The Ace Pillars
The ACE (Advancement Community Excellence) Pillars are the key values that strengthen and support the work of the Advancement Community and further the University’s fundraising efforts. ACE Awards are given annually to individuals who exemplify these values - either within their own school or unit or within the overall Advancement Community – and recognize the depth and breadth of the work of our team members.
Strengthen Community
The “Strengthen Community” ACE Pillar Award recipient demonstrates a commitment to teamwork and community building; leads or contributes in ways that make our Advancement Community stronger and more effective.
Be Proactive
The “Be Proactive” ACE Pillar Award recipient identifies needs, challenges, and opportunities for the Advancement Community and takes initiative to address them without management directive.
Act Strategically
The colleague or team who receives the “Act Strategically” ACE Pillar Award works with colleagues across Grounds to cultivate a donor, solicit a gift, or develop a system that will be advantageous to the entire Advancement Community.
Relentless Determination
The colleague or team who receives the “Relentless Determination” ACE Pillar Award demonstrates relentless determination in the pursuit of a gift or project, going above and beyond the call of duty to see the work to completion.
Advocate for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The “Advocate for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion” ACE Pillar Award recipient continuously exemplifies personal and professional practices that advance our community’s commitment to equity and inclusion across the spectrum of diversity represented by our students, colleagues, alumni, donors, and broader University and Charlottesville communities.
Friend of Advancement Award
The “Friend of Advancement” ACE Award recipient is a University leader who exemplifies strategic thinking, advocacy, and collaboration in pursuit of shared success in fundraising and alumni engagement.
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Award Winners
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- 2024 Recipients
- 2023 Recipients
- 2022 Recipients
- 2021 Recipients
- 2020 Recipients
- 2019 Recipients
- 2018 Recipients
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2024 ACE Awards Reception
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FAQ
This peer-driven awards program recognizes collaboration across schools and units for the benefit of the greater University, highlighting the Pillars of outstanding advancement work:
- Strengthen Community
- Relentless Determination
- Be Proactive
- Act Strategically
- Advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Friend of Advancement
Anyone employed in University Advancement or at a UVA-related foundation whose primary responsibility is advancement or support of advancement (i.e. gift processing, administrative support, information systems, development communications or alumni engagement).
Those who are not eligible include: student workers and interns; members of the finance or accounting team for a school, unit or UVA-related foundation; career and advising services; University or school-based communications; Dean’s or President’s office staff; governmental relations; student affairs; admissions; employees of the College at Wise, and others who do not have advancement responsibilities.
Nominees for the Friend of Advancement award are an exception to the above and can be a senior leader from anywhere on Grounds. Learn more about this award above.
To nominate colleagues, use the form linked on this page. Once there, you'll provide a brief description for how the nominee exemplifies the selected Pillar. Your ‘reason for nominating’ description will be used by the ACE Committee to determine the final 7 ACE Award recipients for the year and will be provided to the ACE Pillar Award recipient if he/she/they is selected as a finalist.
There are 7 annual awards. ACE Pillar Awards are $1,000 each (5 awards highlighting each of the 5 ACE Pillars); one individual will be chosen from the nominations to receive the MVP award and will receive $1,500; and one non-monetary recognition award for the Friend of Advancement awardee.
Nominated colleagues will be recognized during the August Week of Learning awards celebration.
Nominees will be made aware of the fact that they were nominated, along with the “reason for nomination”. The name of the nominator will not be shared.
Yes! Nominated colleagues will be recognized online and during the August Week of Learning awards celebration.
Though exceptions have been made in previous years to award a team, we expect that ACE Awards will be given to individual contributors.
Feedback and suggestions are welcome! Please reach out to the ACE co-chairs. For FY25, your co-chairs are Christina Mattaliano (cmm7kk@virginia.edu) and Holly Thornhill (hjb6j@virginia.edu).
Please reach out to the ACE co-chairs or any committee members if you are interested. For FY25, your co-chairs are Christina Mattaliano (cmm7kk@virginia.edu) and Holly Thornhill (hjb6j@virginia.edu).
2023 ACE Awards Reception
Carrie Jordan, David Yang, Michael Goetz, Sadira Glendenning, Joy Nuckolls, Beth Zitzman, and Jenn Cornell. Not pictured: Justin O'Jack, Tim Troy, Steve Mull, Sarah Sawtelle, Ann Lawrence Grasty, and Amy Nolasco.
Mark Luellen and Sarah Sawtelle
Mark Luellen and Jenn Cornell
Mark Luellen and Joy Nuckolls
Mark Luellen and Sadira Glendenning
Carrie Jordan, Michael Goetz, David Yang, Beth Zitzman, and Mark Luellen
Cindy Fredrick accepted on behalf of Ann Lawrence Grasty.
Steve Kimata, Associate VP for Enrollment and Student Financial Services, accepted on behalf of Amy Nolasco.
