Honors College

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.

Matteo Scalise, a junior civil engineering student at George Mason University’s Honors College, received the Northrop Grumman Honors College Scholarship at the Spring Research Exhibition and Awards Ceremony on May 1, 2026.

Alexander Marco Bosnjak, a geology student in George Mason University’s Honors College, received the Northrop Grumman Honors College Scholarship at the Spring Research Exhibition and Awards Ceremony on May 1, 2026.

Two Carter School undergraduates represented George Mason University at the 2026 Oxford Consortium for Human Rights in War and Climate Emergency Conference, where they presented original research alongside global scholars. Supported by faculty mentorship and donor funding, the students gained hands-on international experience, expanded their professional networks, and explored new academic interests—highlighting the Carter School’s commitment to creating transformative opportunities for students beyond the classroom.

Honors College Challenge Day brings teams of students together to solve strategic challenges for corporate and nonprofit partners.

Gabriella Grabovska came to the United States in 2022 just after Russia invaded her homeland of Ukraine. The Kyiv native’s first visit to the United States was as a George Mason University student in the Schar School of Policy and Government. Now, four years later, she’s leaving with ambition, experience, and a clear mission.