Past Profiles
Coming from a single-parent family of five, a college education did not seem a viable option for Sarom Sok. But that was before he was selected to participate in the nationally acclaimed Early Identification Program (EIP).
Established through a partnership between George Mason and local school systems, the multi-year college prep program assists young people challenged by their circumstances to achieve their potential. Admission to Mason is guaranteed to those who successfully complete EIP; however, many of those individuals cannot afford to attend a university without financial aid.
In Sarom's case, he received that assistance as a recipient of a scholarship established by multiple donors for graduates of the program. Thanks to EIP and those donors, the world of learning opened for Sarom, and he received a degree in chemistry from Mason in 2004.
"Scholarship assistance was vital to my academic success. I'm now in graduate school, something that wasn't even imaginable before I set foot on the campus of George Mason."
Mason student Ina Brunette was in debt and living paycheck to paycheck as she struggled to make her way through college to pursue her dream in modern dance.
“As my debt began to grow, I became consumed with overdue bills and payments and was unable to find any enjoyment in my college experience. I felt as though I was about to fall apart.”
But then she received a phone call from Mason’s financial aid office that proved to be life-changing. She had been chosen to be the first recipient of the William A. Hazel Family Scholarship. The award provided her with not only the funds to stay in school, but also much needed hope and encouragement.
"I couldn’t believe it! I was so incredibly grateful and proud."
Ina is now well on her way to graduating in 2008 with a degree in fine arts. Her dream to become a professional dancer is still very much alive, but she’s added a new dimension — opening her own studio to help train and inspire the next generation of promising dancers.
Jeremy Punches lost his father, a Navy captain, when the Pentagon was attacked by terrorists on September 11, 2001. Jeremy's shock and devastation following that horrific day fueled his determination to continue with his studies, as his father would have wanted.
"My father believed there was no end to knowledge and always wanted to learn. I vowed to follow in his footsteps and further my education to the highest level possible."
The September 11 Victims Scholarship, funded through donations from the Northern Virginia Technology Council and Arthur Andersen LLP, helped Jeremy make his academic goals a reality. In the wake of personal tragedy, he not only went on to receive a baccalaureate from George Mason in public administration in 2004, he also earned a master's degree in biodefense from Mason in 2006.
"Scholarship support has helped me achieve my dreams. I know my father would be extremely proud."