The James Frederic Carr Memorial Cup

Sarah L. Devendorf ’25 - 2025 Award Recipient

The James Frederic Carr Memorial Cup was established in honor of a William & Mary student who served with distinction in the First World War and lost his life before he could return to graduate. The award recognizes the student who best exemplifies character, scholarship and leadership. The recipient of the 2025 Carr Memorial Cup is Sarah L. Devendorf.

A distinguished scholar, Ms. Devendorf pursues excellence in all areas of her life. She graduates with a bachelor’s in government and history and a remarkable 3.9 GPA. Ms. Devendorf researched human rights with the Global Research Institute and has interned with Lawyers Without Borders, OpenSecrets, the Brookings Institution, a U.S. Senator and a state legislator. She was one of 13 undergraduate students invited by the Pulitzer Center to interview vulnerable communities for a long-form article.

In January 2025, Ms. Devendorf assisted Professor C. Lawrence Evans in evaluating a U.S. House of Representatives New Member Seminar. She met with congressional staff and wrote brief, professional summaries of their conversations. Congressional Research Service leadership, as well as freshmen lawmakers and their spouses, “raved” about her maturity and intelligence.

As a Spotswood Society member, Ms. Devendorf supported the historic Sir Christopher Wren Building. She served as vice president of the Virginia Gamma Chapter of Mortar Board and vice chair of William & Mary’s Conduct & Honor Advisors Program. She also held leadership roles at the Flat Hat, on the Media Council and on the Undergraduate Admissions Arts Panel.

Ms. Devendorf’s trailblazing talent has garnered widespread praise at William & Mary and beyond. She was recognized with the A. Joseph Jay Award for Service in Support of Our Community’s Values, the Cypher Award and the Carl A. Fehr Scholarship. She is a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Kappa.

Peers and advisors praise her poise, work ethic and commitment to supporting others. As one nominator put it, Ms. Devendorf is “deeply invested in the intellectual development of those around her, always encouraging discourse and deeper understanding.” William & Mary proudly honors Ms. Devendorf with the Carr Memorial Cup for her integrity, leadership and curiosity.