Awards

Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award

Online nominations are due Monday, March 18th, 2024, at 5 p.m.

These annual awards for excellence of character and service to humanity are given each year to two students from the graduating class (undergraduate or graduate) and to one non-student member of the University community.

The awards were established by the New York Southern Society in 1925 in memory of Mr. Algernon Sydney Sullivan, a southerner who became a prominent lawyer, businessman, and philanthropist in New York in the late 19th century. The society and carefully selected colleges and universities jointly arrange for the issue of medallions, which are to be perpetual reminders of Mr. Sullivan.

Born in Indiana in 1826, Algernon Sydney Sullivan rose to success in New York City as a respected lawyer and a man who "reached out both hands in constant helpfulness" to others. After his death in 1887, the society sought to honor him. The award bearing his name was established in 1925 by a Sullivan Memorial Committee and the New York Southern Society, which Mr. Sullivan had served as its first president. The award seeks to perpetuate the excellence of character and humanitarian service of Algernon Sydney Sullivan by recognizing and honoring such qualities in others.

This award is intended to honor those who exhibit Sullivan's ideals of heart, mind, and conduct as evidenced by "generous and unselfish service to others." These are the students and University community members who strive each day to better the lives of those around them, but do so without thought of recognition or reward.

These awards are presented at Valedictory Exercises.

Alumni Association Ernest H. Ern Distinguished Student Award

This award is presented annually by the Alumni Association to a member of the student body who has won recognition in the University community for demonstrating outstanding academic and leadership performance and for preserving the traditions of the University. Although high scholastic standing and participation in student organizations will be taken into consideration, the purpose of the award is to honor a student who has won the admiration of the University community for exceptional contributions in several areas of University life.

Nominees from the undergraduate, graduate, and professional student body are eligible, although s/he must be a degree recipient in May 2023.

This award is presented at the annual awards luncheon at Alumni Hall in April.

Richard Heath Dabney Award

The Dabney Award, presented by the UVA Club of Richmond, recognizes a fourth year (graduating) undergraduate student from the Richmond metropolitan area who best "embodies: personal integrity, scholarship, leadership, citizenship, and service to the University." Lists of eligible students are shared with faculty and administrators for nomination.

This award is presented in Richmond at a reception sponsored by the UVA Club of Richmond in April.