The excitement is real when it comes to Mason’s decades-long tradition of awarding Registered Student Organizations the right to paint 55 benches that line the quad in front of the Student Union Building and the walkways between Fenwick Library, Horizon Hall, and Krug Hall.
With more than 450 authorized groups that students can join, the competition is fierce, friendly and rewarding. The bench painting day, held in early May every year, is a hallmark of creating community and a vibrant campus environment.
“The painting day is a party, there’s music and food and our students are outdoors having fun and enjoying an event that makes Mason unique,” said Ayleen Leonhardt, Assistant Director of Student Registered Student Organizations and Student Governance. “There’s a real sense of belonging on that day and for the rest of the year because students and their groups have a chance to be seen on campus.
“Students who come for orientation over the summer can see what’s available and feel like they’ve made a connection to campus.”
Groups must apply for the painting privilege by submitting a design and an explanation of how it fosters the group’s mission statement and benefits the Mason community. The color explosions are a welcoming sight on warm days and a bit of cheer when the weather is less than favorable.
“The designs and the thought put into this project are amazing,” Leonhardt said, who noted she has not heard of any other college campus where a similar effort is undertaken. “I’m always amazed and impressed by how talented our students are.”