Davis Center Display

President Garimella is working closely with Vice President Heading-Grant and other community members to dedicate a prominent area in the Davis Center to honor and celebrate our common commitment to unity, respect, diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging. The working group for this effort includes students, faculty and staff and has as its initial focus honoring the work of African Americans, particularly those who have touched UVM. See President Garimella’s August 27, 2020 memo.

Amy and Pat Brown Black Lives Matter Flag

In the fall of 2016, UVM was the first institution of higher education in the United States to fly the Black Lives Matter (BLM) flag. Since then, institutions across the country have followed our lead. After the first BLM flag flown was stolen, our community came together to hoist a second BLM flag handmade by former Director of Student Life Pat Brown and his wife, Amy. It was a powerful demonstration of our community values. On Sunday, October 4, 2020 during the annual Andrew Harris Commons Legacy Breakfast we held a ceremony to unveil and commemorate a very special Black Lives Matter flag. The flag will be permanently and prominently displayed in the university’s Mosaic Center to signify UVM’s continued commitment and dedication to Black lives. See President Garimella’s August 27, 2020 memo.

Andrew Harris Commons

The Andrew Harris Commons on the University of Vermont campus commemorated UVM’s first African-American graduate. Marked by a large plaque and five black marble monuments, the Commons, where the ceremony took place in October, 2018, is located on the green adjacent to the Davis Center. Harris, one of the first African-Americans to attend college in the United States, graduated from UVM in 1838.

Indigenous People’s Day

In October, 2019, UVM celebrated the first Indigenous People’s Day with a full day of activities that recognized Native American culture, education and rights.

Provost’s Student Leadership in Equity and Campus Diversity Award

This award recognizes a student of color who is committed to cultural diversity and education. The recipient demonstrates leadership and persistence in multicultural education, equity pedagogy, social justice, and diversity work, making valuable contributions to the overall learning experience of the university community.

Provost’s Trailblazer Award

This award acknowledges a student of color whose courage, persistence, and contributions serve to eliminate barriers and advance access, equity, diversity, and social justice in higher education.

Provost’s Commitment to Equity & Inclusion Award

This award recognizes an LGBTQ+ student whose courage and persistence serve to advance equity, diversity, and social justice at the University of Vermont.   

Andrew Harris Award

This award is named in honor of Andrew Harris, the University of Vermont’s first African American graduate in 1838. The Andrew Harris Award is for students of color who demonstrate a commitment to creating an inclusive climate for those from underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds and exemplify qualities such as courage, tenacity, and personal fortitude.