2024 AwardsCollege of Humanities and Social Sciences

Dean's Challenge Scholarship - Graduate

The Dean's Challenge Scholarship was established in 2007 to acknowledge exceptional undergraduate and graduate students who have excelled while making academically challenging choices. The recipients of this award receive a stipend, funded by generous donations from friends of the college, to help with their educational expenses.

Thanks to all of the alumni, faculty, staff, and friends for their continued support of the college and these awards. Your generous support has allowed the dean to continue to make awards to students at all levels.

• Laura Brannan Fretwell
• Irena Dragas Jansen
• Sajida Yasmeen

Dean's Challenge Scholarship - Undergraduate

The Dean's Challenge Scholarship recognizes exceptional undergraduate students who have excelled while making academically-challenging choices.

• Maddie Ahalt
• Isabella Blakley
• Kiara Carter
• Emma Ealley
• Allison Gilbert
• Paige Jelenic
• Thomas McKenzie
• Fady Roufail
• Max Vaughn

Mary Roper Award

The Mary Roper Award honors a classified staff member who has shown outstanding service in support of the core goals of the college – improving the quality of the liberal arts experience for all students, increasing the capacity for noteworthy and innovative scholarship and creating and strengthening external relationships. The recipient directly supports the mission of the department or college through his or her work with faculty, students, staff or the greater university community.

The college holds a reception each fall to honor the award recipient as well as other outstanding staff members. This event is open to all members of the College of the Humanities and Social Sciences.

The award is named for Mary Roper, who worked in the Department of Biology and in the dean's office of the College of Arts and Sciences for a total of 14 years.

• Jenna McGwin
• Susan Turriziani

CHSS Outstanding Supervisor Award

The CHSS Outstanding Supervisor award recognizes a supervisor who demonstrates exemplary leadership, unwavering dedication, and exceptional mentorship, allowing for the personal and/or professional development of their team. Their ability to motivate others, resolve challenges with tact and innovation, and consistently exceed expectations embodies the true spirit of leadership. This award recognizes a person who inspires others, demonstrates trust in their team, and advocates for the betterment of those they serve.

Eligible employees: A/P Faculty, Classified Staff and Non-Student Wage

• Maria Carabelli

CHSS Outstanding New Employee Award

This award is presented to recognize exceptional performance and contributions by a new member of the college who has consistently demonstrated dedication, enthusiasm, and initiative in their role. This individual has made a significant impact through their hard work, quick learning, and positive attitude, embodying our organization's values and exceeding expectations in their early tenure. Their commitment to excellence and their ability to adapt and contribute effectively to team goals make them a valuable asset to CHSS. The employee must have at least 1 year of service in CHSS to be eligible for this award.

Eligible employees: A/P Faculty, Classified Staff, and Non-Student Wage employees that joined CHSS within past 1-3 years

• Lalah Masood

CHSS Service Excellence Award

The Service Excellence Award is presented to recognize outstanding commitment to service excellence. This award recognizes a CHSS employee’s ongoing commitment to providing expert service to our internal and external stakeholders and upholding our college mission. The award is for an exemplary colleague who has demonstrated initiative and creativity, exceptional individual and/or team contributions, and continuous improvements in the way we support students, faculty, and staff.  They are dedicated to continuously improving productive interactions and frequently exceed expectations by demonstrating excellence in customer service - communications, problem solving, adaptability, and maintaining a professional attitude. Their professionalism and proactive approach have significantly contributed to enhancing the overall experience of those with whom they interact.

Eligible employees: A/P Faculty, Classified Staff and Non-Student Wage

• Marty Abruzzo
• David Cerri

CHSS Mentorship Award

The CHSS Mentorship Award is granted to an employee who has made a positive impact on their colleagues through effective mentorship, coaching and/or supervision. This employee serves as a role model and mentor to their colleagues, helping them to develop and improve their skills, acclimate to new positions, or learn new processes so that they can achieve success.

Eligible employees: A/P Faculty, Classified Staff and Non-Student Wage

• Stephanie Hinnenkamp

CHSS Civility Award

The Award acknowledges an employee who establishes and maintains positive, collegial, and effective working relationships with fellow staff, faculty, students and other internal/external stakeholders. This employee upholds Mason’s core values and mission to and demonstrates the highest standards of integrity, civility, and respect for self, our students, our colleagues, and the community at-large.

Eligible employees: A/P Faculty, Classified Staff and Non-Student Wage

• Holly Mason Badra

CHSS Trailblazer Award

The CHSS Trailblazer Award is for employees who are highly engaged, leads the charge to tackle initiatives and promotes cultural change, and strives to empower others. These employees are natural leaders who inspire others and who, regardless of position or title, exceed the responsibilities of their position in a manner that demonstrates a commitment to departmental and College success.

Eligible employees: A/P Faculty, Classified Staff and Non-Student Wage 

• Anthony DeMaio