Two members of the University of Virginia community will be awarded the highest honor given by the University – the Thomas Jefferson Award – during Fall Convocation Friday at 2 p.m. in the John Paul Jones Arena.

Dorrie Fontaine, dean of U.Va.’s School of Nursing, will deliver the keynote address at the ceremony, which will include the awarding of Intermediate Honors to the top 20 percent of third-year students who have completed at least 60 hours of course work in their first two years.

One of the Thomas Jefferson Awards, sponsored since 1955 by the McConnell Foundation, recognizes excellence in service to the University. The other Thomas Jefferson award, established in 2009 by the Alumni Board of Trustees of the University of Virginia Endowment Fund Inc., recognizes excellence in scholarship.

Fontaine said she is honored to have been asked to speak at the ceremony.

“I am pleased and eager to offer this official, autumn salute to such an important crowd of students – and to have the opportunity to give a warm welcome to their families, friends and loved ones, too.”

Fall Convocation traditionally kicks off Family Weekend.

For information on Fall Convocation, click here or call 434-982-3099.