Student Success Blog

Elizabeth Aveni

Each year, faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) come together to select an outstanding student in their program to receive the honor of being named as their program award winner. Students selected for this award embody the very best of their program: they excel in their studies; they demonstrate leadership in classes and internships; and they have a genuine and tenacious passion for their discipline.

Elizabeth Aveni
The College of Education and Human Development faculty in Recreation Management have chosen

Elizabeth Aveni

as the recipient of the

2021 Thomas L. Goodale Award for Outstanding Student in Recreation Management – Therapeutic Recreation

Q & A with Thomas L. Goodale Award for Outstanding Student in Recreation Management – Therapeutic Recreation recipient, Elizabeth Aveni:

What part of your Mason experience are you most proud of?

I am really proud of the fact that I am graduating with Honors, made the Dean’s List three years in a row, and worked as an off-campus advisor.

What are your future plans, goals, and dreams?

My goal is to continue working at my internship site as a full time recreational therapist.

What is your favorite memory from your time in the College of Education and Human Development?

My favorite memory would have to be designing a program for individuals with disabilities for one of my PRLS (Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies) classes. It was fun and challenging, and that project has been so helpful to refer to and use in my program planning now.

What advice do you have for fellow CEHD students?

Be flexible! It’s a great life skill to learn to adapt and to make the best out of every situation that comes your way.

Would you like to give any shout-outs to those who supported you along the way?

I’d like to give a huge shout out to my incredibly supportive and loving boyfriend Chandler, my awesome siblings, and all my dear family and friends that have helped me through every step of the way. You guys are my whole heart.

Congratulations and best of luck, Elizabeth!