Sophie Donora is July Employee of the Month

Sophie Donora has been a member of the George Mason University community for over a decade.

Donora, who is also a two-time alumna, started working at George Mason as a graduate assistant for University Life (UL) Regional Campuses at Mason Square in Arlington, Virginia, while working on her master’s degree in arts management and was hired as a programming coordinator. She is currently assistant director and assists in facilitating University Life programs and services that are integral to students’ educational success at Mason Square, including the Plaza Programming Activation Project. Throughout this project, Donora participated in many collaborative workshops, created multimodal promotional content, and was an all-around team player.

For leading her team to great success, Donora is recognized as July’s Employee of the Month. 

Colleagues describe Donora as a bridge-builder, solutionist, and relationship-builder, especially when it comes to students. Having lived abroad, Donora also brings a unique perspective when connecting with George Mason’s international student population.

“Sophie is a consummate team player—always willing to work through all issues and challenges to create an inclusive and collaborative environment,” said Cathy Pinskey, capital program director, facilities administration. “I am always happy to have Sophie as part of the team.”

Paul Nooney, the former director of student services at the Schar School of Policy and Government, agrees. “Her ideas surrounding student engagement are top notch, and I know all of the students here in Arlington appreciate the work she and the entire UL Mason Square team have done to make this feel like a vibrant college campus,” he said. “Sophie is also willing to help with the ‘not so fun’ details of working on a college campus. I have worked with her to support students who are struggling to make sure they are safe and connected to the resources they need.”

“Her passion for the support of students and especially graduate and professional students reflects her personal interest and investment in the work we do as higher ed professionals,” said Austin Deray, assistant director of graduate student life. 

Melissa Thierry, Donora’s supervisor, said she welcomes students, colleagues and visitors with a sincere hello and a smile, and is intentional about making sure people are included in celebrations, discussions, decisions, and initiatives.

“Mason Square is currently experiencing a great amount of change due to the addition of Fuse and the growth [of the campus],” Thierry said. “Sophie has worked tirelessly to bring colleagues from different units together to talk out issues, solve problems, and offer solutions.”

“As her supervisor, I am proud of her willingness to take risks and the hard work that it takes.
We believe our best work is only possible when we apply our diversity of origin, identity, circumstance, and thought,” said Thierry.

When did you first come to George Mason?

I first came to George Mason in 2013 as an undergraduate global affairs major and then received my master’s in arts management. I’m currently working toward my PhD in George Mason’s Higher Education Program.

Best day on the job?

I am super lucky that I get to have a best day on the job every year! I think the best day of the year is the Mason Square Welcome Fair. This event always falls on the first week of classes at Mason Square and is a large-scale, in-person information fair designed to welcome our new and returning students to campus. It's a great way to build Patriot spirit, pride, and tradition while connecting our students to services and resources both at Mason and Arlington. The first week of classes is always my favorite, so it's always so fun to wrap up the week with this high-energy event.

What do you like best about working at Mason?  

I am so honored that I get to work with the most dedicated, passionate, and encouraging professionals and students! Their tireless commitment and the wonderful impact they bring to everything they do is what I think makes George Mason one of the best places to work!

What do you like to do when you’re not working? 

I have a passion for loud concerts, finding the best brunch menus, and hiking Virginia’s beautiful parks!