Grace Purvis

“When I think civility,” said her nominator, “Grace Purvis is the person who comes to mind. Her constant presence, her willingness to lead from the front, and the example of dignity and respect that she sets, make those around her better.”

Grace has been a fixture in the Corps and in Band Company since her arrival in fall 2020. Where there is an opportunity to show compassion for her fellow students and cadets, Grace is there.

Grace is a founding member of the Corps organization Helping Educate Regarding Orientation and an outspoken advocate. Her junior year, she was selected as a cadre sergeant, a role in which she trained first-year cadets how to be cadets. A measure of her success was the unprecedented 100% retention rate for Band Company first-year cadets through fall semester.

In spring semester, that success was rewarded by her selection as Band Company First Sergeant, responsible for overseeing training of all Band Company first-year Cadets and order and discipline in the company. When faced with a challenging bias issue, Grace addressed it head-on. She worked closely with the Band executive officer to facilitate discussions to improve morale and civility among Band members.

Grace’s sustained superior performance resulted in her selection as the fall 2023 Regimental Executive Officer, responsible for overseeing the training of all classes of cadets. She has carried out that duty while assuring the dignity and respect of those being trained and those conducting training.

Grace considers her leadership roles to be the highlight of her college experience, in part because she gets to give back to the communities and organizations that have shaped her.

Grace said that she found her place as a first-year student by finding her purpose: supporting others to understand that their voice matters.

“I am proud of the progress that we have made here in the Corps as far as acceptance and understanding,” said Grace, “proud that I am able to serve others as a leader in a program that often faces adversity, and proud that I can use my experience to educate and empower others.”

A passionate advocate for human rights, Grace has recently been involved in creating a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as supporting the Sexual Violence Prevention and awareness movement.

Grace said, “To me, civility is being able to have a conversation with someone who may come from a different background than you, or someone who you may not agree with, but ultimately being able to support, connect, and learn from each other.”

For her relentless advocacy, support, and compassion for her fellow students, I am pleased to present the Aspire! Award for Practice CIVILITY to Grace Purvis.