The Virginia Tech Graduate School recently recognized master’s and doctoral degree students and mentors from across the university’s programs and campuses for their work, honoring them with awards of excellence.

In past years, the winners have received their awards at a dinner held during Graduate Education Week and have been publicly recognized during Graduate Commencement, but the university’s efforts to stem the COVID-19 outbreak led to canceling the celebratory week and the awards dinner and to holding a university-wide online commencement ceremony.

Karen P. DePauw, vice president and dean for graduate education, said the Graduate School is working on ways to make sure the award winners receive recognition.

“I extend congratulations to all the awards recipients,” said DePauw. “I’m pleased that you were acknowledged for your significant accomplishments and contributions. Although the Awards Banquet had to be canceled this spring, please be assured that we are planning a celebratory initiative in the near future.”

Award winners in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences included:

  • Outstanding Dissertation Award, Social Sciences, Business, Education, and Humanities: Karen Zwanch, School of Education
  • William Preston Master’s Thesis Award, Social Sciences, Business, Education, and Humanities: Benjamin Troy Garrett, Department of Political Science
  • Outstanding Doctoral Degree Student, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences: Amy Morgan, Department of Human Development and Family Science
  • Outstanding Master’s Degree Student, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences: John Legg, Department of History

  • Outstanding Faculty Mentor, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences: Laura Welfare, Associate Professor, School of Education