When he kicked off the University of Virginia’s “Honor the Future” campaign in the fall of 2019, President Jim Ryan delivered remarks he titled, “Dear Ms. Future.” In that imaginary conversation with the future, Ryan outlined his hopes for the University.
To put it mildly, a lot has happened since then. And in a recent campaign update titled “Back to the Future,” Ryan recounted the dramatic disruptions caused by the pandemic while highlighting herculean efforts by the University community to adjust to the impact of COVID-19, pursue the University’s mission, and continue to make progress on UVA’s strategic plan, “A Great and Good University: The 2030 Plan.”
“None of this was in the 2030 strategic plan or mentioned in our campaign kickoff,” he said of the myriad challenges and complications created by the pandemic.
Although it initially appeared the pandemic would hinder continued progress on the campaign and strategic plan, Ryan said, UVA has maintained steady progress toward its goals and stayed true to its values.
“The pandemic has taught us not only that we can adapt, but that we must adapt to changing circumstances in the world around us,” he said. “If we’re to shape the future, we must double down on the idea that the actions we take now will have implications for whether that future is more just, peaceful and prosperous.”
Ryan and Campaign Chair Peter M. Grant II hosted two virtual events on May 25 and 26 for the UVA community to share updates on the progress and priorities of “Honor the Future, the Campaign for the University of Virginia.”
