Honors College

Senior information technology major Crystal Forson likes to joke that her parents have been in school with her the whole time—"just without the studying.” Their support, she said, has been constant, from eighth grade when she joined the George Mason University’s Early Identification Program (EIP), all the way through graduation this May.

A cybersecurity major and long-distance runner, Simeon Omorodion found the same logic threading through both pursuits: structure, persistence, and a tolerance for discomfort that eventually becomes growth.

For Honors College student and University Scholar Monica Amaya, the journey to a degree isn’t just about the final walk across the stage—it’s about a promise she made to her family and herself years ago.

Graduating community health major Emaan Amir combines research, clinical work, and interdisciplinary study as she heads toward her medical career.

Valeria Aguilar Blanco, a sophomore at George Mason University’s Honors College majoring in government and international politics, won the Schwartzstein Outstanding Achievement Award at the Spring Research Exhibition and Awards Ceremony on May 1, 2026.

When Saniya Darediya, this year's student commencement speaker, stepped onto George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus for Orientation four years ago, she was fresh off the plane from Gujarat, India. She chose George Mason sight-unseen—and then carved out a place for herself.

Student Nursing Association President, peer advocate, community activist, future labor and delivery nurse, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate Mimi Benjelloun sets the standard for student and nursing excellence, embodying the spirit of George Mason Nurses. She describes what made the School of Nursing the perfect fit and offers advice for future nursing students.

Receiving a Goldwater Scholarship, which recognizes students with the potential to be the next generation of research leaders, is a true testament to student Sofie Strompf's dedication and perseverance.

Nathan Ferraro was awarded the Akal Seva - Bhatti Family Scholarship at the Spring Research Exhibition and Awards Ceremony on May 1, 2026 in recognition of his exceptional service and resilience.

David Harrison, Senior Vice President of Operations at Sabel Systems, and a longtime partner of the George Mason University Honors College, has been named the inaugural recipient of the Honors College Community Champion Award at the Spring Research Exhibition and Awards Ceremony on May 1, 2026.