George Mason University

History major Richard Fulton arrived at Mason in the fall of 1976. At that time the country was celebrating the Bicentennial, Jimmy Carter was elected president, the Summer Olympics were opening in Montreal, gas was only $.59 per gallon, milk was $1.42 per gallon, the average household income was $10, 157 – and George Mason University was in its infancy; in fact the campus consisted of only four or five buildings and the first on-campus housing was not available until 1977.

Fulton chose Mason because a friend told him about the university and its proximity to Washington, D.C. Since he wanted to attend a state school, Mason seemed like an “exotic” choice since it was four hours away from his home. In 1977, he remembers having to stay in the Breezeway Motel before being able to move into the newly constructed on-campus housing. Looking back, he now appreciates the experience being away from home because as he states, “…it provided early training for the countless business trips I have taken over the years…”

Although Fulton’s first intentions were to either join the Foreign Service or attend law school, he found himself in the commercial printing industry. He is currently Vice-President of Corporate Operations at a multi-site national commercial printing company. He has co-authored two books, won several awards – including one for managing a plant turnaround that prevented 300 employees from losing their jobs, and helped to build a CD-DVD manufacturing company within five years that was sold in 2005. He credits Mason with preparing him for life in the business world. “…although I did not go into history or teaching/research, the work done to obtain the BA(’78 History) has given me a lifelong ability to evaluate, study and even write with better clarity that I think has transferred its usefulness to the business world and management.”

It is Fulton’s attachment and desire to thank Mason that made it easy for him to decide to give back in some way. He remembers several outstanding faculty from his time at Mason such as; Dr. Bob Hawkes with his Fu-Manchu mustache, Dr. Martin Cohen and his insights into Canada and Dr. James Bennett’s funny and entertaining economics class. The Mason tradition of innovative and insightful educators is what lead Fulton to establish the Richard L. and Victoria C. Fulton Jr. Faculty Study Leave Award in History and Art History. Before this award was established, there were very few options for the department to attract and retain younger faculty. Dean Jack Censer, then Chair of the Department of History and Art History, expressed this concern to Fulton and the Fulton Jr. Faculty Study Leave Award was born.

The Fulton Jr. Faculty Study Leave Award is an annual award specifically for a junior tenure-track faculty member in the Department of History and Art History. This award will allow the recipient to take some time away from the classroom to complete research or writing in their area of study. This award can be used by the department to attract and retain the quality faculty Mason is known for having.

Fulton is very proud of being a Mason alumnus and this award is his and his family’s way of saying Thank You to the university that “…provided an education and a life experience that served as a foundation for the rest of (his) adult life.” Fulton goes onto to say that any Mason alum that has the desire and ability to support Mason should know that they are helping to keep Mason vital and alive as well as strengthen the university for future generations of Mason students.