:: Traditions

George Mason Statue

Decorating
Mason's Most Motivated (MMM) student group started decorating George as a way to increase school spirit and attendance at various activities and events. It has now become a tradition for some groups to try to out-do or out-decorate one another. Recognized student organizations, academic departments, and university offices may fill out a request to decorate George to promote an event or events they are sponsoring or to highlight a special achievement.

History
On April 12, 1996, a seven-foot statue of patriot and university namesake, George Mason, was dedicated. The statue, sculpted by nationally acclaimed artist Wendy M. Ross, was commissioned by the George Mason Fund for the Arts and the Arts Gala Committee with contributions from the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution, students, and friends.

The statue portrays the great statesman presenting his handwritten first draft of the Virginia Declaration of Rights in 1776. The writing table on Mason’s right replicates the original, which can be found in the study at Gunston Hall, his home in Fairfax County, VA. The three books on the table—works by Hume, Locke, and Rousseau—depict sources of Mason’s thoughts on individual liberty. The statue serves as a constant reminder of the ideals most important to both George Mason the man and George Mason University: freedom and learning.

Toe Rubbing
Another statue tradition is to rub George’s toe for good luck before an exam!