The Fairfax Campus
George Mason University's Fairfax Campus, located at 4400 University Drive, in Fairfax Virginia is built on 571 acres. Construction on the initial four buildings, North, South, East, and West began in August 1963 and the school opened almost exactly one year later. The campus is bounded roughly by University Drive on the north, Rapidan River Road and Campus Drive on the West, Braddock Road (VA Route 620) on the south, and Roberts Road on the east.
The First Four Buildings at the Fairfax Campus
North, South, East and West Buildings
The Fairfax campus opened in September 1964 with only four buildings. From then until 1974, these original buildings were the center of Mason student life and the site of many notable events.
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The Lecture Hall
Mason's "Mysterious" First Gathering Place
The small nondescript structure on George Mason's Fairfax Campus' northeast side has been a witness to and contributor to university history. The building has been the host of Mason's first Commencement, performing arts productions, and quite a few other gatherings, not to mention tens of thousands of class lectures. But was this building actually meant to be built on the Fairfax…
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SUB I
Student Union Building I, Mason's First Student Center
Students today know SUB I as the place where their student ID cards are issued and where they can grab a Chick-Fil-A sandwich. However, when it opened in 1974, it was first building of its kind on campus and the place to be. The Student Union Building was the first building at Mason conceived entirely with students in mind. It provided dedicated spaces for student clubs, government, media ,…
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Fenwick Library
Serving George Mason University Since 1967
Completed in October 1967 Fenwick Library has occupied the same spot for over 56 years. While it has undergone many changes over the years, its mission to facilitate access to scholarship and information and teach the effective and critical use of information remains the same.
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The Clock
A Legacy of the Class of 1999
The Clock stands on Wilkins Plaza at the intersection of the Johnson Center, Horizon Hall, Fenwick Library, and David King Hall. The number "1999" appears on the clock’s face, as it was a gift to the university from Mason's Class of 1999. Its estimated cost, according to the only Broadside article…
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The George W. Johnson Learning Center
The academic and community gathering place in the geographical center of Fairfax Campus.
Just to the south of Wilkins Plaza, is the George W. Johnson Learning Center. It is better known to George Mason University students and faculty as the Johnson Center, or simply the “JC” and is the most recognizable building on George Mason’s Fairfax Campus.
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George Mason Statue
Mason's Beloved Landmark
Although the decision to name the University after George Mason came in 1959, the idea for a statue of him on campus was not proposed until thirty years later, in 1989. Like many celebrated traditions at Mason, the George Mason Statue started as a student initiative.
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The Hub
Formerly known as Student Union II
The Hub is one of three student centers on campus which bring students together and support them during their time at Mason with helpful programs, services, and facilities. The Hub hosts the Student Involvement Office, Student Media, Off Campus Student and Mail Services, and New Student and Family Programs. It opened in the fall of 1982 as Student Union II.
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The Center for the Arts
Bringing the Community to Mason
When the Center for the Arts opened, President George Johnson called it the beginning of a dream. He and his wife Joanne believed a top-class performing arts venue would bring the local community to Mason. It did, and it eventually brought a visit from a United States president.
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West Campus
Nixon, Pig Sheds, and Underdogs
Today, West Campus is home to Mason's Women's and Men's athletic programs, including Track, Lacrosse, Soccer, Baseball, and Softball. Its early history, however, had little to do with sports.
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The RAC
Formerly, the P.E. Building
The state-of-the-art Recreation and Athletic Conference is a modern fitness facility with many amenities. It began serving the Mason community as the Physical Education Building over fifty years ago.
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