The University of Mary Washington Board of Visitors passed a resolution to establish the Grace Mann Launch Award in memory of UMW student Grace Rebecca Mann.
The award will be given to a graduating senior who is active in organizations promoting social justice, equality and social change; who advocates for victims of sexual assault or prejudice; and who exemplifies a commitment to improving the lives of others through the change of attitudes, behaviors, laws, policies or institutions, according to the resolution approved by the Board.
A junior American studies major from Northern Virginia, Grace was actively involved in People for the Rights of Individuals of Sexual Minorities (PRISM), Feminist United, and the Student Government Association Senate.
“Grace was a leader working to end sexual assault on campus,” according to the resolution. “Grace had plans to make the world a better place, a place of peace and equality. Her parents wish to establish this award in honor of Grace and to support a graduating student who will be doing the work she would have done. This award is intended to provide funds to help launch the recipient into their post-college life as they pursue their goals and promote equality and/or advocate for victims.”
The Grace Mann Launch Award has been funded by gifts totaling more than $153,075 from Grace’s family, friends and colleagues. The gift will be permanently endowed in the UMW Foundation.
“Historically, the UMW endowment has had investments of less than 10 percent of the portfolio allocated to ‘Carbon 200’ firms, a collection of the world’s largest oil, gas, and coal companies,” according to Torre Meringolo, vice president for Advancement and University Relations. Using this benchmark as a measure, the present total non-fossil fuel investment fluctuates between 93 percent and 97 percent.
“This is consistent with the Mann family’s request for this fund to have limited exposure to fossil fuel investments,” said Meringolo.
The dean of Student Life will select the recipient of the Grace Mann Launch Award, in consultation with the staff in the Office of Student Activities, the James Farmer Multicultural Center and members of the American Studies faculty. The first award will be presented during the UMW Eagle Awards ceremony on April 20.