The Burnside Watstein Awards are now accepting nominations to honor VCU faculty, staff, students, alumni and local community members whose work has positively impacted VCU’s LGBTQIA+ community. Nominations for 2025 awardees are open through Feb. 21, 2025.

Established in 2007 by the LGBTQ+ Subcommittee (now EqualityVCU) and named for former co-chairs Chris Burnside and Sarah Watstein, this award has recognized more than 50 pioneering and transformational individuals who have affected the lives of VCU’s LGBTQ+ community through both professional responsibilities and volunteer work. 

VCU Libraries is among the sponsors for the awards, which will be presented March 26 at James Branch Cabell Library. 

The Burnside Watstein Awards were named for two outspoken, early voices for diversity and inclusivity at VCU and RVA. Burnside attended Richmond Professional Institute as an undergraduate and returned to the university to teach in the Department of Dance and Choreography in the VCU School of the Arts from 1985 to 2005. Watstein served as associate university librarian for public services and interim director of University Computing Services during her time at VCU from 1992 to 2005. She is currently dean, Lemieux Library and McGoldrick Learning Commons at Seattle University. Watstein earned her MLS from UCLA in 1977 and her MPA from NYU in 1985.

“These awards celebrate the dedication and impact of those who strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all…they continue to embody the work done by Chris Burnside, Sarah Watstein, and many of VCU’s LGBTQ+ community members before. They are advocates for the needs of our queer students and provide safe spaces for authenticity and growth,' said Josh Leidy, Director of LGBTQ+ Initiatives, Inclusive Engagement & Philanthropy in VCU’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations.

VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., noted that the 2024 nominees led by example and “made the LGBTQIA+ community and the VCU community a much better place for everyone…making our VCU community stronger, inclusive, and more welcoming of every person.”

The awards are sponsored by VCU’s Office of the Provost, LGBTQ+ research group Q Collective, and Equality VCU, the LGBTQ+ employee resource group, and VCU Libraries.  

Submit nominations online by Feb. 21 using the 2025 Burnside Watstein Awards nomination form. 

The selection committee, composed of representatives from the sponsoring organizations, will review all nominations and select the award recipients based on their contributions and impact. When making selections, the committee focuses on the level of impact that the nominee has made on the LGBTQ+ community. Examples include, creating a safe and welcoming space for students, developing an innovative program or initiative and being a prominent LGBTQ+ person in their field/office. We encourage the VCU community to participate by nominating deserving individuals and attending the awards ceremony to celebrate the honorees.