About the SEAS Awards

What do a former CEO of AT&T , the President of the National Academy of Engineering , a NASA scientist who served as engineering consultant to the America's Cup racing team, the Dean of the School of Engineering at the University of Florida , and a director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia have in common?

They're all winners of a University of Virginia Engineering School Award. The student award is given in the spring and the alumni, faculty and friends who have distinguished themselves are given their awards at the SEAS Thornton Society dinner in the fall.

These awards, initially given by the University of Virginia Engineering Foundation and now given by the School of Engineering and Applied Science, have been awarded since 1990 to honor outstanding nominees for outstanding alumni, engineering achievement, service, outstanding student and faculty and more.

Do you know a good candidate? The Engineering School hopes that you do, and invites you to send us the name and some supporting information for consideration by the awards committee, which selects the winners each year.

Guidelines for the awards are:

Distinguished Alumni Award (multiple allowed each year): Graduates who through their career and service to the University, state or nation have brought recognition to U.Va. and to themselves as individuals. The nominee's career should demonstrate one of the following:
1 - Exceptional service in government or education.
2 - Meaningful innovation or implementation in research and invention.
3 - Significant contribution in industry, commerce or private practice, or
4 - Other areas in which an alumna/alumnus would have distinguished him/herself.

Engineering Achievement Award (one per year, as merited): To a graduate of the engineering school who has attained extraordinary distinction and success in his/her field of engineering, applied science or technology. Graduate's achievements have resulted in significant contributions to science, engineering and/or technology and benefits to fellow citizens.

Distinguished Service Award (multiple allowed each year, as merited): Honors individuals who have given a generous contribution of time and talent which benefits the University of Virginia Engineering Foundation and/or the engineering school.

Distinguished Faculty Award (one per year): Recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated excellence in teaching, research and/or service. Service can be to his/her discipline, the University, student achievement and/or University community involvement.

Outstanding Student Award (one per year recommended): Given to a current student of the school who has demonstrated outstanding academic performance, leadership and service. Interviews by the UVEF Awards Committee may be part of the selection process.

Outstanding Young Engineering Graduate Award (one per year): Given to recognize alumni who have made significant achievements and contributions in the early phase of their careers. Eligibility is for alumni who have graduated from SEAS and are 40 years of age or younger.

Robert A. Bland Award (one per year): Recognizes a faculty member, alumnus/alumna, or student who is either African-American or whose contribution to the field is of particular significance to African-Americans. This award honors the accomplishments of Robert A. Bland, the first African-American graduate from U.Va. and SEAS.

For information on recent award winners, visit the awards section.

To nominate someone for an award, submit the name and title of the nominee, and a letter detailing reasons for the award, to George Cahen . A resume of the nominee is helpful, and letters supporting the nomination are encouraged.