Jane Kelly

Speaking to a packed John Paul Jones Arena, Williams, a Virginia Beach native, told the Class of 2019 “the only way to make life better for yourself is to make life better for others.”

Samuel went out strong this year, completing a challenging capstone project, bringing music to Grounds and hosting an epic Lawn party to watch UVA take home the national championship in basketball.

Alita Robinson, a first-generation college student, hit the Grounds running last August, fully embracing UVA and all it has to offer. Now with a year under her belt, she is determined to bring other first-generation students to the University.

Neal, who is earning a degree in kinesiology with a minor in psychology, spends nearly as much time volunteering as she does going to class. “I think that it could burn out some people. But just actually loving the people that I’ve met has really helped,” she said.

Mike HongKei Sy, Jack Salt’s friend and biggest fan, reached out to the UVA community for help finding a place to stay in Minneapolis. He found an outpouring of support from Wahoo basketball fans and the alumni couple who put him up in their home.