Triple ‘Double Take’: Apply Now for UVA’s Third Storytelling Event

The University of Virginia is inviting all members of the UVA community to apply for the third annual “Double Take” storytelling event, which kicked off in 2018 as part President Jim Ryan’s inauguration.

Members of the UVA community – students, faculty, staff and alumni – are invited to share digital submissions of their stories. The performances should be under five minutes for the virtual event.

“Double Take” co-organizers Jess Harris and Matt Weber, members of Ryan’s staff, said Ryan wants to hear stories from people of all backgrounds about bridges they have built, either at UVA or elsewhere.

Ten people will be selected by a University committee to speak during the event, which will take place Feb. 27. The time of the program and a link for viewing “Double Take” will be shared closer to that date.

Previous Double Take events have featured Ryan, who captivated the audience with the story of his adoption, and Provost Liz Magill, who shared the personal tale of her upbringing and her decision to go by “Liz” instead of “Mary Elizabeth,” her given name.

Members of the faculty and many students also took to the stage in Old Cabell Hall in 2018 and 2019. In one memorable talk, assistant professor Sherri Moore of the McIntire School of Commerce shared the story of the untimely death of her husband, coming just four months after the death of her mother.

In 2019, then-third-year students Eleanor Thompson and Ja’Mel Reed remembered their friend Rehan Baddeliyanage, a beloved UVA fourth-year student who died in the spring of that year and himself participated in the first Double Take program.

President Jim Ryan speaks at the first Double Take event, which was part of him inaugural celebration. (Photo by Dan Addison, University Communications)

“I've always believed that stories have the power to teach us, to connect us, and to inspire us,” Ryan said. “I'm honored to continue Double Take this year and believe that our continued theme of building bridges is especially apt in these times of distancing and uncertainty. Our community is only as strong as our connections, and I'm grateful to all who will share their stories with us.”

Submissions for the 2021 Double Take event are due Feb. 10. You can share your submission here.