When students at the College of Engineering and Computing receive scholarships, the awards benefit more than the recipient. Donors also gain satisfaction knowing that their gifts are helping deserving students reach their potential. So, this fall when Faris Megahed received the Dr. Oscar Barton Jr. Endowed Scholarship, it was an exciting moment for Faris, but also for the department and others who contributed to the fund.
“I am excited and honored to recognize Faris Megahed as the first recipient of the Dr. Oscar Barton Jr. Endowed Scholarship. Though monetary in nature, the scholarship harnesses the academic promise of Mr. Megahed to reach the career goals and to contribute to building a more inclusive society,” said Oscar Barton, dean of the College of Engineering at Morgan State and founding chair of George Mason’s mechanical engineering department.
Megahed’s George Mason story began when he came to the United States in 11th grade. Before could even consider attending college he said he had to build his English language skills from the ground up. He learned English and excelled in many STEM courses in high school becoming Physics Student of the Year. He earned several placements on the Principal’s Honor Roll. Faris also was inducted into the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) and the National Honor Society (NHS). He said, “Balancing multiple jobs, learning English, and managing schoolwork, was difficult, but I am proud to have succeeded and earned my place at George Mason.
“This scholarship helps reduce expenses and provides some extra time for me to navigate my student life in a smoother way,” said Megahed. “I am really appreciative of everyone who believes in me and tries to help me through my college life. From my side, I will always be doing my best to get better day after day," he said.
Since arriving at George Mason in the fall of 2023, Megahed has maintained his 4.0 GPA and joined several student organizations. Zelalem Eshete, taught him in the Mechanical Engineering Practicum and was impressed with his ability. “The fact that he joined FSAE so early shows that he is dedicated to his future,” said Eshete.
Mechanical engineering department members started the scholarship to honor Barton who was instrumental in starting the program. “While I personally have shied away from the label of first, I want to thank the College of Engineering, the Office of University Advancement, and George Mason University for establishing this ‘first’ in the name of the Inaugural Mechanical Engineering Department. Truly the first and thankfully not the last,” said Barton.