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Awards

Each year USAC recognizes outstanding members of the council through awards given at the June meeting. 

Karen Dolan Spirit Award

The Karen Dolan Spirit Award recognizes a USAC representative for their stewardship, devotion and service to the council. It is given to an employee who embodies the spirit of the late Karen Dolan, who had a strong passion for helping the Vanderbilt community during her time on campus. Dolan worked at Vanderbilt for nearly 26 years. She was the Graduate School registrar before being diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). She died in May 2006, and the award was created in her memory in 2008.

Cassanora Lampley received the Karen Dolan Spirit Award in 2025. 

  • Previous Karen Dolan recipients
    • 2024 - Lynn Maddox
    • 2023 – Jennifer Bennett
    • 2022 – Adam McKeever-Burgett
    • 2021 – Tiffany Lawrence Givens
    • 2020 – Tara Williams
    • 2019 – Carjamin Scott
    • 2018 – Caroline Caldwell
    • 2017 – Anna Thomas
    • 2016 – Rachel Harrell
    • 2015 – Kara Furlong
    • 2014 – Eric Jones
    • 2013 – Diane Banks
    • 2012 – Lara Beth Lehman
    • 2011 – Sue King
    • 2010 – Andrea Wall
    • 2009 – Faye Johnson
    • 2008 – Cliff Wilson

    USAC Spirit Award (subsequently the Karen Dolan Spirit Award)

    • 2008 – Andy Richter

Committee Member of the Year

The Committee Member of the Year Award recognizes a USAC representative who has contributed to the USAC mission through their committee work. 

Jennifer Allen Woody received the Committee Member of the Year Award for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

  • Previous Committee Member of the Year recipients
    • 2023-24 – Kevin Borgic
    • 2022-23 – Lynn Hastings
    • 2021-22 – Jennifer Bennett & Denise Johnson
    • 2020-21 – Stacy Crowhurst & Faith Bishop
    • 2019-20 – Renee Dawson & Susan Walker
    • 2018-19 – Rachel Harbin & Sara Sanders
    • 2017-18 – Heather Warkins
    • 2016-17 – Robin Carlson
    • 2015-16 – Jeff Loudon
    • 2014-15 – Jeff Loudon
    • 2013-14 – Karen Burnett
    • 2012-13 – Mary Ann Dean
    • 2011-12 – Don Pruitt

Committee of the Year

The Committee of the Year Award recognizes the USAC committee who has made the most impact during the academic year. 

Sara Carroll and Alicia Sumlin, Events Committee Co-Chairs, received the Committee of the Year Award for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

  • Previous Committee of the Year recipients
    • 2022-23 – Communications (Faith Bishop & Andrea Zink, co-chairs)
    • 2021-22 – Staff Life (Adam McKeever-Burgett & Sara Putnam, co-chairs)
    • 2020-21 – Events (Jennifer Bennett & Amanda King, co-chairs)
    • 2019-20 – Rules & Administration (Ashley Majewski & Jessamyn Davis, co-chairs)
    • 2018-19 – Communications (Carjamin Scott & Carlos Ruiz, co-chairs)
    • 2017-18 – Membership (Caroline Caldwell & Amanda Chiavini, co-chairs)
    • 2016-17 – Events (Judy Johnson & Amanda King, co-chairs)
    • 2015-16 – Staff Life (Al Brady & Andy Richter, co-chairs)
    • 2014-15 – Staff Life (Al Brady & Andy Richter, co-chairs)
    • 2013-14 – Events Committee (Lori Murphy & Kerrie Turney, co-chairs)

     

    Committee Chair of the Year

    • 2012-13 – Michelle Kovash
    • 2011-12 – Kate Stuart

     

    Appreciation Award

    • 2008 – Kelli McQuiston