On this date: Mason's birthday and more

December 9 is the 343rd day of the year, the last Thursday of classes before finals, International Anti-Corruption Day and it’s George Mason’s Birthday.

Today, students, staff and visitors celebrate the 285th birthday of George Mason, the namesake of George Mason University. But Dec. 9 boosts more notoriety than just the birth of Mr. Mason.

2008 – Gov. Rod Blagojevich arrested for allegedly attempting to sell a senate seat

2003 – Basketball coach Norm Sloan dies

2000 – U.S. Supreme Court stays the sixth Florida presidential election recount

1979 – Eradication of the smallpox virus is certified

1978 – Actor Jesse Metcalfe is born

1970 – Songwriter and former American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi is born

1962 – Actress Felicity Huffman is born

1960 – ABC News reporter Terry Moran is born

1957 – Singer and actor Donny Osmond is born

1919 – Chemist and Nobel Laureate William Lipscomb is born

1916 – Actor Kirk Douglas is born

1912 – Politician Tip O’Neill is born

1851 – The first YMCA in North America is established

1793 – New York’s first daily newspaper, the American Minerva, begins publication

1725 – George Mason is born

1608 – Poet John Milton is born