CVPA Student Scholarships

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the most diverse university in Virginia, Mason students do not fit the traditional college student profile. 

I want the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music to be the best school in the United States and the world, not only for [future] teachers but also for performers.

Sid Dewberry, Dewberry School of Music Benefactor

Often they are first in their family to attend college (38%), receive Pell grants (28%), and attend part-time or full-time while also working. Approximately 57% of Mason students receive some form of financial aid.

Support for student scholarships removes financial barriers for promising young artists. Thanks to the generous support of donors, the College of Visual and Performing Arts is proud to offer nearly 50 scholarship opportunities.

Long-time Friends of Theater Board Members Mack and Paulette Miller and Mason alumnus Mark Monson share why they support student scholarships. 

To learn more about establishing a named scholarship or contributing to the scholarship funds below, email Susan Graziano or call her at 703-993-4188.

Give today to the College’s many scholarship funds!

College of Visual and Performing Arts

2019 Graduation Celebration
2019 Graduation Celebration

College of Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship

To provide scholarships to undergraduate and graduate CVPA students.

CVPA Alumni Career Advancement Award

To provide crucial financial, promotional, and production/exhibit support for our alumni’s artistic development.  

Lucy C. Church Endowed Scholarship

To support one or more student scholarships for a graduate student, either full-time or part-time and either in-state or out-of-state. Recipient will be pursuing a Masters of Music with a concentration in Vocal Studies and qualify on the basis primarily of musical talent and financial need. Lucy Church (CHSS and SCHAR) served on the Board of Trustees, was a longtime Arts at Mason Board member and is a steadfast supporter of the Arts at Mason.

de Laski Endowed Scholarship

To support scholarships for a full-time undergraduate or graduate Mason student with preference to students majoring in music, dance, and theater that qualify on a basis of financial need.

Alice L. Watts Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship will be given to an undergraduate CVPA major who is committed to building community within the college and university. Recipients must have completed at least their freshman year and enroll full-time for the fall semester of the upcoming year. Alice Watts worked at Mason for more than 25 years in a variety of capacities in the arts at Mason. This award honors her unwavering commitment to student success and strong sense of community in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. 

Wells Fargo Arts Endowed Fund

Provide support for scholarly work and creative opportunities in CVPA, including, but not limited to conference attendance and related travel expenses, research expenses and scholarships. The fund was created to provide lasting and perpetual support for scholarly work and creative opportunities for students in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Victoria N. Salmon Outstanding Graduate Student Award College of Visual and Performing Arts

This scholarship is awarded each academic year to a CVPA graduate student who is a current, registered student in one of the College’s graduate programs at the Master’s, MFA, or doctoral levels. The recipient of the Victoria N. Salmon Outstanding Graduate Student Award demonstrates thoughtful, artistic reflection while creating high quality work in the arts. The selected graduate student is one whose work advances scholarship in their own discipline and at the same time enhances the understanding of the arts in general.

The amount of the awarded scholarship is up to $5,000 in tuition assistance and may be dispensed over two consecutive semesters. The application for this award opens up every Spring semester and tuition assistance begins in the following semester.

Applicants must meet the following qualifications: 

  • Completed at least 50% of their coursework for the degree at the time of application submission; 
  • Earned an overall 3.5 (or better) GPA in coursework; 
  • Completed the CVPA 600 Graduate Pro Seminar Course.

Please contact Asma Omarzad for information about this scholarship.

School of Art

girl with camera
School of Art Student

Art Scholarship Fund

To support undergraduate and graduate students in the School of Art.

Jeanne A. Knight-Faske Scholarship Fund

To provide scholarships for School of Art undergraduate and graduate students. Students may be full-time or part-time, in-state or out-of-state, and will qualify on the basis of academic merit and financial need. The award is named in memory of Jeanne A. Knight-Faske, a distinguished artist and educator.

Nancy G. Monson Endowed Scholarship for the Visual Arts

To provide scholarship support to a rising senior in the School or Art for the completion of their capstone project which involves an individual living with a live-altering health condition. Recipients must be full or part-time undergraduates pursuing a degree in Art. They will qualify on the basis of financial need and must be a U.S. citizen. This award is named in memory of Nancy Monson, who had a strong interest in the visual arts, by her husband and Mason alumnus Mark Monson. Watch a video of Mark speaking about the importance of giving to scholarships.

Rosette Mines Award

Provide two merit awards each academic year for students who have made a commitment to painting as a primary interest in the School of Art. Recipients will be selected based on merit, including academic achievement, leadership within the School of Art and the University, and professional accomplishments. This award honors Rosette Mines, a distinguished professional painter who shared her love of art with her niece.

Joey Noufal Endowed Scholarship

To provide scholarship support for undergraduate students majoring in Art who exemplify positivity, generosity, drive, entrepreneurial spirit, enthusiasm and love for the arts. Applicants may be either full or part-time, but must be in-state. Recipients will be selected on the basis of academic merit and financial need. This award is named in memory of Joey Noufal, a creative entrepreneur who loved art and highly valued education.

Noah J. Seidenberg Endowed Scholarship

Established for undergraduate scholarships for students pursuing a degree in graphic arts in the School of Art. Recipient will qualify on the basis of academic merit and financial need, may be full-time or part-time, in-state or out of state. This award is named in memory of Noah J. Seidenberg, a School of Art student who loved art and philosophy and is remembered for his kind and generous spirit.

School of Dance

School of Dance students honing their skills before the annual Gala
School of Dance students honing their skills before the annual Gala

Dance Scholarship Fund

To provide dance scholarships.

Joanne Ferris Johnson Endowed Dance Scholarship

To benefit undergraduate students in dance. Student may be full-time or part-time, in-state or out-of-state, and will qualify on the basis of talent in dance. This award is named in honor of Joanne Ferris Johnson, the wife of the late George Johnson, president of George Mason University (1978 to 1996). Joanne was an enthusiastic supporter of the School of Dance.

Kidd/Stearns Dance Talent Endowed Scholarship

To provide a scholarship for one full-time undergraduate dance major for four years. Recipients will be pursuing a BFA in dance and may be either in or out-of-state. Recipients will qualify on the basis of creative promise and talent. This award is named in honor of Donna L. Kidd, and Peter N. Stearns, longtime supporters and avid enthusiasts of the School of Dance.

Amy Kruppenbacher Scholarship

To provide scholarships to CVPA full-time or part-time, in-state or out-of-state, undergraduate or graduate students who qualify on the basis of financial need. This award honors the life of Amy Kruppenbacher, who loved dance.

Linda Garner Miller Endowed Scholarship

To provide scholarships for undergraduate students seeking a degree in dance. Recipients will qualify on the basis of academic merit. Recipient must be a full-time student but may be either in-state or out-of-state. This award is named in honor of Linda Miller, Professor in the School of Dance and a Distinguished Service Professor at George Mason University. 

Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music

Mason Symphony Orchestra students conducted by Dr. Dennis Layendecker. The orchestra maintains an active performance schedule averaging 3 performances per semester.
Mason Symphony Orchestra students conducted by Dr. Dennis Layendecker. The orchestra maintains an active performance schedule averaging 3 performances per semester.

Grace Aitel Award

To provide a merit award for a student serving as concertmaster of Dewberry School of Music’s Symphony Orchestra based on merit, academic achievement, leadership of orchestra (especially string section), and contribution to work orchestra. This award is in memory of Grace Aitel, who supported her daughter’s passion for music.

Fred Begun Memorial Percussion Scholarship and Program

To support percussion student scholarships and creative projects within the percussion program. Recipients may be either undergraduate or graduate students pursuing degrees in Music Performance and/or Music Education; recipients will qualify on the basis of academic merit and financial need and must be a full-time student; recipients may be either in-state or out-of-state students who may also be international students who are not U.S. Citizens. This award honors the memory of renowned percussionist Fred Begun, who was the principal timpanist for the National Symphony Orchestra for 48 years.

Dr. Barry and Velma Berkey Music Endowed Scholarship

To provide scholarships for undergraduate students enrolled in the Dewberry School of Music. Recipients will qualify on the basis of financial need, but must also be identified and recommended by the music faculty of the CVPA as showing outstanding promise in their field.

John S. and Judith T. Bland Endowed Scholarship

To provide scholarship assistance to one or more students in the Dewberry School of Music. Recipients will be selected on the basis of talent and financial need. Preference may be given to vocalists, but all areas of music study will be considered.

Jean Carrington Cook Endowed Scholarship

To support piano scholarships for a music student. This scholarship honors the memory of accomplished pianist Jean Carrington Cook.

Dr. Sam di Bonaventura Memorial Endowed Scholarship

To provide a scholarship for a full-time, undergraduate student majoring in music. Preference will be given to a string play pursuing a Bachelor of Music with a concentration in Music Education. This award was established in memory of Dr. Sam di Bonaventura, professor of Music at George Mason University from 1975 through 1998, who not only had a commitment to education, but was an advocate for George Mason.

Friends of Music

To provide scholarship support for students in the Dewberry School of Music as well as support activities and events.

Joseph M. Kanyan Endowed Scholarship

To benefit a full-time student of music with a scholarship. Recipient may be an undergraduate or graduate student that qualifies on the basis of musical talent and academic merit, and may have in-state or out-of-state residency. Preference will be given to a clarinetist. This fund is a lasting legacy from former School of Music Director and Professor Joseph Kanyan.

Lieder/Fell Opera Endowed Scholarship

To provide scholarships to a full-time or part-time, in or out of state undergraduate or graduate student concentrating in vocal performance. The recipient will be selected on the basis of financial need, academic merit, and musical talent. This scholarship honors avid opera lovers Kathleen Lieder and Lloyd Fell.

Patricia A. Long Scholarship

To provide scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students majoring in Jazz Studies. Recipients may be full-time or part-time and may be in-state or out-of-state and will qualify on the basis of academic merit. This award was made by Maurice “Jerry” Long, a member of the Friends of Music Board, and Jazz enthusiast, in honor of his late wife, Patricia Long.

Anthony J. Maiello Music Endowed Scholarship Fund

To provide scholarships for undergraduate or graduate students majoring in instrumental music. Students may be in-state or out-of-state and will qualify on the basis of academic merit and musical talent. This award is named in honor of Anthony J. Maiello, a well renowned conductor, teacher, composer, and performer. He holds the title of distinguished University Professor, the highest rank given to Mason faculty members.

Dr. Linda Apple Monson Music Endowed Fund

To provide program support for the School of Music. This award is named honor of Dr. Linda Apple Monson, Director of the School of Music.

Music Scholarship Fund

To provide for music scholarships to students.

Peterson Family Foundation Endowed Scholarship

To support scholarships in music. Recipients must be full-time or part-time, undergraduate/graduate students, either in/out of state, majoring in music and will qualify on the basis of musical talent and academic merit. This award is named in honor of the Peterson Family Foundation. Carolyn and Milt Peterson, and their family, are longtime supporters of the School of Music. Carolyn served for many years on the Arts at Mason Board.

Carol M. Robinson and Peter R. Barcher PhD Endowed Scholarship

To provide scholarships for students majoring in Vocal Studies. Named in honor of Carol M. Robinson, a distinguished Mezzo Soprano who performed with the Rochester Philharmonic and the Rochester Oratorio Society, and Peter R. Barcher PhD, a university administrator and professor.

Pamela A. Roe Music Endowed Scholarship

To support scholarships for undergraduate clarinet or saxophone players in the university pep band, “The Green Machine." Students may be in/out of state. Recipient will be selected on the basis of musical talent and financial need. This award honors Pamela Roe. Pamela and her husband David were awarded the Cornerstone Awards by the Green Machine Ensembles in 2019, due to their years of dedication and enthusiasm.

Peterson Family Endowed Scholarship in the Vocal Arts

To provide merit or need-based scholarships for graduate and undergraduate students pursuing a degree at CVPA. Established by the Peterson Family Foundation, this award honors Carolyn Peterson’s love of opera.

Shirley Udelson Memorial Endowed Scholarship

To provide scholarships in music composition. Recipients must be full-time/part-time undergraduate/graduate music students engaged in private instruction in composition and will be selected on the basis of musical talent and academic merit.

Joseph D. Shirk Memorial Endowed Music Scholarship

To provide scholarships to undergraduate or graduate students majoring in music. Recipient must be a full-time student with in-state or out-of-state residency that qualifies based on the basis musical talent and academic merit. Recipient must be enrolled in specified performance ensembles each semester. This fund honors the memory of former Chair of the Department of Music Joseph Shirk. Dr. Shirk was a devoted educator and a tireless advocate for music education.

Captain Robert Warakomsky, USCG (Ret.) and Mrs. Patricia Warakomsky Music Scholarship

To provide scholarship support for students in the School of Music.  

Vocal Studies Endowed Scholarship

To provide scholarships to undergraduate or graduate students, obtaining a degree in Music with a concentration in Vocal Performance or a degree in Music Education with a concentration in vocal. Recipient must qualify on the basis primarily of musical talent with secondary consideration to be financial need. Full-time or part-time, in-state or out-of-state.

School of Theater

Theater students perform in Gilbert and Sullivan's The Gondoliers. Mason's own costume shop provides costumes for all theater, opera and dance performances.
Theater students perform in Gilbert and Sullivan's The Gondoliers. Mason's own costume shop provides costumes for all theater, opera and dance performances.

Howard Vincent Kurtz Theater Endowed Scholarship

To support scholarships for technical design students. Recipient must be a junior or senior, may be in-state or out-of-state, and qualify on the basis of academic merit and financial need. This award is named in honor of Howard Kurtz, former Professor of Theater and head of the Theater Design Program.

Mack and Paulette Miller Theater Endowed Scholarship

To provide scholarships for School of Theater undergraduate students. Students may be full-time, in-state or out-of-state, and will qualify on the basis of academic merit and financial need. Applicants must demonstrate a contribution to service in and a spirit for improving the School of Theater community. Named in honor of Mack and Paulette Miller, dedicated supporters of Theater at Mason. The Millers have played a formative role in the development and leadership of the Friends of Theater.

Read about the Millers.

Brower “BC” Spransy Memorial Scholarship Endowment

Named in honor of Brower “BC” Spransy, who had long career as an engineer with the Government Services Agency and was also an amateur magician. The scholarship provides support for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the School of Theater. Recipients must be full-time students, may be in-state or out-of-state, and will qualify on the basis of academic merit and artistic excellence and potential. Preference may be given to students with an active participation in improvisation, such as the Mason Improv Association or the creation of Devised Theater offerings, and especially one that incorporates magic, illusion, comedy and/or similar elements in their performances.

Friends of Theater

To provide scholarships and academic program funding for theater.

Theater Scholarship Fund

To provide scholarship for theater students.

Arts Management Program

Arts Management graduate student, Vanessa Riley, interns at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Photo: Alexis Glenn/George Mason University
Arts Management graduate student, Vanessa Riley, interns at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Photo: Alexis Glenn/George Mason University

Arts Management Scholarship Fund

To provide scholarships for graduate arts management students. Recipient may be an in-state or out-of-state student and be a full-time or part-time student.

Erin Gaffney Memorial Fund

To provide student scholarships for the arts management and film programs. This award is named in memory of Mason alumna Erin Gaffney (Arts Management, ’07).  

Computer Game Design

Game Design students presenting their work at the Senior Game Design Expo. Photo by Evan Cantwell/George Mason University
Game Design students presenting their work at the Senior Game Design Expo.

Computer Game Scholarship Fund and Program Support Fund

To provide scholarships for and general operating support to the Computer Game Design Program.

The Beck Family Scholarship for Computer Game Design

To provide lasting support for scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students in Computer Games Design. Recipients may be full-time or part-time, in-state or out-of-state residents, and will qualify on the basis of both academic merit and unmet financial need. This award is named in honor of the Beck Family, who have been strong supporters of the Computer Game Design Program.

Film and Video Studies

Film and Video Studies student working on set with Emmy-nominated faculty member and cinematographer, Hans Charles.
Film and Video Studies student working on set with Emmy-nominated faculty member and cinematographer, Hans Charles.

Film and Video Studies Scholarship Fund

To provide for scholarships for film students.

Erin Gaffney Memorial Fund

To provide student scholarships for the arts management and film programs. This award is named in memory of Mason alumna Erin Gaffney (Arts Management, ’07).