The misspelled sign labeling Innovation as “Innnovation Hall” pictured Feb. 10, 2026. (Nathan Ferraro / Fourth Estate)

Extra ‘N’ spotted on Innovation Hall sign

BY JOSEPH TRIOLO, STAFF WRITER

Eagle-eyed students were met with an extra “n” on their way to classes at Innovation Hall earlier this semester. The newly redone sign outside the main entrance read “Innnovation Hall.” 

The typo comes amidst recent efforts by George Mason University to update signage along the lines of their new brand image.

Back in 2024, the university unveiled a new logo based on the monogram of George Mason. In an article released by the university, Vice President and Chief Brand Officer Paul Allvin, was quoted saying, “This is a new look for a new era with new expectations of American higher education.” 

“The rebrand reintroduces Mason as elite yet never elitist, prestigious yet eminently accessible, confident in blazing a fundamentally new path for public higher education in the 21st century and beyond,” Allvin said.

With the new brand and logo, the university began redesigning wayfinding signs around campus. 

“Plans to update the aging color palette were already underway, and the university’s rebrand offered the ideal moment to move forward,” said University Environmental Graphics Designer and Sign Program Manager John Forgy in an email to Fourth Estate.

This process began in late 2025, according to Forgy.

“Although errors are rare, once identified, they were quickly reprinted and replaced within four days, at no cost to the overall budget,” Forgy wrote in response to attention garnered by the typo. 

The project has been funded through “previously allocated university maintenance budgets,” and will have the added benefit of saving the university on future expenses according to Forgy.

“In fact, the new paint is less expensive than the previous type, helping to reduce long‑term maintenance expenses,” Forgy said.

Despite the saved costs, some of the updated signs have sustained significant wear and tear. Outside the SUB I, one of the new signs was spotted on a slant and was missing the outer part of its leg. 

A broken sign outside of SUB I pictured on March 31, 2026. (Joseph Triolo / Fourth Estate)

“While the team conducts thorough post‑installation inspections, community attention has already proven helpful,” Forgy wrote. 

When asked how the community can continue to help, he said, “Students and George Mason community members can assist by reporting any damaged or missing signage through the Facilities & Campus Operations work order system.”