Two Students Receive Scholarship for Global Leadership for Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion

The University of Virginia Darden School of Business community gathered in a virtual setting on 7 May to recognize and award two students for their commitment to an inclusive community.

The Lemuel E. Lewis Bicentennial Award for Global Leadership, a scholarship award toward tuition for both an incoming First Year student and rising Second Year student, was presented to Tre Tennyson (Class of 2021) and Nguyen Le (Class of 2022).

The award, now in its second year, recognizes students who have demonstrated a commitment to increase inclusiveness among various economic, political, religious and social groups and was made possible by a philanthropic gift from Lem Lewis (MBA ’72), a member of the Darden Foundation Board of Trustees and a Principal Donor of the School.

Assistant Dean for Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Christie Julien said the School considered roughly 20 students for the First Year award. For the Second Year award, 81 students were nominated and eventually winnowed down to 45 who submitted essays for further consideration by the scholarship committee, which is led by students.

“You all did not make our job easy,” said Julien, saying the rich candidate pool exemplified “how unique and inspiring our students are.”

Lewis, who joined the Darden community to congratulate the winners, encouraged students to appreciate the possibilities in the unique Darden environment.

“Over the past 30-plus years, I have benefited enormously from the Darden experience. Darden’s rich culture and diverse student body have really broadened my perspective on a number of topics and issues,” said Lewis. “I only wish I could roll back the clock and redo this all over again. It’s an incredible experience.”