Mama Said: Ahead of Mother’s Day, UVA Folks Reflect on Their Moms’ Best Advice

Malo Hutson

Dean and Edward E. Elson Professor at the School of Architecture

School of Architecture Dean Malo A. Hutson with son Liam and mother, Charlotte. (Contributed photo)

My two younger sisters and I were raised by a single mother who worked nights as a nurse. Not surprisingly, she embodied the characteristics and qualities of so many who are in the nursing profession – deep empathy, a commitment to advocacy on behalf of others, and caring for the well-being of all. I believe that these qualities, coupled with her lived experience as a Black woman who both witnessed and faced structural inequities in her life, are some of the reasons why my mother impressed upon me the power and purpose of giving back. She always stressed the importance of education as a conduit for making a positive impact in the world. I have focused my career on addressing the challenges of health, well-being and equity, in the built environment and in higher education, because my mother taught me the value of advocating for, caring for and lifting others through our contributions to society.

Theresa Carroll

School of Nursing Senior Assistant Dean for Academic and Student Services

“This is my favorite photo of us on my wedding day 30 years ago this summer,” Theresa Carroll said. “My mama, Mary Rosenbush Carroll, passed away on April 2, 2007. I can’t believe she’s been gone that long. I still miss her every day.” (Contributed photo)

My mama taught me that love is unconditional, not by saying it out loud, but by showing it. Mama believed we could do anything, and no matter what we did, she would be proud. She encouraged me, my siblings, even my daddy, to pursue our dreams. She didn’t put any restrictions or rules on her love or her approval. When I talk about providing holistic support to students, that is where it comes from for me. Being there for my students. Ensuring them they belong here. Celebrating when they achieve, but providing the tissues and open heart when they fail. I learned that from my mama, and I try to practice it every single day.

Ian Solomon

Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy Dean and Professor of Practice of Public Policy

Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy Dean Ian Solomon and his mother, Linda. (Contributed photo)

My mom was an artist. She was a painter. She was always painting my whole life. She ended up dying in 2016 after three years of battling ovarian cancer. I used to visit her down in Florida. Nothing brought her more joy than teaching painting in her garden and having people come over and paint. In the beginning, she could still paint along with them. By the end, she couldn’t do very much, but she still loved having people come over to paint. So, I would come down and paint. I actually gave a whole commencement address about her painting lessons at the University of Chicago. We would go for a long walks on the beach near her house. We talked about painting. We talked about life, we talked about spirituality, many things. One of her pieces of advice to me during one of these walks along the beach was that you have to be the artist of your own life, and you have to paint the canvas of your life. To me, that was kind of really profound and valuable and I’ve taught classes on that.

Sara O’Leary

Head Coach, Women’s Tennis

Women’s Tennis Head Coach Sara O’Leary and her mother, Laura Anundsen. (Contributed photo)

My mom has given me a lot of great advice over the years, but one thing that she always tells me is to have faith and try not to worry. Always do your best and know that God is in control. Have faith in the work you have put in and trust that God has a plan. 

I love this advice and know it is so true. I still have a tendency to worry, but I am working on it! I love the quote, “Worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles; it takes away today’s peace.” I know my mom just wants me to be happy and allow myself to enjoy each and every day. She doesn’t want me to worry about things outside of my control, and she’s right, so I try and enjoy the day, focus on things I can control and trust in the plan God has for me. I am grateful for my mom – everything she has done for me and her wise words!

Siva Vaidhyanathan

Robertson Professor of Media Studies and director of the Center for Media and Citizenship

Siva Vaidhyanathan, the Robertson Professor of Media Studies and director of the Center for Media and Citizenship, and his mother, Virginia. (Contributed photo)

My mother, Virginia Vaidhyanathan, taught me to embrace the foreign, the different and the challenging. She held my hand as we explored Europe from Amsterdam to Istanbul and flew from Italy to India. We rode camels, horses and elephants together. The best advice she ever gave me was to say “yes” to adventure on the way to becoming a citizen of the world. 

Robyn Hadley

Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer

Robyn Hadley, UVA’s vice president and chief student affairs officer, is pictured here with her mother, Ruth. (Contributed photo)

The best and most consistent advice my mom gave my brothers and me was to be kind and to be helpful. One, it was the right thing to do. And two, there would be some days when things didn’t always go right for you, and you would hope someone would be kind and helpful to you. Thanks, Mom.

Jim Ryan

President

President Jim Ryan at his 1992 graduation from UVA’s School of Law with his sister Claire, mother Sheila, and father Jim. (Contributed photo)

Two words: “Marry Katie!”