In the Honors College, we recognize our exceptionally motivated student body. Each student contributes to our vibrant academic community. Once a year, we have the opportunity to give awards to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work, dedication, and achievements of some of these outstanding individuals.
Awards
Michelle Litwiller Memorial Scholarship
The Michelle Litwiller Memorial Scholarship was created by Dr. & Mrs. Roger W. Litwiller in memory of their daughter, Michelle, who was a student in Mason’s Plan for Alternative General Education (PAGE) program in 1987. The innovative humanities and social sciences curriculum that was created for PAGE provided the original template for the Honors College Curriculum, and we are proud to continue the scholarship. The award is given to distinguished or exceptional first-year students each year.
Thanks to award sponsors Dr. and Mrs. Roger Litwiller
2023 - 2024 Recipient: Riya Ghotra
Schwartzstein Award for First-Year Research
Every year, HNRS 110 faculty nominates one student paper from each section that demonstrates outstanding research practice. Of these nominees, one Schwartzstein Prize winner is selected to honor students whose projects display exceptional intellectual curiosity and creativity and support them in future research.
Thanks to award sponsors Linda A. Schwartzstein and Lee M. Goodwin.
2023 - 2024 Recipient: Ezra Lynch-Holland
2023-2024 Schwartzstein Award for First-Year Research Finalists:
Jude Abdelmoneim
Jade Jansen Abuzaid
Sarah Al-Hadhrami
Sydney Boerner
Luciano Byrd
Alexander Jordan Q. Edralin
Selma Elsadig
Aiden Elstun
Justin Hagen
Dorsaf Hammouda
Gabriella A. McDermott
Heela Noori
Summaya Osmani
Victoria Salgado Lopez
Lucy Sarkissian
Khawlah Sheikh
Mercy Wolverton
Outstanding Achievement Awards
The Outstanding Achievement Award recognizes the distinguished or exceptional achievements of second-year students representing the disciplinary range of students in the Honors College.
2023 - 2024 Honors College Outstanding Achievement Award Recipients: Sofie Stromph, Samantha Whetzler
2023 - 2024 Schwartzstein Outstanding Achievement Award Recipients: Gabriella Grabovska, Daniel Horvath
Honors College Transfer Student of Distinction
The Honors College is committed to extending its opportunities to highly motivate students who choose to attend other colleges and universities prior to choosing Mason. The Transfer Student of Distinction award recognizes one of these students each year.
2023 - 2024 Recipient: Shaleyah McDowell
Katherine Z. Creane Scholarship
The Katharine Z. Creane Scholarship Endowment supports undergraduate transfer students enrolled in the Honors College. The scholarship is intended to assist students who have had their education interrupted by financial difficulties or other challenges and are now returning to their studies.
Thanks to donors Susan Creane and Julian Berengaut.
2023 - 2024 Recipient: Ruthmary Sikder
Honors College Concerned Citizen Award
Created by Dr. Charles Thomas, this scholarship was made to support students who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to community service.
Thanks to award sponsor Charles C. Thomas, Jr.
2023 - 2024 Recipient: Lawrence Bullard
McQueen Family Scholarship for Global Studies
The McQueen Family Scholarship for Global Studies was established by Matt McQueen, who is an Honors College Advisory Board Member and community leader. This scholarship provides funding to support exceptional students who are studying abroad who are working to further their education.
Thanks to award sponsors Matt McQueen and family.
2023 - 2024 Recipient: Samia Mers
Odin, Feldman, and Pittleman Scholarship
The Odin, Feldman, and Pittleman Scholarship is an award for students from any field whose career and academic goals are focused on responses to the most pressing global challenges of our time, including disparities in human welfare, uneven development, and humanitarian action.
Thanks to award sponsors Odin, Feldman, Pittleman, LLC.
2023 - 2024 Recipient: Batul Idris
Dr. Gerald L. Gordon Scholarship
Established in recognition of Dr. Gordon’s many extraordinary contributions to the development of Fairfax County as the President and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, the scholarship supports students who are pursuing a degree in a STEM field, economics, or another discipline relevant to economic development in Fairfax County. The award is given to a distinguished student pursuing a degree in a STEM field, economics, or another discipline relevant to economic development in Fairfax County.
Thanks to award sponsors Fairfax County Economic Development Authority and PenFed Credit Union.
2023 - 2024 Recipient: Nesma Khalafalla
Peraton Scholarship In National Security
The Peraton Scholarship in National Security aims to provide financial support for Honors College rising juniors and seniors whose studies and experiences broaden and help advance the vision for next-generation national security solutions.
Thanks to sustaining sponsor Peraton.