2 Ideaventions Academy​ Seniors Named University Scholars At GMU

RESTON, VA — John Heitz and Arya Lohia, who are seniors at Ideaventions Academy in Reston, were named University Scholars at George Mason University in Fairfax. They were among only 20 students to receive this honor, which includes full-tuition scholarships for four years.

University Scholars are chosen in a multi-phased selection process, involving the school's admissions office, Honors College and each of its academic colleges, according to Eva Bramesco, director of the University Scholars Program.

"University departments will review candidates and then finalist candidates will be invited to campus to participate in selection weekend, which includes our Honors College open house event, and an observed challenge for our finalists," she said, in a GMU promotional video. "Ultimately, the qualities that we are looking for in our scholars are evidence of intellectual achievement and drive, and the abilityto solve problems and overcome challenges."

Candidates for the program are also selected based on their civic responsibility and engagement with their community.

"One of the biggest benefits that the University Scholars receive are the other scholars, whether it's at town hall, in the lounge, at our annual retreat, time that those scholars spend with one another, that is not only community building, but it's also development," Bramesco said.

The 20-member cohort is required to UNIV 160, focusing on their professional development and building connections within the group. In the summer prior to their sophomore year, the cohort will take part in a weeklong institute that will focus on a topic of their own choosing.

"It's so important for all universities, but especially George Mason as we continue to carve out our identity in such a competitive area in such a talented part of the country to be providing scholarships like this to students who are going to come here and they're going to be leaders on campus," Bramesco said. "They're going to be making significant contributions in their academic areas, and their communities and we want to be part of that."