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Seven University of Richmond alumni receive awards during Reunion Weekend 2009 festivities

April 3, 2009

Seven University of Richmond alumni received awards during Reunion Weekend March 27-29.

The recipients were selected for professional and community service, scholarly achievement, and other criteria. The following individuals were honored:

  • Stephen J. Kneeley, Malvern, Pa., Class of 1985, Alumni of the University of Richmond Award for Distinguished Service. Kneeley has more than 20 years of investment experience, including co-founding and serving as former CEO and president of Turner Investment Partners. In 2008, he joined Logan Circle as a senior partner, responsible for operational and strategic issues.

  • Amy O'Neill Richard, Chevy Chase, Md., Class of 1987, Alumni of the University of Richmond Award for Distinguished Service. Richard has worked for the State Department's Bureau of Intelligence and Research, where she received the Analyst of the Year award for her work on international organized crime. She is currently senior advisor to the director in the department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.

  • Holly L. Payne, Mill Valley, Calif., Class of 1994, Alumni of the University of Richmond Award for Distinguished Service. Payne is a novelist, screenwriter and writing coach whose books include "The Virgin's Knot," "The Sound of Blue: A Novel" and the forthcoming "Kingdom of Simplicity." In 2008, she established Skywriter Books, a small press for both established and previously unpublished authors.

  • State Senator Walter A. Stosch, Glen Allen, Va., Class of 1959, Alumni of the University of Richmond Award for Distinguished Service. Stosch has served Henrico and Goochland counties and the city of Richmond in the Virginia General Assembly more than 20 years. From 1998-2007, he was majority leader and last year was named Republican leader emeritus.

  • Ben Wallerstein, Washington, D.C., Class of 1999, Jepson School of Leadership Studies Tenth Year Reunion Recognition Award. Wallerstein is currently a managing director at Dutko Worldwide LLC, a Washington-based global public policy management firm. As an attorney, he has built a consulting practice that focuses on helping education entrepreneurs promote educational innovations through public policy.

  • Gregory G. Efthimiou, Charlotte, N.C., Class of 1999, Jepson Award for Leadership and Service. Efthimiou began his career in the change management practice of Accenture, a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. After receiving his master's degree in 2008, he joined Duke Energy in Charlotte, N.C., as a communications manager. He currently provides public relations support for Duke's wind energy business, sustainability and environmental issues.

  • Jonathon C. Zur, Glen Allen, Va., Class of 2003, Jepson Award for Leadership and Service. Zur was the first Jepson graduate chosen for the community development program Leadership Metro Richmond. After working as program manager for the New Jersey chapter of the National Conference for Community and Justice, he became chief operating officer of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, a human relations organization that promotes inclusion for the advancement of society.