GWUBAF, in partnership with GW, has established the Dr. Benno P. Fritz Spirit Award Fund to honor the life and memory of Dr. Fritz, director of GW Bands from its founding in 1990 until his passing in February 2016.

The award supports students who have participated in a GW Bands Program ensemble for two or more semesters who embody the spirit of Dr. Fritz through dedication to:
• Inclusiveness – Support of a cohesive community in the GW Bands Program
• Music and Music Performance – Enduring enthusiasm for music and commitment to improving musical skill
• Leadership – Going above and beyond what is required of their role in the GW Bands Program, where the individual is seen as a role model and mentor

In November 2021, the award was officially funded after reaching our fundraising goal of $25,000. In May 2022, the first award was given to a GW Bands student. Additional donations will increase the amount that winners receive. Increasing the value of the fund also opens the possibility of naming multiple winners each year.

Selection Committee

A committee will be formed each Spring to choose the winning student from submitted applications. This committee will include two GWUBAF members. The GWUBAF Board of Directors will solicit applications from members to serve on the Committee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will award winners be selected?

Students will complete an application to be considered for the award. The winners will be selected by the Director of Bands in consultation with the Dean of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and selected members of GWUBAF.

Who will be eligible for the award?

Students who have participated in a GW Ensemble for at least two semesters will be eligible for the award. Due to existing financial support, GW Bands Student Officers and Teaching Assistants will not be eligible for the award. Additional eligibility criteria may be determined by the Director of Bands once the award is fully funded.

How often will the award be given?

The award is intended to be an annual award. This can change, however, should the value of the fund necessitate or make desirable a change in frequency. It is ultimately at the the discretion of the Director of Bands to determine the frequency of the award.

What is the value of the award?

In accordance with GW’s endowment and spending policy, the award will be approximately 4-5% of the fund’s value. With a minimum value of $25,000, it is expected that each award will be at least $1,000. Should the fund increase in value due to market trends or continued gifts, the award amount can increase. The value can also change should the frequency of the award change.

After the award fund reaches the $25,000 goal, are additional gifts required to continue the award?

No! The award will continue to be given and the fund will sustain its value through GW’s endowment investments. However, the fund will continue to accept donations which can increase the value of the award.

My employer has a donation match program. Can that be used when I give to the fund?

Yes! If your company has a match program, please reach out to Tracy Sullivan at the GW Development Office at tsulliva@gwu.edu to ensure that your match donation is received and allocated correctly. See below for a sample email:

Subject: Fritz Award Fund Corporate Match

Dear Tracy,

My company, [company name], is making a matching donation to the Dr. Benno P. Fritz Spirit Award Fund for [value of donation]. I would like to confirm that this contribution is received.

Thank you,