Scholarship, Fellowships, and Awards

The Wendy Balazik Communication and Social Change Scholarship was established in 2009 in memory of Wendy Balazik, a graduate student in communication who passed away from lung cancer. The fund provides awards for communication students. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

Fellowships for students pursuing a PhD in economics are available on a competitive basis. These fellowships do not require a work component and are intended to provide limited support for a doctoral student’s graduate studies.

Department Graduate Assistantships are available on a competitive basis for full-time doctoral students. Assistantships generally require 20 hours of work per week and provide a comprehensive support package, including a stipend of $23,000 per academic year, health insurance coverage, and tuition waivers for up to 18 credits per academic year.

The George Mason University Mercatus Center also offers a competitive funding award for full-time economics doctoral students. Those interested should contact the Mercatus Center directly.

Part-time teaching opportunities are also available in the department for advanced economics doctoral students.

Questions regarding funding opportunities for doctoral students can be emailed to econgrad@gmu.edu.

 

 

The Joseph and Dorothy Censer Graduate Fellowship Endowment was established in 2009 by Jack R. Censer, PhD, and June T. Censer, PhD, to provide fellowships for graduate students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in history with an emphasis on digital history and working with the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media (CHNM). Recipients will qualify on the basis of academic merit. Recipients may be full-time or part-time students and may be in-state or out-of-state students. Questions about the fund should be directed to the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media.

The Evelyn L. Pugh Memorial Graduate Fellowship in History Endowment was established in 1987 in memory of Evelyn L. Pugh by her husband, Robert E. Pugh, and others, to benefit graduate students in history. Evelyn Pugh was the first chair of the Department of History and Art History. Robert Pugh is a former faculty member in the School of Management. Recipient must be studying history at the graduate level.

This scholarship is awarded by faculty nomination only, at the discretion of the department.

The Finley Endowments were established in 1995 to support fellowships in memory of John N.G. Finley through the estate of his wife, Dr. Cecile Bolton Finley. Mr. Finley was the first director of the Northern Virginia University Center (now George Mason University). Dr. Finley was a University of Virginia faculty member. This award is for a graduate student studying American history.

This scholarship is awarded by faculty nomination only, at the discretion of the department.

The Kurt Andrew Dodd Scholarship Endowment in History was established in 2004 in memory of Kurt A. Dodd, MA History ’97, by his mother, Rosemary Bowers Dodd, to provide scholarships for graduate students in history. Mr. Dodd was an alum of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Recipient must be a full-time graduate student pursuing a degree in history. Recipient may be either an in-state or out-of-state student. Recipient will qualify on basis of academic merit, as well as financial need. The scholarship is renewable, subject to the availability of funds; recipient must continue to meet the initial criteria.

This scholarship is awarded by faculty nomination only, at the discretion of the department.

The Rudolf and Louise Fishel Memorial Graduate Fellowship Endowment was established in 2000 in memory of Rudolf and Louise Fishel by their daughter, Marion F. Deshmukh, to assist graduate students in history. Deshmukh was a faculty member and former chair of the Department of History and Art History. Recipients may be either full-time or part-time students and reside either in state or out of state. 

This scholarship is awarded by faculty nomination only, at the discretion of the department.

The Elyse B. and Donald R. Lehman Endowed Graduate Student Research Award fund's proceeds are to be used to support graduate student research in psychology. Students who are working on a PhD or MA in any area of psychology are eligible. Questions about this award should be directed to the Psychology Department.

The Psychology Emergency Scholarship supports emergency relief for psychology majors who do not qualify for other aid because they are not independent. Students may not apply for this scholarship. It is awarded by faculty nomination only, at the discretion of the department. 

The Psychology Scholarship provides general scholarship support for students pursuing degrees in psychology. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal. 

The Suzanne E. Robertson Scholarship Endowment was established in 1993 by her parents to serve as a lasting memorial of their daughter, Suzi, who was a psychology student at George Mason. The purpose of this fund is to provide a scholarship to an undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in psychology. The selection will be based on both merit and need, with the student having demonstrated his or her ability to succeed in a course of study leading to a baccalaureate/graduate degree. This scholarship may be renewable. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Alumni/Mobil Fiction Fellowship Endowment was established in 1994 with a gift from an anonymous donor and additional funding by the Mobil Foundation to assist graduate students in fiction writing.

The Cynthia Wynn Herman Scholarship Endowment was established in 1995 in memory of Cynthia Wynn Herman, MA English ’90, by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wynn, joined by others, to benefit students pursuing a degree in English with an interest in women’s studies. Recipients may be full-time or part-time and in-state or out-of-state students. The scholarship may be renewable. Cynthia Wynn Herman, an alum of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, was assistant director of the Writing Center and editor of the women’s studies program newsletter.

Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal. 

Recipients will qualify on basis of merit and/or need and may be in-state or out-of-state students. 

The Mary Roberts Rinehart Fellowship Endowment was established in 1998 by Mrs. Rinehart’s granddaughter, Gratia Rinehart Montgomery, to encourage, promote, and develop creative writing by making awards to talented writers at George Mason University by providing or awarding, among other things, scholarships or fellowships for deserving students. 

The Mary Roberts Rinehart Scholarship Endowment was established in 1982 by the Mary Roberts Rinehart Foundation to encourage and promote creative writing.

The purpose of the Wendi Kauffman Memorial Writer’s Endowed Fund is to provide financial support for students in their work as writers and to promote their success. Examples of possible uses include, but are not limited to: support for attending conferences or other venues for getting connected with other writers, editors, or agents; retreats or similar venues that allow writers to engage in extended, uninterrupted periods of productive work; acquisition of writer tools such as printers, printing supplies, or computers; and payment of tuition or expenses related to attending the creative writing program.   

This fund was started in 2015 with donations from alumni to honor the late alumnus whose short story collection, Helen on 86^th Street and Other Stories, became the first title published by Stillhouse Press in the summer of 2014. Stillhouse Press is an independent, student-run nonprofit press based in Northern Virginia.

Established in 2009, the purpose of this fund is to provide fellowships for graduate students pursuing a master of the arts in history with a concentration in applied history working with the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media (RRCHNM). Recipient will qualify on the basis of academic merit and financial need. Recipient may be either a full-time or part-time student, and reside either in-state or out-of-state. This fellowship may be renewable.

This scholarship is awarded by faculty nomination only, at the discretion of the department.

Rudolf and Louise Fishel Memorial Graduate Fellowship Endowment was established in 2000 in memory of Rudolf and Louise Fishel by their daughter, Marion F. Deshmukh, to assist graduate students in history. Deshmukh was a faculty member and former chair of the Department of History and Art History. Recipients may be either full-time or part-time students, and reside either in state or out of state.

This scholarship is awarded by faculty nomination only, at the discretion of the department.

The Alumni/Mobil Fiction Fellowship Endowment was established in 1994 with a gift from an anonymous donor and additional funding by the Mobil Foundation to assist graduate students in fiction writing.

The Cynthia Wynn Herman Scholarship Endowment was established in 1995 in memory of Cynthia Wynn Herman, MA English ’90, by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wynn, joined by others, to benefit students pursuing a degree in English (BA, BFA, MA) with an interest in women’s studies. Recipients may be full-time or part-time and in-state or out-of-state students and must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 and a FAFSA on file. Applicants must submit a brief statement (250 words) describing their interest in women and gender studies and a relevant writing sample. The scholarship may be renewable. Cynthia Wynn Herman, an alum of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, was assistant director of the Writing Center and editor of the women’s studies program newsletter.

Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.  

Recipients will qualify on basis of merit and/or need, and may be in-state or out-of-state students. 

The Mary Roberts Rinehart Fellowship Endowment was established in 1998 by Mrs. Rinehart’s granddaughter, Gratia Rinehart Montgomery, to encourage, promote, and develop creative writing by making awards to talented writers at George Mason University by providing or awarding, among other things, scholarships or fellowships for deserving students. 

The Mary Roberts Rinehart Scholarship Endowment was established in 1982 by the Mary Roberts Rinehart Foundation to encourage and promote creative writing.

The purpose of the Wendi Kauffman Memorial Writer’s Endowed Fund is to provide financial support for students in their work as writers and to promote their success.  Examples of possible uses include, but are not limited to: support for attending conferences or other venues for getting connected with other writers, editors, or agents; retreats or similar venues that allow writers to engage in extended, uninterrupted periods of productive work; acquisition of writer tools such as printers, printing supplies, or computers; and payment of tuition or expenses related to attending the creative writing program.   

This fund was started in 2015 with donations from alums to honor the late alumnus whose short story collection, Helen on 86^th Street and Other Stories, became the first title published by Stillhouse Press in the summer of 2014. Stillhouse Press is an independent, student-run, non-profit press based in Northern Virginia.

The Aileen Walls Award provides a prize to an outstanding graduating English major. Questions about this award should be directed to the English Department.

Questions about the Alan Cheuse Fiction Award and Alan Cheuse Nonfiction Award should be directed to the English Department.

The Robert Karlson Award honors Robert Karlson, an early member of the George Mason English Department whose service spanned four decades, was an expert in the fields of American literature and, especially, spirituality and literature. His courses on altered states of consciousness, which combined meditative techniques with the close reading of mystical texts, were an inspiration to many students. A voracious reader who loved to converse about literature, religion, and politics, Professor Karlson made the life of the mind both serious and fun. The Robert Karlson Award provides funds to the year's outstanding graduate student in the English Department's MA programs.

The Sven Eric Molin Prize honors Eric Molin, a professor of 18th century studies, a devoted teacher of writing, and an authority on the writing and life of British novelist and essayist T. H. White. A discriminating and sympathetic judge of the writing of students as well as that of his colleagues in the English Department, Molin willed to the department funds to reward a student who produced an especially able essay on literature.  The prize supports the education of a continuing graduate student in English of exceptional merit. Questions about the prize should be directed to the English Department.

The Peter Stearns Scholarship Endowment in Global Affairs was established in 2010 by Peter Stearns and Donna Kidd, MPA ’94. The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarships for undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a degree in Global Affairs. Recipients may be either full-time or part-time students and reside either in state or out of state. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.  

The Evelyn L. Pugh Memorial Graduate Fellowship in History Endowment was established in 1987, in memory of Evelyn L. Pugh by her husband, Robert E. Pugh, and others, to benefit graduate students in history. Evelyn Pugh was the first chair of the Department of History and Art History. Robert Pugh is a former faculty member in the School of Management. 

The purpose of the endowment is to provide funding for a graduate fellowship in history.

This fund was created in memory of John N.G. Finley through the estate of his wife, Dr. Cecile Bolton Finley. Mr. Finley was the first director of the Northern Virginia University Center (now George Mason University). Dr. Finley was a University of Virginia faculty member. The J.N.G. Finley Endowed Fellowship in American History was established through a bequest from Mrs. Cecile B. Finley. The fund provides support for fellowships and scholarships for graduate studies in history. Questions about the fellowship should be directed to the Department of History and Art History.

The Kurt Andrew Dodd Endowed Scholarship in History was established in 2004 in memory of Kurt A. Dodd, MA History '97, by his mother, Rosemary Bowers Dodd, to provide scholarships for full-time graduate students pursuing a degree in history. Mr. Dodd was an alum of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Applicants must be full-time graduate students pursuing a history degree and qualify based on academic merit and financial need. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Randy Beth Clarke Fellowship in U.S. History Endowment was established in 2010 by Robert and Joyce Clarke, in memory of Randy Beth Clarke, MA History ’10.

The purpose of the endowment is to provide a fellowship for a graduate student pursuing an MA in history. The fellowship is open to all history graduate students, with preference given to candidates who demonstrate interest in southern history and/or women's history, have been a volunteer or docent at a historic site or museum, and have a physical disability. Demonstrated interest shall be presented through a written essay. Recipients may be full-time or part-time students, in-state or out-of-state residents, and must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. The fellowship may be renewable. 

The Rudolf and Louise Fishel Endowed Scholarship was established in 2000 in memory of Rudolf and Louise Fishel by their daughter, Marion F. Deshmukh, to assist graduate students in history. Deshmukh was a faculty member and former chair of the Department of History and Art History. The scholarship provides fellowship support for a graduate student in the History Department who qualifies on academic merit or financial need. The recipient may be either and in-state or out-of-state student and must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Questions about this fellowship should be directed to the History and Art History Department.

The Donald R. Barr Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established in 1985 in memory of Donald R. Barr, BA Geography '78, MA History '86 (posthumous), to assist students in history. Barr was an alum of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The endowment provides scholarships for history majors. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Joseph and Dorothy Censer Graduate Fellowship Endowment was established in 2009 by Jack R. Censer, PhD, and June T. Censer, PhD, to provide fellowships for graduate students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in history with an emphasis on digital history and working with the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media (CHNM). Recipients will qualify on the basis of academic merit. Recipients may be full-time or part-time students and may be in-state or out-of-state students. Questions about the fund should be directed to the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media.

The Lawrence and Cornelia Levine Scholarship was established in 2024 by Lawrence and Cornelia Levine to provide scholarship support for graduate students majoring in history or art history. Recipients may be full-time or part-time students and may be in-state or out-of-state students. Recipients will qualify on the basis of academic merit and financial need.

Philosophy Ethics Scholarship provides a scholarship for a full-time graduate student with a demonstrated interest in ethics, either as an area of scholarly research or as an important goal in life and career. The recipient will be pursuing an MA in philosophy or an MA with a concentration or certificate in professional ethics, or will be in some other graduate area in which ethics is an important part, such as nursing or neuroethics.

The Alexandria Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Graduate Fellowship in Philosophy Fund supports one $5000 graduate fellowship within the Department of Philosophy on an annual basis. Recipients of the award will submit a 1,500 to 2,000 word essay written on a topic relating to freemasonry to the scholarship selection committee and the chair of the department. Recipients will be pursuing graduate degrees in philosophy; will be full-time, in-state students; and will qualify on the basis of academic merit and financial need. The scholarship is renewable for previous recipients who opt to reapply for consideration.

The Elyse B. and Donald R. Lehman Endowed Graduate Student Research Award proceeds are to be used to support graduate student research in psychology. Students who are working on a PhD or MA in any area of psychology are eligible. Questions about this award should be directed to the Psychology Department.

The Psychology Emergency Scholarship supports emergency relief for psychology majors who do not qualify for other aid because they are not independent. Students may not apply for this scholarship. It is awarded by faculty nomination only, at the discretion of the department. 

The Psychology Scholarship provides general scholarship support for students pursuing degrees in psychology. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Suzanne E. Robertson Scholarship Endowment was established in 1993 by her parents to serve as a lasting memorial of their daughter, Suzi, who was a psychology student at George Mason. The purpose of this fund is to provide a scholarship to an undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in psychology. The selection will be based on both merit and need, with the student having demonstrated his or her ability to succeed in a course of study leading to a baccalaureate/graduate degree. This scholarship may be renewable. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

Economics Fellowship opportunities are only available to full-time graduate students

Graduate funding is only available for full-time graduate students.

The Alumni/Mobil Fiction Fellowship Endowment was established in 1994 with a gift from an anonymous donor and additional funding by the Mobil Foundation to assist graduate students in fiction writing.

The Cynthia Wynn Herman Scholarship Endowment was established in 1995 in memory of Cynthia Wynn Herman, MA English ’90, by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wynn, joined by others, to benefit students pursuing a degree in English with an interest in women’s studies. Recipients may be full-time or part-time and in-state or out-of-state students. The scholarship may be renewable. Cynthia Wynn Herman, an alum of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, was assistant director of the Writing Center and editor of the women’s studies program newsletter.

Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal. 

Recipients will qualify on basis of merit and/or need, and may be in-state or out-of-state students. 

The Mary Roberts Rinehart Fellowship Endowment was established in 1998 by Mrs. Rinehart’s granddaughter, Gratia Rinehart Montgomery, to encourage, promote, and develop creative writing by making awards to talented writers at George Mason University by providing or awarding, among other things, scholarships or fellowships for deserving students. 

The Mary Roberts Rinehart Scholarship Endowment was established in 1982 by the Mary Roberts Rinehart Foundation to encourage and promote creative writing.

The purpose of the Wendi Kauffman Memorial Writer’s Endowed Fund is to provide financial support for students in their work as writers and to promote their success. Examples of possible uses include, but are not limited to: support for attending conferences or other venues for getting connected with other writers, editors, or agents; retreats or similar venues that allow writers to engage in extended, uninterrupted periods of productive work; acquisition of writer tools such as printers, printing supplies, or computers; and payment of tuition or expenses related to attending the creative writing program.   

This fund was started in 2015 with donations from alumni to honor the late alum whose short story collection, Helen on 86^th Street and Other Stories, became the first title published by Stillhouse Press in the summer of 2014. Stillhouse Press is an independent, student-run, nonprofit press based in Northern Virginia.

The Peter Stearns Scholarship Endowment in Global Affairs was established in 2010 by Peter Stearns and Donna Kidd, MPA ’94. The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarships for undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a degree in global affairs. Recipients may be either full-time or part-time students and reside either in state or out of state.

The Devlin Family Scholarship was created in 2023 to provide support to sociology and anthropology students. Recipients should be able to demonstrate at least 40 hours of extracurricular involvement in a related effort in Fairfax County. The recipient may be a part-time or full-time student, and an undergraduate or graduate student. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Robert K. Hedrick Jr. Endowed Scholarship was established in 1999 by Robert Kenny Hedrick Jr., BA History '71, with special acknowledgment of Josephine F. Pacheco, who was a faculty member in the Department of History and Art History. The fund supports scholarships for full-time undergraduates earning a degree in history or art history. Recipients will be selected on the basis of merit and financial need. The recipient may be an in-state or out-of-state resident. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Shaul Bakhash Endowed Scholarship was established in 2005 by Robinson Professor Shaul Bakhash. The purpose of the fund is to award a scholarship to an undergraduate student in the Department of History and Art History. Applicants must be enrolled full time. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Spindler Memorial ScholarshipScholarship benefits an outstanding art history student, who is either a junior or senior, with verified financial need. Arthur Spindler, former George Mason professor of history, initiated this fund with the sale of artwork by his late wife, Evelyn Spindler, who painted in watercolor landscapes, seascapes, and interiors and exteriors from Virginia to the Southwest to Latin America and the Pacific.

This scholarship is awarded by faculty nomination only and at the discretion of the department.

The Bruce B. Manchester Forensics Team Member Endowed Scholarship was established in 2004 by Bruce B. Manchester, professor emeritus of communication, who retired from George Mason in 2004 after serving as a faculty member for 29 years. The fund's purpose is to provide one or more scholarships for an active member of the George Mason Forensics Team. Recipients must be full-time undergraduate students who are active members of the George Mason Forensics Team. The recipient will qualify based on contribution, or potential contribution, to the George Mason Forensics Team and may be an in-state or out-of-state student. This scholarship is renewable. Questions about the scholarship should be directed to the forensics program.

The Christine Worthen Eames Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established in 2006 in memory of Christine W. Eames '99, an alum of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, by her mother, Joan Christensen Eames. The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarships for undergraduates majoring in English with a concentration in creative writing or majoring in communication with a concentration in journalism. Recipient may be a full-time or part-time student, qualify on the basis of academic merit and financial need, and be either an in-state or out-of-state student. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

In 2020 Carolyn Cuppernull established the Colonel Michael A. Dickerson Endowed Scholarship to provide scholarship support for undergraduate students who are majoring in communication with a concentration in public relations. Applicants must have completed at least 60 credits. Recipients must be enrolled full time and will qualify on the basis of financial need and academic merit (minimum 3.0 GPA). Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The George Mason Debate Team Scholarship Fund was established in 2006 to provide scholarships for students on the George Mason Debate team. Questions about the scholarship should directed to the debate program.

The Kevin Athari Endowed Memorial Scholarship was established in 1991 by Kevin Athari's parents, Freydoon Athari, MD, and Roshan Athari, BS Medical Technology ’81, in memory of their son, Kevin. Kevin Athari was awarded a baccalaureate posthumously in 1991. This fund provides scholarships for students majoring in communication. Applicants must be rising seniors. Preference will be given to applicants who have participated in school publications and have been active participants in university affairs. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Michael L. Pearce Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established in 1999 by Susan K. Tomasovic, MAIS '90, in memory of her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Pearce, USAF (Ret). The fund supports scholarships for communication students. Ms. Tomasovic, an alum of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, is a faculty member in the Department of Communication. Applicants must be undergraduate students pursuing a degree in communication and must have completed at least 12 credit hours within communication and at least 85 credit hours. Recipients qualify based on academic merit and achieve a GPA of 3.0. Recipients must be in-state students and may be either full-time or part-time students. Preference is for students interested in media persuasion and communication. The scholarship is not renewable. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Wendy Balazik Communication and Social Change Scholarship was established in 2009 in memory of Wendy Balazik, a graduate student in communication who passed away from lung cancer. The fund provides awards for communication students. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The George Mason University Forensics Alumni and Friends Endowment was established in 2002 by alumni, faculty, and friends of the forensics team. The purpose of the fund is to support the team through scholarships, events, awards, and other ways. Recipients must be full-time undergraduate students who will qualify based on contribution, or potential contribution, to the George Mason University Forensics team, and may be in-state or out-of-state students.

The Michael A. Dickerson Endowed Scholarship was established in 2021. This Endowed Scholarship will provide scholarship support for undergraduate students majoring in communication with a concentration in public relations. Recipients must have completed at least 60 credits, must be full-time, may be in-state or out-of-state, and will qualify on the basis of financial need and academic merit with a required minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship is renewable.

The Wu-Shane Scholarship was established to support one or more student scholarship awards in compliance with the Minority Advisory Board Scholarship criteria, application, and renewal process established by the George Mason University Board of Visitors at its meeting on January 12, 2000 (available upon request). Additionally, the recipient will be an undergraduate majoring in communication, psychology, or management. This scholarship was established by D. Jean Wu, MS Information Systems ’87, and her husband, Jeffrey N. Shane, to provide scholarships for socioeconomically disadvantaged students majoring in communication, psychology, or management. Ms. Wu is a former trustee of the George Mason University Foundation and former member of the Board of Visitors of the university.

The Meese Family Endowed Scholarship was established in 2003 by the Honorable Edwin Meese III and his wife, Ursula Meese, to provide scholarship support for undergraduate students pursuing a degree in the Department of Criminology, Law and Society and graduate students in the MS program in criminal justice. Mr. Meese is a former trustee of the George Mason University Foundation and a former rector of the university. He also served as Attorney General of the United States. Recipients will qualify on the basis of financial need and academic merit. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Steven Davidson Endowed Scholarship for Criminology was established in 2015 by Shari Davidson in honor of Steven Davidson. The fund provides scholarships for undergraduates majoring in criminology, law, and society who plan to attend law school and who embody Mr. Davidson's passion for the law, justice, and life. Applicants must submit an essay demonstrating that shared passion as part of their scholarship application. Applicants must be full-­time students. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

Economics Fellowships support fellowships for economics students.

Economics Scholarships recipient will be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student majoring in economics, will qualify on basis of merit and/or need, and may be an in-state or out-of-state student. The scholarship is renewable, subject to the availability of funds. For scholarship renewal, the recipient must continue to meet the criteria above.

The Howard Ruben Bloch Endowed Scholarship and Award was established in 2001 in memory of Howard R. Bloch by his wife, Doris Bloch, and others, to honor his legacy of commitment to teaching and dedication to his students and the George Mason community. Bloch was a faculty member and director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Economics. Scholarship and award recipients must be enrolled full time, must be pursuing a bachelor's degree in economics, may be in-state or out-of-state residents, and will qualify on the basis of academic merit and financial need. This scholarship is renewable. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Randolph and Lucy Church Scholarship Endowment  was established in 2006 by Randolph W. Church Jr. and Lucy C. Church, ’81, MPA ’86, to attract outstanding students majoring in English, history, modern languages, philosophy, psychology, political sciences, humanities, or economics. Mr. Church, an attorney, is a former rector of the Board of Visitors and former trustee of the George Mason University Foundation. Mrs. Church, a former trustee of the foundation and a former faculty member, is an alum of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Recipient must:

• Be an incoming freshman with a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 and a strong record of scholastic achievement in college preparatory courses
• Be a full-time undergraduate student
• Be a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Show unusual promise of superior scholastic achievement in the opinion of the college dean
• Major in one of the following: English, history, modern languages philosophy, psychology, or economics

The Ed and Sally Bedsworth Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established in 2022 by Edmund Bedsworth Jr. to provide scholarship support to eligible undergraduate students majoring in economics based on financial need. Students may be full-time or part-time and must be in-state students with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship is renewable.

The Christine Worthen Eames Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established in 2006 in memory of Christine W. Eames '99, an alum of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, by her mother, Joan Christensen Eames. The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarships for undergraduates majoring in English with a concentration in creative writing or majoring in communication with a concentration in journalism. Recipient may be a full-time or part-time student, qualify on the basis of academic merit and financial need, and be either an in-state or out-of-state student. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Cynthia Wynn Herman Endowed Scholarship was established in 1995 in memory of Cynthia Wynn Herman, MA English '90, by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wynn, joined by others, to benefit students pursuing a degree in English with an interest in women's studies. Cynthia Wynn Herman, an alum of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, was assistant director of the Writing Center and editor of the women's studies program newsletter. The fund aims to provide scholarships for undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a degree in English within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Preference will be given to a returning student with a demonstrated interest in women's studies. The recipient will qualify based on academic merit and financial need. The recipient may be an in-state or out-of-state student and a full-time or part-time student. The scholarship may be renewable. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Dr. Barry Berkey Personal Essay Endowed Award was established in 2010 by Velma Berkey, the wife of Barry Berkey. The fund's purpose is to provide an annual award for undergraduates pursuing a degree in English. The award recognizes an outstanding nonfiction personal essay written by a junior or senior undergraduate English major. Questions about this award should be directed to the English Department.

The James L. Jackson Award provides funds to support the education at George Mason of a continuing undergraduate major in English of exceptional merit. Questions about this award should be directed to the English Department.

English Scholarships recipients will qualify on basis of merit and/or need, and may be in-state or out-of-state students.

The Wendi Kauffman Memorial Writer's Endowed Fund provides financial support for students in their work as writers and to promote their success. Examples of possible uses include, but are not limited to: support for attending conferences or other venues for getting connected with other writers, editors, or agents; retreats or similar venues that allow writers to engage in extended, uninterrupted periods of productive work; acquisition of writer tools such as printers, printing supplies, or computers; and payment of tuition or expenses related to attending the creative writing program.

This fund was started in 2015 with donations from alumni to honor the late alum whose short story collection, Helen on 86th Street and Other Stories, became the first title published by Stillhouse Press in the summer of 2014. Stillhouse Press is an independent, student-run, nonprofit press based in Northern Virginia.

The Randolph and Lucy Church Scholarship Endowment was established in 2006 by Randolph W. Church, Jr. and Lucy C. Church, ’81, MPA ’86, to attract outstanding students majoring in English, history, modern languages, philosophy, psychology, political sciences, humanities, or economics. Mr. Church, an attorney, is a former rector of the Board of Visitors and former trustee of the George Mason University Foundation. Mrs. Church, a former trustee of the foundation and a former faculty member, is an alum of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Recipient must:

• Be an incoming freshman with a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 and a strong record of scholastic achievement in college preparatory courses
• Be a full-time undergraduate student
• Be a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Show unusual promise of superior scholastic achievement in the opinion of the college dean
• Major in one of the following: English, history, modern languages philosophy, psychology, or economics

The Lucas Leadership Scholarship Endowment was established in 2013 by Diane W. Schulte and David C. Miles to honor the contributions and leadership of Nance Lucas during her tenure as associate dean. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a School of Integrative Studies student who demonstrates exceptional leadership and ethics in all areas of academic and personal life. The scholarship is renewable and may be used for tuition and fees and/or sponsored activities, but not travel expenses. Students may apply for this scholarship on their own or be nominated by faculty or staff members. To qualify, recipients will be undergraduate students classified as “in good academic standing” per university guidelines and must be pursuing a degree in the School of Integrative Studies; preference will be given to students who are verified members of a recognized nonprofit group and who demonstrate leadership and service. Recipients may be either full-time or part-time students; in-state or out-of-state; international, non-U.S. citizen; and will be evaluated on the basis of academic merit.

School of Integrative Studies Awards and Scholarship recipients will submit an essay answering the following topic: tell us how you best exemplify the values of a School of Integrative Studies education based the school’s mission statement and describe how you will continue to demonstrate your commitment to the college’s mission throughout the next year.  Recipient must be majoring in integrative studies, be a full-time undergraduate student with a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA, and must maintain a 2.5 GPA throughout. Applicant must have a current FAFSA on file with George Mason's Office of Student Financial Aid.

Applications typically open Spring Semester: March through the first week of May.

Contact: mailto:sisinfo@gmu.edu

The Jon Sultan Creative Writing Award is open to all first-year students who have declared an integrative studies major. Mr. Steven A. Sultan and Mrs. Susan E. Sultan established the Jon Sultan Writing Award in memory of their son, Jon, who was a valuable member of the first integrative studies cohort in 1995. The Sultan Award winner receives $1,000 and a certificate at an award event at the end of the spring semester. Students must self-nominate and submit writing sample materials, along with the name and contact information of a School of Integrative Studies faculty member who could, if needed, act as a reference.

Applications accepted Spring Semester: January through the first week of April.

Contact: sisinfo@gmu.edu

The School of Integrative Studies First Generation Quasi-Endowed Scholarship provides scholarship support for full-time undergraduate students who are pursing integrative studies, environmental sustainability studies, or bachelors of individualized studies degrees. Recipients must be first-generation college students, may be in-state or out-of-state, must be in good academic standing as defined by the university, and will qualify on the basis of financial need. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Gunda Sporer Oppenheimer Endowed Prize for French Studies (HOLT) was established in 2001 in memory of Gunda S. Oppenheimer, MS Foreign Languages '93, an alum of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Mrs. Oppenheimer was an instructor in French and Spanish. The endowment helps to defray the costs of studying in France and was funded by multiple donors, including her husband, Larry Oppenheimer. The recipient must be a rising junior or senior at George Mason University and will apply through George Mason's Global Education Office.

The Helen Ludwig Sehrt Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2008 through the estate of Helen L. Sehrt to provide support for the study of the German language. Mrs. Sehrt was a faculty member in foreign languages. Applicants must be undergraduate students with a minor in the German language. Recipients must maintain a B average in their German classes and may be either full-time or part-time and in-state or out-of-state students. In the future, if the university establishes an undergraduate degree in German, preference will be given to German majors who meet the preceding criteria. The scholarship is renewable. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The purpose of the KAEF Scholarship in Korean Studies fund is to provide support for undergraduate students who are minoring in Korean studies. Preference will be given to students who are also majoring or minoring in education fields. Recipients may be full-time or part-time students and in-state or out-of-state students, and will qualify on the basis of academic merit. Applicants must submit a one-page (single-spaced) essay in Korean explaining their scholarly and career interests in Korean studies and/or education and a recommendation letter from a Korean studies faculty member at George Mason. Questions about this fund should be directed to the Modern and Classical Languages Department.

Modern and Classical Languages Scholarship funds general scholarships within the Modern and Classical Languages Department

The William Weaver Prize in Italian Studies was established in 2014 by Dr. William P. Naylor and Mrs. Penelope Naylor in memory of William Weaver, a pre-eminent translator of modern Italian literature. The fund provides scholarships for students with a declared minor in Italian studies. Recipients must have a declared minor in Italian studies and be enrolled as an undergraduate student at the time of the award with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA. They may be either part-time or full-time students, and may be in-state or out-of-state students. Recipients will be selected on the basis of academic merit and financial need. Questions should be directed to the Modern and Classical Languages Department.

The Martha P. Francescato Scholarship fund provides scholarship support for undergraduate students applying for the study abroad program. The recipient must be pursuing a degree in Spanish. Applicants must submit an essay stating why they need additional funds for study abroad and detailing their commitment to the Spanish program.  Preference will be given to applicants who have not yet previously studied abroad. One scholarship will be awarded annually to one student. The scholarship award may not be divided among multiple applicants. This scholarship is not renewable. 

The Modern and Classical Language Study Abroad Scholarship supports scholarships for students participating in a George Mason study abroad program.

The Randolph and Lucy Church Scholarship Endowment was established in 2006 by Randolph W. Church Jr. and Lucy C. Church, ’81, MPA ’86, to attract outstanding students majoring in English, history, modern languages, philosophy, psychology, political sciences, humanities, or economics. Mr. Church, an attorney, is a former rector of the Board of Visitors and former trustee of the George Mason University Foundation. Mrs. Church, a former trustee of the foundation and a former faculty member, is an alum of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Recipient must:

• Be an incoming freshman with a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 and a strong record of scholastic achievement in college preparatory courses
• Be a full-time undergraduate student
• Be a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Show unusual promise of superior scholastic achievement in the opinion of the college dean
• Major in one of the following: English, history, modern languages philosophy, psychology, or economics

The Harrington Anderson Scholarship provides scholarships for undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a degree in global affairs. Recipient may be a full-time or part-time student and may be in-state or out-of-state. The recipient will qualify on the basis of academic merit and financial need. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Peter Stearns Endowed Scholarship in Global Affairs was established in 2010 by Distinguished University Professor Peter Stearns and Donna Kidd, MPA '94. Stearns is a past provost of the university. The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarships for undergraduate or graduate students pursuing a degree in global affairs. Recipients will be chosen on the basis of merit and financial need. Recipient may be a full-time or part-time student and may be an in-state or out-of-state student. The scholarship may be renewable. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Charles and Polly Webber American History Endowed Scholarship was established in 1975 by the Alexandria Scottish Rite Bodies as a tribute to Charles E. Webber and his wife, Pauline Graham Webber, to advance the study of American history. Mr. Webber was a leader in the Southern Jurisdiction (U.S.) of the Scottish Rite.  Established to encourage the study of American history including intellectual and cultural history of the United States, the development of American institutions from the formation of the American Republic, or allied subjects as determined each year. Recipient shall be a student pursuing an undergraduate education and a bona fide resident of Northern Virginia who is actively pursuing a degree in history. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Donald R. Barr Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established in 1985 in memory of Donald R. Barr, BA Geography '78, MA History '86 (posthumous), to assist students in history. Barr was an alum of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The endowment provides scholarships for history majors. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

Evelyn Pugh Outstanding Undergraduate Award is presented to an outstanding junior or senior history major who has completed a minimum of 15 hours in history at George Mason. Questions about this award should be directed to the Department of History and Art History.

The Gary and Eleanor Shumaker Endowed Scholarship for a High School History Instructor/Scholar was established to provide undergraduate scholarships for students majoring in history and who intend to pursue their graduate work in history at George Mason in order to obtain certification as a secondary school social studies teacher. Recipients may be full-time or part-time students and may be in-state or out-of-state residents. Recipients will qualify on the basis of academic merit; a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Applicants must have 90 completed credits to be considered and must submit a 500-word purpose statement. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The George Mason Memorial Society Endowed Scholarship was established in 1997 by the George Mason Memorial Society. The recipient will be an undergraduate history major and will qualify based on a cumulative GPA, academic record within the history major, and the student's program as a reflection of the study of the legacy of George Mason and the nature of human rights in society. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The HFCI Scholarship Fund was established in 2019 by Historic Fairfax City Inc. to provide support for students pursuing a history degree. Undergraduate applicants must have completed 75 credits, at least 12 of those credits must have been completed at the university. Graduate applicants must have completed six credits at the university in order to be eligible. Scholarship recipients must be residents of the City of Fairfax or Fairfax County, Virginia, and will qualify on the basis of financial need and academic merit, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Page-Nelson Award in History is awarded to an outstanding history major intending to pursue history as a career. Questions about the award should be directed to the Department of History and Art History.

The Peter N. Stearns and Donna L. Kidd Endowed Scholarship in History was established in 2023 by Peter N. Stearns and Donna L. Kidd to provide scholarship support for undergraduate students who are pursuing a degree in history, with preference for students concentrating in global history. Applicants may be full-time or part-time students and may be in-state or out-of-state students. As part of the application process, students will be asked to provide a short statement of two to three sentences discussing their interest in global history. Recipients will qualify on the basis of academic merit and financial need. This scholarship is renewable. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Robert K. Hedrick Jr. Endowed Scholarship was established in 1999 by Robert Kenny Hedrick Jr., BA History '71, with special acknowledgment of Josephine F. Pacheco, who was a faculty member in the Department of History and Art History. The fund supports scholarships for full-time undergraduates earning a degree in history or art history. Recipients will be selected on the basis of merit and financial need. The recipient may be an in-state or out-of-state resident. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Sandman and Stearns Achievement Scholarship in History was established in 2024 by Ryan and Patricia L. Sandman to provide scholarship support for undergraduate students who are majoring in history. Recipients may be full-time or part-time students and must be in-state students. Recipients will qualify on the basis of academic merit with a minimum 3.8 GPA. This scholarship is renewable. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Shaul Bakhash Endowed Scholarship was established in 2005 by Robinson Professor Shaul Bakhash. The purpose of the fund is to award a scholarship to an undergraduate student in the Department of History and Art History. Applicants must be enrolled full time. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

Established in 2006 by Randolph W. Church Jr. and Lucy C. Church, ’81, MPA ’86, to attract outstanding students majoring in English, history, modern languages, philosophy, psychology, political sciences, humanities, or economics. Mr. Church, an attorney, is a former rector of the Board of Visitors and former trustee of the George Mason University Foundation. Mrs. Church, a former trustee of the foundation and a former faculty member, is an alum of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Recipient must:

• Be an incoming freshman with a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 and a strong record of scholastic achievement in college preparatory courses
• Be a full-time undergraduate student
• Be a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Show unusual promise of superior scholastic achievement in the opinion of the college dean
• Major in one of the following: English, history, modern languages philosophy, psychology, or economics

The Jeanne C. Mellinger Endowed Scholarship was established in 1993 in memory of Jeanne C. Mellinger, who was first chair of the Psychology Department. The endowment provides scholarships for undergraduate psychology students with documented financial need. Applicants must be enrolled full time with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Psychology Emergency Scholarship supports emergency relief for psychology majors who do not qualify for other aid because they are not independent. Students may not apply for this scholarship. It is awarded by faculty nomination only, at the discretion of the department. 

The Psychology Scholarship provides general scholarship support for students pursuing degrees in psychology. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Randolph and Lucy Church Scholarship Endowment was established in 2006 by Randolph W. Church Jr. and Lucy C. Church, ’81, MPA ’86, to attract outstanding students majoring in English, history, modern languages, philosophy, psychology, political sciences, humanities, or economics. Mr. Church, an attorney, is a former rector of the Board of Visitors and former trustee of the George Mason University Foundation. Mrs. Church, a former trustee of the foundation and a former faculty member, is an alum of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Recipient must:

• Be an incoming freshman with a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 and a strong record of scholastic achievement in college preparatory courses
• Be a full-time undergraduate student
• Be a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Show unusual promise of superior scholastic achievement in the opinion of the college dean
• Major in one of the following: English, history, modern languages philosophy, psychology, or economics

The Suzanne E. Robertson Scholarship Endowment was established in 1993 by her parents to serve as a lasting memorial of their daughter, Suzi, who was a psychology student at George Mason. The purpose of this fund is to provide a scholarship to an undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in psychology. The selection will be based on both merit and need, with the student having demonstrated his or her ability to succeed in a course of study leading to a baccalaureate or graduate degree. This scholarship may be renewable. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

Walter Moretz Scholarship supports scholarships for undergraduate psychology majors, especially those engaged in research. Students may not apply for this scholarship. It is awarded by faculty nomination only, at the discretion of the department.  

The Wu-Shane Scholarship was established to support one or more student scholarship awards in compliance with the Minority Advisory Board Scholarship criteria, application, and renewal process established by the George Mason University Board of Visitors at its meeting on January 12, 2000 (available upon request). Additionally, the recipient will be an undergraduate majoring in communication, psychology, or management. This scholarship was established by D. Jean Wu, MS Information Systems ’87, and her husband, Jeffrey N. Shane, to provide scholarships for socioeconomically disadvantaged students majoring in communication, psychology, or management. Ms. Wu is a former trustee of the George Mason University Foundation and former member of the Board of Visitors of the university.

The Michael and Peggy Pasnak Endowed Memorial Scholarship was established to provide scholarship support for undergraduate students pursuing a degree in psychology. Recipients may be enrolled full time or part time, may be in-state or out-of-state students, and will qualify on the basis of financial need. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Devlin Family Scholarship was created in 2023 to provide support to sociology and anthropology students. Recipients should be able to demonstrate at least 40 hours of extracurricular involvement in a related effort in Fairfax County, Virginia. The recipient may be a part-time or full-time student, and an undergraduate or graduate student. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

Christine Worthen Eames Memorial Scholarship Endowment was established in 2006 in memory of Christine W. Eames, Communications ’99, an alum of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, by her mother, Joan Christensen Eames. The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarships for students who are aspiring writers.  Recipient must be an undergraduates majoring in English with a concentration in creative writing or majoring in communications with a concentration in journalism.  Recipient may be a full-time or part-time student, be an in-state or out-of-state student, and qualify on the basis of academic merit and financial need. The scholarship is renewable, subject to the availability of funds.

Dr. Barry Berkey Personal Essay Award Endowment was established in 2010 by Velma Berkey, the wife of Barry Berkey. The purpose of the fund is to provide a prestigious annual award for undergraduate students pursing a degree in English that recognizes and encourages writing excellence in general and creative nonfiction in particular. Candidates must be juniors or seniors as defined by at least 60 completed credit hours at the time of application, and must submit a personal essay of 1,000 words or less. Submissions must be original, not previously published, and entirely true. Candidates must include their G numbers on the essay as their names will be blinded. Recipients may be in-state or out-of-state students, and may be either full-time or part-time students. Junior students may submit in both junior and senior years. One essay per applicant per year may be entered.

Randolph and Lucy Church Scholarship Endowment was established in 2006 by Randolph W. Church Jr. and Lucy C. Church, ’81, MPA ’86, to attract outstanding students majoring in English, history, modern languages, philosophy, psychology, political sciences, humanities, or economics. Mr. Church, an attorney, is a former rector of the Board of Visitors and former trustee of the George Mason University Foundation. Mrs. Church, a former trustee of the foundation and a former faculty member, is an alum of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Recipient must:

• Be an incoming freshman with a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 and a strong record of scholastic achievement in college preparatory courses
• Be a full-time undergraduate student
• Be a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Show unusual promise of superior scholastic achievement in the opinion of the college dean
• Major in one of the following: English, history, modern languages philosophy, psychology, or economics

The Cynthia Wynn Herman Scholarship Endowment was established in 1995 in memory of Cynthia Wynn Herman, MA English '90, by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wynn, joined by others, to benefit students pursuing a degree in English with an interest in women's studies. Recipients may be full-time of part-time and in-state or out-of-state students. The scholarship may be renewable. Cynthia Wynn Herman, an alum of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, was assistant director of the Writing Center and editor of the women's studies program newsletter.

Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.  

English Scholarships recipients will qualify on basis of merit and/or need; and may be in-state or out-of-state students.

To provide support for undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor of fine arts (BFA) in creative writing. Scholarship recipients may be full-time or part-time students, in-state or out-of-state residents, and should demonstrate academic merit and financial need. Recipients should be involved in a community group, activity or registered student organization that works on issues or causes related to an underrepresented group at George Mason. Applicants must submit a creative writing piece of their choosing which can come from a class at the university or be a portfolio piece used to gain admission to the BFA program. Applicants may use this piece to show their work on issues related to their related to their experience or involvement with an underrepresented group. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Economics Scholarships Fund was established in 2007 to provide general scholarship support for economics students. Recipients are undergraduate or graduate students and in-state or out-of-state students who qualify based on academic merit. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Jeanne C. Mellinger Scholarship Endowment was established in 1993 in memory of Jeanne C. Mellinger, who was first chair of the Department of Psychology. The endowment, funded by multiple donors, provides one or more scholarships for undergraduates pursing a BS or BA in psychology and who qualify on basis of academic merit and financial need. Recipients may be either full-time or part-time students, and reside either in or out of state.  The scholarship may be renewable.

Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.  

The Psychology Emergency Scholarship supports emergency relief for psychology majors who do not qualify for other aid because they are not independent. Students may not apply for this scholarship. It is awarded by faculty nomination only, at the discretion of the department. 

The Psychology Scholarship provides general scholarship support for students pursuing degrees in psychology. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Randolph and Lucy Church Scholarship Endowment was established in 2006 by Randolph W. Church Jr. and Lucy C. Church, ’81, MPA ’86, to attract outstanding students majoring in English, history, modern languages, philosophy, psychology, political sciences, humanities, or economics. Mr. Church, an attorney, is a former rector of the Board of Visitors and former trustee of the George Mason University Foundation. Mrs. Church, a former trustee of the foundation and a former faculty member, is an alum of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Recipient must:

• Be an incoming freshman with a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 and a strong record of scholastic achievement in college preparatory courses
• Be a full-time undergraduate student
• Be a resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Show unusual promise of superior scholastic achievement in the opinion of the college dean
• Major in one of the following: English, history, modern languages philosophy, psychology, or economics

The Suzanne E. Robertson Endowed Scholarship was established in 1993 by David L. Robertson and Karla Robertson in memory of their daughter, Suzanne "Suzi" Elizabeth Robertson. Suzi Robertson was a psychology student at George Mason. The fund will provide a scholarship to an undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in psychology. The selection will be based on both merit and need with the student having demonstrated their ability to succeed in a course of study leading to a baccalaureate/graduate degree. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Walter Moretz Scholarship was established in 2001 to provide scholarships for undergraduate students in the Department of Psychology. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

The Wu-Shane Scholarship was established to support one or more student scholarship awards in compliance with the Minority Advisory Board Scholarship criteria, application, and renewal process established by the George Mason University Board of Visitors at its meeting on January 12, 2000 (available upon request). Additionally, the recipient will be an undergraduate majoring in communication, psychology, or management. This scholarship was established by D. Jean Wu, MS Information Systems ’87, and her husband, Jeffrey N. Shane, to provide scholarships for socioeconomically disadvantaged students majoring in communication, psychology, or management. Ms. Wu is a former trustee of the George Mason University Foundation and former member of the Board of Visitors of the university.

The Michael and Peggy Pasnak Endowed Memorial Scholarship was established to provide scholarship support for undergraduate students pursuing a degree in psychology. Recipients may be enrolled full time or part time, may be in-state or out-of-state students, and will qualify on the basis of financial need. Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal.

Economics Fellowships support fellowships for economics students

The Economics Scholarships recipient will be a full time undergraduate or graduate student majoring in economics, will qualify on basis of merit and/or need, and may be an in-state or out-of-state student. The scholarship is renewable, subject to the availability of funds. For scholarship renewal, the recipient must continue to meet the criteria above.

The Bruce B. Manchester Forensics Team Member Scholarship Endowment was established in 2004 by Bruce B. Manchester, professor emeritus of communication, who retired from George Mason in 2004 after serving as a faculty member for 29 years. The purpose of the fund is to provide one or more scholarships for an active member of the George Mason Forensics Team. Recipient must be a full-time undergraduate student, be an active member of the George Mason Forensics Team, qualify based on contribution or potential contribution to the George Mason Forensics Team; and may be an in-state or out-of-state student.

The Christine Worthen Eames Memorial Scholarship Endowment was established in 2006 in memory of Christine W. Eames, Communication ’99, an alum of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, by her mother, Joan Christensen Eames. The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarships for students who are aspiring writers. Recipient must be an undergraduate majoring in English with a concentration in creative writing or majoring in communications with a concentration in journalism. Recipient may be a full-time or part-time student and an in-state or out-of-state student. Recipient will qualify on the basis of academic merit and financial need. The scholarship is renewable, subject to the availability of funds. 

The George Mason University Forensics Alumni and Friends Endowment was established in 2002 by alumni, faculty, and friends of the forensics team. The purpose of the fund is to support the team through scholarships, events, awards, and in other ways. Recipients must be full-time undergraduate students who will qualify based on contribution, or potential contribution, to the George Mason University Forensics team and may be in-state or out-of-state students.

George Mason University Debate Team Scholarship supports scholarships for members of the debate team.

The Kevin Athari Memorial Scholarship Endowment was established in 1991 by Kevin Athari’s parents, Freydoon Athari, MD, and Roshan Athari, BS Medical Technology ’81, joined by others, to provide scholarships for students majoring in communication. Kevin Athari was awarded a baccalaureate posthumously in 1991. The scholarship will be awarded for the senior year, with selection of the recipient following the junior year, and shall be made to a student who has participated in school publications, such as a school newspaper; has shown dedication, academic motivation, and leadership; and has been an active participant in university affairs. Applicants for this scholarship may apply directly or be nominated by Department of Communication faculty.

The Michael A. Dickerson Endowed Scholarship was established in 2021. This Endowed Scholarship will provide scholarship support for undergraduate students majoring in communication with a concentration in public relations. Recipients must have completed at least 60 credits, must be full-time students, may be in-state or out-of-state students, and will qualify on the basis of financial need and academic merit with a required minimum GPA of 3.0. This scholarship is renewable.

The Michael L. Pearce Memorial Scholarship Endowment was established in 1999 by Susan K. Tomasovic, MAIS ’90, in memory of her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Pearce, U.S. Air Force (Ret.). Ms. Tomasovic, an alum of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, is a faculty member in the Department of Communication. This fund supports scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing a degree in communication. Recipient must have completed at least 12 credit hours within the Department of Communication and have completed at least 85 credit hours within the university. Recipient will qualify on the basis of academic merit, achieving a minimum GPA of 3.0. Recipient must be an in-state student and may be either full-time or part-time. Preference will be given to a student with an interest in media persuasion and communication. This scholarship is not renewable.

Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal. 

The Wu-Shane Scholarship was established to support one or more student scholarship awards in compliance with the Minority Advisory Board Scholarship criteria, application, and renewal process established by the George Mason University Board of Visitors at its meeting on January 12, 2000 (available upon request). Additionally, the recipient will be an undergraduate majoring in communication, psychology, or management. This scholarship was established by D. Jean Wu, MS Information Systems ’87, and her husband, Jeffrey N. Shane, to provide scholarships for socioeconomically disadvantaged students majoring in communication, psychology, or management. Ms. Wu is a former trustee of the George Mason University Foundation and former member of the Board of Visitors of the university.

The Cynthia Wynn Herman Scholarship Endowment was established in 1995 in memory of Cynthia Wynn Herman, MA English ’90, by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wynn, joined by others, to benefit students pursuing a degree in English with an interest in women’s studies. Recipient may be a full-time of part-time student and an in-state or out-of-state student. The scholarship may be renewable. Cynthia Wynn Herman, an alum of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, was assistant director of the Writing Center and editor of the women’s studies program newsletter.

Current students may apply for this scholarship and many other scholarships through the Office of Financial Aid's Academic Works portal. 

The purpose of the Franki Rutherford Memorial Scholarship fund is to recognize a student who has demonstrated interest in the study of inequalities, especially gender, race, class and sexuality. More than one recipient may receive this award if funds are available. To qualify for this award, the recipient will be pursuing a minor in women and gender studies or a master's certificate/concentration in women and gender studies, must be a full-time student, may be an undergraduate or graduate student, must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, may be an in-state or out-of-state student, may be an international student or a United States citizen, and must demonstrate financial need.

Additionally, the student should also have a dedication to issues of social justice and the community. Preference will be given to students with demonstrated need for financial support and who face other barriers to a college education including, but not limited to, being a first-generation college student, being an immigrant or the child of immigrants, being from the Global South or other areas in which opportunities for higher education are limited, being from a low-income family, or being a student who receives little support from home due to sexual or gender identity. This scholarship may be renewable by the recipients if the funds are available. For more information about this fund, please contact Angela Hattery.