Director of Financial Aid Jennifer Hulvey to Receive Lambda LGBT Award

Jennifer Hulvey, director of financial aid at the University of Virginia School of Law, will receive Lambda Law Alliance's Alvarez-Coughlin Award for 2015 to honor her commitment to diversity.

The award, named after its first honorees, Professor Anne Coughlin and Law School Foundation President and CEO Luis Alvarez Jr. '88, is given to those who have displayed "extraordinary efforts" on behalf of the LGBT community by "creating an open, supportive and welcoming environment for diversity" at the Law School, the University as a whole, and beyond. The award will be presented to Hulvey in the fall during the biennial Lambda Law Alliance dinner, which brings together students, alumni supporters and employers.

Lambda Law Alliance, a student support network for members of sexual minorities and their allies, created the award to honor recipients' past actions and service, as well as to act as a call to continue such support.

"Jennifer's tireless work has made her an integral part of UVA Law's welcoming community — especially regarding LGBT students," said Lambda President Zachary Alvarez, a second-year law student. "Not only has she spoken at meetings to emphasize her support of Lambda and its members, but she has also advocated expanding the use of student aid for all health matters, not just conventional ones."

Assistant Dean and Chief Admissions Officer Cordel Faulk '01 said Hulvey was instrumental in the success of a 2013 event that brought together Lambda and the Rex E. Lee Law Society (a Mormon student group) to discuss stereotypes. She also made the critical connections that led to the creation of the biennial Lambda dinner.

"She stood up for the rights of transgendered students behind the scenes, and never called attention to herself during or after," Faulk said.

Hulvey leads the Financial Aid Office and works with students to identify sources of financial support and develop realistic budgets to meet their educational and professional goals. She said she was honored to receive an award focused on her counseling efforts, because she entered student services to "make a positive difference in the lives of students."

"I don't know how to tell you how much this award means to me, and what an encouragement it is. I was caught completely by surprise, and I think it is the first time I’ve ever been recognized for my role with students," Hulvey said. "I love what I do. Working with students, supporting students, just being there for our students — it's my most important life work.  Sometimes, I know I've helped. Sometimes I have no idea if I made any difference at all. But moments like this remind me of how important it is to keep trying."

Coughlin said Hulvey is "an absolute treasure" to the Law School community.

"She is deeply thoughtful and unfailingly kind, and she's always looking for ways to improve our students' experiences while they are here and after they depart," Coughlin said. "She has created and fostered a spirit of inclusiveness and optimism on the Law Grounds. It's a joy to have her here and an honor to be associated with her. She just is the best."