Each year, the Raven Society solicits nominations for alumni membership. Admission to the Society as alumni ranks among the most selective honors the University confers upon its graduates, and new alumni members are invited to walk with the President’s party at Final Exercises. Membership is a way to recognize alums for their significant contribution to their field of study, as well as their noted interest in the welfare of the University.
Historical procedures for soliciting nominations for alumni membership have reinforced the traditional ways that opportunities are stratified by privilege and wealth, leaving nominations entirely up to those with institutional power. This clearly disadvantages many first-generation, low-income, and otherwise marginalized students and alumni who do not have the benefits of personal connection with high-level administrators. We will now be soliciting nominations from a wider pool, and we strongly encourage all to consider nominating those who fall outside of traditional academic or professional success.
2023 Nominations for alumni are due by 5 pm on Friday, October 13.
Please read this document for the full alumni membership nomination guidelines.
All nominations must consist of the attached nomination form (below), a letter of support detailing the candidates qualifications (pdf format only), and the candidate’s CV or resume.
Please contact Raven Society Vice President, Wendy Gao, at ravensociety-vicepresident@virginia.edu with any questions.