February 6, 2012 — The University of Virginia Fourth-Year Trustees are seeking nominations for three class awards recognizing outstanding fourth- and fifth-year students. These awards – for community service, for cultural fluency and the new Unsung Hero Award – will be presented May 19 at Valedictory Exercises .

All graduating fourth- and fifth-year students are eligible for the awards, with the exception of the members of the class trustees. Faculty, staff and students are invited to identify graduating members of the University community who deserve one of the three awards.

The Community Service Award, established in 1993, honors someone who strives to enrich the University and Charlottesville communities and who exemplifies the true ideal of service. The trustees identify service as "a commitment to humanitarian goals with no expectation of material reward." This person inspires others to help their community through their initiative and involvements in a service project or a cause.

Since 1996, the Cultural Fluency Award has recognized students who have demonstrated an understanding of and appreciation for cultural and intellectual diversity during their time at the University. Nominees should "demonstrate cultural fluency" by initiating activities that promote the "interconnectedness of culture and intellectual community, and a respect for a diversity of people and their ideas," according to the class trustees' website.

This year, the trustees have added a new award. The Award for the Unsung Hero is designed to recognize "a student who consistently stands up for others and works to right wrongs" and who has contributed to the class and University community "without seeking recognition or reward for his or her good deeds," according to the trustees' website. The recipient serves as a role model and embodies the values of integrity, loyalty and heart.

Nomination forms are available for download on the Class of 2012 website. The forms must be returned to Class of 2012 Awards Committee by March 2 at 11:59 p.m. Completed nomination forms and questions about the process can be emailed to communityserviceaward2012@gmail.com.

– by Kate Colwell