More than 15 honors recognize diverse contributions of undergraduates

Applications are currently out for the annual Magnolia Awards, sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Students. The prizes award up to $5,000 and recognize undergraduates for community service, leadership and scholarship.

Over 15 different awards are given, with some requiring a faculty nomination, others requiring a faculty reference and still others that make the application process simpler.

"There is such a wide array of awards to apply for, from participation in intramural sports to diversity issues," said Neil Jamerson, a program coordinator in the Office of Leadership Development and Intercultural Affairs. "There is such a wide range that we want to inform as many people as possible."
Students must turn in applications by 5 p.m. on Feb. 9, and award winners are invited to the awards ceremony in April.
Jamerson said the awards ceremony is a formal event that brings winners together with administrators and award sponsors
"Some awards are in honor of people, and we invite the people and the families who made the original gift possible so they can meet the winners," Jamerson said. "We also invite other dignitaries from campus, such as Chancellor Gordon Gee and Mark Bandas. Each award is announced and each winner is given a plaque and a check for their prize."

For more information, visit www.vanderbilt.edu/leadership/magnolia.html.