Alumni Association Awards Commerce Student its $45,000 Sky Alland Scholarship

April 25, 2012 — The University of Virginia Alumni Association has awarded its 18th annual Sky Alland Scholarship – which recognizes a fourth-year student who best exemplifies the characteristics of entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, achievement, humility and devotion to the University – to Tony Li, a commerce student from Hangzhou, China. He will receive a scholarship valued at approximately $45,000.

The award is named for J. Schuyler Alland, a 1979 graduate of the McIntire School of Commerce, who was killed in a 1992 carjacking. Originally established in 1994 by Alland's classmates, colleagues and friends, the scholarship celebrates his spirit, honors his character, and commemorates his love for the University.

Previously awarded only within the McIntire School, the award is now offered to any rising fourth-year student at the University. This year's nominations came from across the University and the six finalists represented an array of majors

"An enterprising spirit is not exclusive to business students," said Kent Sullivan, who chairs the Sky Alland Scholarship Endowment. "It is the mark of a person who sees a need and fills it, someone who has a bias for action."

Li, a third-year student in the McIntire School, is also a second major in economics in the College of Arts & Sciences and is an Echols Scholar.

He serves as scholarship chair for Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, and organized and presided over its "Men of Principle" competition and Rotunda dinner. An honor adviser, he also leads the 300-member Mainland Student Network, where he actively mentors and encourages other Chinese students to be involved in University life. He was recently named a trustee of the Class of 2013, and will be a member of the Class Gift Committee.

At McIntire, Li is active in the McIntire Investment Institute. He was a member of the winning team in a recent business case competition hosted by Applied Predictive Technologies.

The Alland Scholarship selection committee, comprising eight fourth-year student leaders, received a record number of nominations this year. The six finalists were honored at a dinner, with interviews following the next day.

For information visit the Sky Scholarship website or contact Amy Sallade at als9n@virginia.edu.