At yesterday’s Convocation ceremony, University of Virginia dean of admissions John “Jack” Blackburn received the Thomas Jefferson Award for his 29 years of service to the university. In his remarks honoring Blackburn, UVA president John Casteen highlighted Blackburn’s commitment to making UVA more diverse as his ultimate legacy. “By making disadvantaged students aware of the AccessUVA program,” said Casteen, “he has enabled hundreds of young men and women to study here despite their limited financial means.” Blackburn is currently battling cancer and will retire his post in June 2009.