February 15, 2008 -- The University of Virginia's Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award Committee is now accepting confidential nominations for the 2008 awards.

Given for excellence of character and service to humanity, these awards are presented each year at the Valedictory Exercises to one male and one female graduate, as well as one nonstudent member of the University community.

The awards are given in memory of Algernon Sydney Sullivan (1826-1877), a prominent New York lawyer, businessman and philanthropist. The New York Southern Society, which created the awards in 1925, and selected colleges and universities jointly arrange for the issue of medallions as perpetual reminders of Sullivan, who was the society's first president.

This award honors "unsung heroes" or "the angels among us" — both students and University community members who strive each day to better the lives of those around them, doing so with no thought of recognition or reward.

Confidential nominations should be submitted by Feb. 25 to Laurie Casteen, Office of the Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer, P.O. Box 400303 (Rotunda, S.W. Wing), or via e-mail attachment to laurie@virginia.edu.

Information is available at www.virginia.edu/vpsa/organization/awards.htm.