New award recognizes Values in Action
During this challenging year, staff, faculty and students have been unceasing in their support of the university and its people, demonstrating the very best in values-driven leadership. In recognition of these extraordinary efforts, two anonymous donors have established the Values in Action Award.
The award will honor William & Mary faculty and staff who exemplify the university’s values. These values — belonging, curiosity, excellence, flourishing, integrity, respect and service — were affirmed in November 2019 in W&M’s first-ever values statement. They are both reflective of and aspirational for the W&M community.
“We were impressed by the process of deciding the new values, and even more impressed by the values themselves. And we often see and hear some examples of these Values in Action from students, staff and faculty,” said the donors, who are W&M parents.
President Katherine A. Rowe will present four inaugural Values in Action awards this spring to employees. A similar award for student organization will launch in fall 2021. At least two Values in Action awards will be given each semester to faculty and staff through fall 2022, with student organization awards continuing through spring 2023, reflecting an ongoing annual commitment by the donors. A $2,500 cash prize will accompany each award.
DaNika Robinson, chief financial officer for the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and David Trichler, director of programs & outreach for the Global Research Institute, will co-chair a Values in Action Award selection committee appointed by President Rowe. The President’s Cabinet will submit nominations for the spring 2021 awards. After this semester, nominations for the Values in Action Award will be accepted from W&M students, faculty and staff. All non-student employees of W&M or contractors providing auxiliary services to the university are eligible for nomination for the employee award. All registered student organizations will be eligible for nomination for the student award.
“William & Mary thanks our anonymous donors. They encourage us to embark on a joyful university-wide effort. This award will celebrate students, staff and faculty who are living our values in all that they do,” said President Rowe. “An award like this makes visible efforts and commitments that often go unrecognized. In honoring these recipients, we honor all the small actions that so many in this community make, every day, to realize our values in a tangible way.”