Staff report

Three members of the University community — known for their deep, and often behind-the-scenes commitment to the University — will receive Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards at Valediction May 15.

Jessica Belue and Justin Steele, both fourth-year students, were nominated by fellow students, who wrote passionately of their leadership qualities and power to touch and change lives. Alice Handy, U.Va.’s recently retired treasurer, was heralded for her concern for the University’s long-term financial welfare and her dedication to protecting the institution’s standing as one of the best in the nation.

Alice Handy

Alice Handy

Alice Handy never intended to become one of the primary stewards of Thomas Jefferson’s vision. Helping to keep the University fiscally sound during some very tough economic times was something that she simply did.

Handy joined the University in 1974 as its first investment officer in the midst of a stock market drop that had taken U.Va.’s endowment from more than $80 million down to $60 million. She dedicated her career and used her experience and expertise to guide the University’s endowment into the ranks of the five largest among public institutions and among the 25 largest of all colleges and universities.

When she stepped down, the endowment had reached a then all-time high of $1.9 billion.

University President John T. Casteen III has on more than one occasion credited the success of the University’s endowment to Handy’s efforts.

But Handy’s impact on the University community extends far beyond what she has accomplished as a superb administrator and investor. She understands the mission of a public university, most especially this one, and the passion and allegiance that it inspires, her nominators wrote. She also has been both role model and mentor to women colleagues and women students.

“Alice Handy may have done more to promote the professional advancement of women at the University than anyone else,” University Librarian Karin Wittenborg said. “Her superb intellect, her unparalleled performance, her influence, her generosity to others with her time and talent, her quiet determination, and her humility have set the standard — even if few of us can meet it.”

Handy said she was both surprised and touched by the Sullivan Award. “The University has played a special role in my life for the past 29 years, but this year is particularly significant.”

Handy’s daughter, Jenny, will receive her U.Va. degree this weekend.

Jessica Belue

Jessica Belue

Jessica Belue, a fourth-year American Studies major, is known for her compassion and common sense. Her nomination letters told of her caring dedication and enthusiasm for everything she has become involved in at the University — from the Lighting of the Lawn, an event she chaired, and the Virginia Belles, of which she was president, to Chi Omega and the Inter-Sorority Council, organizations she helped lead.

Belue also has been an active participant in student affairs and government, serving as a senior orientation leader and as a Class of 2004 trustee. Throughout her four years, she has immersed herself in the life of the University — so much so, that Belue now plans a career in higher education.

“We certainly were very pleased when she said she will be pursuing student affairs,” said Laurie Casteen, assistant director of orientation and new student programs. “She has maturity and wonderful common sense. Jess is tremendously deserving of the Sullivan Award.”

Belue credits her mother, a high school guidance counselor back home in Florence, Ala., as her inspiration. “Watching my mom in action has influenced the work I want to do in colleges and universities,” she said.
She also credits several faculty members — English professors Steven Cushman and John Sullivan and religious studies professor Gerald Fogarty, a Jesuit priest — for helping shape not only her life at U.Va., but her career decisions.

Next year, Belue will work with a Jesuit volunteer corps in Atlanta before enrolling in a master’s degree program in education. “It’s a way to do some challenging things in America,” she said, “and also meet a community with a faith component.”

Justin Steele

Justin Steele

Like Belue, Justin Steele has been active in a broad range of programs — including the Office of African-American Affairs’ Peer Advisor Program — almost since his first day on Grounds.

His commitment to improving race relations has shaped many of his activities, and he has been one to reach out into the University community at times when dialogue and understanding were most needed, those supporting his nomination said. Steele was someone who brought people together and promoted the concept of a community of trust.

Sullivan awards

Created in 1925, Sullivan Awards are given to distinguished students and university community members at a handful of
universities across the country in memory of the late New York lawyer, businessman and philanthropist, Algernon Sydney Sullivan, who was said to have “reached out both hands in constant helpfulness.” After his death, the New York Southern Society, of which he was president, introduced the award to perpetuate the excellence of character and humanitarian service he epitomized.