Looking back on this past year at the University of Virginia, we’ve had our lows, we’ve
had our highs, and everything in between.
But through it all, we’ve shown our community, and the world, that we are not just resilient,
but that we can and we WILL lead…..
In the wake of the tragic events of August 11th and 12th, we reclaimed our Grounds with
a candlelight vigil, rejecting hate, and showing the world that we are strongest as a community when we stand together.
And one month later, we had 50,000 people come together for the Concert for Charlottesville,
where some of the world’s most incredible performers created
an unforgettable evening of unity and healing.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the other remarkable feats that happened
right here on Grounds:
In October, the University began its commemoration of the Bicentennial.
Generations of alums joined students, faculty, staff and friends of the University to celebrate
the momentous event and look forward to the next century.
And speaking of our next century, we will be starting it off under a new President,
as UVA Law School Alum, James Ryan, was announced as our 9th president of the University.
Welcome back to grounds!
And a heartfelt thank you to President Teresa Sullivan.
Not long after that the Board of Visitors approved the construction of a Memorial to
enslaved laborers at the University.
We also had our 14th annual Pancakes for Parkinson’s event,
yet again one of UVA’s largest philanthropic efforts.
And you could say it was pretty good
And speaking of giving back, the UVA family set a new record on Giving To Hoos Day,
raising more than $4 million in a single 24-hour period.
And every year it seems like the kids at Trick or Treating on the Lawn find even more creative
ways to dress up as their favorite heroes and characters.
Even I couldn’t help being a part of the fun!
Then we wrapped up the year with Lighting of the Lawn, where we saw
our largest crowd EVER!
And of course, we can’t forget the outstanding accomplishments of our athletic community:
Carla Williams joined our ranks as the new Athletics Director,
and very quickly saw UVA at its finest:
Athletes from across grounds made sure we were well represented
in ACC and NCAA tournaments this year.
Our football team qualified for the Military Bowl, making our first
Bowl game appearance since 2011.
And as always, our men’s basketball team gave us all the season of a lifetime, as we
became the first NCAA team to start unranked and finish the regular season in the number
one slot, and then went on to beat UNC for the ACC Championship.
And ESPN returned to grounds yet again, for another College Gameday with
the greatest fans in the acc.
And of course… academics and research always shine here.
Two of our students, Attiya Latif and Jack Chellman, won Marshall Scholarships.
Another twelve UVA students and alumni won Fulbright scholarships this academic year,
making UVA one of the top Fulbright universities in the country.
As for research?
Well, it’s everywhere.
Our professors and students are working on breakthroughs in the treatment of diabetes,
helping Virginia’s coastal communities handle rising sea levels, and working to envision
a world filled with self-driving cars, the list is pretty much endless.
And finally, this will be my last video appearance for UVA, as the class of 2018 and I are packing
up the textbooks and picking up the tassels for our final walk down the Lawn.
But know that as we leave this University, and travel near and far, we take a piece of
it with us, both in our memories and in our hearts,
and we will always have a home to return to.
Wa Hoo Wa.