In recognition of the critical role families play in their student’s experience at Mason, Orientation and Family Programs and Services honors one family every year with the Alan and Sally Merten Family of the Year Award. Honoring an outstanding family annually at Family Weekend allows us to celebrate the impact and importance of families to the Mason community and reminds us that families are an essential part of the support network of our students.
The 2013 Alan and Sally Merten Family of the Year Award went to the Haygood family. The Haygoods are from Springfield, Massachusetts and were nominated by their student, Briana Haygood. Briana nominated her mother, Lisa, and sister, Aleah. Below is an excerpt from Briana’s essay about her family:
“I have no one else to thank for my current situation but my family. These two ladies have never missed any major part of my life. They are there for every move-in, every Family Weekend, Siblings Weekend, and any other chance they get to visit Mason. I appreciate them for all that they do. Whether it is the everyday phone calls or text messages from my mother, wishing me luck on exams, or the random FaceTimes from my sister, I know that I am loved. This is why I believe my family should be the family of the year. Even if not, they will always be my family of the year, each and every year.”
Dr. Sally Lorentson, Director of Orientation and Family Programs and Services, and President Cabrera recognized the Haygoods as the 2013 Alan and Sally Merten Family of the Year during the Family Weekend Welcome Dinner. As the winning family, the Haygoods also received a commemorative plaque, a waiver for all Family Weekend fees, and a $250 gift card for Briana to use at the University Bookstore. Again, congratulations to the Haygood Family! We are honored to award you the 2013 Alan and Sally Merten Family of the Year Award.
If you believe your family has what it takes to be the 2014 Alan and Sally Merten Family of the Year, encourage your student to be on the look out for nomination information on masonfamily.gmu.edu.
Rebecca Kurihine
Graduate Assistant
Orientation and Family Programs and Services