Paul Ickert
BA in Philosophy
Minors in European History and English
Paul Ickert was working as an administrator in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages when he decided to take a course on Plato. That course changed his life.
“It chose me,” he said. “It has helped me mature and become a much more nuanced thinker. The analytical skills taught here at Mason will be with me forever.”
Paul was the recipient of the philosophy department’s Outstanding Graduating Senior Award 2019-20, and was inducted into the founding chapter of Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in the Social Sciences.
He credits much of his success in the field to director of graduate programs in philosophy, Professor Rose Cherubin and philosophy department chair, Professor Rachel Jones. Professor Cherubin was not only the first professor to teach Paul at Mason, but was a continued supporter and “constant source of encouragement” during his undergraduate studies. “She is responsible for instilling me with a love for philosophy.” Of Professor Jones, Paul notes, “without her, I wouldn’t have improved my writing and analytical skills as much as I did.”
Paul will continue his studies at Mason through the accelerated master's program, and he will transition into coursework for a master's in philosophy in the fall. “I am happy and excited to be starting a new chapter here at Mason.”
May 18, 2020