As the academic year closes, the Batten community has come together to honor several exemplary students who have been nominated by peers, faculty and staff for their consistent and superior work and dedication inside and outside the classroom. These awards are based on principles and traits exemplary of and important to our founder, the late Frank Batten, Sr.

Pilot Awards (Graduate Students)

The Pilot Award is named for The Virginian-Pilot, the newspaper Batten helmed in his early career.  The Batten Graduate Council annually invites students, faculty, and staff to nominate graduating Master of Public Policy students for one of five Pilot Awards. The awards recognize the recipients’ leadership, impact, and service within the greater university and policy communities. 

Congratulations to this year’s recipients! Below are excerpts from their nominations. 

Anastasia Jones-Burdick - Policy Analysis Impact Award 

“Anastasia goes out of her way to connect with all Batten students and be involved in the greater UVA community with FGC and the food pantry. She leads by example and is a light in the Batten and UVA community!” 

Priscilla Akpalu - Inclusive Advocacy Impact Award

“Priscilla is always speaking up to make sure everybody’s voices are amplified in the right ways. She is president of Black Student Leaders in Policy and has helped to welcome several Batten Hour speakers to Grounds who have helped us think more inclusively about policy.” 

Sanny Yang - Leadership Excellence Impact Award 

 “A natural leader, Sanny has excelled in multiple roles in Batten including secretary of the Batten Graduate Council and a teaching assistant for Research Methods and Data Analysis I and II.” 

Grace Makin - Outreach & Service Impact Award 

“Grace has been influential in the service and outreach opportunities available to both Batten graduate and undergraduate students during her time as the Batten Graduate Council's external chairperson. Not only has she put on a wide range of service programming, but her personal commitment to service should be an inspiration for all public policy students.”

Rachel Fu - Transformative Impact Award 

“Rachel brought back the Dialogue Dinners program. I think especially in a time of so much polarization, she made it easier for students to have productive dialogues.” 

Legacy Awards (Undergraduate Students)

Each year, the Batten Undergraduate Council invites students, faculty, and staff to make nominations for its Legacy Awards, given in five categories to honor graduating Bachelor of Arts students who have demonstrated leadership at the Batten School. Each of these awards reflect the virtues and experiences that distinguished Frank Batten, Sr. throughout his inspirational life.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients! Below are excerpts from their nominations. 

Emily PItts - Leader Among Leaders Award

“Emily is very involved in leadership at Batten and always has a positive presence.” 

Sloane Daly - ‘Fearless Frank’ Integrity Award

“Sloane is truly fearless and never falters in her values. She is genuine and has an extremely strong moral compass. She leads by example by dedicating her time to causes she believes in and never shies away from sharing her views.” 

Elisabeth Bass - Perseverance Award

“Elisabeth has overcome countless personal hardships throughout my time knowing her as a member of the Batten community. She continues to courageously give back to her community and stand up for her values even in the face of immense personal adversity.” 

Erin Gaul - Pioneer Award

“Trailblazer. Innovator. Pioneer. Whatever word you choose, Erin Gaul fits the definition. With characteristic initiative and deep conviction, she has spent her time at Batten not only preparing herself for a life of public service, but ensuring others are equipped to do the same.” 

Will Mayer - Virginian-Pilot Intellectual Curiosity Award

 “Will is truly dedicated to learning and advocating for better outcomes. He is always willing to engage in a thought-provoking conversation both in class and outside of it. By doing so, he brings out the best in other students and encourages unique perspectives, while encouraging others to share their ideas."