Princeton senior Shaun Cason has been named one of three recipients of the Daniel M. Sachs Class of 1960 Graduating Scholarship, one of Princeton University’s highest awards.
Cason is the first decorated military veteran and the first Princeton transfer student to receive the Sachs award. He is majoring in history, with a particular focus on how the medieval history of Byzantium and the Middle East reverberates through modern social and political climates. He is also pursuing certificates in medieval studies and art & archaeology.
As the Sachs Scholar at Worcester College at the University Oxford, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in Late Antique and Byzantine Studies. Ultimately, Cason hopes to complete a Ph.D. and become a professor who can also serve as a mentor for veterans and non-traditional students. Cason served in a number of leadership roles throughout his time in the Marines and was recognized for his professionalism and valor on many occasions. He said it was his military experiences abroad that sparked his interest in studying history and becoming an academic leader.
Professor of History and Director of the Humanities Council’s Program in Medieval Studies Helmut Reimitz called Cason a “top notch academic” and “truly wonderful person.”
“With his social intelligence, empathy, enthusiasm and not least his wonderful sense of humor he always manages to bring his skills and qualities in conversation with the interests and skills of the people he is working with, be it his classmates, his teachers or other partners in the projects he is involved,” Reimitz said in his letter of recommendation. “In short: Shaun is a brilliant upcoming academic, who has already proven his academic excellence, intellectual originality and his leadership in many different contexts.”
