unionsnews

April 30th, 2012

Recognizing JMU's Leadership: Dolley Awards

The Office of Student Activity and Involvement received one hundred and forty nominations and 16 students and faculty became the proud recipients of Dolley Leadership Awards. The elegant occasion was celebrated on April 18 in the Festival Ballroom. 

The award ceremony, which has been an annual occasion for over three decades, was created to applaud all the hard work students and faculty invest in their organizations, said Office of Student Activities and Involvement associate director, Kristin Muncy.

A very surprised recipient, junior Daveon McMullen, was given the ‘Pay It Forward’ award. This was his first time being nominated and first time winning a Dolley.

“The award demonstrates how much I do for the JMU population, and it also shows how much I‘ve been helped by others to get to where I am,” said McMullen.

Awards are also created to increase leadership in the university. The awards were given to a diverse group of individuals who showed their commitment to the university through leadership.

Dr. Linwood Rose was present at this year’s Dolley award ceremony.

“Unfortunately I don’t think we recognize leadership enough,” said Rose. “I think all of the presenters were honored to have the opportunity to recognize people who changed and improved the quality of life on campus everyday.”

As a new year approaches, McMullen gives advice to students who want to become Dolley recipients: “Continue to be authentic in your involvement and do things that feel comfortable. Don’t do it for your resume.”