Rigorous Challenges Reap Dean's Scholarship Rewards for Students

by Brooke Braun

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences announced the first of recipients of the Dean's Challenge Award. The award criteria are simple. Students must be challenging themselves academically and taking true advantage of all the opportunities George Mason has to offer.

This award recognizes students who have made conscious choices to challenge themselves beyond what is required in the classroom,” said Dean Jack Censer.

For instance, Government and Politics major MacGregor Lennarz, is an honors student that has also distinguished himself as a student leader, a civic activist, an athlete, and a mentor.

Sociology and Anthropology master’s candidate Jennifer Talken-Sapulding has struck a strong balance between her work as cultural heritage manager of the National Park Service and anthropological theory. Her academic excellence earned a unanimous nomination from the department.

After ten years as a well-regarded trial attorney, Anne Douds has transitioned to an academic scholar as a Justice, Law and Crime Policy doctoral candidate. She is conducting dissertation research that will examine access to immunization services for juveniles.

Faculty members from each academic unit within the college were encouraged to nominate two students continuing their studies through Spring 2008. The scholarships were awarded during the last week of October. The winners, in alphabetical order are:

Undergraduate Students

  • Katherine Berger (Sociology and Anthropology)
  • Kimberly Day (Psychology)
  • Teresa Hsieh (Sociology and Anthropology)
  • Amanda Hubert (Administration of Justice)
  • Marketa Jenesova (Global Affairs)
  • Alec Knight (Global Affairs)
  • MacGregor Lennarz (Public and International Affairs)
  • Afra Saeed (Psychology)
  • Andrew Smyth (Economics)
  • Madeline Wiley (New Century College)

Masters Students

  • Cara Conway (Psychology)
  • Alissa D’Amelio (Communication)
  • George Fachner, Jr. (Administration of Justice)
  • Jessica Johnson (Psychology)
  • Jennifer Talken-Spaulding (Sociology and Anthropology)

Doctoral Students

  • Anne Douds (Administration of Justice)