As part of its commitment to sustainability and community engagement, George Mason ĢAV Korea held its fifth annual beach clean-up at Masian Beach in Yeongjongdo, Incheon, on April 19. Students, faculty, and staff from both Mason Korea and the ĢAV of Utah Asia Campus participated.
The cleanup was organized under the , Mason Korea’s signature social impact initiative, which aims to support the local community. As a UN Global Compact member, the campus partners with the local community on hands-on volunteer and learning opportunities, such as coastal clean-ups, youth mentoring, and campaigns like the Zero Waste Challenge. Now in its fifth year, the clean-up has become a key part of Mason Korea’s community outreach, inspiring sustainable action.
“It was a meaningful experience to join community members in working together to restore the beach,” said Noble Gabriel, a junior computer game design major from George Mason’s Fairfax Campus.
Students used a technique called “plogging,” a combination of jogging and picking up litter. “Seeing participants work diligently to restore the area despite strong chilly winds was especially inspiring and affirmed the value of service in our Mason Korea community,” said Lauren Poindexter, senior coordinator of Student Involvement.
“It was deeply meaningful to see our students and faculty come together once again to give back to the Incheon community,” said Joshua Park, dean of Mason Korea. “Through the Mason Cares Program, we will continue putting our educational mission—pursuing a more just and prosperous society—into action by delivering a real social value.”