VCU news

By Pam Cox

Four outstanding public servants and three innovative organizations were honored during the 16th Excellence in Virginia Government Awards held on Tuesday by the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at VCU. L. Douglas Wilder, the 66th governor of Virginia who created the awards in 2004, remarked on the importance of recognizing excellent achievements.

“The important work of the people is done by these outstanding public servants,” said Wilder, a distinguished professor. “We have exceptional honorees who have made a significant impact on the commonwealth of Virginia and its people.”

More than 300 elected officials, government and business leaders, and citizens gathered for the event, which was attended by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, Ambassador and former Governor Jim Gilmore and VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D. 

“We continue to celebrate outstanding Virginians who have strengthened our spirits, encouraged our communities and who continue to leave a legacy of greatness – not just today, not just in Richmond, but in the commonwealth and beyond,” Youngkin said. 

Among the honorees was Lifetime Achievement recipient, Sen. Charles S. Robb, 64th governor of Virginia. He was celebrated for his five decades of public service, which included serving in the Marines, serving as Virginia’s lieutenant governor and governor, and two terms in the U.S. Senate.  

“I hope I’m viewed as having been fair and reasonable,” Robb said in accepting his award. “In most cases I was pursuing admirable goals that made our communities and our country stronger.”

This year’s event broke its previous record by raising more than $120,000 in scholarship funding.

The EVGA also recognizes scholastic achievement. Each year, an undergraduate and graduate student from the Wilder School are awarded scholarships. This year’s recipients are Han Vu, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional studies and planning, and Sean Sukol, who is pursuing a Master of Public Administration.