FAIFAX, Va. – The George Mason College of Humanities and Social Sciences named softball senior Zoe Vozick a 2024 School of Integrative Studies "Outstanding Student of the Year." The award, which is nominated by the faculty of the School of Integrative Studies, is given to students "based on their academic achievement, extracurricular interests, research, civic and community involvement, equity and sustainability, and overall contribution to the Mason community."

The Basalt, Colo., native helped restart the George Mason chapter of the Food Recovery Network, a nonprofit rooted in college campuses across the country that collects fresh food that otherwise would have been thrown away and is donated back to its community to fight against both food waste and hunger. In the first four weeks of its reestablishment, Vozick and her team recovered 553.2 pounds of food, equivalent to 461 meals. As of spring of 2024, that total has jumped up to 864.71 pounds.

"I am extremely honored to receive this award." said Vozick. "I could not have had as much success without the support and push from my professors and classmates. They all helped make my ideas for projects come to life and serve the community."

Vozick will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in environmental and sustainability studies with a concentration in environmental justice, as well as a minor in Spanish. She is a three-time Easton NFCA All America Scholar-Athlete, three-time Peter N. Stearns Provost Scholar Athlete Honoree and has appeared three times on the A-10 Commissioner's Honor Roll. After graduating this spring, she will move back to Colorado to work for the Bureau of Land Management.

On the field, the senior catcher made 82 appearances with 64 starts over the past four years with the Patriots. She has recorded a career 0.988 fielding percentage, having recorded a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage in both her freshman and junior seasons. Vozick had a career year this season, as she posted career highs in batting average, slugging percentage, hits, doubles and RBI.

Notably, Zoe made an impact in last year's Atlantic 10 winner-take-all Championship Game, as she recorded a crucial pinch-hit RBI single to extend the Patriot lead.

"Being a student athlete taught me many valuable skills that I am grateful to continue to grow throughout my career, including time management and perseverance," said Vozick, who was reflecting on her time on the George Mason softball team. "I don't think that I would have been as successful in the classroom if it weren't for the skills and attitudes I learned on the field."

You can read the full press release from the School of Integrative Studies here.