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Nylah Mitchell/Fourth Estate

BY NYLAH MITCHELL, COPY EDITOR

The end-of-the-year celebration has finally arrived, with Mason Day occuring Friday, April 25, at 3 p.m. in Lots A and L. Mason Day features amusement rides, carnival delicacies, and an all-day concert. 

It feels like Coachella has reached the Fairfax Campus. Though the yearly festival ended days ago, the boho chic outfits don’t have to stay in the Valley. Sure, a basic t-shirt and jean shorts are appropriate for the occasion, but why not go the extra mile to add some accessories or different styles? Regardless of the boat you land in, here are some cool, Coachella-esque outfits for Mason Day. 

Keeping it classic

Sticking to the basics? A white tee and baggy jeans are the way to go for any casual event. However, while the classic outfit is perfect, adding a satin scarf either tied atop of the head, around the neck, or threaded through the jeans’ belt loops. The scarf elevates the street look with dashes of elegance and spunk. Further, the look is completed with sneakers like Onitsuka Tiger, Salomon, and New Balance 550s.  

Short dresses above all else 

It’s a warm day with highs in the 70s, it’s an absolute must to consider a mini dress. Babydoll dresses, in particular, are perfect for the weather, with a short overall length and flowy skirt(s). These dresses are best styled with riding boots— sporting a flat bottom, riding boots are comfortable for walking and standing around—and a cropped cardigan or a jean jacket. 

Linen for the weather 

The time of the year is here for flowy, maxi skirts. A breathable linen skirt is perfect for Mason Day, easy to style with any sort of top. For the ultimate spring-summer look, dress the skirt with a tank and cardigan, or switch to a graphic baby tee. The outfit is perfect when styled with ballet flats, chunky sneakers and riding boots.  

Keeping it masc

A more masculine fit can include an oversized or waist-length graphic tee and loose straight jeans accessorized with chains. For a denim-on-denim look, add an unbuttoned denim button-down shirt to have a light layer for the breeze. The outfit can’t go wrong with a trucker hat, with a plastered logo from your favorite baseball or basketball team. This works best with sneakers, Birkenstock Boston clogs, and cowboy boots. 

Dressing in some Patriot pride

Patriot pride is forever in style. It’s Mason Day, after all, so why not go for university merch paired with a mini denim skirt, dad jeans, or loose-fit jean shorts? Or, try going for a cropped look by snipping off a couple of inches of the Mason tee, or cut the neckline to achieve an off-shoulder touch. However, if you’re like me, go for a baby tee look by buying a children’s size top to get a more fitted silhouette. Any shoes work effortlessly with this outfit as long as it’s comfortable for festival activities.

(Courtesy of Miranda Hanlon)

BY NYLAH MITCHELL, COPY EDITOR

Cool air circulates as the newest building on Mason’s Fairfax campus welcomes students. With floor-to-ceiling glass windows, polished concrete and sleek panels, the new building feels adjacent to a tech incubator or a futuristic airport terminal. In many ways, it’s impressive, but there’s a lingering frigidness. 

Mason is no stranger to the modern, high-tech architectural designs, with projects like the Fuse Building and the Activities Building signaling an innovation-focused vision. However, as construction accelerates, Mason’s new identity begins to lack the character that makes campus feel more than just square footage and photo-ops. 

The Fuse at Mason Square in Arlington, Virginia, is nearing the ‘closeout’ stage, with interior designs still being sketched. This innovative building featuring state-of-the-art laboratories boasts an exterior of slanted steel paneling, a caved corner balcony and green-space rooftop. Meanwhile, the new Activities Building on West Campus is still in  the design development phase, where planning structural systems and visual scales are crucial. 

Though these buildings are on two different campuses, both projects reflect a larger aesthetic that is also occurring at other schools. For instance, Virginia Tech recently opened the Academic One Building, featuring geometric paneling and tech-forward vibe, at their new Innovation Campus in Potomac Yard. 

Both Mason and Virginia Tech seem to be aligning their construction efforts with Arlington’s tech hub, positioning themselves as research universities with sleek, future-facing designs. However, there’s a disruption to the nearby historic neighborhoods that emphasize a colonial aesthetic. 

“I like the contemporary architecture because I think it sends a message that Mason is about the future,” said Professor Lisa Bauman, who teaches ‘Introduction to Architecture,’at Mason.

“We have a lot of embedded ideas in America about what college is supposed to look like… We’ve all watched Harry Potter, seen movies set at Harvard or Yale with ivy-covered stone. Then students come here and see brick and steel—and they’re disappointed. We should explore why that is.”

Professor Bauman acknowledges the vision and disconnect because of the emotional and cultural expectations that come with change, especially on campuses we live and study at. Embracing innovation while holding onto those supposed realities is truly at the crux of Mason designing new spaces. 

(Courtesy of Miranda Hanlon)

But a common pattern emerging with the buildings are the color schemes that fall into modern defaults—slate grey, black, white—with a dash of green and gold. At first glance, buildings like Horizon Hall are “cool” because they’re new and refreshing. But after walking past another brick-and-steel structure, the novelty wears off.  

The architecture, then, lacks a sense of place, rootedness, emotional attachment—a nod to Mason’s Virginian roots or complex colonial context. Minutes away, the brick-lined colonial charm in Old Town Fairfax remains—where is the rich integration?  

It’s why Bauman’s point is reinforced when students often gravitate towards Virginia Tech or even UVA’s stone architecture, not just because of traditionalism, but rather its timeless aspect. Even if Mason were to go full-throttle with the modern design, the fieldhouse-like Activities Building, with its glass ceiling, could’ve married form and function—modern, yet playful and radiant. 

As Mason expands and designs in the same style, the campuses start to feel more like Silicon Valley than as a school near the nation’s capital. Then again, Mason doesn’t need Gothic revival towers. However, it should embrace elements that mix heritage with innovation: arched brickwork or textured stone. Mason’s mission thrives on and celebrates differences in diversity and inclusivity. The architecture should reflect those values, not mute them. 

Mason’s new buildings are undeniably stepping into the future—but they shouldn’t disregard the stories, cultures, and history that have surrounded and shaped the campus. The next design chapter should be as reflective as it is innovative. 

Melanie Jensen/Fourth Estate

BY MELANIE JENSEN, STAFF WRITER

One of Mason’s longest-standing traditions, Mason Day, returns this Friday, April 25, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Lots L and A. The beloved end-of-year celebration hosts live music, carnival rides, games, food trucks and more for students and faculty to enjoy and recharge before final exams. 

Admission is free for all Mason students and faculty with a valid Mason ID. Attendees will only have to whip out their wallets if they choose to purchase from one of the 15 lined up food and drink vendors. One guest pass per Mason community member is available for $35 and can be purchased at the EagleBank Arena box office before or during the event. 

“I describe Mason Day as the event that happens when the doors open and school is over in the movie ‘Grease,’” said Lauren Long, Director of Student Involvement. “It is a big carnival, music and food festival.” 

The event is co-coordinated by the Office of Student Involvement and the Patriot Activities Council, the student-run organization responsible for planning events across campus. According to Long, it’s the only event that every member of Student Involvement helps organize. Some planning, such as booking musical guests, begins nearly a year in advance.  

Several student performers–including Anderson White, Adrenalina, Elijah Cyler and MSN– will take the stage beginning at 3:25 p.m. Pop artist MAX, known for his hits like “Lights Down Low” and “Love Me Less,” is set to headline on the main stage at 7 p.m. 

While Mason Day is known for its live music and exciting headliners, this year’s expansion was designed to reflect the growing student population. Organizers introduced additional food vendors and a variety of entertainment options to ensure every attendee finds something to enjoy. 

A new area called the Novelty Nook will offer activities like gem mining, slime making, stuff-a-plush and license plate decorating, giving students an interactive way to take home Mason Day memorabilia. Mini-golf, laser tag and a gaming truck for e-sport fans are also new additions to the lineup of midway and carnival games featured in previous years.

Artist Alley, opening at 4:30 p.m. will feature  speed-sketch caricature artists, airbrush tattoos, face painting and balloon twisters. Long explained that Student Involvement expanded the 2025 games and novelty sections to accommodate the growing attendance rates of between 6,000 to 8,000 people.

Fan favorite carnival attractions like Cole Shows Amusement Company—including the Himalaya, the Sizzler and the Rainforest Expo Wheel–will be returning alongside loyal Mason Day food partners like Domino’s and Rita’s Italian Ice.

Phil McDaniel, associate director of Fraternity and Sorority Life for Student Involvement, is responsible for organizing food vendors and trucks for the event. McDaniel said this year’s food lineup is the most Mason has ever had, and the variety is meant to reflect the diverse student population. A new addition to the vendors include Fireside Kabob, a local Afghan food truck that travels across Northern Virginia. 

Mason Day takes place rain or shine, and whether students are looking for a place to listen to live music, play games with friends or connect with professors over drinks and snacks, the celebration has something for everybody.

“It’s about coming together as a community, it’s about creating memories, and continuing to build on a sense of belonging. This is our school, this is our tradition, and this is our fun that other schools don’t have,” Long said.