June 3, 2005

Fairfax, Va. (June 3, 2005) - Director of Athletics Tom O'Connor announced that George Mason Athletics has received an honor roll award from the National Consortium for Academics and Sports Degree Completion Program.

In the past 19 years, 26,904 student-athletes have returned to school to complete their degrees. At George Mason, the Fifth Year Degree Completion program was established to provide advising, career and financial support to former student-athletes returning to complete their degree.

The NCAS, based at the University of Central Florida, administers the degree completion program to assist former student-athletes who have exhausted their eligibility to return to campus and earn their graduation. NCAS member institutions have contributed $278 million in tuition and fees, and in return have received more than 14.2 million hours of outreach and community services offered by former student-athletes.

"This award represents your commitment to developing leadership in your student-athletes, your emphasis on education and the care and concern George Mason University has for its community," said NCAS President and CEO Dr. Richard Lapchick in a letter. "It is because of George Mason's outstanding efforts that the NCAS is recognized as a leader amongst sports and sports-related organizations."