The Bolívar Network was founded in 1997 by Alexandra Alvarez Minoff (Col ’00). The Bolívar Network’s mission has three pillars:
- Scholarship and Fundraising: Assist Hispanic/Latinx students attend and thrive at the University of Virginia.
- Undergraduate Mentoring Support: Support undergraduate students in getting the most out of UVA by harnessing the network of alumni.
- Alumni Connection and Networking: Build a network where alumni can connect with one another and support each other in their career journeys.
To support Hispanic/Latinx students financially while at UVA, The Bolívar Network created the Book Scholarship Fund, First-Year Scholarship Fund, Leadership Fund, and two awards. To learn more about The Bolívar Network’s scholarship funds, please contact alumni-scholarships@virginia.edu.
Book Scholarship Fund
Founded in 2004, The Book Scholarship Fund supports current UVA Hispanic/Latinx students whose activities on and off Grounds exemplify: academic achievement, leadership, and service. The Bolívar Network selects up to three recipients every year to support them in purchasing textbooks and course materials.
First-Year Scholarship
Founded in 2009, the First-Year Scholarship exists to attract exceptional Hispanic/Latinx prospective students to enroll full time at the University of Virginia. This fund was seed funded by former Bolívar Network Chair, Hernando Herrera (Col ’89), Jenny Williery Murphy (Col ’89), and Alexandra Arriaga (Col ’85), the Bolívar Network distributed its first $1,000 award in 2021.
The Leadership Fund
The Leadership Fund provides The Bolívar Network with financial flexibility to support the UVA and Charlottesville Hispanic/Latinx communities as the need arises as well as assisting with annual administrative expenses.
Awards
Pablo J. Davis Award
This annual award seeks to identify a University of Virginia staff member, Alum or faculty member whose work has contributed significantly to the Hispanic/Latino community. In addition, because the UVA community does not work in isolation, members of the greater Charlottesville community are eligible for this award.
Valerie H. Gregory Award
The Valerie Gregory Impact Award seeks to identify a community member that has gone above and beyond the call of duty for the Latinx community at UVA and/or Charlottesville, whether as a member of the community itself or as an ally. This award is distinct that its recognition is only provided for clearly extraordinary efforts to serve the Latinx community at UVA and/or Charlottesville community at large. This award has no specific cycle; rather it is intended for extraordinary candidates if and when Bolivar Network Executive Board deems they are qualified.
To continue supporting UVA Hispanic/Latinx students, the Bolívar Network ask you to consider donating to our scholarship and leadership funds. Your contributions will amplify the reach of these funds by increasing award amounts and award recipients. Annual giving will be recognized by the Oculus Society.
Registered as a 501c3 organization, all funds are actively invested and managed by the UVA Alumni Association with oversight from the Bolívar Network Board.