Behind every graduate research project, innovative idea, and leadership moment is a story of commitment, perseverance, and support.
For nearly 70 years, Longwood’s College of Graduate & Professional Studies has helped students turn curiosity into expertise and passion into impact. During Longwood Day of Giving—noon to noon, February 18–19—the CGPS community comes together to invest in the people who are shaping the future of their fields.
This year’s Day of Giving campaign, Honoring Excellence: Fuel the Future for Graduate Research and Leadership, supports two long-standing award programs that recognize excellence across graduate research, teaching, innovation, and leadership.
At the heart of these awards are the people they uplift.
“Receiving the Graduate Leadership Award affirmed that the work I was doing by balancing leadership, service, athletics, and graduate study mattered. It wasn’t just recognition; it was encouragement to keep showing up, leading with purpose, and giving back to the Longwood community that shaped me.”
- Maddie Hommey, B.S.'21, M.S.'22
Support for Research Symposium Awards helps current graduate students share their work with confidence, build professional skills, and participate in meaningful academic dialogue. These awards recognize exemplary projects presented at Longwood’s annual Graduate Research Symposium, offering students both recognition and real-world professional development.
Graduate Commencement Awards celebrate excellence across the Longwood graduate community—from faculty whose teaching and mentorship go above and beyond, to students and alumni whose work extends far beyond the classroom. For many recipients, these awards have helped them remain active in professional organizations, pursue publication or conference opportunities, and continue contributing to their disciplines.
All graduate awards were established in 2012 by Longwood’s graduate faculty through Graduate Council, reflecting a shared commitment to honoring excellence and sustaining a culture of support across programs.
To hear directly from past award winners about what these honors have meant to them, click here to watch our Day of Giving video, and explore individual stories here.
Next week, you’ll have the opportunity to support this legacy during Longwood Day of Giving. Your participation helps ensure that graduate students, faculty, and alumni continue to feel seen, supported, and empowered—today and for years to come.
Learn more about the campaign and how to participate on February 18–19 by clicking here.
In blue and white, the College of Graduate & Professional Studies thanks you for being part of a community that believes in excellence—and in the people behind it.