Academic Excellence in Art History History and Art History

Presented to the graduating MA Art History major with the highest cumulative and major G.P.A.

2021 Awardees

Samantha  Haas

Samantha Haas

Art History

Samantha received her bachelor of arts in art history with a minor in art & visual technology from George Mason University in 2018. As a part of Mason's accelerated master’s program, she has continued her education by pursuing her master's degree in art history. During her time at Mason, she has worked as gallery intern at the Torpedo Factory’s Target Gallery in Alexandria, Virginia and as a graduate teaching assistant during the fall and spring of the 2020-21 year. Her art history interests are primarily in late 19th century American and European art. She also has a background in studio art, with a concentration in drawing and illustration, and continues to practice her skills. She enjoys utilizing both her background in studio art and art history together, and hopes to do so in a future career. In addition to earning her degrees at Mason, she pursued a competitive dance career receiving three world qualifications as a champion Irish dancer. She will earn her graduate degree in May 2021, and hopes to work within the contemporary art and gallery setting.

Laura  White

Laura White

Art History

Laura White attended school in San Jose, CA, where she earned an associate degree in English at Evergreen Community College, and started a bachelor of arts program in English at San Jose State University. Her family relocated to Virginia before her degree was completed. After spending 20 years in the working world, Laura joined George Mason University in 2015 as an art history major. In 2016 she completed study abroad programs in Florence and Rome. Laura received a bachelor of arts degree in art history in 2018 and will complete her master of arts degree in art history in spring 2022. Laura has an internship with the Medici Archive Project (MAP) in Florence, Italy. She is currently assisting with an exhibition on the Florentine Ghetto to be held at the Uffizi tentatively in 2022. Laura looks forward to continued involvement with MAP in the future, and is considering pursuing a PhD. Her particular areas of interest are Counter-Reformation art, and Medieval and Renaissance women manuscript illuminators.