The James A. Sartain Award
Dr. Sartain was a professor of sociology from 1963 to 1986. This award was established by the department in 1987 in his memory. Dr. Sartain loved the department, his colleagues, and above all, his students. Education was his mission in life. He received the University’s Distinguished Educator Award in 1986. The Sartain Award is awarded to a graduating senior sociology major who best exemplifies the qualities personified by Dr. Sartain: scholarship, humanitarianism, integrity, and commitment to the ideals of the University of Richmond.
Sartain recipient, Marina Valentine with AKD inductees at the department’s Spring Celebration, April 2.
This year’s Sartain Scholarship recipient is graduating senior, Marina Valentine who is deeply grateful to receive this honor. Originally from Florida, Marina has enjoyed her four years in Richmond, where she has been surrounded by community, culture and connection. She chose to attend an out-of-state university to branch out and discovered her passion for sciology during her freshman year. Marina’s studies in sociology have strengthened her critical thinking skills, exposed her to diverse perspectives, and instilled important values that she will carry into the professional world. Every professor and course in the department has been meaningful to her, particuarly Dr. Troia’s Gender, Sexuality, and the Body and Dr. Payne’s Making America’s Wars. Following graduation, Marina will return to Florida to pursue a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management at Florida Atlantic University. With this degree, she aims to build a successful career as a fundraising professional in the nonprofit sector.