Outstanding Undergraduate Student Honorees - Winter 2022

Each semester, we recognize some of our outstanding graduating students. These undergraduate students were nominated by their departments for their academic achievement and contributions to their respective fields.

Jood Alkibsy

Jood Alkibsy

BA in Sociology with a concentration in Inequality and Social Change, minor in Women and Gender Studies

Described by nominators as an "excellent example of the values of the Women and Gender Studies program", Jood served as the president of the Pride Alliance and forged new collaborations with NAISA, all while completing exceptional scholarship and award-winning creative works.

Ninamarie Avedissian

Ninamarie Avedissian

BA in Foreign Languages with a concentration in Spanish

As an accomplished student in the foreign languages program, Ninamarie developed an intensive research project and campaign against social media misinformation that traditionally targets Spanish-speaking Latinx communities in the United Sates.

Sanskar Bista

Sanskar Bista

BA in Economics, minor in Data Analysis

Receiving academic recognition from the Department of Economics, Sanskar was able to intern with the Department of Education and had the honor of being a Schumpeter Fellow while at Mason.

Cassidy Bittenbender

Cassidy Bittenbender

BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies with a concentration in Conservation and Sustainability

A lifelong interest in the environment and a career goal of marine research and conservation led Cassidy to CHSS's environmental and sustainability studies program after completing an associate's degree.

LaTonia Christian

LaTonia Christian

BIS in Health Information Systems

LaTonia designed this unique degree program to be inclusive of her 28-years of experience in the mental health field as a financial specialist for Fairfax County, and succeeded in completing the degree full time while caring for her parents, her children, and her community through volunteer work.

James Condo

James Condo

BA in Sociology

With an interest in social justice and a desire to create a more equitable world, this year's Outstanding Sociology Graduate created the Sociology Club at Mason and hopes to pursue graduate studies in sociology.

Adam Cutter

Adam Cutter

BA in Foreign Languages with a concentration in Korean, minor in Linguistics

One of the recipients of the best student paper awards at the annual Mason undergraduate students conference in Korean studies (MUSCKS), Adam hopes to combine his major and minor to study Korean linguistics in graduate studies at Mason.

Manny Davis

Manny Davis

BFA in Creative Writing with a concentration in Fiction

A developing comic book author, Manny collaborated with art student Ash Smith to create his final portfolio, and provided editorial support to Watershed Lit: Center for Literary Engagement and Publishing Practice throughout his time at Mason.

Kelly Rodas Hernandez

Kelly Rodas Hernandez

BA in Global Affairs with concentrations in Global Governance and Latin America

Kelly is the recipient of the Global Affairs Academic Achievement Award for Winter 2022, and has utilized her knowledge and scholarship through internships at numerous non-profits throughout her time at Mason.

Irena Dragaš  Jansen

Irena Dragaš Jansen

BA in Art History

A growing interest in art history during a successful career of freelance writing and program development led Irena to pursue an accelerated master's at Mason.

Jordan Lear

Jordan Lear

BA in Communication with a concentration in Media Production and Criticism, minor in Film and Media Studies

Graduating from the Honors college, Jordan will continue her studies at Mason as she pursues an accelerated master's in communication.

Celeste Morris

Celeste Morris

BS in Criminology, Law and Society with a concentration in Homeland Security and Justice, minors in Forensic Psychology and International Security

Graduating with a 4.0 GPA and a prestigious internship with the Department of Energy, Celeste looks towards starting graduate school in the fall.

Kelley Roth

Kelley Roth

BA in Foreign Languages with a concentration in Mandarin Chinese

In addition to Kelley's successes as a student, Kelley helped link the greater Chinese community within Northern Virginia to Mason through new social media channels.

Zara Sheikh

Zara Sheikh

BA in Human Development and Family Science, minor in nutrition

Zara hopes to utilize her bachelor's studies at Mason in pursuit of a second bachelor's in nursing, with a dream of becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner.

Stephanie Vu

Stephanie Vu

BA in English with a concentration in Literature, minors in Mathematics and History with a concentration in Global/Nonwestern History

A winner of an OLLI Award from the English Department in spring of 2021, Stephanie hopes to combine her interdisciplinary interests in secondary education teaching and administration.

James C. Wells

James C. Wells

BA in History with a concentration in Public History

Called "the future of public history" by his professors, James worked with the Native American and Indigenous Alliance to develop a podcast about the indigenous experience on campus while maintaining a near-perfect GPA.

Winona Zaky

Winona Zaky

BAs in Foreign Languages with a concentration in Arabic and Global Affairs with a concentration in Human Security

Combining her passion for the Arabic language with her interest in intelligence work, Winona hopes to work for the federal government and expand her understanding of Arabic dialects.