On Monday, the Patriot Club honored its endowed scholarship donors and student-athlete recipients at a reception at the Center for the Arts. The donors were also recognized on court during the men's basketball against Vermont later that evening.
 
Donors to Mason Athletics, Mason student-athletes, coaches and administrators were present at this unique event, which provides the opportunity to recognize and thank the many individuals, members of the George Mason community and organizations in the Northern Virginia area, who have made generous contributions to establish and support endowed funds.
 
"This is a wonderful opportunity to thank all of our endowed scholarship donors for their generosity. This form of generosity not only allows us to go out and recruit the best and brightest student-athletes but it also helps us to do what we do at a high level. Thank you so much for generosity and helping us build the leaders of tomorrow," said Athletic Director Brad Edwards.

Each of the student-athlete endowed scholarship recipients were carefully selected to fulfill the criteria specific to each endowment, as defined by the endowment donors. Academic year and standing, athletic merits, declared major course of study and residency are examples of the criteria that were considered by the selection committee.
 
"It was a great opportunity for student-athletes to communicate and network not only with other student-athletes but with the donors who have supported each and every one of us," said Bailey Williams, Women's Volleyball.
 
Currently, 53 endowments have been established for scholarship and operational support. To name an endowment requires a gift of $25,000. These funds help collectively offset as much as $5 million in scholarships and/or operational expenses for Mason Athletics programs each year.
 
The Mason Athletic Department extends appreciation to these donors for their impactful investment in the long-term academic and athletic excellence of Mason student-athletes.