Leadership Excellence Awards Descriptions

Sponsoring Office/Organization

Student Affairs

Point of Contact

Alex Miller, VP of Student Affairs

Description/History

This award was established in 2024 to recognize the top 3%, or approximately 17 students, of the graduating class who demonstrated outstanding leadership and service during their years at W&L. It is one of the most prestigious awards presented by the Division of Student Affairs and Vice President of Student Affairs. The selected graduating seniors will have distinguished themselves among their peers through significant contributions to the broader W&L community.

Criteria

Students selected to receive the 1749 Senior Medallion Award will be graduating seniors who embody the W&L Mission Statement and values, including honor, integrity, civility, and inclusiveness, will be model representatives of the university, and will leave behind a lasting impact. These students will have demonstrated outstanding leadership, commitment, and passion to the broader W&L community through involvement in various organizations and initiatives, and will be known for having inspired, motivated, and challenged their fellow peers.

2026 Selection Committee

• Alex Miller, VP of Student Affairs
• Ronda Bryant, Associate Dean of Student Affairs
• Nathan Graves, Assistant Dean of First-Year Experience
• Laura Ulmer, Associate Dean of Student Engagement
• Ben Schlief, Associate Director of Recreation
• Leah Beard, Assistant Dean of Student Leadership

Past Winners

• 2025: Ben Bankston, Erin Brennan, Uno Christopher, Anna Connolly, Meagan Donovan, Mariam Drammeh, Lilly Jordan, Elena Lee, Madison Lilly, Sophie McCauley, Mohammed Mourtaja, Lizzy Nguyen, Marcus Payne, Kiera Stankewich, Harris Stripling, Liv Ullmann, Michael Wang, Quinlin Zunk

Sponsoring Office/Organization

Division of Student Affairs

Point of Contact

Ronda Bryant, Associate Dean of Student Affairs 

Description/History

This award was established in 2012 by classmates, fellow students, friends and family following Alex’s death in March 2011 from a congenital nervous system condition. The award celebrates Alex’s passion for W&L and the concept of leadership and shall be presented near commencement to recognize a senior undergraduate leader who demonstrates commitment to the mission of the University and the concept of leadership. 

Criteria

The ideal candidate will be a graduating senior who embodies the W&L Mission Statement and values including honor, integrity, civility, and inclusiveness. This student will have demonstrated a commitment to the broader W&L community during their years at the institution, and will be known for having inspired, motivated, and challenged their fellow peers. 

Past Winners

• 2025: Veronika Kolosova and Ben Bankston
• 2024: Imani Hillmer, Martha Ernest, and Margaret Thompson
• 2023: Finn Connor, James Torbert, and Tahri Phillips
• 2022: Andrew Claybrook and Leia Barrow
• 2021: Ayo Ehindero
• 2020: Layne Smith, Graham Pergande and Kassi Hall

Sponsoring Office/Organization

Student Affairs

Point of Contact

Kyle McCoil, Associate Dean of Student Affairs

Description/History

This award and endowment was established in 2017, in memory of Madison Montgomery Shinaberry, known as Maddie to family, friends and classmates. Maddie was a member of Washington and Lee’s Class of 2016 and passed away on December 16, 2016, following a courageous fight with complications related to her double lung transplant in January 2009. While at W&L, Maddie was a Johnson Scholar, and a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, Phi Eta Sigma honor society and the dance company. She traveled to Denmark with her spring term course during her first year and, as a sophomore, participated in the Washington Term program where she interned with Congressman John A. Boehner of Ohio, who was Speaker of the United States House of Representatives at the time. Maddie was a passionate lobbyist for organ donation awareness, and she successfully led a charge to have the Virginia Board of Education include organ donation education in the ninth grade physical education curriculum. Maddie was a beloved member of the W&L campus community, highly regarded by her peers and faculty. Each year this award will celebrate Maddie’s passion for leadership and service to the Washington and Lee community.

Criteria

The ideal candidates will be rising seniors who demonstrate outstanding leadership and service through involvement in various student organizations and the broader W&L community. Students will also demonstrate a commitment and passion for investing in and mentoring their peers.

Past Winners

• 2025: Sophia Taylor and Hamza Zia
• 2024: Ben Bankston and Lizzy Nguyen
• 2023: Pierson Gammage and Jake Winston
• 2022: Allie Stankewich and James Torbert 
• 2021: Troy Larsen and Bella Daher 
• 2020: Lourdes Arana and Ayo Ehindero 

Sponsoring Office/Organization

Student Engagement and Leadership

Point of Contact

Laura Ulmer, Associate Dean of Student Engagement

Description/History

Chosen by the Division of Student Affairs, it recognizes a student who has exhibited extraordinary leadership in planning student engagement opportunities at Washington and Lee University. Chris Noland was a former student at Washington and Lee University and was president of the Student Activities Board. He was a student very involved in all aspects of student life. As a result of his service and contribution this award is named to honor his leadership.

Criteria

Planning campus events and activities, engaged in student life, excels at bringing the community together

2026 Selection Committee

• Laura Ulmer, Associate Dean of Student Engagement 
• Jake Reeves, Associate Director of Student Engagement and Technology
• Dave Leonard, Dean of Students

Past Winners

• 2025: Daniel Reiter
• 2024: Carly Snyder
• 2023: Catherine Xia
• 2022: Emily Moran
• 2021: Donald LeCompte
• 2020: Micah Holcomb

Sponsoring Office/Organization

Executive Committee

Description/History

Chosen by the Executive Committee, it recognizes the student who has made the most valuable contribution to student affairs in one or more fields. The Frank J. Gilliam Award, named for Dean Emeritus Frank J. Gilliam as a tribute to his long and devoted service to Washington and Lee since 1926, is awarded annually. The award consists of a personal plaque and a cash donation to that University organization or department selected by the recipient.

2026 Selection Committee

The full Executive Committee of the Student Body

Past Winners

• 2025: Ben Bankston
• 2024: Jess Kishbaugh
• 2023: Hannah Puckett
• 2022: Troy Larsen
• 2021: Chase Isbell
• 2020: Lauryn McCray

Sponsoring Office/Organization

Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life

Point of Contact

Grace Miller, Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life

Description/History

Recognizes the most outstanding individual fraternity and sorority members of the Greek community. One award will be presented to one member from each respective council community (IFC, NPC, and NPHC). These three students should be exemplary leaders on campus, not only within their chapter and the Greek community, but also as a member of the larger student body.

Criteria

The recipients must be members of recognized national (IFC, NPC, or NPHC) or local Greek organizations on W&L’s campus. Beyond their academic and extracurricular achievements, the recipients should be of great character and dedicated to bettering the Greek community.

2026 Selection Committee

• 2026 Panhellenic Council
• 2026 IFC Council
• 2026 NPHC Council
• Grace Miller, Panhellenic Advisor
• Kyle McCoil, IFC Advisor
• Heidi Bustos, NPHC Advisor

Past Winners

• 2025: Hollins Pierpoint, Evan Cecchini, Laura Murambadoro
• 2024: Kaylin Jury, Alan Haigler, and Owen Murray
• 2023: Mimi Sherrill, Tiwaniya Tyler, and Ty del Casal
• 2022: Taylor Garcia and Steve Warren
• 2021: Emma Stoffel and Brian Wickman
• 2020: Catherine Latour and Pranam Patel

Sponsoring Office/Organization

Student Affairs

Point of Contact

Jason Rodocker, Senior Associate Dean of Students and Dean of First-Year Experience

Description/History

Given to recognize a student who has contributed in ways often not seen by the larger community and who has brought both depth and breadth to the University.

Criteria

Must be a current undergraduate student

Past Winners

• 2025: Danny Jakubowski-Lewis
• 2024: Stephanie Boktor ’25
• 2023: Diana Rodriguez ’23
• 2022: Estrella Burks-Parra ’23
• 2021: Patrick Hofstedt ’21
• 2020: Edwin Castellanos ’20
• 2019: Simon Marland ’20
• 2018: Hannah Palmatary ’18
• 2017: Noelle Rutland ’17
• 2016: Lainey Johnson ’16
• 2015: Daphine Mugayo ’15

Sponsoring Office/Organization

LGBTQ+ Resource Center

Point of Contact

Jake Reeves, Associate Director of Student Engagement and Technology

Description/History

This award is designed to recognize outstanding student leadership that improves the lives of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer communities on the Washington and Lee campus and/or in the surrounding local area. The award is made possible by John Flippen ’92. Any sophomore, junior, or senior attending Washington and Lee University is eligible for the award.

2026 Selection Committee

• Jake Reeves, Associate Director of Student Engagement and Technology

Past Winners

• 2025: Elena Lee
• 2024: Hamza Zia
• 2023: Cat Hudson ’24
• 2022: Andrew Claybrook ’22 and Pamela Stiemel ’22
• 2021: Chase Isbell ’21
• 2020: Chase Isbell ’21 and Ginny Johnson ’20
• 2019: MK Moran ’19, Liv Cooper ’20, and Genna Feirson ’20
• 2018: Stephanie Chung ’18

Sponsoring Office/Organization

Leadership Excellence Awards Banquet Committee

Point of Contact

Abby Leo and Emily Bradley

Description/History

This award recognizes a first-year student that is passionate about leadership education and its practice. This student should bring innovative ideas to the table and exude a high level of commitment to empowering other student leaders.

Criteria

The ideal candidate will be a first-year student who exemplifies passion for leadership and empowering other students, as well as involvement in the W&L community and beyond.

2026 Selection Committee

• Emily Bradley
• Lillian Peskova
• Abby Leo
• Sophia Taylor
• Kelcie Comisac
• Thomas O’Connor
• KJ Miller
• Gabe Castillo
• Matthew Sosa
• Aubrey Powers
• Lily Ha
• Jackson Weiser

Past Winners

• 2025: Malachi Zarahn
• 2024: Gaby White
• 2023: Hamza Zia
• 2022: Trip Wright
• 2021: P.T. Meadors
• 2020:Emma Aldrich

Sponsoring Office/Organization

Lenfest Center of the Arts

Description

The award, “Excellence in Arts Management,” recognizes an outstanding student leader, who in the minds of the Lenfest Center staff, has demonstrated leadership and dedication to help carry out the mission of the Center and is actively seeking ways and creating opportunities to advance the Lenfest Center’s presence on campus and within the student population

*Nominations for the “Excellence in Arts Management” Award are not handled through the nomination form, but are selected by the Lenfest Center for the Arts staff.

Sponsoring Office/Organization

Nabors Service League, Shepherd Program

Point of Contact

Jenny Davidson, Associate Director of the Shepherd Program

Description/History

The Nabors Service League McLoughlin Award for Volunteerism is presented annually by the Nabors Service League to a senior student who demonstrate a commitment to their community through innovative service. Recipients of the McLoughlin Service Award embody vision, innovation, dedication, and leadership. This award is named for Stacy McLoughlin Taylor ‘02, who played an integral role in creating both the Nabors Service League and the Volunteer Venture programs.

Criteria

The ideal candidate will be deeply engaged in the local Rockbridge community with a commitment to honoring human dignity and learning best practices from community leaders.

2026 Selection Committee

• Jenny Davidson, Associate Director of the Shepherd Program
• Evan Clark ’26, NSL President
• Marisa Charley

Past Winners

• 2025: Michael Wang
• 2024: Sion Jang
• 2023: Kamryn Godsey
• 2022: Mansi Tripathi
• 2021: Danika Brockman

Sponsoring Office/Organization

Office of Sustainability

Point of Contact

Jane Stewart, Director of Sustainability

Description/History

Sponsored by the Office of Sustainability, this award recognizes two students who have made valuable contributions to sustainability efforts within W&L or for our global community. Awardees are chosen based on their level of impact in one or more of the primary aspects of sustainability: environment, economics, and social equity.

Criteria

The ideal candidate will have had a substantial record of active engaging in sustainability efforts on and/or off campus, whether through research, direct action, advocacy, and/or education.

Past Winners

• 2025: Bella Ferrate and Asa Tuke
• 2024: Jules Seay and Shae Reinberg
• 2023: Joanne Ko and Flora Worthington 
• 2022: Sarah Hollen and Joseph Lee
• 2021: Jeroimo Reyes Olmedo and Carissa Petzold
• 2020: Ginny Johnson and Anna Soroka

Sponsoring Office/Organization

First-Year Experience

Point of Contact

Jason Rodocker, Senior Associate Dean of Students and Dean for First-Year Experience

Description/History

Given in recognition of initial faculty advisers that role model exceptional holistic support for FY advisees. The award was created by FYE in 2022.  

Criteria

Must be a current initial faculty adviser to a first-year student.

Past Recipients

• 2025: Lloyd Tanlu
• 2024: Jemma Levy
• 2023: Chris Dobbins

Sponsoring Office/Organization

First-Year Experience

Point of Contact

Jason Rodocker, Senior Associate Dean and Dean of First-Year Experience

Description/History

Nominations are solicited from the general campus including RAs and PCs. The PC selection committee (head PC, senior steering committee, and staff advisor) will narrow the nominations to a list of finalists and select recipients. If a member of the senior steering committee is nominated, they are excluded from the selection process.  

Criteria

The ideal candidate will be a knowledgeable, supportive friend who has consistently made themselves available to FY students on their hall as well as to others across the campus community.

2026 Selection Committee

• Jason Rodocker, Senior Associate Dean and Dean of First-Year Experience
• Nathan Graves, Assistant Dean of First-Year Experience
• Spratt Allison, Head Peer Connector
• Clara Oh, Assistant Head Peer Connector

Past Winners

• 2025: Mariam Drammeh, Lily Greenwald
• 2024: Cole Gershkovich, Lily Miggins
• 2023: Cat Hudson, Mariam Drammeh
• 2022: Annie Thomas, Christian Pinto
• 2021: Hannah Puckett, Jonathan Tucker

Sponsoring Office/Organization

Harte Center for Teaching and Learning

Point of Contact

Adam Scales, Assistant Director of Academic Success

Description/History

This award recognizes peer educators who have made a positive educational impact on their peers and others across the institution.

The Outstanding Peer Educator award recognizes educators who have been highly effective and impactful in fostering the learning and growth of their peers at W&L. Moreover, the Outstanding Peer Educators have served as positive role models for their peers, displaying a commitment to the mission of the Harte Center for Teaching and Learning. 

Criteria

The Outstanding Peer Educators will be individuals who go above and beyond the duties outlined in their job descriptions (Peer Tutor, Peer Tutoring Coordinator, Peer Academic Coach, and Educational Podcast Producer). These candidates have consistently demonstrated effectiveness and impact in their peer educational pursuits. 

2026 Selection Committee

• Adam Scales, Assistant Director of Academic Resources
• Courtney May, Peer Tutoring Coordinator
• Hamza Zia, Peer Tutoring Coordinator

Sponsoring Office/Organization

Housing & Residence Life

Point of Contact

Chris Reid, Assistant Dean and Director of Housing & Residence Life

Description/History

Nominees will be submitted to the RA/CA supervisor (I.e., the Director and/or Associate Director of Housing & Residence Life). The supervisor(s) may make award recipient decisions or call upon other student affairs colleagues for their feedback.

Criteria

HRL Mission/Criteria: The Office of Housing & Residence Life fosters respectful and safe living environments that are conducive to a student’s holistic growth and well-being, their sense of belonging, and the University’s tradition of honor. Students actively engaged in their residential experience will be afforded growth and well-being opportunities that support self-discovery, citizenship, and future planning.

The ideal candidate will be an individual who successfully fulfills and often goes above and beyond the duties as outlined in the RA/CA position description. This individual is a positive role model on and off-campus, and values accountability, community development, and servant leadership. Once the nominations are received, the supervisors will review/consider peer feedback, performance evaluations, and programming evaluations before making a decision.

2026 Selection Committee

• Chris Reid, Assistant Dean and Director of Housing and Residence Life
• Hannah Phillips, Associate Director of Residence Life

Past Winners

• 2025: Kaden Buss (RA), Sophia Taylor (CA), Emma Marvelli (Programmer) & Kaia Beddows (Programmer)
• 2024: Molly Pennisi (RA), Tade Omisore (CA), LeAnna Baker (Programmer) & Molly Pennisi (Programmer) 
• 2023: Josh Brown (RA) & Annalisa Waddick (RA), Bryson Parker (CA), Molly Pennisi (Programmer)
• 2022: Leia Barrow (RA); Spencer Kriss (CA); Sharon Mendieta Ramirez (Programmer)

Sponsoring Office/Organization

Education Studies

Point of Contact

Haley Sigler, Director, Education Studies

Description/History

The Burish Service Leadership Award recognizes a Washington and Lee student who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to service leadership through the Burish Service Leaders Internship. This award honors a student who embodies the program’s mission by engaging deeply with community partners, applying academic learning to real-world challenges, and cultivating meaningful change. Recipients exemplify the values of ethical leadership, collaboration, and civic responsibility that define the Burish Internship experience.

Criteria

Nominees for the Burish Service Leadership Award will be evaluated on the following:

• Exemplary Leadership in Service: Demonstrates initiative, responsibility, and effectiveness in addressing community needs through the Burish Internship.
• Academic and Civic Integration: Successfully connects coursework in Education Studies (or related fields) with applied leadership in community-based settings.
• Impact on Community: Contributes significantly to strengthening partnerships with local organizations and creating sustainable benefits for the community.
• Personal Growth and Reflection: Engages thoughtfully in self-reflection, showing growth in understanding of leadership, citizenship, and service.
• Commitment to W&L’s Values: Embodies the principles of honor, integrity, and lifelong responsibility to community engagement.

2026 Selection Committee

• Haley Sigler
• Eric Moffa
• Student Burish Internship Coordinator

Past Winners

New Award

Sponsoring Office/Organization

Education Studies

Point of Contact

Haley Sigler, Director, Education Studies

Description/History

The Educational Leadership in Practice Award honors a Washington and Lee student who demonstrates outstanding leadership in the field of education through teaching, mentoring, or program coordination. This award celebrates students who take on leadership roles in educational practice, and who exemplify excellence in collaboration, innovation, and service. Recipients embody the mission of Education Studies by bridging theory and practice, supporting the growth of others, and modeling the values of equity, care, and community engagement.

Criteria

Nominees for the Educational Leadership in Practice Award will be evaluated on the following:

• Leadership in Action: Shows initiative and responsibility in educational contexts, whether leading a classroom, mentoring peers, or coordinating programs.
• Commitment to Learners and Community: Demonstrates dedication to the success and well-being of students, peers, and community partners.
  
• Integration of Scholarship and Practice: Applies knowledge from Education Studies to real-world teaching, leadership, and service experiences.
• Collaboration and Mentorship: Builds positive relationships, supports others’ growth, and strengthens community partnerships.
• Innovation and Impact: Implements creative strategies or approaches that make a measurable difference in teaching, learning, or community engagement.

2026 Selection Committee

• Haley Sigler
• Eric Moffa
• Rebecca Perini

Past Winners

New Award

Sponsoring Office/Organization

The Writing Center 

Point of Contact

Bill Oliver, Writing Center Director

Description/History

This award recognizes a peer consultant in the Writing Center who has contributed significantly to the advancement of undergraduate writing in the college by exemplifying excellence in mentoring student writers, empowering fellow writing consultants to do their best work, and engaging with faculty about ways of improving the communication skills of undergraduates.

Criteria

The ideal candidate will be a junior or senior peer consultant in the Writing Center, passionate about empowering student writers as well as fellow consultants; one who displays extraordinary personal as well as written and oral communication skills, along with the energy and creativity to motivate change in the educational environment. 

Past Winners

• 2025: Drew Thompson
• 2024: Olivia Berntson
• 2023: Carter Chandler

Sponsoring Office/Organization

Division of Student Affairs 

Point of Contact

Alex Rabar, Chief Public Safety Officer

Description/History

Recognizes a student who exemplifies Public Safety Senior Sergeant Larry Stuart’s character and commitment to the community. 

Criteria

The ideal candidate will be a student who epitomizes ideals of safety, community, and responsibility and care for others. This student will be known for incredible upstander behavior and always looking out for their peers at W&L. All class years will be considered for this award.

Past Winners

• 2025: Noah Shelton
• 2024: Malik Hardy
• 2023: Joyce Yoo
• 2022: Dolph Maxwell
• 2021: Mickie Brown
• 2020: Austin York

Sponsoring Office/Organization

Student Engagement and Leadership

Point of Contact

Tammy Futrell, Dean of Student Engagement and Leadership

Description/History

Chosen by Dean Tamara Futrell and the Student Engagement and Leadership Team, the Anece F. McCloud Excellence in Belonging Award is presented to a member of the Washington and Lee community who has demonstrated a personal commitment to promoting belonging awareness, acceptance, and appreciation through various means and on various levels of campus life.

Past Winners

• 2025: Chace Thompson
• 2024: Veronika Kolosova
• 2023: Tahri Phillips 
• 2022: Leia Barrow
• 2021: Catherine Xia
• 2020: Lee Bernstein and Ayo Ehindero

The G. Holbrook Barber Scholarship Award honors a rising senior (Class of 2026) who manifests superior qualities of helpfulness and friendliness to fellow students, public spirit, scholarship, and personal character. The fund was established in 1977 by Mrs. Elizabeth Cross Barber and her son, G. Holbrook Barber Jr., in memory of Dr. G. Holbrook Barber, who graduated from Washington and Lee in 1917. The student selected for this honor should be on campus during their senior year to serve as an example for other students. Any member of the W&L community may submit a nomination by uploading your recommendation letter here. Please explain how the individual exhibits the qualities recognized by the Barber Scholarship.

Nominations are due by 5:00 pm, Friday, January 30, 2026.

The Decade Award was founded in 1996 in recognition of the 10th anniversary of coeducation. The award recognizes a student who has at least one academic year left on campus (first years, sophomores, and juniors), who has shown involvement and leadership within the W&L academic and extracurricular communities, and who has helped foster women’s empowerment on campus and beyond. Any member of the W&L community may suggest a nominee by uploading your nomination here (no more than one paragraph necessary). Please explain how the nominee exemplifies the qualities celebrated by the Decade Award.

Nominations are due by 5:00 pm, Friday, January 30, 2026.

The Edward Lee Pinney Prize was established in 1981 to honor the memory of Mike Pinney, who was a member of the Politics Department for many years.  The prize is awarded to an undergraduate student “who demonstrates extraordinary commitment both to personal scholarship and to the nurturing of intellectual life at Washington and Lee.”  The recipient is given a cash award and a book which is selected by the faculty in the student’s major department. Mike Pinney was an individual who consistently raised significant and difficult questions about the educational life of the University; he was particularly adept at forcing both students and colleagues to think carefully about their observations and educational values.  Consequently, you might wish to consider nominating those students who ask “tough” questions in class and who remark on subtle nuances overlooked by other individuals.  A student who is especially committed to, and excited about, the educational process would particularly fit the criteria established for the award. Any member of the W&L community may suggest a nominee by uploading your nomination here. Please explain how the individual exhibits the qualities recognized by the Pinney Prize.

Nominations are due by 5:00 pm, Friday, January 30, 2026.

Sponsoring Office/Organization

Executive Committee

Description/History

The Americus White Award is named for the first President of the Executive Committee. Chosen by W&L’s Executive Committee, this award recognizes the student organization that has demonstrated excellence in leadership, management, and programmatic efforts. Utilization of allocated funds is a factor in selection.

Criteria

The ideal candidate for this award will show passion for their mission through engaged membership and strong leadership. The candidate for this award will be an official EC recognized student organization.

2026 Selection Committee

The full Executive Committee of the Student Body

Past Winners

• 2025: Remote Area Medical (RAM)
• 2024: Mock Convention
• 2023: Campus Kitchen
• 2022: Student Association for Black Unity (SABU)
• 2021: Contact Committee
• 2020: Mock Convention

Sponsoring Office/Organization

Leadership Excellence Awards Banquet Committee

Point of Contact

Abby Leo and Emily Bradley

Description/History

The Best Event of the Year award is presented to an organization/group who hosts an event that has a positive impact on the larger W&L Community.

Criteria

The ideal candidate for this award will be an event hosted by an organization/group that left a positive impact on the campus and/or community. The event should have been open to the whole student body and held during the current academic year or previous winter/spring term.

2026 Selection Committee

• Emily Bradley
• Lillian Peskova
• Abby Leo
• Sophia Taylor
• Kelcie Comisac
• Thomas O’Connor
• KJ Miller
• Gabe Castillo
• Matthew Sosa
• Aubrey Powers
• Lily Ha
• Jackson Weiser

Past Winners

• 2025: NPHC Step Show Competition
• 2024: Souper Bowl
• 2023: Black Ball
• 2022: Baile
• 2021: R.I.S.E.: The Athlete Experience
• 2020: Mock Convention

Sponsoring Office/Organization

Executive Committee

Description/History

Recognizes the student organization/chapter whose philanthropic efforts have made the most impact on our campus while supporting a local/national/global cause. The most funds raised per capita and the most innovative way of raising those funds is a factor in selection.

Criteria

The ideal candidate for this award will host an event(s) that draws wide participation from across campus with the mission of both awareness and raising financial resources for a given charity.

2026 Selection Committee

The full Executive Committee of the Student Body

Past Winners

• 2025: English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
• 2024: Remote Area Medical
• 2023: Alpha Delta Pi, Phi Kappa Psi, and WLUnite
• 2022: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
• 2021: W&L Habitat for Humanity
• 2020: Chi Omega

Sponsoring Office/Organization

The Office of Community-Based Learning

Point of Contact

Bethany Ozorak, Associate Director of Community-Based Learning

Description/History

Recognizes a student group that has made a significant positive contribution to the Lexington/Rockbridge area community through volunteer service. The winning group will receive a $150 award going towards a future service endeavor.

Please answer the following questions in your nomination:

1. How many service hours has your group completed in total for the Academic Year? Service hours must be logged on Engage W&L before you apply.
2. How has your group made a significant positive contribution to the Lexington/Rockbridge area community through volunteer service?

Criteria

The ideal group is devoted to service and volunteering in the Rockbridge County/Lexington community. They have made a positive contribution to the community and plan to continue and sustain this investment.

2026 Selection Committee

• Professor Sascha Goluboff, Director of the Office of Community-Based Learning
• Bethany Ozorak, Associate Director of the Office of Community-Based Learning
• Alessandra Del Conte Dickovick, Associate Director of the Office of Community-Based Learning

Past Winners

• 2025: Tau Zeta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 
• 2024: Washington and Lee Student Consulting
• 2023: #HungerFighters
• 2022: English for Speakers of Other Languages