To periodically award individuals, who have given generously of their time and talent to the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the University of Virginia Engineering Foundation.

For many years now there has been one person training the Engineering School’s graduate deans…perhaps you knew or know some of them…Ralph Lowry, George Cahen…yes me…Milton Adams, Kathy Thornton. Thousands of engineering graduate students hold this lady in high esteem and respect her counsel without question.

This lady is Tammy Ramsey and the amount of thanks and praise she receives from students and their families when they finally complete their thesis or dissertation is heart-warming. Everyone doesn’t get to see this…but those of us who have inhabited the graduate office saw it often.

It takes only a short time of exposure to Tammy and applicants from all over the country and the world call the graduate office and ask for her by name…they want to speak to Tammy Ramsey!

To quote a colleague of hers, “I have never worked with anyone so firmly loyal to their employer. She always arrives at work early, often works through lunch and works hard every day. This is in addition to her hectic life as a mother and grandmother”.

Those of you who know Tammy, know that she is a very kind person…every year at Christmas, she initiates buying a card and passing it throughout the Dean’s Office for donations to raise money for the Thornton Hall housekeepers. She truly appreciates the efforts of all people and is especially cognizant of those frequently overlooked.

As phenomenal as she is at her job, she seeks no recognition...she even shies away from it…I was afraid that she might not come this evening…but she did!

She is the font of knowledge on all graduate issues for deans, faculty, staff, and students and it is with much appreciation that the School of Engineering and Applied Science honor Tammy W. Ramsey by presenting to her a 2008 School of Engineering and Applied Science Distinguished Service Award.