The fellowships will allow students to pursue their studies across a range of fields, including the arts, sciences, engineering and business.

The Jefferson Scholars Foundation covers the full cost of attending UVA for dozens of high-achieving students each year.

The foundation, which seeks to recruit the best and brightest students to Grounds, recognizes the engaging teachers who attract them.

The fellowships will allow students to pursue their studies across a range of fields, including the arts and sciences, engineering, and business.

Forty will receive the Jefferson Scholarship and 12 will receive the newly established Walentas Scholarship for exceptional first-generation college students.

The gift will be matched by UVA’s Bicentennial Professors Fund, for a total investment of $20 million in the two inaugural University Professorships.

The foundation supports world-class graduate students through two fellowship programs.

The latest class of entering Jefferson Scholars will take their place in a long line of student leaders at UVA.

Peers selected four UVA faculty members from three schools for their exceptional teaching.

The fellowships provide full support to attend UVA for the fellowship period as well as living and research stipends; National Fellowships provide support for one year of dissertation research and writing.