Former Associate Dean of Students and Education Prof. Annette Gibbs was awarded the Thomas Jefferson Award at Fall Convocation Friday.
One of the most prestigious awards given by the University, the Thomas Jefferson Award has been presented since 1955, according to University Relations.
The criteria for the Thomas Jefferson Award states a member of the faculty must exemplify in character, work and influence the principles and ideals of Thomas Jefferson. This means they must advance the objectives for which Jefferson founded the University, according to the Thomas Jefferson Award Committee, the body in charge of selection for the honor.
The honor is significant in that it highlights work done specifically here at the University, said Medical Prof. Sharon Hostler, who also is a member of the Thomas Jefferson Award Committee.
"I think that it's really trying to honor someone who has had major impact across all Grounds -- this isn't the time for one's national contributions or international contributions," Hostler said.
The award was given to Gibbs for, among other accomplishments, her 35 years of service to the University, especially her 1970s work to usher the first female students into the University community, according to University Relations.
"She made [the University] a place where women would want to come to study, that they could be in the classrooms that had been traditionally been excluded," Hostler said. "As you know, women have come and flourished here [at the University]. That first class was a pioneer class, and she was sort of the guardian angel of that group."
Gibbs is additionally known for her role as head of the Curry School Center for the study of higher education and her position as associate dean of students.
Gibbs said she was still getting over the excitement of the award presentation.
"I was shocked and absolutely stunned," Gibbs said. "I was completely surprised. I had no idea; my knees were so weak."
Gibbs said she advises students to take advantage of the opportunities open to them at the University.
"[I] plead with the students to use the resources of this place, academically, socially, athletically, to become the kind of people they want to become," Gibbs said. "When I meet with students, I try to get that message across -- the only time in their lives that they will be faced with the richness, the diversity and the opportunities offered to them to grow and develop."
Though flattered and appreciative of her award, Gibbs said she was not alone in her work.
"Honors and awards do not go to people for individual accomplishments," she said. "They are usually a team effort, and I really believe that. That's surely the way it was in my case."
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