The Excellence in Community Engagement Award recognizes an outstanding individual who demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering collaboration, inclusivity and a positive impact within their community, beyond the borders of VCU. This nomination letter should show compelling evidence of the nominee’s work within the community, whether through philanthropic, service-learning or charitable projects.

Past recipients

• 2024: Kendra Diaz, Biology

The Excellence in Institutional Impact Award recognizes an outstanding individual who has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to VCU, the College of Humanities and Sciences, their department/school and/or program. We are seeking those whose contributions will leave a lasting legacy at VCU.

Past recipients

• 2024: Emily Richardson, Mass Communications

The Overcoming Adversity Award recognizes a student who has exhibited exceptional resilience, courage and strength in the face of challenges. Whether overcoming personal hardships, health obstacles or societal barriers, the recipient of this award has demonstrated triumph in the face of adversity.

Past recipients

• 2024: Katarina Krueger, Political Science

The Outstanding First-Gen Student Award recognizes a first-generation undergraduate student who has excelled during their time at VCU. A student is first-generation if neither of their parents or legal guardian earned a bachelor’s degree. This individual has demonstrated exceptional commitment to CHS, either through academics, research and/or community involvement. 

Note: This award is only open to undergraduate students.

The Outstanding Non-Traditional Student Award recognizes a non-traditional student [undergraduate students who are 25 years old or older when they start their education at VCU, are married, widowed, or divorced, have children/dependents, or who are military-affiliated (veteran/active duty/reservists)] who has excelled during their time at VCU. This individual has demonstrated exceptional commitment to CHS, either through academics, research and/or community involvement.

Note: This award is only open to undergraduate students.

Past recipients

• 2024: Elizabeth Dooley, Anthropology

The Outstanding Transfer Student Award recognizes a transfer student who has excelled during their time at VCU. This individual has demonstrated exceptional commitment to CHS, either through academics, research and/or community involvement.

Note: This award is only open to undergraduate students.

Past recipients

• 2024: America Vijil, HPEX

The Excellence in Scholarship Award recognizes an individual who has contributed to their field of study. This nomination letter should show compelling evidence of the nominee’s contributions either by research, publications, poster sessions and/or conference attendance. There will be one award recipient representing the humanities and social sciences and one award recipient representing the math and sciences.

Past recipients

• 2024, Humanities and Social Sciences: Nemya McGill-Veloso, Psychology
• 2024, Math and Sciences: Tijana Simovic, Rehabilitation and Movement Science

The Graduate Student Teaching Award recognizes a graduate student who has demonstrated excellence in teaching. This individual exhibits a strong commitment to the education of their students by finding innovative ways to connect and teach. There will be one award recipient representing the humanities and social sciences and one award recipient representing the math and sciences.

Past recipients

• 2024: Ashley Tubbs, Chemistry

This award is given by the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (IDEC) Committee in CHS. The purpose of this award is to honor students who exemplify the importance and commitment to inclusion, diversity and equity. Nominees should exemplify or support inclusion, diversity and equity initiatives in the College by one or more of the following means:

• Develop and maintain a shared and inclusive understanding of diversity, multiculturalism, institutional bias, and affirmative action through training and education in the College
• Actively work to identify and/or dismantle institutional bias or promote inclusion in the College
• Create a welcoming and inclusive climate through facilitation or creation of related initiatives, curriculum reform, research incentives, community-outreach, cross-campus and/or departmental initiatives
• Actively work to recruit, retain and support a diverse student body and/or workforce at all levels
• Actively work to enhance curricular, co-curricular, research, service, artistic or study abroad activities to engage the university community in affirming an inclusive, diverse, and multicultural learning environment
• Develop and maintain consistent accountability measures to accurately assess progress toward institutionalizing diversity and multiculturalism

The CHS Faculty Award recognizes a faculty member who has displayed exceptional dedication, innovation and impact in their role at the institution. This prestigious honor celebrates educators who go above and beyond, demonstrating excellence in teaching, research, mentorship and/or service. The recipient of this award is distinguished for their profound contributions to the academic community, inspiring students through their outstanding achievements and commitment to excellence. There will be one award recipient representing the humanities and social sciences and one award recipient representing the math and sciences.

Past recipients

• 2024: Lee Franco

The CHS Outstanding Student Support Award is designed to acknowledge and honor the exceptional efforts of a staff member or advisor who has gone above and beyond in providing support to students. This award aims to recognize individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication in assisting students, whether it be through academic guidance, mentorship or any other form of support that significantly contributes to the well-being and success of students within the CHS community. The recipient of this award is someone who has made a substantial and positive impact on the lives of students by exceeding the expectations of their role and demonstrating a genuine commitment to student success.

Past recipients

• 2024: Caroline Cobb