Third-year College student Ambrose Faturoti said he thought his love of people played an important factor in his invitation to live in 15 West Lawn, the honorary Gus Blagden room.
"The sum of your life is the sum of the quality of your relationships," Faturoti said.
A selection committee announced Friday that Faturoti would be the next recipient of the Lawn room, known unofficially as the "Good Guy" room.
"I think what made Ambrose stand out was his warmth," said Penny Rue, dean of students and committee member.
Faturoti added he thinks participation in service oriented activities also helped him win the award.
He proofreads papers, works as a peer advisor and participates in the Black Voices choir group, Rue said. Faturoti also works for The Cavalier Daily Life department.
A group of students, including the outgoing Inter-Fraternity and Inter-Sorority Council presidents, the kings of the IMP and Z Societies and the room's current occupant, traditionally have comprised the selection committee along with the Dean of Students and the housing director.
Although the award often is referred to as the "Good Guy" award it is not exclusive to males. This year the committee put up advertisements referring to the room as the Gus Blagden room and not the "Good Guy," award, said Brian Edmonds, the room's current occupant and committee member.
Mr. and Mrs. Frederic Scott endowed the room in 1968 in memory of Blagden, a former University student who died several years after graduating.
"The committee finds the modern day Gus Blagden," Rue added.
Faturoti was chosen from among 32 nominees after a process that included interviewing candidates' friends and reading letters of recommendation, Edmonds said.
"It's a very humbling experience," Edmonds said of helping to choose his successor. "It helps you realize how much this community appreciates the service of its students."
Edmonds said Faturoti was a worthy choice as "someone who truly cares about the well being of other students."
He also said the honor of living in the "Good Guy" room entailed certain responsibilities.
"Because we've been given such awesome living arrangements, it's required that we share that light with the world," he added.
Faturoti was nominated for the room by third-year College student Tim Lovelace.
"Ambrose's selflessness and his giving spirit made him seem like the perfect candidate," Lovelace said.
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