Founders Citation of Excellence

The Founders Citation of Excellence — Buena Vista University’s highest honor — is granted by the Board of Trustees only to those individuals who have had a profound impact on this Institution through the exceptional contributions of their talents, time, and philanthropy.

The Board’s purpose in establishing the Founders Citation of Excellence is set forth in the minutes of the meeting of August 13, 1978, when the University was still Buena Vista College. It reads as follows:

“Buena Vista College strives for excellence in the grand tradition of private, church-related liberal education. Instilling a love of learning and scholarship, stressing the joys of intellectual and personal growth, the College believes that all things in the universe are to be better understood and responsibly enjoyed. To that end, this tradition of excellence combines knowledge and service, that individual talents may be nurtured for creative thought and action toward lifelong personal growth and service to society.

The Buena Vista College Founders’ Citation of Excellence is symbolic of the College’s commitment to the growth of knowledge and to service in the world. The Citation is the highest service award of the College, recognizing that quality education rests ultimately on the shoulders of dedicated individuals who give of their time, talent and gifts that this community of scholars and leaders might thrive.

The Citation of Excellence personifies this sense of quality and community by recognizing those few individuals whose service is truly in the tradition of the Founders of the College. The Citation represents outstanding contributions, dedicated loyalty and continuous support for excellence at Buena Vista College. The Citation recognizes that a few individuals have provided the commitment and leadership which inspires Buena Vista College to move forward forever.”