The Bolívar Network was founded in 1997 by Alexandra Alvarez Minoff (Col ’00).
To support Hispanic and Latino/e 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 and Latino/e 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 and Latino/e 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 Willier Murphy (Col ’89), and Alexandra Arriaga (Col ’85). In 2021, the Bolívar Network distributed its first $1,000 award. The current award amount is $1,500 and in the fall of 2024, we are delighted to have a current scholarship recipient in each year of the University’s undergraduate studies.
The Leadership Fund
The Leadership Fund provides The Bolívar Network with the financial flexibility to support the UVA and Charlottesville Hispanic and Latino/e communities as need arises such as with supporting professional development opportunities and 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 and Latino/e 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 Hispanic and Latino/e community at UVA and/or Charlottesville, whether as a member of the community itself or as an ally. This award is distinct in that its recognition is only provided for clearly extraordinary efforts to serve the Hispanic and Latino/e 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 Bolívar Network Executive Board deems they are qualified.
To continue supporting UVA Hispanic and Latino/e 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.