The 2024 Undergraduate Distinguished Scholar recipient, Christopher Jose Linares, is a graduating student in the Information Technology, B.P.S. program. Linares has demonstrated his leadership through his involvement as a member of the GW National Society of Leadership and Success. He obtained a leadership certification from the Project Management Institute’s Disciplined Agile Scrum Master, along with a technical internship at Navy Federal Credit Union. He has also been active with GW Catholics and Knights of Columbus.
"Chris maximized his student experience inside and outside of the classroom. He positively influenced the learning environment by asking insightful questions and helping others. He deeply explored technical concepts in the program's curriculum, found an internship using GW career resources, obtained an industry certification, and attended many University networking events."
Tierney Pitzer
Program Director, Information Technology
- About the Award
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The College of Professional Studies Distinguished Scholar Awards recognize the undergraduate and graduate students who best demonstrate the college’s core competencies of strategic thinking, communication, collaboration, leadership, and ethics.
- About the Awardee - Christopher Linares
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Before his journey at George Washington University (GW), Christopher was a student at James Wood High School in Winchester, VA. Simultaneously, he completed his Associate’s degree in General Studies at Laurel Ridge Community College. Right after high school and with the guidance of the GW admissions team, he embarked on a new adventure at George Washington University and dove headfirst into his Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology.
At GW, Christopher found a community in the GW Catholics and their Knights of Columbus. He also joined the GW Cyber Club and the National Society of Leadership and Success, enriching his university life. Amid his bustling schedule, he joined the Project Management Institute’s Washington DC Chapter, earning the PMI Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM) certification and maintaining his Scrum Master certification from the Scrum Alliance.
His passion for IT guided him to an internship at Navy Federal Credit Union. There, he became a valuable member of the Service Desk team. Despite his professional responsibilities, he excelled academically, completing his bachelor’s degree in 20 months while maintaining a 4.00 GPA and honing his technical skills.
Christopher is now poised to embark on a new academic venture, aiming to pursue his Masters in Cybersecurity Strategy Information and Management at GWU. When he steps away from his academic and professional endeavors, he enjoys long runs, keeping himself healthy. Although he calls Northern Virginia home, his love for food and culture often leads him to explore the vibrant cityscape of Washington D.C. in his free time.
In addition to being recognized at the College of Professional Studies' Graduation Celebration, he was invited by GW administration to participate in an academic honors ceremony this spring. GW Today reports - Exemplary GW Students Recognized at Annual Academic Honors Ceremony
President Ellen M. Granberg and Provost Christopher Alan Bracey recognized the 10 Distinguished Scholars in a ceremony at GW's University Student Center. Christopher Linares is pictured in the back row, second from the left.