GW holds an annual celebration to honor the accomplishments of students inside the classroom. At this year’s Academic Honors Dinner more than 200 students with a GPA of 3.94 or higher, with at least 36 credit hours, were recognized for their academic achievements.
Mary Paradis, an undergraduate student in the Police and Security Studies (PSS) program, attained an enviable 4.0 GPA and was selected as the College of Professional Studies (CPS) Distinguished Scholar for the 2016-2017 academic year. CPS and other GW schools choose the distinguished scholars for their high GPA’s, as well as other contributions they have made to research, community service and/or to the university.
“Ms. Paradis brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to GW from her career with the Chicago Police Department. All told, Mary possesses more than 30 years of public and private law enforcement, safety management, and logistical operations experience,” noted Christopher J. Deering, senior associate dean, as he introduced her at the Awards presentation. “She has simultaneously achieved excellence as a student in the PSS program, while serving as senior director of safety and security for the GW Police Department.”
Deering also shared insights from PSS director Jeff Dilenski, her award nominator. “Mary is a bright and skillful student capable of handling the many responsibilities associated with continuing education and full-time professional employment. She possesses the ability to analyze complex problems and adopt quick and effective courses of action,” said Dilenski. He also reported that throughout her time in the program, she has conducted solid research, utilized critical thinking, and incorporated key concepts from her law enforcement experiences. Mary has consistently performed at the highest level and is well-respected by her classmates and professors.
“For these reasons, and more, Mary Eileen Paradis has been selected for this year’s College of Professional Studies Distinguished Scholar Award,” said Deering as he presented her with the award.
“I am not your traditional student. I’m managing a job, children,” remarked Ms. Paradis, while accepting the award. “CPS has been really fulfilling for me. I want to thank my husband, Peter, who is a single parent several nights a week, and the best proofreader a wife could ever ask for.”
Read more about the Academic Awards Dinner in GW Today.
From left: 2017 Distinguished Scholars - Mary Paradis, Numita Puran, Emily Somberg, Madison Brown, Provost Forrest Maltzman, Erica Feinman, President Knapp, Philip Lopreiato, Paul Scotti, Hannah Sassi, Kathy Boter. (William Atkins/GW Today)