Today, the University of Virginia’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy announced the nine student recipients of the Bocock and Hitz Public Service Fellowship for 2020-21. Through the generosity of Mary Buford and Fred Hitz, the fellowship was established in 2012 to support exceptional students in Batten’s Master of Public Policy (MPP) program who are dedicated to creating positive change in their public service careers.

“Amid the extraordinary challenges before us today, the Batten School remains committed to cultivating the next generation of public leaders – courageous and ambitious leaders who will strengthen our democracy and help solve humanity’s toughest challenges,” said Batten School Dean Ian H. Solomon. “Thanks to the generous gift of the Bocock and Hitz families, we can provide much-needed support to these nine outstanding Fellows as they pursue their passion to serve the greater good.”

The 2020-21 Bocock and Hitz Public Service Fellowship recipients are:

Postgrad MPP Class of 2021: 

Landon R. Webber of Richmond, Virginia, graduated from Rhodes College with a BA in Political Science. Landon is committed to a career in public service and is interested in the intersection of economic development, workforce development, and higher education.

Amanda Rosensky of Greensboro, North Carolina, graduated with a BA in Political Science and International Affairs from Wake Forest University. Amanda hopes to work in education and/or refugee immigration policy at the federal level, and is open to pursuing this work through a variety of avenues. 

Erin Sutherland of Washington, D.C., graduated with a BA in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia. After graduation, Erin plans to join the U.S. Department of State's Foreign Service as a Public Diplomacy Officer.

Accelerated MPP Class of 2021:

Annie Laurie Ross of Alexandria, VA, graduated from the University of Virginia with a BA in Foreign Affairs. Annie is dedicated to decreasing structural and cultural inequalities and prioritizing the needs of traditionally overlooked minorities, especially at the national level. 

Emily Perkins of Roanoke, VA, graduated from the University of Virginia with a BA in Government. Emily is interested in helping nonprofits advocate for themselves. 

James Davis of Altavista, VA, graduated with a BA in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia. James is interested in working in legislative affairs, specializing in trade, tax, and regulatory policy. 

Postgrad MPP Class of 2022

David Erzen of Pittsburgh, PA, graduated with a BS in Applied Physics from Marietta College. David aspires to work with USAID, focusing primarily on environmental and agricultural development in Eastern Africa.

Camille Blum of Bethesda, MD, graduated with a BA from Amherst College in History, Math, and Russian. Camille is interested in international law and human rights, and hopes to take the Foreign Service Exam one day.

Alexa Angelo of Warren, OH, graduated from Miami University of Ohio with a BA in Dietetics. Alexa is interested in addressing racial inequities as a root cause of poverty, especially in regard to the lack of affordable housing options for underserved communities.

Recipients of the Bocock and Hitz Public Service Fellowship are selected based on financial need, academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to serving the public good.