Sandman and Stearns Achievement Scholarship in History History and Art History

David Thorpe is a junior at George Mason University, pursuing a major in history with concentration in global history as well as a minor in folklore and mythology. A lifelong native of northern Virginia and a resident of Alexandria, Virginia, he transferred to George Mason from Northern Virginia Community College through the ADVANCE program in 2025. He has a passion for Japanese history and folklore, with a particular focus on the Sengoku era and the ways in which history and folklore intersect. His goal is to one day use his education to educate others in turn -- whether students or the public at large -- on Japanese history, folklore and religion. He hopes to not only share his passion but to also work to bring humanity the world over a little closer together.