Batten Undergraduate Council Legacy Awards
Each year, the Batten Undergraduate Council (BUC) 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.
Mr. Batten thought that the earlier in their careers that exceptional students begin to think of themselves as future public leaders who can promote a better society, the greater the likelihood they will become such leaders. He embodied the idea that the success of an organization or community is dependent on its leadership and its commitment to public service. It is through this leadership that organizations evolve and address the needs of its members. Fortunately for us, the Batten School is full of these leaders.
The recipient of this award is a person who has made significant contributions to the Batten Community. This student has gone above and beyond the call of duty in helping to make Batten the best that it can be. Whether it be through a quiet, dignified or more outward and robust style of leadership, this person has left a great legacy of leadership at the Batten School.
After the US Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision, Mr. Batten chose to publicly support school integration through his newspaper, the Virginian-Pilot. He was met with angry opposition and internal resistance. Mr. Batten stood fast to his beliefs and made tough decisions, despite going against the tide of popular opinion. Through his bravery and resolute ideals, he helped inspire the community of Norfolk to peaceably integrate without the violence that occurred elsewhere across the country.
The recipient of this award is an individual who is steadfast and confident in their beliefs and is not afraid to go against the grain to do or say what they think is right. This person challenges conventional practices when appropriate, asks tough questions, and has a strong moral compass. Respected by his or her teachers and peers alike, this person will leave behind a legacy of courage and integrity.
Despite great adversity, Mr. Batten was able to obtain great success. In 1977, he was diagnosed with throat cancer, had his larynx removed, and had to relearn to speak. It was after overcoming this disease that he created the Weather Channel–yet another aspect of his life through which he faced great challenges. The concept of a 24-hour weather station was considered novel, at best, and while the Weather Channel almost went under, Mr. Batten’s persistence and vision led it to great heights. In the face of the adversity, he overcame great obstacles, and he credited his success to his steadfast perseverance.
The recipient of this award embodies Mr. Batten’s perseverance. This student, despite significant obstacles throughout the course of their life, has proven to persevere and overcome challenges and has emerged as a leader poised to do great things in the world.
Mr. Batten felt passionately about the University’s most important product: enlightened and ethical leaders who leave Grounds prepared for public life- in their communities, in their professions, in the world at large.
This recipient is a person who embodies the now-famous quote that graces navy blue Batten School coffee cups throughout Garrett Hall and beyond. Trailblazer. Innovator. Pioneer. Whatever we call this student, it is with characteristic initiative and passion they now stand poised to enter the world and immediately make an impact, wherever they see the greatest need.
Mr. Batten was given the unique opportunity by his uncle to become publisher of the Virginian-Pilot and its afternoon sister paper at the age of 27. His drive for delivering relevant news to the people of Virginia was underscored by his intellectual curiosity and thirst for knowledge.
The recipient of this award is a person who, in addition to his or her academic achievement, truly enjoys learning. This student has an intellectual hunger and passion for policy and consistently shares this with and encourages it in others. Whether it be in class discussion, group work, or outside conversation, this student pushes their classmates to think outside the box and adds value to the education of their peers.
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2025 Batten Pilot and Legacy Awards AnnouncedAs the academic year closes, the UVA Batten honors 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.
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Batten Pilot and Legacy Awards AnnouncedAs 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.
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Student StoriesThe Batten School Announces Class of 2022 Pilot and Legacy Award WinnersThe Pilot and Legacy Awards, named in honor of the Batten School’s late founder, Frank Batten, Sr., are the most prestigious student-nominated awards for graduating Master of Public Policy students and students graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Leadership.
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Student StoriesThe Batten School Announces Class of 2021 Winners of the Pilot and Legacy AwardsThe Pilot and Legacy Awards are the most prestigious student-nominated awards for graduating MPP and BA students. This year, a record number of nominations were submitted by Batten students, faculty and staff who were impacted by Batten’s Class of 2021.
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Student StoriesThe Batten School Announces Class of 2020 Winners of the Pilot and Legacy AwardsThe Pilot and Legacy Awards, named in honor of the Batten School’s late founder, Frank Batten, Sr., are the most prestigious student-nominated awards for graduating Master of Public Policy students and students graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Leadership.