Members of the Commission, which is the Authority’s governing body, announced the creation of the scholarship last night at an event honoring Gordon’s 35 years of service to Fairfax County. Gordon is retiring effective January 4, 2019.

Also at the event, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova read a proclamation honoring Gordon’s service to the county and revealing that she declared December 5, 2018, as Jerry Gordon Day in Fairfax County.

Photos from the event are available on request.

The purpose of the scholarship fund is to provide support for undergraduate students enrolled in the Honors College who are pursuing a degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) field, economics, or another discipline relevant to economic development in Fairfax County.

“We are so excited to be able to establish this legacy in Jerry’s name,” said Cathy Lange, chair of the FCEDA Commission.

Commission member Rocky Mitchell announced a $50,000 challenge grant from his employer, Fairfax County-based PenFed Credit Union, to support the fund.

“Jerry is an asset to Fairfax County and indeed all of Virginia,” Mitchell said. “PenFed’s president and CEO, James Schenck, and our entire executive team feel this challenge grant is a most appropriate way to celebrate Jerry’s legacy.”

Also in conjunction with the fund, Commission Secretary Ronald Johnson presented a check for $20,000 to Zofia Burr, dean of the Honors College, on behalf of the Fairfax Economic Forum.

“This is overwhelming. It is something I will never forget,” Gordon said after the announcement of the scholarship.

Gordon served as the founding chairman of the Honors College Advisory Board beginning in 2014. In his role as chairman, Dr. Gordon has coordinated the creation of multiple internships for Honors College students at the FCEDA and at other local businesses. He has introduced Honors College students to a number of important groups in the region including the Northern Virginia Technology Council and the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

“Dr. Gordon never loses sight of the important connection between education and economic development,” said Honors College Dean Zofia Burr.

Donations to the Gordon Scholarship Fund can be made online at http://advancement.gmu.edu/ihc02.

Donations also may be made via mail. Checks may be made payable to GMU Foundation. Please note the “Dr. Gerald Gordon Scholarship Fund” in the memo field, and mail to:

Mr. Valentino K. Bryant
Director of Advancement, Honors College
George Mason University
4400 University Drive MS 1F4
Fairfax, Virginia 22030

Time magazine called Fairfax County “one of the great economic success stories of our time.” Business growth and innovation help Fairfax County fund the nation’s top-rated school system and other public services that contribute to the quality of life of residents. Fairfax County offers businesses a state-of-the-art telecommunications infrastructure, access to global markets through Washington Dulles International Airport, a vibrant investment capital community and a highly skilled, well-educated workforce.

The award-winning Fairfax County Economic Development Authority promotes Fairfax County as a business and technology center. The FCEDA offers site location and business development assistance, and connections with county and state government agencies, to help companies locate and expand in Fairfax County. In addition to its headquarters in Tysons Corner, Fairfax County’s largest business district, the FCEDA maintains marketing offices in six important global business centers: Bangalore, Berlin, London, Los Angeles, Seoul and Tel Aviv. Follow the FCEDA on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.