Criminology, Law and Society undergraduate advisor Amanda Myers Purrier received a Presidential Citation from President Cabrera at a private ceremony in his office on July 6. Ms. Purrier received the award in recognition of the value of the Gowns for Grads program she started at Mason in the spring. The Gowns for Grads program allows Mason students who cannot afford to purchase a cap and gown to apply to receive a donated cap and gown. Ms. Purrier was inspired to start the program when one of her CLS advisees informed her that the student would not be participating in graduation because the cost of the cap and gown was prohibitive. Feeling that she should help this student and others in the same situation, Ms. Purrier formulated a plan to solicit gowns from past Mason graduates, designed an application for students in need of the donated gowns, and publicized the program so effectively that over 100 Mason students received donated gowns. When Dr. Cabrera presented Ms. Purrier with her Citation, he stated that this was precisely the kind of direct action needed when issues arise at Mason. Again, congratulations to Ms. Purrier!
July 08, 2016
