The Winner Is…
August 8, 2010
In it to win it
Dr. Rozell was not the only award winner at the Signature Event. SPP students Andro Gigauri and Behnaz Bonyadian took home the coveted Distinguished Student Awards. Andro graduated this past May with his Masters in Public Policy (MPP), while Behnaz is a current MPP student focusing on Global Governance and International Institutions. So what does it take to get this honor bestowed upon you? Well lucky for you The Stylus has established a way to prepare yourself for next year’s award.
Step 1: Like your professors
Both Gigauri and Bonyadian expressed their relationships with their professors as reasons for their success at SPP.
Bonyadian focused on the effect professors have had on her overall experience: “I have had a great first year both academically and personally with my professors.”
Gigauri was happy to name Dr. Rudder as one of the reasons for his success. “She has a reputation as being a tough professor,” he said. “And a tough professor she is, but I [learned] the most in her class. She pushes me to the edge. That makes me want to learn more.”
Step 2: Get involved on campus
Bonyadian highlighted that she thought volunteer experience on top of her full-time course load and work schedule was what set her apart from the rest of the award nominees.
Gigauri spoke of the importance of having a community at the Mason Arlington Campus and of contributing to this during his time as a student here.
Step 3: You’ve got to have goals
Gigauri will be graduating this spring and plans to join the Republic of Georgia civil service. He says leaving Mason will not be easy but he sounds more than enthusiastic about his future plans.
Bonyadian has some time left at Mason: “I look forward to achieving my masters degree, as well as establishing great connections with professors and fellow students. I hope to continue my career in policy making and analysis at a international organization,” says Bonyadian.
The Stylus wishes the both of them the best of luck in their endeavors and congratulates them on their remarkable achievement!
This article was originally written in Spring 2010. Andro Gigauri graduated this past May with his Masters in Public Policy. Behnaz Bonyadian is still a student in the MPP program.
Anne Abbott, Stylus Correspondent