Suzanne Scott Awarded the 2011-2012 Vision Award

Suzanne Scott Awarded the 2011-2012 Vision Award
A-Jay Sorrell and Suzanne Scott, recipients of the Vision Award

The George Mason University Vision Awards, sponsored by University Life’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Multicultural Education, is a celebration held annually for historically underrepresented Mason students, faculty and staff, and their allies, in higher education. The event recognizes and honors excellence in the following categories: academics, leadership, and social justice/community building.  The Vision Award is the highest award of recognition given to a student for overall exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and outstanding contribution to social justice. 

 

Many undergraduate minors and student volunteers of Women and Gender Studies were honored at this event.

Sidra Kalsoom, a frequent volunteer of the Women and Gender Studies Center, and Patricia Poyer, a Women and Gender Studies minor, received the Social Justice Award for their work on campus and in the community.  This award is presented to students who have made exceptional contributions to the development of a positive multicultural campus climate and community. 

Mabinty Quarshie, Women and Gender Studies minor, received the Leadership Award.  The Leadership Award is given to student leaders for their outstanding contribution to the community.  To be nominated, students must have demonstrated development of pride/self-respect in their Heritage or Affinity communities, modeled healthy, positive behavior for community members, held leadership positions, and utilized a leadership style that empowers other students.

A-Jay Sorrell, Women and Gender Studies minor, received the student Vision Award.  The Vision Award is the highest award of recognition given to a student for overall exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and outstanding contribution to social justice. Each year, one exemplary student receives this prestigious honor and is awarded $1000 dollars for educational pursuits.

Suzanne Scott, Director of Women and Gender Studies and Associate Professor in New Century College, received the faculty/staff Vision Award.  Nominees for this award must meet the following criteria:

  • Have made meaningful contribution to students, University and/or surrounding community through valuing diversity and encouraging respect for differences among students, faculty and staff.
  • Have shown commitment to academic excellence through teaching, workshops, publications or seminar presentations.
  • Have been willing to put self on the line, took risks for issues or concerns greater than him/herself, and has shown understanding of the links between forms of oppression.
  • Have shown that his/her work has definable accomplishments, achievements, and/or had impact on the wider community.
  • Have been an excellent role-model and mentor to both staff and students alike.

Suzanne teaches a range of interdisciplinary upper-level courses including gender representation, art as social action and breaking gender barriers.  Suzanne was a former chair of the university diversity affairs committee.  She was the founding chair of the New Century College Diversity Committee and continues to work in collaborative environments to define strategies for enhancing dialogue in the classroom when covering difficult or emotion-laden subjects.  She is currently the co-chair of the LGBTQ Task Force.  For the past two years, Suzanne has served as co-chair of the 2012 Southeastern Women's Studies Association Conference Steering Committee.