“Run With Jim,” a 2-mile jog through Grounds with UVA President Jim Ryan, was one of the many events associated with Wahoo Welcome for first-year students.
It didn’t take long for the University of Virginia Class of 2028 to make an impression on President Jim Ryan.
“I am positive that when I was your age,” Ryan said just before 8 a.m. Saturday to a large crowd of first-year students gathered on Observatory Hill Field, “there was no way I would be able to get up this early to go on a run.
“So, I am super impressed by all of you who are here.”
The crowd formed just moments before the students’ first “Run With Jim,” a traditional jog with UVA’s sixth-year president.
During the event, part of “Wahoo Welcome,” a record 1,500 first-year students ran or walked 2 miles through Grounds with Ryan, beginning at Observatory Hill and ending on the Lawn at the Homer statue, where they replenished their energy with snacks and water.
“We just really wanted to get outside,” said Emmaline LeBuhn, a first-year student from Irvington, New York. “It’s our first couple of days here. We’re trying to get out and meet people and have fun and I had a lovely time. It’s gorgeous weather.”
LeBuhn ran alongside her roommate, Aylin Dutt, a Seattle native. The two met on Friday and were already enjoying the charm of UVA together.
“I feel like the community at UVA is really strong, so I’m excited to get involved and find my clubs and niche and where to go,” Dutt said. “Everyone here is really nice, so I’m excited to meet more people.”
Roommates and Virginia natives Bella Arnold (Virginia Beach) and Hannah Talcott (Richmond) didn’t mind the 6:45 a.m. Saturday wakeup call.
“This is what I really like about Wahoo Welcome. It helps you make new friends,” Arnold said.
Talcott, an engineering student, is eager for the four years ahead.
“UVA’s such a good school,” Talcott said. “I’m excited to get a degree and make friends and be independent.”
Ryan assured the running members of the Class of 2028 that they’re off to a good start.
“I hope you will remember that you can do hard things because you’ve already done hard things,” he told them, “including getting up early on a Saturday to go for a run.”
Roommates Bella Arnold and Hannah Talcott arrived at their first “Run With Jim” eager to meet new people.
Roommates Aylin Dutt and Emmaline LeBuhn have only begun to enjoy the charm of UVA together.
A record turnout of 1,500 first-year students experienced their first “Run With Jim” on Saturday.
Saturday morning’s sunny skies and comfortable temperatures allowed for ideal running conditions for UVA’s first-year students.
Garbed in their “Run With Jim” T-shirts, UVA’s first-year students ran a 2-mile route through Grounds from Observatory Hill Field to the Homer statue on the Lawn.
Cavman greeted runners as they made their way to the finish line.
The base of the Homer statue proved to be an adequate resting place for “Run With Jim” finishers.
