UVA Batten 2026 Legacy Awards
2026 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.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients! Below are descriptions of each award and excerpts from the winners’ nominations.
Leader Among Leaders Award – Faith Windbigler
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.
“Faith Windbigler is a top tier leader both in the classroom and as BUC president.”
“I see Faith Windbigler, the current BUC president, hustling and doing anything and everything possible to help engage Batten students and to make being in Batten a fruitful and familial experience.”
‘Fearless Frank’ Integrity Award – Suliana Barrera Paredes
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.
“Suliana distinguishes herself among the class, especially through her role as president of the Batten Latinx Network. She picked up the organization as all of the upperclassman graduated and has been intentional about engaging third years in Batten as well as pre-Batten students so the organization can thrive. Moreover, BLN has thrived since Suliana arrived, even bringing in a Batten hour speaker that is still talked about to this day. Additionally, as a Bridge to Batten TA 2 years in a row, she always avails herself to prospective Batten students and provides resources and advice that motivates future cohorts to pursue Batten.”
Perseverance Award – Zacarias Toimil
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.
“From a class this spring, I realized how much he has been through and continues to go through. However, he was almost always present and prepared for class and I admired that!”
“Zacarias approaches his role in this community with love and passion, to make Batten the best place possible to be a UVA student, through the BUC Executive Board and Chi Alpha, engaging with students through mentoring, and in his involvement as an orientation leader.”
Pioneer Award – Catherine Housson
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.
“Catherine is one of the few research assistants who I can speak to on virtually every element of her aptitude, despite only meeting her in the fall of her third year of undergraduate degree in public policy. Catherine is an incredibly quick learner and has been able to represent my research lab’s professionalism and philosophy by continuing to think through innovative solutions for societies inadequacies in every interaction that she had with my practitioner partners…Catherine is consistently taking on opportunities to help others, from working directly with children with different lives than her, thinking of how she can support those troubled by jolts within the nation, and even thinking about how she can directly impact people who are survivors of many forms of violence.”
“Not only has Catherine exhibited remarkable research and innovation skills, she has clearly demonstrated her passion and drive to help address this critical public health need. Catherine continues to wow me with her vision and work ethic, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the Pioneer Award. Her work will truly make a difference in our world and I’m deeply proud of her.”
Virginian-Pilot Intellectual Curiosity Award – Anna Bartlett
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.
“Anna’s intellectual hunger is evident not only in her double majors in Public Policy and French (and her high GPA), but also in the extraordinary breadth of commitments she pursues alongside her studies. During her time at UVA, she has served as a Batten Admissions Ambassador, a course assistant, a Virginia Ambassador, a member of the Batten Undergraduate Council and the Fourth Year Trustees, President of the Kellogg Dorm Association Council, and a participant in the Women’s Leadership Development Program and Public Service Pathways. At the same time, she led as President of Club Swim, guiding the largest CIO on grounds with administrative precision, community-building care, strategic vision, and passion.”
“Anna thrives in complexity, consistently pushing herself, and those around her, to think more critically, ask better questions, and pursue deeper understanding. I have seen up close the sincerity and curiosity she brings to policy discussions, group work, and independent assignments. She holds herself to exceptionally high standards, not out of perfectionism alone, but from a genuine desire to learn as much as possible from every academic (and collegiate) experience.”
