Eagle Awards Honor Students for ‘Outstanding’ Involvement

Each year, the Eagle Awards spotlight the unwavering commitment of Mary Washington students to their studies and involvement, as well as to each other. This sentiment resonates beyond the student body; emotions run high when faculty and staff are honored for their dedication to students as well.

The 2024 Eagle Awards – presented last week by the Office of Student Activities and Engagement, the Center for Community Engagement, and Campus Recreation – united inspiring student leaders with lively co-hosts, seniors Fiona Archer and Faith Jones. The ceremony, held in the Cedric Rucker University Center’s Chandler Ballroom, recognized award-winners for their commitment to community service, citizenship, philanthropy, academic excellence and more.

UMW President Troy Paino and Vice President for Student Affairs Juliette Landphair acknowledged the challenges faced by the Class of 2024, who began their college journey online, attending virtual classes during a pandemic. Their dedication to creating traditional student experiences had brought them to this pivotal moment just weeks before they cross the stage at Commencement.

Demonstrating an exceptional commitment to UMW and a passion for positive change, some individuals received multiple awards. One such standout was honored with the prestigious Grace Mann Launch Award, which recognizes an enduring quest for social justice. Dean of Students Melissa Jones took the stage to present this esteemed honor.

Before revealing the winner, Jones praised the finalists as “absolutely outstanding,” acknowledging their dedication to various initiatives and plans for change, both on campus and in the wider community. She shared a quote she recently encountered: “We all do better when we all DO better,” she said. “Tonight’s recipient embodies this sentiment, challenging every member of the Mary Washington community to strive for improvement. Reflecting on their impact over the past four years, it’s clear they’ve profoundly influenced our community and beyond.”

Senior Jaylyn Long won the Grace Mann Launch Award, the Cedric Rucker Eagle Beyond Compare Award and the Outstanding New Program Award, receiving recognition for her roles as SGA president, Farmer Fellow, Orientation leader, senior student coordinator and resident assistant. Jones remarked, “Perhaps her most significant accomplishment was bringing to life a vision she had for ASPIRE Week,” a six-day celebration of UMW core values. “What you can’t call her is complacent.”

The women in black, seniors Faith Jones and Fiona Archer, captivated the audience with a series of corny jokes produced through ‘SammyChatBot,’ spreading laughter that set the tone for the evening. Photo by Carson Berrier

Senior Jaylyn Long shares a moment of pride with Grace Mann’s mother after receiving the prestigious Grace Mann Launch Award. Long also claimed the Cedric Rucker Eagle Beyond Compare Award and the Outstanding New Program Award for her innovative creation, ASPIRE Week. Photo by Sam Cahill

Senior Hannah Lee was among the few who received multiple awards at this year’s Eagle Awards ceremony. Lee won the Alvey Honor Award and the Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Senior. Here, she poses alongside Alvey Honor Award recipient Arianna Chase. Photo by Carson Berrier

Kushi Constance, a dedicated student leader in service, received the Elizabeth M. Baumgarten Service Award and the Clara Boyd Wheeler Outstanding Community Service Program Award for her leadership and coordination of MLK Day of Service. Photo by Sam Cahill

The following are the winners of the 2024 Eagle Awards:

Program & Organization Awards

Outstanding Diversity Program: Taste of Asia

Outstanding Educational Program: Jewish Student Association-Shabbat Dinner

Clara Boyd Wheeler Outstanding Community Service Program: MLK Day of Service

Outstanding New Program: ASPIRE Week

Outstanding Annual Program: Eagle Con

Outstanding New Club: Women in Business

Outstanding Overall Achievement for a Club/Organization: UMWC Radio Club

Dean of Students Juliette Landphair reflects on the stories Class of 2024 students shared with her about missing out on a traditional high school graduation in 2020. Landphair encouraged the Class of 2024 to look forward to their moment crossing the stage at Commencement on May 11. Photo by Sam Cahill

Among the evening’s heartfelt moments, UMW staff members Michael Middleton and Shanita Mitchell were honored with the In the Wings and Gwen Hale Giving Tree Awards, respectively. Photo by Sam Cahill

President Troy Paino delivers opening remarks to the assembled student leaders and their supporters, praising the remarkable accomplishments of this year’s award recipients. Photo by Sam Cahill

Dean Jones shared a laugh with Events AV team member Cameron, who accepted the In the Wings Award on behalf of Events AV. “Without this group of people, frankly most of the events that we have talked about tonight simply would not have happened,” Jones said. Photo by Sam Cahill

Individual Awards

Distinguished Bachelor of Liberal Studies Award: Blaine Hower

Alumni Association Service Award for Outstanding Senior Dedicated to Community Service: Alexandra Mills

Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Senior(s): Hannah Lee, Kaitlin Saal

Alvey Honor Award: Hannah Lee & Arianna Chase

Leader in Service: Emma James

Elizabeth M. Baumgarten Service Award: Khushi Constance

Unsung Hero: Anshu Adhikari

James Farmer Defining a Legacy Award: Adrianna Giddings

Alex Naden Award: Knox McKinley

Cedric Rucker Eagle Beyond Compare: Jaylyn Long

In the Wings: Events AV and Michael Middleton

Gwen Hale Giving Tree Award: Shanita Mitchell

Prince Woodard Emerging Leader Award: Shadwick Yoder

Prince Woodard Outstanding Leader Award: Ravi Palat

Grace Mann Launch Award Finalists:  Adrianna Giddings, Diana Guzman, Jaylyn Long

Grace Mann Launch Award: Jaylyn Long

Ravi Palat receives the Prince Woodard Outstanding Leader Award, honoring a graduating senior who has made a substantial impact on UMW and beyond, while exemplifying University values and maintaining a GPA of at least 3.25.

Dean Jones praised Michael Middleton, one recipient of the In the Wings award, saying, “UMW could not have persevered this year without Michael’s commitment and leadership in campus recreation and SAE.“ Photo by Sam Cahill

The Eagle Awardds ceremony began with recognition for outstanding programs and organizations. Taste of Asia was honored with the Outstanding Diversity Program Award for the year. Photo by Sam Cahill

Adrianna Giddings receives the James Farmer Defining a Legacy Award from James Farmer Multicultural Center Director Marion Sanford. The award recognizing Giddings for a direct action project, overcoming obstacles, challenging oppressive systems and spreading her cause. Giddings was also a finalist for the Grace Mann Launch Award.