Mary Ann Vega - MAIS, Sociology and WGST Graduate Student Wins Dean's Challenge Award

Mary Ann Vega - MAIS, Sociology and WGST Graduate Student Wins Dean's Challenge Award
Photo courtesy of Mary Ann Vega
 
The Dean’s Challenge Award is given to select undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. Those who are chosen for the award are also given a stipend to support them in covering academic expenses.
 
Mary Ann Vega is currently a second-year Masters of Art in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) student in the Women and Gender Studies concentration. In addition to this degree program, she is also pursuing the MA in Sociology here at Mason and upon completion will be the first student to earn this degree combination here at Mason. Her research focuses on higher education policy and campus climate with special attention to issues around domestic violence and sexual assault. Mary Ann also serves as the graduate assistant in Women and Gender Studies. In her role, Mary Ann coordinates course marketing and course presentations in our classes, serves as a liaison on campus committees, and does most of the marketing and outreach work for our University Life programming.
 
Moreover, Mary Ann is a first generation college student who holds many marginalized identities. She grew up in a working class household, raised by a single mom, and often doing the work of raising her nephew while working and pursuing her education. She has more responsibilities than the average student. While in graduate school, Mary Ann has often worked as many as three jobs at a time in order to fund her graduate school experience, all while taking a full course load and earning outstanding grades. Her achievements and dedication is incredibly amazing!
 
Congratulations to Mary Ann!