Newburyport, Massachusetts, native and History major Kate Herndon is the 2024 recipient of the John Fraser Ramsey Award, The University of Alabama’s highest student honor. Herndon is also The University of Alabama’s first-ever recipient of the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service. Her volunteer endeavours focus on women, children and senior citizens; her academic research explores the lessons of the past to better understand and shape current policies and laws.
She is heavily involved with the Women and Gender Resource Center and serves as the assistant director for the SGA’s Safe Center Committee. She also is the director of campus outreach and recruitment for the Capstone Journal of Law and Public Policy.
Through the Blackburn Institute’s curriculum, Herndon has gained a knowledge and perspective about how to serve others that doesn’t surprise her peers, who describe her as “brilliant and engaging.” Many feel that Herndon’s passion to serve, curiosity, and love of learning are just a few of her many gifts.
One of the university’s top honors, the Ramsey Award is named in honor of longtime History professor, John F. Ramsey. It recognizes the achievements of versatile juniors who demonstrate excellence in mind and character — traditional goals of a liberal education. The award includes an $8,000 cash prize and an additional $4,000 toward a “Great Ideas Tour” of the recipient’s own design.