Vassar Vassar College

Awards Program

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Group of people at The Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC) Awards presentation applauding Professor Robert Brigham.

The Alumnae/i Association of Vassar College (AAVC) Awards Program was inaugurated in 2001 to recognize alums who have made significant contributions to the vitality and success of the College and AAVC.

Distinguished Achievement Award

The Distinguished Achievement Award is presented to an alum who has reached the highest level in their field, including the professions, science, the arts, and public affairs. While demonstrating exceptional talent, application, creativity, and skill within a certain career, this individual must at the same time exemplify the ideals of a liberal arts education and have used their position of visibility, power, or leadership to better the human community and serve the wider goals of society.

See past Distinguished Achievement Award recipients
Three people stand in a room, smiling and looking at the camera. One person has mid-length gray hair and glasses; one person has a shaved head, short gray beard, and no glasses; and one person has long brown hair and a dark jacket.
2022 Recipient

Jonathan Granoff ’70

Read more about Jonathan Granoff

Outstanding Service to Vassar College Award

The AAVC Outstanding Service Award is presented to an alum in recognition of their extraordinary commitment, leadership, and service in promoting the goals and highest interests of Vassar College and AAVC. The award honors outstanding contributions made over a number of years in any or all of these volunteer capacities: class, club, and committee activities; fundraising; enriching campus life; or stewardship as board members, trustees, or donors. Outstanding Service Award winners are ambassadors on behalf of Vassar College to the alums and to the larger community.

See past AAVC Outstanding Service Award recipients
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2022 Recipient

Deborah Macfarlan Enright ’82

Read more about Deborah Macfarlan Enright

Spirit of Vassar Award

The Spirit of Vassar Award is presented to an alum who has demonstrated extraordinary and distinguished leadership, contribution, and commitment to serving a community in which they effect positive, transformative societal change. This contribution may have been made through the recipient’s career, community work, or volunteer service. The award recognizes the values of service and civic responsibility that are fundamental to a Vassar education.

See past Spirit of Vassar Award recipients
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2022 Recipient

Brenda Feigen ’66

Read more about Brenda Feigen

Outstanding Faculty/Staff Award

The Outstanding Faculty/Staff Award is presented to a faculty or staff member who has demonstrated exemplary service, leadership, and commitment to engage with alums and current students through a range of programs, initiatives, and activities over a period of years.

See past Outstanding Faculty/Staff Award recipients
A person with short dark hair speaks into a microphone while standing at an outdoor podium on a sunny day.
2022 Recipient

Edward Pittman ’82

Senior Associate Dean of the College (Retired)

Read more about Edward Pittman

Young Alum Achievement or Service Award

The Young Alum Achievement or Service Award is presented to an alum recognized for either their extraordinary service to Vassar in any aspect of engagement OR for their exceptional personal and professional achievement(s) within their respective field. As a graduate within the last 10 years, the recipient should be inspirational to their peers and the current student body, while exemplifying the fruits of a successful liberal arts education at Vassar.

See past Young Alum Achievement or Service Award recipients
A person with short black hair stands at a wooden podium, speaking into a microphone.
2022 Recipient

Arushi Raina ’14

Read more about Arushi Raina

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