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W&M's 2010 Commencement awards

  • Kira Allmann '10
    Kira Allmann '10  The Lord Botetourt Medal, established in 1772 "for the honor and encouragement of literary merit," was presented to Kira Allmann '10, a double major in linguistics and government who graduated with a 4.0 GPA and was named a Rhodes Scholar this year - just sixth in the College's history to receive the prestigious honor.  Photo by Stephen Salpukas
  • Bailey Thomson '10
    Bailey Thomson '10  The James Frederic Carr Memorial Cup, which is presented annually to the graduating senior "who best combines the qualities of character, scholarship and leadership," was given to Bailey Thomson '10, who double-majored in Middle Eastern studies and government.  Photo by Stephen Salpukas
  • Brian Daugherity
    Brian Daugherity  The Thatcher Prize for Excellence -- which is presented annually to a graduate or professional student of outstanding scholarship, service and character -- was given to Brian Daugherity, who received his Ph.D. in history. He has published one book and several articles, and is a significant contributor to civil rights scholarship.  Photo by Stephen Salpukas
  • Slevin and Galano
    Slevin and Galano  The Graves Award for sustained excellence in teaching was presented to two professors: Joe Galano (right), associate professor of psychology, and Kate Slevin (left), chancellor professor of sociology.  Photo by Stephen Salpukas
  • Kim and Shambley
    Kim and Shambley  The Algernon Sydney Sullivan student awards were presented to Jessica Kim '10 (left) and Lamar Shambley '10 (right).  Photo by Stephen Salpukas
  • For David Hindman
    For David Hindman  The Algernon Sydney Sullivan non-student award, which is presented to a person who has close ties to the College, was awarded to David Hindman who served as the United Methodist campus minister for the past 22 years. Because Hindman was unable to make the ceremony, Aaron Gregory, from the Wesley Foundation's Young Adult Council, accepted the award on his behalf.  Photo by Stepehn Salpukas
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Several awards are presented annually to graduates, staff and faculty members during the William & Mary Commencement ceremony. Below is a list of the awards that were presented during this year's ceremony on May 16. - Ed.


Lord Botetourt Medal

Kira Allmann received the College of William & Mary's Lord Botetourt Medal during the College's Commencement ceremony.

The medal was established in 1772 for "the honor and encouragement of literary merit," and it is now presented annually to the graduating senior who has attained the greatest distinction in scholarship.

Allmann, a double major in government and linguistics, graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA. She is the winner of a Rhodes Scholarship, just the sixth student in the history of W&M so honored, and will pursue a Masters of Philosophy in modern Middle Eastern Studies at Oxford.

“She is seen by her professors as a junior colleague,” President Taylor Reveley said. “She has a record of significant research, presentations, and publications, and has been termed one of the most talented, hard working and interesting students they have ever known.”

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James Frederic Carr Memorial Cup

Bailey Thomson received the College of William & Mary's James Frederic Carr Memorial Cup during the College's Commencement ceremony.

The Carr Cup is presented annually to the graduating senior "who best combines the qualities of character, scholarship and leadership." It is named for James Carr, who came to W&M in 1914, served with distinction in World War I, and lost his life before he could return to the College.

Thomson, a Monroe Scholar and member of Phi Beta Kappa among several honors societies, graduated with a double major and departmental honors in Middle Eastern Studies and Government.

She was honored for a powerful record of leadership, exemplified as Chair of the Undergraduate Honor Council, a Resident Assistantship, NAACP membership, an Admissions Office devotee, and leader in international service.

“Bailey has been a faithful steward of the College’s highest values,” Reveley said. “She represents the best of William & Mary, not only for exemplary character, scholarship and leadership, but also for her deep commitment to bringing our diverse community together and seeking understanding across our lines of difference.”

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Thatcher Prize for Excellence

Brian Daugherity, of Colonial Heights, Va., received the Thatcher Prize for Excellence in Graduate and Professional Study from the College of William & Mary at Commencement exercises May 16.  Daugherity, who received a Ph.D in history, was among more than 1,800 graduates who received undergraduate and graduate degrees.

The Thatcher Prize was created in honor of the College’s 21st Chancellor, Margaret the Lady Thatcher.  It is awarded annually in recognition of outstanding accomplishment in graduate or professional school study.  Selection is made based on scholarship, leadership, service and character.

Daugherity, whose scholarship focuses on Virginia’s civil rights history, currently has a documentary film in post-production and has already published a book and authored numerous other articles.  He also has a second book underway.   

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Graves Award

Associate Professor of Psychology Joe Galano and Professor of Sociology Kate Slevin were named recipients of the 2010 Thomas Ashley Graves, Jr. Award.

The Graves Award is given annually in recognition of sustained excellence in teaching to honor Graves, who retired in 1985 after nearly 14 years as president of the College of William and Mary.  The award was established by a group of his friends.  The recipient of the award is chosen by the president of the College from nominations submitted by each of the academic deans.

Galano was a founding member of the Virginia Consortium Program of Professional Psychology and has been recognized with numerous awards including recognition as a Fellow of the American Psychological Association. He also gives generously of his time to community.  Galano has served on Virginia’s Prevention and Promotion Advisory Council for 25 years and served as a Williamsburg/James City County Community Action Agency board member, chairing it for six years. He holds a PhD in clinical psychology from Bowling Green State University.

Slevin too is no stranger to honors; she is the recipient of the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award, the Phi Beta Kappa Teaching Award and the Thomas Jefferson Award. Additionally, she is widely known for her mentorship of both students and faculty members. Slevin holds a PhD from the University of Georgia.

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Sullivan Awards -- students

This year's Algernon Sydney Sullivan student awards, which are given to two members of the graduating class, were presented to Jessica Kim and Lamar Shambley during William & Mary's 2010 Commencement ceremony, held May 16 in Kaplan Arena.

The award recipients are chosen based on their "heart, mind and helpfulness to others."

Kim helped establish the Campus Kitchen Project at William & Mary, which has logged more than 2,400 volunteer hours, 7,000 pounds of food and more than 10,000 meals served in less than three years.

“As she leaves the College for Teach for America, she can be confident that William & Mary Campus Kitchen will continue to nourish the bodies and spirits of our neighbors,” said William & Mary President Taylor Reveley. “Well done, Jessica, and congratulations.”

Shambley has touched many lives both on the campus community and beyond. He served as a campus tour guide and as a mentor to at-risk middle school students. He also helped create William & Mary Supports Haiti.

“His enthusiasm and passion inspire those around him,” said Reveley” “Lamar’s impact is best described in the words of a nominator: ‘He has helped to ignite in me a burning passion for changing what I believe needs improvement. He has taught me that I must be the changed I want to see in the world. That is priceless.’”

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Sullivan Award -- nonstudent

David Hindman is this year's recipient of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award for a person with close ties to the College. Because Hindman was unable to make the May 16 Commencement ceremony, Aaron Gregory, from the Wesley Foundation's Young Adult Council, accepted the award on his behalf.

Hindman served as the United Methodist campus minister at the College for the past 22 years.

William & Mary President Taylor Reveley noted Hindman’s efforts to reach out to the entire campus community.

“Unfailingly ecumenical in his outreach, he has encouraged us to consider many dimensions of faith, particularly in the context of an intellectual life,” said Reveley.

The president added that Hindman has led by example, “affirming values that flourish at William & mary: intense intellectual inquiry, a passion for serving others and a commitment to social justice.”

“Our community has been enriched by his love, humor and humanity.”

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