Jefferson Prize

The Jefferson Prize, made possible by an anonymous donor, honors the principles of our nation’s third president. Thomas Jefferson not only was proud of having written the Declaration of Independence, but also of having founded the University of Virginia. He dedicated himself to the pursuit of freedom and knowledge.

The 2008 Jefferson Prize is awarded to michael handlesman, distinguished professor of humanities in the Department of Modern Foreign Languages and Literature. Handlesman serves as director of the Latin American Studies Program and is recognized worldwide as an expert on the subject. He created a study-abroad program focusing on social justice and social learning in Ecuador. He also co-developed the global studies initiative at UT and has been instrumental in making that program a success. In addition to receiving an Organization of American States research grant and six Fulbright Scholarships, Handlesman is a Lindsey Young Scholar, a past Alexander Prize winner and a Chancellor’s Excellence in Teaching Award recipient. During his distinguished career, he has published eight books and more than 60 articles.