The Vanderbilt University Alumni Association Board of Directors is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2016 awards that recognize the diverse talents, accomplishments and volunteer support of outstanding alumni. They will be honored at an Oct. 20 ceremony during Reunion.
“The contributions of these alumni in their communities and to their professions truly illuminate the values of our great university,” says Jonathan Glasgow, BA’98, awards chair for the Alumni Association Board.
An inventor, entrepreneur, and founder of Ubiquitous Energy Inc.—a technology startup developing a portfolio of emerging solar technologies—Miles Clark Barr, BE’06, of Redwood City, California, is receiving the Young Alumni Professional Achievement Award.
Arthur Booth, BA’62 (posthumously) and Linda Booth, BA’63, are being honored with the Alumni Public Service Award. They opened the Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic in 2008 to serve underprivileged populations on James, Johns and Wadmalaw islands in Charleston County, South Carolina.
The International Professional Achievement Award is presented to Paul Deemer III, BA’69, JD’75. Deemer represents major international clients, including multilateral lenders, in the development and financing of energy projects in China, Russia and other countries for the Vinson & Elkins law firm in London.
The Young Alumni Volunteer Award honoree is Sara Tabor Simonds, BS’08, MAcc’09, whose volunteer service includes leadership with the Atlanta Vanderbilt Chapter, GOLD Council president, 2013 weekend chair for her fifth Reunion, Giving Day ambassador and Owen Reunion volunteer.
Eileen Effinger, BA’75, is receiving the Alumni Volunteer Award. She has energized alumni in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area as president of the Charlotte Vanderbilt Chapter through educational, athletic and networking events, and has spread that enthusiasm to her class as a Reunion volunteer.
—MATT ANDERSON