University of Mary Washington senior Megan Blosser was recognized with the inaugural Grace Mann Launch Award at the annual Eagle Awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 20, in the University Center’s Chandler Ballroom. The recognition was one of more than a dozen awards given to honor campus leaders in a range of domains and activities.
Grace’s parents, Thomas and Melissa Mann, presented the financial award to Blosser, as a springboard for launching her social justice advocacy. Earlier this year, the University’s Board of Visitors established the Grace Mann Launch Award in memory of the junior student leader and social activist who died last April. The award has been funded by gifts totaling more than $150,000 from Grace’s family, friends and colleagues.
The honor is bestowed on a graduating senior who is active in organizations promoting social justice, equality and social change; who advocates for victims of sexual assault or prejudice; and who exemplifies a commitment to improving the lives of others through the change of attitudes, behaviors, laws, policies or institutions. The award is intended to provide funds to help launch the recipient into their post-college life as they pursue their goals and promote equality and/or advocate for victims.
“Megan is one of the most genuinely caring people I know and is passionate about helping victims of sexual assault,” said Cedric Rucker, associate vice president and dean of Student Life. “She is currently a volunteer for the Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault and plans on attending graduate school for clinical psychology so that she can continue her work in this field. She has been accepted to the Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s doctorate program in clinical psychology. There she will be working under the chair of the action group, National Partnership to End Interpersonal Violence.”
The Dean of Student Life selected the recipient of the Grace Mann Launch Award, in consultation with the staff in the Office of Student Activities and Engagement, the Office of the Special Assistant to the President on Diversity and Inclusion, the James Farmer Multicultural Center and members of the American Studies and History faculties.
The Prince Woodard Awards for leadership are presented annually to students who have demonstrated excellence as leaders at UMW, contributors to the greater community, and persons of honor and integrity.
Claire Ashur received the Prince Woodard Outstanding Leader Award. The Outstanding Leader Award goes to a graduating senior who, throughout his or her UMW career, has made a substantial impact on campus and beyond while exemplifying the values of honor, leadership and service. Claire received an award of $1,250.
“Claire has been the president of Best Buddies for the past two years, and since becoming president she has completely revived our club,” according to fellow student Madison Spear. “Since becoming president, Claire has increased membership and established positive relationships with campus organizations and offices and University officials. If you asked Claire how she managed to create such a strong program she would point toward her other executive board members, but if you asked any of us we would tell you it is Claire’s tireless efforts to always raise the bar and improve the club she loves.”
Molly Miller received the Prince Woodard Emerging Leader Award, which is presented to a rising sophomore, junior or senior who has already made such a difference, with the goal of encouraging even greater leadership in the future. Molly, a sophomore, received an award of $750.
“Molly stepped in to serve as vice president of the Honor Council and made a massive impact,” said David Rettinger, associate professor of psychological science and Director of the Center for Honor, Leadership and Service. “Molly has exceeded expectations particularly in the speed with which she has taken the reins of the honor process. Molly has become an integral and effective part of a great team, and will continue in her role next year, creating the opportunity for a new president and the council as a whole to succeed.”
The following 25 students were recognized as Who’s Who winners: Kayla vanWerkhoven, Rachel Ann Thomas, Ray Celeste Silverthorne Tanner, Aleksandra Szczesna, Zaire K.A. Sprowal, Ian Spangler, Davarien Jeremiah Sayles, Eynav Ovadia, Alexander Obolensky, Abigail Sherwood Moran, Miriam McCue, Margaret Magliato, Kristina Krumpos, Diana Inthavong, Brittany K. Hylander, Kelsey Greenwood, Thomas T.V. Ferrier, Margeaux Ducoing, Quinn Doyle, Angela Tyann Dixon, Anna E. DeMarr, Michaela Deasis, Kelsey Cunningham, Alexander W. Clegg and Sarah B. Campbell.
Claire Ashur received the Clara Boyd Wheeler Award, presented to a graduating senior who exemplifies grace, a spirit of service and the ability to change lives.
Ola Szczesna received the Elizabeth M. Baumgarten Leadership Award for outstanding service to the university and community.
Ana Johnson received the BLS Award, which recognizes a student enrolled in the BLS program for academic excellence as well as outstanding citizenship.
Rachel Thomas received the Alex Naden Award. Alex Naden was a senior class officer and member of the rugby team who graduated from Mary Washington College in 2003 and lost his life in an accident later that year. The award is presented to a student who best embodies the character that Alex personified.
Recipients of other leadership awards were:
Alexandra Hoenscheid, Alumni Award
Kristina Krumpos, Alumni Service Award
Jenna Eggborn, Outstanding Leader in a Sports Club
Haley Kane, Outstanding Leader on a Varsity Sports Team
Sam Amos, Campus Contributor
Rachel Tiemann, Unsung Hero
Amy Jayas, Leader in Service
Kelly MacRitchie, Leader in Honor
Rachel Tiemann, Outstanding Treasurer
Director of Service Christina Eggenberger was presented with the Giving Tree Award, which recognizes faculty or staff who a student feels has contributed significantly to the mission of the university through their work directly with students.
The following programs were presented with program awards:
Outstanding Diversity Program- Arab Culture Night
Outstanding Educational Program- Arab Culture Night
Outstanding Small Scale Program- Chinese New Year
Outstanding Large Scale Program- Lip Sync
The following organizations were presented with organization awards:
Innovation in Fundraising Award- Best Buddies
Innovation in Advertising- Class Council
Outstanding New Club- Campus Programming Board
Outstanding Community Service- Bragg Hill
Sport Club Service- Club Softball
Outstanding Overall Achievement for a Sports Club- Ultimate Frisbee
Outstanding Overall Achievement for an Athletic Team- Basketball
Outstanding Overall Achievement for a Club or Organization- Best Buddies
The following organizations were also given recognition: Student Government Association, Class Council, Judicial Review Board, Honor Council, InterClub Association, Commuter Student Association, Association of Residence Halls, Legislative Action Committee, Finance Committee and the Horizons program.