Distinguished Quill Awards
The Distinguished Quill Awards is an opportunity for members of the Mason community, including students, faculty, and staff, to recognize our hard working student leaders, organizations, and their advisors. This event is hosted by the Office of Student Involvement and the RSO Leadership Team.
Distinguished Quill Awards
2013 Recipients
Individual Awards:
Mayor’s Service Award
presented to
Christine Gonzales
Patriot Award
presented to
Kathryn Walker
University Community Service Award
presented to
Montrel Tennessee
University Life Award
presented to
Vianney Torres
Office of Student Involvement
Director’s Award
presented to
Taren Henry
Dilan Wickrema
Student Leadership Award
presented to
Nudrat Siddiqui
Johnetta Saygbe
Katelyn Waddle
Ricky Tran
Kelsey Walters
Steve Harris-Scott
Alex Williams
President’s Student Leadership Award
presented to
Julie Palmer
Organization Awards:
University Community Service Award
presented to
Catholic Campus Ministry
University Life Award
presented to
Lambda Theta Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Delta Epsilon Chapter
Collaborative Spirit Award
for “First of All We Vote:
GMU Presidential Debate
presented to
Student Government
Weekends at Mason
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
George Mason Democrats
College Republicans
Innovative Program of the Year Award
for “One Million Bones”
presented to
Working Group on Displaced Populations
Educational Program of the Year Award
for “Separate But Equal”
presented to
National Society of Black Engineers
New Student Organization of the Year
presented to
Chase Dreams Not Boys
Student Organization of the Year
presented to
Mason DREAMers
Faculty Advisor Awards:
New Student Organization Advisor of the Year
presented to
Shannon Portillo
Mason DREAMers
Student Organization Advisor of the Year
presented to
Jennifer Crewalk
Hispanic Student Association
Here are the award descriptions, applications, and nomination forms:
Individual Awards
President’s Student Leadership Award (1 Student Award)
The President’s Student Leadership Award is the highest honor bestowed upon a Mason student who has exhibited an outstanding commitment to leadership, academics and service during their career as a George Mason University student.
This award is presented to a senior (minimum of 90 earned credit hours) graduating in May, August or December 2014, who has exhibited outstanding leadership and service to the Mason community throughout their academic career. All nominees must be currently enrolled Mason students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better and must be in good standing with the university.
In order to be considered for this award, a student must be nominated by a Mason faculty/staff member. Self nominations will be accepted for this award as long as a letter of support from a faculty/staff member is submitted with it. All nominated students will be contacted and required to submit supporting personal information in order to be considered for the award.
Award Criteria
- Has made meaningful contribution to the students, the University and/or the surrounding community
- Demonstrates on-going flexibility, initiative, creativity and perseverance in efforts
- Shows outstanding academic achievement
- Values diversity and works well with others
- Inspires others and brings out strengths and talents of individual group members
- Makes him/herself available to group members and includes others in decision making
- Is able to articulate and share a vision
- Able to lead with integrity
- Must have a minimum of 90 earned credit hours
- Must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better
- Must be graduating in May, August or December 2014
Mayor’s Service Award (1 Student Award):
This award is presented to a student whose dedication and commitment to community service has had a positive impact on the Fairfax community.
- Actively involved with a Fairfax organization, department or agency
- Positively represented Mason in the Fairfax community
- Has helped promote Mason in the community
- Is dedicated to serving others
Patriot Award (1 Student Award)
This award is presented to a student employee who has exhibited a level of commitment, dedication and fulfillment of responsibilities above and beyond the call of duty while working at Mason.
- Was employed by a Mason office or department during the school year
- Has made a meaningful contribution to a Mason office or department
- Has been a team player and valuable asset to the office or department
- Takes direction and accepts responsibility
- Has shown initiative and creativity in executing required duties
- Able to positively represent Mason office or department
Student Leadership Award (5 Awards Maximum)
This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated a high level of commitment to their organization as well as members of the Mason community
- Has made a meaningful contribution to a student organization or department
- Has held (formal or informal) positions of responsibility
- Motivates others to contribute to campus life
- Showed enthusiasm and dedication to the organization
- Displayed ability to lead with integrity and ethics
University Community Service Award (1 Student Award)
This award is presented to a student whose dedication and commitment to community service has had a positive impact on Mason.
- Actively involved in a Mason organization or department
- Committed to serving others on campus
- Has school spirit and actively represents positive aspects of campus life
- Has consistently strived to make Mason a better place for students, faculty, and staff
University Life Award (1 Student Award)
This award is presented to a student who has contributed to university-wide efforts to build a sense of community at Mason. This student also represents these core values of University Life;
- Live and Act with Integrity
- Catch the Mason Spirit
- Dream Big
- Lead by Example
- Has been involved in variety of organizations, programs, and services
- Motivated other students to get involved in campus life
- Worked effectively with faculty, staff and students
Student Organization Awards
Educational Program of the Year Award (1 Student Organization Award)
This award is presented to a student organization that a program or program series, which:
- Actively reinforced the importance of academic learning/scholarship
- Addressed the individual differences of student learning
- Engaged students in active learning
- Encouraged active reflection
- Introduced thought-provoking topics and ideas
- Enhanced the learning environment at Mason
Innovative Program of the Year Award (1 Student Organization Award)
This award is presented to a student organization that a program or program series, which:
- Introduced new ideas and activities to the Mason community
- Engaged students in unique learning settings
- Used unique, creative and innovative methods as a structure
- Included the needs/concerns of diverse populations
- Provided new information, if applicable
University Community Service Award (1 Student Organization Award)
This award is presented to a student organization whose dedication and commitment to community service has had a positive impact on Mason.
- Meaningful contribution to the Mason community
- Participated in a variety of service projects (on and off campus)
- Has represented their organization, as well as, Mason, positively throughout campus and in the community
- Collaborated with other organizations both on and off campus
University Life Award (1 Student Organization Award)
The award is presented to a student organization who has contributed to university-wide efforts to build a sense of community at Mason. This student organization also represents these core values of University Life:
- Live and Act with Integrity
- Catch the Mason Spirit
- Dream Big
- Lead by Example
- Has been involved in variety of organizations, programs, and services
- Motivated other students to get involved in campus life
- Worked effectively with faculty, staff and students
- Supported activities and programs designed to enhance the quality of campus life
Media Award of Merit (1 Student Organization Award)
This award is presented to a group recognized under the Student Media department that has displayed creativity in presentation, outstanding coverage of campus and community life, and made a positive impact on the Mason community
- Meaningful contribution to the campus and surrounding communities through media
- Consistently displayed integrity and accuracy in reporting, broadcasting, writing, etc.
- Worked cooperatively with the Student Media department
- Provided educational/professional development opportunities for members
New Student Organization of the Year Award (1 Student Organization Award)
Presented to a newly recognized student organization (recognized after September 2012) exhibiting initiative in organizational development and strong potential to contribute to the quality of life as a recognized campus organization at Mason
- Recognized after September 2012
- Actively involved in campus life
- Collaborated with other organizations/departments
- Established a positive presence on campus through various programs and events sponsored by the organization
Student Organization of the Year Award (1 Student Organization Award)
This award is presented to a Mason student organization whose activities, events, and programs have had a significant impact on the quality of campus life at Mason.
- Meaningful contribution to students, university, and/or surrounding community
- Variety and depth in campus sponsored activities, events, and programs
- Actively collaborated with other student organizations and/or campus and community departments and organizations
- Helped promote involvement on campus
- Effectively advanced the mission and goals of the organization
Faculty Advisor Awards
New Advisor of the Year Award (1 Faculty/Staff Advisor Award)
This award is presented to a faculty/staff advisor who has exhibited outstanding leadership and service to a recognized Mason student organization.
- Served as advisor for a currently recognized student organization for two or less years
- Leadership/service occurred between July 2012 and March 2013
- Allowed students to take responsibility for the direction of the organization while providing advice, encouragement and support
- Values diversity and encourages respect for differences among students and student groups
- Is familiar with university regulations, policies and procedures
- Is available, approachable, and open to new ideas
- Is willing to assist and enjoys being associated with the student group
- Advising a student organization is in addition to (i.e. not included as a part of) the faculty/staff member’s job responsibilities
Advisor of the Year Award (1 Faculty/Staff Advisor Award)
This award is presented to a faculty/staff advisor who has exhibited outstanding leadership and service to a recognized Mason student organization.
- Served as advisor for a currently recognized student organization for three or more years
- Leadership/service occurred between July 2012 and March 2013
- Allowed students to take responsibility for the direction of the organization while providing advice, encouragement and support
- Values diversity and encourages respect for differences among students and student groups
- Is familiar with university regulations, policy and procedures
- Is available, approachable and open to new ideas
- Is always willing to assist and enjoys being associated with the student group
- Advising a student organization is in addition to (i.e. not included as a part of) the faculty/staff member’s job responsibilities