:: Traditions

University Day

On April 7, 1972, House Bill 210 was enacted that separated George Mason University from its parent institution (the University of Virginia), and granted it full university status. In recognition of this event we celebrate University Day on April 7, which provides an opportunity to acknowledge our history, while recognizing the service of our long-term employees at a breakfast ceremony.

University Day Resolution
WHEREAS, the Board of Visitors of George Mason University desires to commemorate the history of George Mason University, from its establishment by the University of Virginia as an extension for higher education in Northern Virginia to its present status as a comprehensive university: and

WHEREAS, the town of Fairfax purchased and donated a permanent site for the school, which was formally presented to the University of Virginia by Fairfax Mayor John C. Wood in 1959 WHEREUPON the Board of Visitors of the University of Virginia selected George Mason College of the University of Virginia to be the permanent name of the college; and

WHEREAS, the new campus located at its present site was dedicated in 1964 By Governor Albertis S. Harrison Jr.: and

WHEREAS, in 1972, House Bill 210, enacted by the General Assembly, amended the Code of Virginia to separate George Mason University from its parent institution and to grant it university status: and

WHEREAS, Governor Linwood A. Holton signed House Bill 210 into law on April 7, 1972, thereby granting George Mason University its present stature;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Visitors that, in recognition of there events, henceforth, April and Seventh shall be celebrated as UNIVERSITY DAY.

-Board of Visitors, 1980