George Mason Receives $30M Gift To Launch 2 Institutes, Name Arlington Plaza

ARLINGTON, VA — George Mason University has received a $30 million gift from philanthropist and NVR Inc. founder Dwight Schar to establish two institutes focused on national security and economic policy, while also naming a prominent public plaza at the university's Arlington campus in his honor.

The university announced Monday that the donation will support the Schar School of Policy and Government through the creation of the Institute for Security, Intelligence and Defense and the Institute for Economic Statecraft. Both institutes are expected to launch in fall 2027.

The gift also will result in the naming of Dwight Schar Plaza at Mason Square, a gathering space at the university's Arlington campus that hosts programs and events for students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community.

New Institutes To Focus On National Security, Economic Policy

The Institute for Security, Intelligence and Defense will expand the Schar School's existing national security and intelligence programs, with research focusing on security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, nuclear, biological and chemical threats, emerging technologies and the role of major technology companies in national security.

The institute also will expand public programming through the Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy, and International Security, which will become a featured component of the new institute.

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"People should have the opportunity to understand how national security decisions are made, who makes them, and the responsibilities those public servants carry," said retired Air Force Gen. Michael V. Hayden, founder of the Hayden Center and former director of the CIA and National Security Agency.

"Bringing these conversations into the open can help people ask better questions, understand the work more fully, and perhaps even see a place for themselves in public service," Hayden added.

The second institute, the Institute for Economic Statecraft, will examine how governments use economic policies to advance foreign policy and national security objectives.

Research will focus on export controls, financial sanctions, tariffs and restrictions on critical technologies, as well as the effects those policies have on businesses, financial markets and international relationships.

According to the university, the donation will allow the Schar School to recruit faculty members with senior government experience, establish a research initiative examining illicit financial flows, organize an annual summit and produce additional research on economic statecraft.

Arlington Plaza To Bear Schar's Name

In recognition of Schar's longtime financial support, the university will name the central gathering space at Mason Square in Arlington the Dwight Schar Plaza at Mason Square.

The plaza hosts regular programming and special events open to members of the university and Arlington communities.

Schar, who founded homebuilding company NVR Inc., has supported the university for more than a decade.

In 2016, George Mason announced a $10 million gift from Schar to what was then known as the School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs.

His previous contributions helped the university recruit academics and policy experts, expand research programs and establish the Washington Post-Schar School polls, according to the university.

"I have believed for a long time in what this school can become," Schar said in a statement announcing the latest gift. "My hope is that these institutes will help prepare the next generation to take on the difficult questions facing our country and give students the judgment, experience, and perspective to do that work well."

Schar said he was proud to continue supporting the school as it prepares for the future.

George Mason President Gregory Washington said the donation would strengthen the university's contributions to the region and Virginia.

"Dwight Schar has long understood that investing in George Mason University students and faculty is investing in the future prosperity and thought leadership of our region and the Commonwealth of Virginia," Washington said.

Institutes Expected To Open In Fall 2027

The university expects both institutes to launch in fall 2027, with research initiatives, public events and other opportunities for engagement being developed in the coming months.

Additional details about the institutes and the Schar School's strategic priorities will be announced as planning progresses.

Mark J. Rozell, dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government, said the donation will allow the university to expand its research capabilities and create new opportunities for students.

"By establishing these two institutes focused on critical, global issues and bringing in additional academic and practitioner expertise, we can expand the research we undertake and the opportunities we offer students," Rozell said.

The $30 million contribution is part of Mason Now: Power the Possible, George Mason University's $1 billion fundraising campaign, which supports student success, research, innovation and community initiatives.

The university launched the campaign in 2023.