Turn what is now a sprawling commercial strip of Route 29 into a cohesive environment for commuters, pedestrians and community members – that was the challenge given to U.Va. architecture students at the third annual “Vortex” competition.

Amadeo Bennetta and Dan LaRossa, graduates of the U.Va. School of Architecture master’s program, have made a positive impact on refugee and migrant communities in Southeast Asia through their Moving School design.

U.Va will offer a spring webinar course on public health policy, featuring guest lecturers who are among the elite in their field. The weekly course is free and open to the public; sign-up now.

’Hoos will gather on the Lawn Thursday evening to celebrate the holidays and embrace the season of giving.

Politics professor Larry Sabato has released his work on “The Kennedy Half-Century,” including a book, documentary, website, mobile app and MOOC, which launches Monday. Sabato invited undergraduates to engage in the experience with him.

As Teach for America enters its 23rd year, it looks to U.Va. for continued support as a top contributor. Based on U.Va. alums’ reflections on their corps experiences and the campus campaign coordinator’s reasons for signing on, that shouldn’t be a problem.

Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell and U.Va. President Teresa A. Sullivan are expected to attend the inaugural Virginia Ventures Forum Sept. 6. Hosted by the Virginia Innovation Partnership, the forum aims to attract technological innovation to Virginia.