George Mason Athletics is excited to announce today, on the university's second annual Giving Day, that Carolyn and Jay Marsh have generously challenged Mason men's and women's basketball alumni and friends to support the Mason basketball locker room renovation project in EagleBank Arena. Carolyn and Jay will match dollar for dollar up to $50,000 and in their honor, the video room in the men's locker room will be named for Carolyn.

Please consider supporting this challenge by making a donation. This challenge begins Thursday, April 5, and will run until June 30.  Every gift counts and when we give together, small can be BIG! Let's keep the Patriots going! 
 
Visit givingday.gmu.edu/athletics to make your gift today.
 
"This is an extraordinary gesture by Jay and Carolyn Marsh for which we are extremely grateful," Director of Athletics Brad Edwards said. "The Marshes' compassion and commitment to the entire university stretches well beyond the athletic department. With almost a century of combined service to our university, they are part of the fabric here at George Mason." 

Carolyn and Jay Marsh have played an integral role at George Mason University for close to 50 years. A basketball alum himself, Jay has been involved with Mason Athletics since graduating in 1973, beginning as an assistant basketball coach before moving to the business side as a fundraiser in the Patriot Club. He currently serves as senior associate athletic director for events and facilities. His involvement in the athletic department and his passion for the Patriots is unmatched, except maybe by Carolyn.
 
Carolyn has also been associated with George Mason since Jay was a student and player for the Patriots. She served as a secretary in the athletic department and with the sports information department before moving permanently to the basketball office in 1981. She keeps the basketball office running smoothly and provides support to coaches, players, families, and fans with efficiency and warmth.
 
"The two names most synonymous with George Mason Basketball are Carolyn and Jay Marsh," men's basketball head coach Dave Paulsen said. "They are the epitome of servant leaders working tirelessly over their distinguished careers to help support generations of student-athletes. Once again, they are taking a leadership role with this contribution. I know I speak for all Mason Basketball student-athletes and staffs from all eras in thanking Carolyn and Jay for their service and support."
 
Both Carolyn and Jay continue to help the Patriot Club succeed in all outreach areas, including fundraising, alumni relations and communications. The annual men's basketball alumni reunion has the highest percentage of returning alumni each year and that is not by accident. Carolyn and Jay spend much of their time working to bring former players back and make sure they have a great experience. 
 
Construction of the $1.2 million EagleBank Arena Basketball locker room project will commence on May 1, keeping the project on a targeted completion date in time for the start of the 2018-19 basketball season. 
 
The EagleBank Arena locker rooms renovation is part of the Basketball Excellence Plan and will enhance our facility with Mason pride, upgraded technology and amenities that will excite players and new recruits as we continue to build on our Patriots traditions. This new facility will offer our student-athletes new lockers and benches, a team lounge, a film room, and an updated design to the decades-old facility.
 
Major improvements have been happening at Mason Athletics because of the investments of donors and alumni. 
 
As part of Phase I of the Basketball Excellence Plan, the men's and women's basketball teams now have a 15,000-square foot dedicated basketball practice facility, which opened officially in October 2017. The practice facility was a $1 million renovation of the "Cage Gym" on campus that included the installation of new hardwood flooring, spanning the size of two full basketball courts, six basketball goals and video capabilities.