Planned Giving Guide
- Where Do I Begin?
- Gift Strategies
- Legacy Society
- Learn More
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Dr. Chris Jones |
Dr. R. Christian Jones, Faculty Profile
Chair, Department of Environmental Science and Policy
Director, Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center
Dr. Chris Jones has spent his entire career at George Mason, first arriving on campus in 1980 when the university consisted of just eight academic buildings. He conducted ecology labs where the Johnson Center and Enterprise Hall are now located. In fact, there was a pond that was used for fish research where the current baseball diamond is located. Some faculty research labs used to be in an old farmhouse, since replaced by the Field House.
Things have changed since then.
Chris served in the biology department for a number of years. He was the first chair of the environmental science and policy department, and he recently saw a decade's worth of work come to fruition with the beginning of the Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center. In addition to university research and teaching activities, a major goal of this center is to educate K-12 students on the ecology of the local watersheds. Funded by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, the program includes classroom work and fieldwork, where students take measurements and samples to better learn about the environmental impact on the local watersheds. "This program," Chris says, "is dedicated to providing a significant watershed experience to students."
Chris points out that environmental science is important for our survival and that we cannot take it for granted. "We must get a lot smarter and a lot more flexible," he says. "By the time the ecosystem is overwhelmed, it is already too late to change. Every small thing we do comes together to create larger issues."
Chris also appreciates the environment's natural beauty. He and his wife, Ann Powel, who is a double Mason alumna, are talented artists. Chris has an eye for nature photography and has shown his images professionally. Ann, on the other hand, paints landscapes and still life. Chris and Ann decided to make a planned gift to Mason because Chris has valued the professional encouragement he's received while at the university. Their planned gift is earmarked specifically for freshwater ecology research.
"If something has been a big part of your life, then it's in your best interest to help the enterprise you are committed to," Chris explains. "If you pour your heart and soul into it, then you should support it."
To learn more about the Potomac Environmental Research and Education Center - visit the website at perec.cos.gmu.edu
Copyright © George Mason University, All rights reserved.
The information in this Web site is not intended as legal advice. For legal advice, please consult an attorney. Figures cited in examples are for hypothetical purposes only and are subject to change. References to estate and income tax include federal taxes only. Individual state taxes and/or state law may impact your results.
