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Leadership Specific

Please, click on the name of the award to view the application.  These awards may be sorted in different orders by clicking on the navigation links to the right.

Casey Carter Leadership Award

This award was established in 2010 to honor the memory of Casey Carter Bonar.  Based on the legacy of extraordinary leadership she left behind, this award is presented annually to a Vanderbilt undergraduate student who embodies the unique qualities that Casey brought to the university – leadership, broad collaboration, enthusiasm, passion for campus involvement, selfless service to Vanderbilt, and, always, dedication to positive change.  The student who most exemplifies the sparkling point of light that was Casey Carter Bonar will be selected as award recipient by the Dean of Students senior staff.  The award carries a monetary stipend in addition to an engraved julep cup to commemorate selection.  This a ward will be presented annually in the spring as part of the Magnolia Awards program.

If you have any questions or would like more information about this award, you may contact Claire.e.garst@vanderbilt.edu or dwayne.v.elliott@vanderbilt.edu.

Glenn & Elizabeth Bogtish Award

Established in 1989 in memory of Glenn Carlisle (B.S. ’77) and Elizabeth Norris Bogitsh (B.S. ’82), this award recognizes high standards in physical fitness, participation in recreational sports, and sportsmanship. It is awarded each year to a Vanderbilt undergraduate or graduate student who demonstrates a strong commitment to campus recreational programs and by example and leadership has inspired participation and sportsmanlike conduct in these activities. A trophy is presented to the recipient and his/her name is engraved on a plaque in the Student Recreation Center.  Questions regarding the award may be directed to elizabeth.l.whaley@vanderbilt.edu

Imani Award: James Lawson Award for Leadership

This award is presented to a graduating senior who has continuously been an integral part of campus life and has demonstrated an outstanding capacity for leadership and devotion to Vanderbilt.  Questions regarding the award may be directed to jeff.s.king@vanderbilt.edu

McGill Awards

These awards are presented through the generosity of the McGill family in honor of Dr. John T. and Lizzie Allen McGill who provided students with an atmosphere of hospitality and guidance through their years at Vanderbilt. A graduate of Vanderbilt in 1879, Dr. McGill spent his life in service to Vanderbilt.  He served as professor emeritus of chemistry, Dean of the School of Pharmacy and finally a historian of the University.  Descriptions of these awards are as follows:

John T. McGill Award
(1 McGill Resident/Project Member)

Established in 1960 by Lizzie Allen McGill, this award is presented in memory of her husband, John T. McGill.  A $2000.00 check is presented each spring to the resident of McGill Hall who actively participates in the McGill Project and “who has established qualities of leadership, as well as being a good student of gentle bearing.” The recipient of the award is academically accomplished, exhibits respect for others, and has proven leadership ability.

The John T. & Lizzie Allen McGill First Year Award
(Two First Year Students)

Established in 1994, this award is given “for two academically accomplished first year students of gentle bearing who have shown kindness and respect for all others and who have established qualities of leadership.” These awards are based on academic accomplishment, strong character and demonstrated leadership ability. The two first year recipients receive a $1500.00 check per recipient.

The John T. & Lizzie Allen McGill First Year Award
(Two Upper-class Students, one of which is a participant in a Living Learning Community other than McGill Project)

Established in 1994, this award is given to two upper-class students “who are academically accomplished, have demonstrated qualities of leadership, and whose efforts have led to an increased understanding of other student’s needs and a more civil campus atmosphere.” These awards are based on academic accomplishment, strong character and demonstrated leadership ability.  The two upper-class student recipients receive a $1500.00 check per recipient.

Questions regarding all McGill Awards may be directed to Traci R. Ray at t.ray@vanderbilt.edu

Muliebrity Prize

The Muliebrity Prize honors an undergraduate or graduate student(s) who demonstrates leadership in activities that contribute to the achievements, interests, and goals of women or that promote gender equity. Nominations may be made by faculty, staff, advisors, friends and peers. The award will be given at the annual Magnolia Awards Dinner, where the honoree will be presented with a certificate and small cash award. To nominate someone for the Muliebrity Prize, please visit here and fill out the form. Any questions, please contact Kayce Matthews, Associate Director of the Women’s Center, at Kayce.Matthews@Vanderbilt.edu or (615) 322-4843.

Rob Roy Purdy Award

Established in 1979 to honor the Senior Vice-Chancellor Emeritus, an engraved cup is presented annually to anupper-class student selected by the Dean of Students staff for demonstrating through leadership the qualities of humaneness, dedication, loyalty, and unselfish service to Vanderbilt University exemplified by Rob Roy Purdy. Application must be completed by a nominator within the Office of the Dean of Students.  Questions regarding the award may be directed to sandy.stahl@vanderbilt.edu

Robert Peter Pratt Memorial Award

The Robert Peter Pratt Memorial Award was established at  Vanderbilt University in 1991 to honor Robert Peter Pratt (1954-1991),  associate director of Undergraduate Admissions and long time leader in  promoting diversity within the student population. A $500 check is presented to the Chancellor’s Scholar of junior or senior standing  whose accomplishments best exemplify Robert Peter Pratt’s commitment to  diversity and unity, leadership and cooperation, warmth and openness,  and unselfish service to others.  Questions regarding the award may be directed to  lyn.fulton-john@Vanderbilt.Edu

William Aaron Pathfinder Award (2 awarded)

This award acknowledges juniors or seniors whose uncommon community service efforts and leadership skills demonstrate vision, creativity, and innovation. Named in recognition of William Aaron (Class of ’89), whose own pathfinding lead to the creation of the Office of Volunteer Activities–now the Office of Active Citizenship and Service–this award also celebrates Vanderbilt University’s extraordinary history of service to the community. The recipients will each receive a $250 honorarium.  Questions regarding the award may be directed to Shaiya.Baer@vanderbilt.edu