University Recognition Awards

Each year, through the presentation of 3 awards, the University of Mary Washington recognizes employees who provide exemplary service to the University.  These employees are nominated by other members of the University Community.  This year’s award winners will be announced at a special event to take place during Spring Break.  The Atkins Award is open for nominations through 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.

  • Richard V. and Rosemary A. Hurley Presidential Commendation : The intent of this award is to honor Mr. and Mrs. Hurley, who consistently demonstrated a desire to recognize and reward outstanding service of University employees, and who have led by example in their work at Mary Washington.  The benefactors of the award are Elmer and Marceline Weatherly Morris, Class of 1950. Eligibility for this award is open to UMW employees, with preference for administrative / professional faculty members.
  • Charles Coleman Memorial Service Award: Charles Coleman was an employee of 29 years who demonstrated pride, dedication, and loyalty throughout his many years of service. This award was established in honor of his memory and exemplary service.  All classified and hourly employees with at least 5 years of continuous employment are eligible for the award; all employees are invited to nominate any of their colleagues who meet the eligibility requirement.
  •  University Staff  Council’s Larry Atkins Staff Awards :  The University Staff Council recognizes UMW employees who are the unsung heroes of our offices.  Larry Atkins was one of the first employees to receive the U.S.C. “We Couldn’t Do it Without You Award,” which has since been renamed in his memory. Any administrative faculty, wage, and/or classified employee may be nominated. Three UMW employees will be selected (one from each of the above classifications).

Atkins Award nominations are open through 5pm on Wednesday, September 27, 2023. All three award nominations will open again in September 2023.

See the list of all past award recipients.

For questions on these nomination processes, please contact Pam Lowery (plowery@umw.edu) regarding the Coleman and Hurley awards or Sarah Appleby (sappleby@umw.edu) about the Atkins award.

Thank you!