Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations
4400 University Drive, MS 1A3
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
703-993-8850
We asked students: “If you could meet your donor, what would you like to tell them?”
At first, they weren’t sure. But it turns out, they have a lot to say.
Our Students Say Thank You
The George Mason University Scholarship Dinner is an annual event that gives Mason benefactors the opportunity to meet student scholarship recipients who benefit from their generous gifts. More than 575 donor-funded scholarship awards are available at Mason, each year supporting more than 2,200 undergraduate and graduate students of all backgrounds, interests, and fields of study.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, nearly 50 new scholarships have been established in the past 12 months—furthering Mason’s mission of providing access to excellence for all.
While this year’s event had to be cancelled due to the impact of the coronavirus, we would like to share with our donors and our community the gratitude expressed by scholarship recipients from across Mason.
March 19, 2020
“Thank you for your financial support. I am now one step closer to achieving my goals. Your financial generosity has inspired me to help others by giving back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help others achieve their goals just as you have helped me. Your kindness and generosity are greatly appreciated.” — Hye Won Jeong, Centreville, Va., accounting (School of Business)
“You are all my education heroes! I wish I could thank each and every one of you in person. From my family and I, thank you! You have given me strength to keep marching forward! This was a crucial point in my college journey where I thought I would have to take a break due to finances. You have now given me the ability to focus on my studies.” — Darwing Delacruz, Herndon, Va., music (College of Visual and Performing Arts)
“Thank you so much for helping me to pursue my dream of obtaining a degree from George Mason University. I honestly couldn’t have done it with you, and I will be eternally grateful for your generosity.” — Max Turets, Burke, Va., criminology (College of Humanities and Social Sciences)
“Thank you for your generous donation to help with my pursuit of a better life for my family and myself through education. Your gift has made a significant impact on my ability to earn my degree.” — Julia K. Carter, Stafford, Va., health administration and policy (College of Health and Human Services)
“I would like to thank you again for your generosity and support. I am grateful and blessed to have received this scholarship. I will continue to work hard and hope to one day be able to give back and help other students achieve their goals, the way you have helped me achieve mine. May God bless you.” — Noadia Saint-Louis, Chantilly, Va., health care administration (College of Health and Human Services)
“Thank you so much for helping me take this opportunity to learn and study under some of the leaders in conservation. It means the world to me and is so incredibly appreciated.” — April Raab, Ashburn, Va., biology (College of Science)
“This semester has been particularly rough for financial reasons, and I had not paid my tuition balance yet. Out of the blue, I received an email and I saw that I had been awarded this scholarship. Words cannot explain how grateful I am for this wonderful gift. You have released the financial pressure I faced.” — Mayra Ibarra, Manassas, Va., finance (School of Business)
“It is because of donors like you that many students can focus on their education without having to worry about how they are going to afford it. Without a doubt, I will make the most out of this award and will not let you down.” — Maria Suarez Ortiz, Bolivia, community health (College of Health and Human Services)
“My family and I are at a loss for words upon hearing that I was selected to be a recipient of this scholarship. My family is proud of me and grateful that I was a recipient. This scholarship opportunity means a lot to my family as it has relieved a great deal of financial burden from their shoulders. I am truly grateful, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.” — SahijPreet Singh, Herndon, Va., cybersecurity (Volgenau School of Engineering)
“Receiving this scholarship means that I have the opportunity to continue pursuing my dreams and for that I am eternally grateful. Once again, thank you for your generosity.” — Bryan Benavides, Annandale, Va., computer engineering (Volgenau School of Engineering)