vanderbilt student media awards
THE THANVI DOLA AWARD
The Thanvi Dola Award was created in 2023 through a generous gift from her family in memory of Thanvi Dola, who served as Editor-in-Chief of The Vanderbilt Review. The annual award recognizes an exceptional submission to The Vanderbilt Review in support of creative expression at Vanderbilt.
THE BAYLESS FELLOWSHIP FOR EXCEPTIONAL GRADUATING SENIORS
The Bayless Fellowship is awarded to graduating seniors who expect to pursue graduate study, internships, volunteer opportunities and/or careers in any media or communications field represented within Vanderbilt Student Communications. The Fellowship, made possible by a generous gift from Skip Bayless, A&S ’74, is designed to recognize and support exceptional students as they transition from Vanderbilt to essential roles in media.
THE RICHARD J. STELZER STARTER STIPEND
The Richard J. Stelzer Starter Stipend is awarded to graduating seniors as they move into their post-graduate life. The Stipend, made possible by a generous gift from Richard J. Stelzer, A&S ’71, was created to help students headed into a media-related career meet some of the financial challenges they could face as they start their journey on their professional path.
THE CHARLES FORREST ALEXANDER AWARD IN JOURNALISM
Given in memory of Charles F. Alexander, B.A., ‘50, to a student who has achieved distinction in student journalistic projects. The student journalist’s activities must be broad based and distinguished.
THE STEPHEN A. CALDWELL LEADERSHIP AWARD
The Stephen A. Caldwell Award is presented annually to an outstanding student media division leader whose performance reflects Dean Caldwell's vision, integrity and commitment to excellence.
THE JIM LEESON PRIZE
The Jim Leeson Prize will be awarded annually to the student journalist at Vanderbilt University who best exemplifies the value of fairness and impartiality in reporting. Such reporting shows respect for all parties, especially on divisive and controversial issues, and a commitment to reporting facts as clearly, honestly, and thoroughly as possible.
THE WRVU NASHVILLE AWARD FOR DEDICATION TO EXCELLENCE
IN RADIO BROADCASTING
The WRVU Nashville Award for Dedication to Excellence in Radio Broadcasting is presented annually to an undergraduate Vanderbilt student who is a current WRVU DJ, a member of the executive staff, and one who has shown excellence beyond expectations for their position in their dedication to WRVU either in listenership, programming, music education of the public, engineering, or financial support. This award was created by Dr. James Noble, a 1997 A&S graduate and former WRVU general manager.
THE SKIP BAYLESS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SPORTS JOURNALISM
The Skip Bayless Award for Excellence in Sports Journalism presented annually to an outstanding Vanderbilt student who exhibits a tireless work ethic and relentless commitment to truth telling in
sports coverage, analysis or commentary. Awarded in honor of Skip Bayless, A&S ‘74
THE JIM HAYES AWARD FOR UNCOMMON EXCELLENCE
The Hayes Award is presented annually to the first-year Student Media participant who best exemplifies the qualities of enthusiasm, dedication, productivity, collaboration, caring and humor while serving both fellow Student Media participants and the Vanderbilt community. The award honors adviser Jim Hayes who served as a VSC associate director from 2004 to 2024.
THE GEYER AWARD
For excellence in investigative and interpretive reporting in the campus publications or on radio station WRVU. Established in 1970 by Richard A. Geyer, Jr.
STUDENT MEDIA ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
STUDENT MEDIA INNOVATOR
STUDENT MEDIA MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
VANDERBILT STUDENT COMMUNICATIONS HONOR