 freestyle competition.
SCHAR SCHOOL TO HOST GOVERNORS’ DEBATE
Mason’s Schar School of Policy and Government and the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce will host the second of three televised state governor candidates’ debates between Republican Ed Gillespie and Democrat Ralph Northam at the Capital One bank in McLean on Tuesday, Sept. 19.
Panelists will include Schar School of Policy and Government Dean Mark Rozell, NBC4 Northern Virginia bureau chief Julie Carey and NBC4 news anchor Aaron Gilchrist. NBC’s political director and host of “Meet the Press,” Chuck Todd will moderate this debate. The panelists will focus on asking the candidates questions about issues affecting voters within the Commonwealth.
The debate will be open to the public, however seating is limited. Doors will open for check-in at 5 p.m. and will close at 6:15 p.m. The debate will be broadcast live on NBC4 and will run from 7- 8 p.m.
GEORGE MASON TEAM CHOSEN FOR STP DESIGN CHALLENGE
Mason was selected alongside Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) as one of four teams to participate in the Seamless Transfer Pathways (STP) Design Challenge beginning in fall 2017. The goal of the one-year challenge is to improve relationships between two-year and four-year colleges in order to enhance transfer pathways and graduation rates for undergraduate students. The teams will take part in three national meetings and three on-site design sessions. After the one year challenge ends, the Education Design Lab will continue to track the results of the program for the next six years. The challenge will be supported by funding from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation.
PRESIDENT OF MALTA SPEAKING AT MASON SEPT. 22
The President of Malta, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, will speak at Mason’s Arlington campus at the 28th annual Lynch Lecture hosted by the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution on Friday, Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m. The topic for this year’s lecture will be “Peace Beyond the Patriarchy.”
Photos Courtesy of Mason Recreation Flickr
