University News

Virginia Governor Joins UVA Leadership To Open New Data Science Building

April 29, 2024 • By Mike Mather, mike.mather@virginia.edu Mike Mather, mike.mather@virginia.edu

A view from the upper floor of the new School of Data Science building as Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin addresses guests at the grand opening

Students peer down from the second floor of the new School of Data Science building as Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin addresses guests at the grand opening.

With a two-story projection screen beaming a digital countdown behind them Friday afternoon, School of Data Science Dean Phil Bourne and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin led hundreds of guests in chanting along as the digits wound down. At zero, the crowd broke into applause to mark the official opening of the building that will be home to the University of Virginia’s newest school.

“Today, Data Science has a spectacular new home,” Bourne said.

“The building before you is much more than just a new physical structure,” he continued. “It was designed to be a testament of everything we believe in: openness, transparency and innovation, among other things.”

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Rector Robert Hardie noted how the state-of-the-art facility is planted within steps of some of the University’s original buildings.

“One of the many things I have always loved about UVA is that, while it is rich in history, it is also focused on the future,” Hardie said, noting the University’s 2019 creation of the Data Science School was a first in the country.

Youngkin directed many of his comments to the students peering down into the atrium from the second floor.

“What an exciting moment to be a student here right now,” the governor said. “And I am in awe of the vision and the commitment that must be brought together in order to be the first to have a school of data science. The first to see the opportunity, but even more so, to bring together the resources and the capabilities in order to deliver on it – it’s a huge milestone.”

Cavman and a student in front of the new data science banner

Maggie Nguyen, a UVA staff member and 1992 McIntire School of Commerce graduate, poses for a selfie with Cavman in front of the building’s two-story projection screen.

UVA President Jim Ryan said he was excited to be a part of the opening, but said much of the credit goes to the University administrators who came before him.

“Thanks to the leaders across the University who have made this day possible, including my predecessor, Terry Sullivan, whose vision and advocacy for the Data Science Institute laid the foundation for the School of Data Science,” Ryan said, referring to President Emerita Teresa A. Sullivan, the University’s eighth president.

“Finally,” Ryan continued, “a huge thanks to the School of Data Science students, faculty, staff and alumni who are here today. As beautiful as this building is, it’s simply an empty shell without you. Your work has for years given shape and meaning to the mission of the School of Data Science, and you are the ones who will make this school come alive.”

Jaffray Woodriff, a 1991 UVA graduate who years ago began using early artificial intelligence to predict stock trends “for which I have been handsomely rewarded,” as he told the crowd, directed funds from his family foundation to help create the building. “Now, standing here today, I am so excited that the study of data science that so profoundly changed my own life is accessible to everyone here at the University of Virginia.”

Here are photos from the grand opening.

Youngkin, left, and School of Data Science Dean Phil Bourne count along with a digital countdown to the building’s official opening.

Youngkin speaking to the crowd with a reflection of the Data Science banner below him

Youngkin told the students he envied them because they were studying new technology in a state-of-the-art facility.

Jaffray Woodriff, a 1991 UVA graduate stands and speaks to the crowd

Jaffray Woodriff, a 1991 UVA graduate who made his fortune using early versions of AI to better predict the ups and downs of stocks, used his family foundation to fund a significant portion of the construction.

UVA Board of Visitors Rector Robert Hardie shares a laugh with Ken Ono, a UVA math professor and STEM adviser to the Office of the Provost.

Bourne, center, chats with UVA President Jim Ryan, right, during the grand opening celebration.

President Ryan speaks to the students in the crowd

Ryan tells the attendees that, “As beautiful as this building is, it’s simply an empty shell without you. Your work has for years given shape and meaning to the mission of the School of Data Science, and you are the ones who will make this school come alive.”