Janet McDermott

Janet McDermott (Cullen) graduated from George Mason University with high distinction with a B.A. in American Studies in 1975. During her college years she worked at the Fenwick Library part-time to help finance her education. The library was very small but helped Janet gain exposure to its many resources such as the inter-library loan program available to students. She typed information on cards for the card catalogue (something that went away long ago!) and prepared journals for bindery. The library provided tours to all entering students so that they could make the best use of its services. Working at the library gave Janet the idea of supporting GMU after graduation with donations in support of the library, its student assistants and its programs.

Following graduation, Janet worked at the U.S. Senate in Washington, D.C., in the office of Senator William Proxmire. She was a typist and answered constituent mail, especially children’s letters, handled Small Business Administration casework, and arranged tours of the White House and FBI. She was responsible for managing the applications of those applying to U.S. military academies as the process required a recommendation from a state congressman or senator.

Using the advanced IBM equipment at the U.S. Senate got Janet interested in applying to work at IBM. Janet began work there in 1977 in the Office Products Division and served as an administrator for many years. During this time, she became editor of an in-house magazine as well as a newsletter. She later developed an interest in working in training and went on to earn an M.A. in Human Resource Development at Marymount University in 1996 with IBM’s financial assistance. She also earned a graduate certificate in Instructional Design that same year.

This new education propelled Janet into the development of extensive coursework for IBM, and provided the skills for her to take on new roles in managing training on government contracts which were partnerships between employees of multiple companies and those of government agencies. After retiring from IBM after 33 years of service, Janet worked for 10 years as a volunteer with Fairfax County Public Library teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

Janet continued to keep an eye on GMU as it grew and got to know those who worked in the Office of Development who were aware of her 50 years of donations to the university on behalf of the library.

She was invited to attend Library Advisory Board meetings to get a flavor of its workings. Her late husband of 30 years, Frank, fully supported her interest in the library board and joined Janet in attending events, getting to know its members as well. This year an invitation to serve on the library board was extended to Janet. She was honored to accept and is looking forward to contributing her talents and skills in the years ahead.