UC Merced's Spendlove Prize
The Alice and Clifford Spendlove Prize in Social Justice, Diplomacy and Tolerance was formally established at UC Merced in 2006 to honor a scholar, author, artist, or citizen who exemplifies in their work, the delivery of social justice, diplomacy and tolerance in the diverse local and global society. The prize was made possible through an endowment gift from Sherrie Spendlove in honor of her parents who were lifelong professionals dedicated to the lives of citizens, youth, and students of the Merced region.
The annual prize honors an individual who can serve as a role model and inspiration for students, faculty, and the community surrounding UC Merced. The prize has an annual value of $10,000. Alice and Clifford Spendlove captured the intent of the Prize in the following words:
“In our lives as educators and public servants, we have drawn strength from our sense of responsibility that the injustices of society must be addressed and that our youth must develop an ethic of tolerance. We subscribe to what the United Nations defined as tolerance: Tolerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human. Tolerance is harmony in difference. We now live in an increasingly complex and interrelated world. All citizens must develop a sense of identity that goes beyond our borders. What is local is now global, and what is global is now local. Social justice, diplomacy and tolerance are relevant concepts for citizens whatever their identity. We hope that the prize will honor those who promote and act on these beliefs.”
