The Exemplo Capstone Awards recognizes individuals or groups who exemplify the highest level of active participation that leads to transformational learning and growth at the Capstone and beyond.
These awards, entitled Exemplo, represent a Latin transitioning verb that means to serve as an example. The spirit of that definition supports our hope that we both learn through our engagement, but leave our communities better than we found them. These prestigious honors demonstrate how the dedication and engagement of driven citizens (students, alumni, departments, and community partners) can positively impact their communities.
Applications
Each spring, UA campus community and organizations are invited to submit applications or nominations for the Exemplo Capstone Awards.
Awards Overview
Star Bloom Volunteer of the Year Award
This accolade goes to the student, or students, that best demonstrate the mission to educate students for civic engagement and leadership as well as giving students various service engagement opportunities. They are committed to engagement programs that promote education and awareness of community needs and resources leads to opportunities for social problem solving. They go above and beyond in helping to forward the mission and value of community service at The University of Alabama. They are doing their part in creating a better tomorrow.
Henry M. Lipsey Heart of Service Award
The spirit of the Henry M. Lipsey Heart of Service Award is best encapsulated by the words of Robert Greenleaf. He wrote, “The servant-leader is servant first, it begins with a natural feeling that one wants to serve first, as opposed to wanting power, influence, fame or wealth.” The award has a three part criteria: Goodwill (acts of compassion to others in the Tuscaloosa community), Justice (supporting work that benefits the community directly) and Servant Leadership (showing a desire and willingness to create positive impacts). Anyone can nominate a student for this award.
Community Partner Award
This accolade goes to the community partners that collaborate with the CSL that best demonstrates the mission to educate students for civic engagement and leadership as well as giving students a variety of service opportunities annually. These partners are committed to providing engagement programs that promote education and awareness of community needs and resources leads to opportunities for social problem solving.
Daniel Nielsen Award for Exceptional Change
This accolade goes to a student, or students, who embody the commitment to actively engagingly in transformational leadership and service that Daniel Nielsen had while at the Capstone. This award seeks to honor students whose collective contributions to The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, and beyond are grounded in the values of the Center for Service and Leadership and demonstrates that “Meaningful Service + Engaged Leadership = Measurable Change.”
Barbara Grimes Selfless Service Award
This accolade goes to a student, or students, who embody the essence of selfless service. Barbara Grimes was an Administrative Assistant in the CSL for many years. She is one of the most selfless people on earth, serving lovingly and willing behind the scenes to ensure everything was perfect for our students and programs. She never looked for praise or accolades. She served because it was her essence and it still is. Nominees will have embodied these characteristics through their altruistic desire to serve.
Dr. Courtney Chapman-Thomas UNLESS Award
This award honors students who demonstrate active citizenship, fueled by Dr. Seuss’s quote from The Lorax: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it’s not.” These individuals live the “UNLESS creed,” a commitment to caring deeply and taking action, which was significantly shaped and promoted by Dr. Courtney Chapman-Thomas during her tenure as the CSL’s longest-standing director.
-
2024-25 Exemplo Awards Recipients
Congratulations to the 2024-2025 recipients of the Exemplo Awards!
Star Bloom Volunteer of the Year Award
- Noelle Smith
Henry M. Lipsey Heart of Service Award
- Maritza Colin Miranda
Community Partner Award
- Schoolyard Roots
Daniel Nielsen Award for Exceptional Change
- Sammi Samler
- Allison Pope
Barbara Grimes Selfless Service Award
- Tamya Evans
- Kennedi Preston
Dr. Courtney Chapman-Thomas UNLESS Award
- Katelyn Rials
- Hayden Phillips