1 00:14:07,100 --> 00:15:56,980 Mr. President, University faculty and staff, honored guests, friends, families, and my 2 00:15:56,980 --> 00:16:03,230 fellow Wahoos, welcome to the virtual Valedictory Exercises for the UVA Class of 2021. 3 00:16:03,230 --> 00:16:07,389 My name is Kristin Myers, and I have had the honor of serving as your class Vice President 4 00:16:07,389 --> 00:16:08,389 for the past three years. 5 00:16:08,389 --> 00:16:12,040 Let’s get the obvious out of the way - this is never how we would have imagined our fourth 6 00:16:12,040 --> 00:16:13,040 year looking. 7 00:16:13,040 --> 00:16:17,380 We had imagined the quintessential UVA fourth year experience immortalized in the Instagram 8 00:16:17,380 --> 00:16:18,920 photos of classes before us. 9 00:16:18,920 --> 00:16:23,389 Instead, we’ve had a year of virtual classes, Zoom events, and standing in a parking garage 10 00:16:23,389 --> 00:16:24,690 spitting in a tube. 11 00:16:24,690 --> 00:16:28,970 I think it’s important, even in this special time of celebration, to acknowledge the loss 12 00:16:28,970 --> 00:16:31,079 that many of us are feeling right now. 13 00:16:31,079 --> 00:16:35,420 No matter how this past year has impacted each of us personally, it is okay and valid 14 00:16:35,420 --> 00:16:37,490 to have these feelings. 15 00:16:37,490 --> 00:16:41,529 Despite the many ways this year has been different, and this finals weekend may look different, 16 00:16:41,529 --> 00:16:45,240 let us not look past all of our accomplishments up to this moment. 17 00:16:45,240 --> 00:16:48,380 Class of 2021, we have so much to celebrate! 18 00:16:48,380 --> 00:16:52,569 No matter if you’re tuning in from the socially-distanced masses at Scott Stadium or from the comfort 19 00:16:52,569 --> 00:16:57,910 of your living room, we are one in our identity as Hoos and as the Class of 2021. 20 00:16:57,910 --> 00:17:02,779 Four years ago, we started our UVA experience together, and we will finish it together. 21 00:17:02,779 --> 00:17:06,870 Recently, I’ve been thinking a lot about our first year move in-weekend. 22 00:17:06,870 --> 00:17:11,089 For me, that meant hauling a minifridge up five flights of stairs at Gooch-Dillard. 23 00:17:11,089 --> 00:17:14,790 For you, it might have meant fighting for an elevator at Watson-Webb or setting up four 24 00:17:14,790 --> 00:17:18,169 fans to make up for the lack of air conditioning in Page-Emmett. 25 00:17:18,169 --> 00:17:22,120 Or maybe you transferred to UVA as a second or third year, and your first weekend was 26 00:17:22,120 --> 00:17:25,100 setting up apartment furniture in Lambeth or on 14th Street. 27 00:17:25,100 --> 00:17:29,340 I have this vivid memory from that weekend when I first met the girls on my hall. 28 00:17:29,340 --> 00:17:33,770 Our incredible RA, Caroline, had lined us up outside Runk Dining Hall on what must have 29 00:17:33,770 --> 00:17:35,890 been the hottest day of the year. 30 00:17:35,890 --> 00:17:37,750 The place was absolute chaos. 31 00:17:37,750 --> 00:17:40,100 It took 15 or 20 minutes for us to be let in. 32 00:17:40,100 --> 00:17:44,040 What I remember most, though, was looking at all of my hallmates, standing single file 33 00:17:44,040 --> 00:17:48,090 against the brick wall, and thinking that these were my new classmates, these were the 34 00:17:48,090 --> 00:17:50,200 people I’d navigate this new place with. 35 00:17:50,200 --> 00:17:54,730 With all the nerves of starting college classes and the sometimes-overwhelming number of opportunities 36 00:17:54,730 --> 00:17:57,970 in front of us, we would all find our way together. 37 00:17:57,970 --> 00:18:03,020 And four years later, we have all lived out such fruitful and unique UVA experiences. 38 00:18:03,020 --> 00:18:07,740 My hallmate Rachel, who remains one of my best friends to this day, dedicated thousands 39 00:18:07,740 --> 00:18:12,909 of volunteer hours as an EMT firefighter and was recently accepted to her top choice medical 40 00:18:12,909 --> 00:18:13,909 school. 41 00:18:13,909 --> 00:18:17,600 Her roommate Lada double majored in Computer Science and Studio Art, spent her Friday nights 42 00:18:17,600 --> 00:18:21,750 hanging out with the Japan club, and recently accepted a tech position at a Fortune 500 43 00:18:21,750 --> 00:18:22,750 company. 44 00:18:22,750 --> 00:18:27,549 My suitemate Kate got a full ride scholarship in Poland second year, where she explored 45 00:18:27,549 --> 00:18:29,410 her passion for Slavic languages. 46 00:18:29,410 --> 00:18:33,870 In the past four years, all of us have lived out our own UVA stories: we’ve fallen in 47 00:18:33,870 --> 00:18:37,740 love with new and exciting disciplines, we’ve fostered meaningful relationships, and we’ve 48 00:18:37,740 --> 00:18:40,590 made an impact on this place even if in small ways. 49 00:18:40,590 --> 00:18:44,890 We have learned and grown and will go into the world with not only a diploma but with 50 00:18:44,890 --> 00:18:49,930 the solid character, steadfast resilience, and the heart of the UVA Class of 2021. 51 00:18:49,930 --> 00:18:53,640 We started this experience together, and this weekend - whether here on Grounds or from 52 00:18:53,640 --> 00:18:56,559 all over the world - we will finish it together. 53 00:18:56,559 --> 00:19:01,450 Congratulations, Class of 2021, and welcome to Final Exercises Weekend. 54 00:19:01,450 --> 00:19:02,510 ___ 55 00:19:02,510 --> 00:19:05,700 We did it. 56 00:19:05,700 --> 00:19:12,889 In the most difficult year in recent memory, we never quit, we never gave up, and now here 57 00:19:12,889 --> 00:19:18,280 we are, the Class of 2021, ready to take on anything life can throw at us. 58 00:19:18,280 --> 00:19:22,110 This was certainly not the fourth year that we envisioned when we stepped foot on Grounds 59 00:19:22,110 --> 00:19:27,679 as wide-eyed first years, but our strength and resilience empowered us to make this year 60 00:19:27,679 --> 00:19:30,139 meaningful none-the-less. 61 00:19:30,139 --> 00:19:34,830 We may not be out of the woods yet, and it’s crucial that we continue to act responsibly, 62 00:19:34,830 --> 00:19:39,660 but let’s also appreciate how far we’ve come, all the way back to first year. 63 00:19:39,660 --> 00:19:46,490 We arrived at UVA with emotions running high in the wake of the events of August 11th and 64 00:19:46,490 --> 00:19:47,490 12th. 65 00:19:47,490 --> 00:19:50,660 After seeing the solar eclipse during move in, the Concert for Charlottesville helped 66 00:19:50,660 --> 00:19:54,450 our community heal and rebuild from a traumatic summer. 67 00:19:54,450 --> 00:20:00,139 That same year we celebrated two hundred years of UVA; bidding farewell to T Sully and inaugurating 68 00:20:00,139 --> 00:20:02,780 Jim Ryan as our new president. 69 00:20:02,780 --> 00:20:06,020 We had midnight snowball fights, ate more Bodo's bagels than we’d care to mention, 70 00:20:06,020 --> 00:20:10,180 and hosted events for the Charlottesville community, like Lighting of the Lawn and Trick-or-Treating 71 00:20:10,180 --> 00:20:12,320 on the Lawn. 72 00:20:12,320 --> 00:20:16,353 We stumbled, bleary-eyed, up Humpback in order to catch the first light of the day, and careened 73 00:20:16,353 --> 00:20:20,450 through the streets of Charlottesville on the infamous Lime scooters. 74 00:20:20,450 --> 00:20:24,440 The corner bridge had a higher body count than most of us, it must’ve been some sort 75 00:20:24,440 --> 00:20:25,750 of record for roofs claimed, right? 76 00:20:25,750 --> 00:20:32,900 And not to dwell on GrandMarc (I try to forget it too), but remember when an unnamed someone 77 00:20:32,900 --> 00:20:36,460 flooded the building? 78 00:20:36,460 --> 00:20:37,460 We sure do. 79 00:20:37,460 --> 00:20:40,740 We’ve had an absolute roller coaster ride in athletics during our time here, from a 80 00:20:40,740 --> 00:20:46,880 heartbreaking loss in March Madness our first year, to qualifying for a bowl game, beating 81 00:20:46,880 --> 00:20:53,260 Tech, winning national championships in Lacrosse and Swimming and Diving, and let’s not forget, 82 00:20:53,260 --> 00:20:56,250 that National Championship in March Madness. 83 00:20:56,250 --> 00:20:57,770 #1 Baby. 84 00:20:57,770 --> 00:20:58,770 WOO! 85 00:20:58,770 --> 00:21:02,899 And not to mention all the great concerts UPC brought us over our first three years 86 00:21:02,899 --> 00:21:06,000 here: like T Pain, Anderson Paak. 87 00:21:06,000 --> 00:21:12,460 We all embarked on the spring break that "never ended" as we were sent off-grounds spring 88 00:21:12,460 --> 00:21:15,299 2020 for the global pandemic. 89 00:21:15,299 --> 00:21:21,880 However, amidst this hardship, our class saw the ways in which we could preserve, lean 90 00:21:21,880 --> 00:21:25,190 on each other, and support those in need. 91 00:21:25,190 --> 00:21:30,360 Despite the constraints of Covid UVA finished construction on the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers, 92 00:21:30,360 --> 00:21:35,610 commemorating the legacy of craftsmanship and ingenuity of the enslaved people who built 93 00:21:35,610 --> 00:21:39,230 this university. 94 00:21:39,230 --> 00:21:43,650 We successfully transitioned community events like Lighting of The Lawn into a virtual format, 95 00:21:43,650 --> 00:21:44,980 bringing light in ways we never had before. 96 00:21:44,980 --> 00:21:46,679 Our women's Swimming and Dive team won a national championship and the UVA hospital positioned 97 00:21:46,679 --> 00:21:51,610 itself on the cutting edge of Covid vaccine research. 98 00:21:51,610 --> 00:21:53,200 And now, we’re graduating. 99 00:21:53,200 --> 00:21:57,139 Whether staying in Charlottesville, moving across the country or even the world, we'll 100 00:21:57,139 --> 00:22:00,970 always carry with us the moments we shared together during our time here. 101 00:22:00,970 --> 00:22:10,240 We are, and will remain, the class of 2021. 102 00:22:10,240 --> 00:22:11,490 ___ 103 00:22:11,490 --> 00:22:16,130 Established in 1993, the Trustees’ Community Service Award honors a graduating student 104 00:22:16,130 --> 00:22:20,870 who has endeavored to enrich the University and Charlottesville communities through service 105 00:22:20,870 --> 00:22:23,650 during their tenure as a student. 106 00:22:23,650 --> 00:22:28,409 This year, we would like to recognize Taylor Thompson for this award. 107 00:22:28,409 --> 00:22:33,040 Taylor Thompson has exemplified leadership, altruism, and community service throughout 108 00:22:33,040 --> 00:22:35,460 his undergraduate career. 109 00:22:35,460 --> 00:22:40,600 He has been a part of Habitat for Humanity, serving as president of the organization since 110 00:22:40,600 --> 00:22:42,710 April 2018. 111 00:22:42,710 --> 00:22:46,330 In addition to his contribution to Habitat for Humanity, Taylor has made it a personal 112 00:22:46,330 --> 00:22:48,530 mission to advocate for affordable housing. 113 00:22:48,530 --> 00:22:53,360 He has pushed for affordable housing units within the Charlottesville community and on 114 00:22:53,360 --> 00:22:59,760 a national scale by working at both the US and International branches of Habitat. 115 00:22:59,760 --> 00:23:05,280 He has also represented UVA on Capitol Hill and has lobbied alongside senators for the 116 00:23:05,280 --> 00:23:08,950 implementation of affordable housing. 117 00:23:08,950 --> 00:23:13,540 Within the UVA community, Taylor served as an orientation leader during the summer of 118 00:23:13,540 --> 00:23:20,760 2018, and continued his work as a university tour guide since then. 119 00:23:20,760 --> 00:23:30,710 We would like to honor Taylor Thompson with the community service award for dedicating 120 00:23:30,710 --> 00:23:36,370 countless hours to selflessly striving for equity and their commitment to creating a 121 00:23:36,370 --> 00:23:39,940 better Charlottesville community and UVA community. 122 00:23:39,940 --> 00:23:47,460 I am proud to have nominated Taylor Thompson for this Community Leadership Award. 123 00:23:47,460 --> 00:23:52,559 And I guess I should say that my first memory of Taylor was on the first day of class. 124 00:23:52,559 --> 00:23:58,840 He was assigned to me along with 21 others of first year students in the school of architecture, 125 00:23:58,840 --> 00:24:04,909 which are supposed to orient them to the university as well as to, to the department and to the 126 00:24:04,909 --> 00:24:07,480 curriculum. 127 00:24:07,480 --> 00:24:12,070 And if you've ever met him, you'll know that Taylor Thompson is very tall, and he's clearly 128 00:24:12,070 --> 00:24:18,409 from Texas, because he has a certain way of walking in his stride as he's come off a horse 129 00:24:18,409 --> 00:24:19,409 or two. 130 00:24:19,409 --> 00:24:23,630 So, I always thought sending that group of 21 and I asked them where they're from. 131 00:24:23,630 --> 00:24:26,800 And he said, “Texas,” and I said, “What part?”, because I taught at Rice in Houston. 132 00:24:26,800 --> 00:24:31,460 I kind of know Texas well, and he said, “Austin,” and I said, “Fantastic town.” 133 00:24:31,460 --> 00:24:37,550 And I said, “Why did you come so far to study here?”, and he went on with it all. 134 00:24:37,550 --> 00:24:42,680 But he became literally outstanding, then he has this great modest characteristic, I 135 00:24:42,680 --> 00:24:48,750 think by appearance and manner be like Gary Cooper, who's quiet and authentic, but John 136 00:24:48,750 --> 00:24:55,520 Wayne, I like cowboy movies, that is very forceful and determined, and he certainly 137 00:24:55,520 --> 00:24:57,320 has been consistent. 138 00:24:57,320 --> 00:25:01,889 His great claim to fame is that he's been working with Jimmy Carter since he was 15, 139 00:25:01,889 --> 00:25:10,149 because his mother was a notable architect in Austin, Texas, and did the first houses 140 00:25:10,149 --> 00:25:14,500 for the Austin Coalition for housing. 141 00:25:14,500 --> 00:25:19,450 And she passed away when he was about 15, he was determined to establish a foundation 142 00:25:19,450 --> 00:25:22,340 and pursue Habitat for Humanity. 143 00:25:22,340 --> 00:25:27,840 And it was clearly that before he came, he did beautifully in his academic courses in 144 00:25:27,840 --> 00:25:29,240 his studios. 145 00:25:29,240 --> 00:25:33,649 And I lucked myself out of having some fantastic thesis students, he's among them now. 146 00:25:33,649 --> 00:25:40,809 So his thesis project, which is really notable is to gather international educators and national 147 00:25:40,809 --> 00:25:47,220 educators who design build and involve students and to establish a new major within the School 148 00:25:47,220 --> 00:25:52,490 of Architecture called Community Development and Building and he's working with the Thomas 149 00:25:52,490 --> 00:26:00,690 Jefferson Foundation and community and university organizations, etc. to get that installed 150 00:26:00,690 --> 00:26:05,230 as a four year curriculum within the School of Architecture, which has architecture and 151 00:26:05,230 --> 00:26:07,619 architectural history and landscape and planning. 152 00:26:07,619 --> 00:26:12,730 So he's been instrumental in developing a new curriculum that way, but he's also at 153 00:26:12,730 --> 00:26:18,600 the same time, designing housing for 10th and Paige, right off West Main Street, and 154 00:26:18,600 --> 00:26:25,200 is in my mind as an architect his great claim to fame is not a radical revision of how a 155 00:26:25,200 --> 00:26:29,740 family might live single family house, but he's making an inhabitable basement like a 156 00:26:29,740 --> 00:26:34,670 Grotto, and then out with two part of an outdoor courtyard and he's making an attic which is 157 00:26:34,670 --> 00:26:39,520 an extraordinary room with all sorts of dormers and things that will let light in like Jefferson's 158 00:26:39,520 --> 00:26:41,200 Monticello around the entire thing. 159 00:26:41,200 --> 00:26:45,990 He's very inventive as a designer, but he's also tremendously community oriented. 160 00:26:45,990 --> 00:26:46,990 ___ 161 00:26:46,990 --> 00:26:53,970 Established in 1996, the Trustees’ Cultural Fluency Award recognizes a graduating student 162 00:26:53,970 --> 00:26:59,580 who has demonstrated an understanding of and appreciation for cultural and intellectual 163 00:26:59,580 --> 00:27:03,330 diversity during their time at the University. 164 00:27:03,330 --> 00:27:06,840 This year, we would like to recognize Alisa Negron Damsky. 165 00:27:06,840 --> 00:27:11,490 Since she stepped foot in this university, Alisa Negron Damsky has highlighted the importance 166 00:27:11,490 --> 00:27:16,130 of culture, diversity, and community at UVA. 167 00:27:16,130 --> 00:27:21,251 Alisa became a Peer Mentor in the Peer Mentoring Program for Latinx students at the start of 168 00:27:21,251 --> 00:27:22,809 her second year. 169 00:27:22,809 --> 00:27:27,309 She then served on the executive committee as the PMP Familia Head. 170 00:27:27,309 --> 00:27:32,550 Through her work, she has helped foster a community for Latinx students to share and 171 00:27:32,550 --> 00:27:34,669 embrace their culture. 172 00:27:34,669 --> 00:27:39,260 In addition, Alisa has served as a Resident Advisor in the Spanish House. 173 00:27:39,260 --> 00:27:44,000 She brings her Latinx perspective to the living community by sharing her interests in cultural 174 00:27:44,000 --> 00:27:49,360 music and practices, but she also takes time to help the residents understand and connect 175 00:27:49,360 --> 00:27:51,960 with other Spanish speaking cultures. 176 00:27:51,960 --> 00:27:56,360 She has also worked to make an impact on the greater Charlottesville community, serving 177 00:27:56,360 --> 00:27:59,070 as a translator for adult immigrants. 178 00:27:59,070 --> 00:28:04,210 She has translated many documents into Spanish during COVID-19. 179 00:28:04,210 --> 00:28:09,710 Through her time at UVA, Alisa has prioritized connecting with others and learning and spreading 180 00:28:09,710 --> 00:28:11,370 cultural awareness. 181 00:28:11,370 --> 00:28:15,820 She takes the time to think about others around her, specifically the cultural impacts of 182 00:28:15,820 --> 00:28:17,260 her action. 183 00:28:17,260 --> 00:28:21,850 We would like to acknowledge and honor her work by presenting her with the cultural fluency 184 00:28:21,850 --> 00:28:22,850 award. 185 00:28:22,850 --> 00:28:27,850 Hi, my name is Sarah Gaedecke and I nominated Alisa Negrón Damsky, for the cultural literacy 186 00:28:27,850 --> 00:28:29,320 award for the class of 2021. 187 00:28:29,320 --> 00:28:33,510 So, there are many reasons why I nominated Alisa for this award. 188 00:28:33,510 --> 00:28:37,559 But besides her accomplishments and involvements, the biggest thing is that she just embodies 189 00:28:37,559 --> 00:28:40,360 cultural literacy through everything that she does. 190 00:28:40,360 --> 00:28:45,790 She always takes the time to think about others, think about how her actions impact others, 191 00:28:45,790 --> 00:28:49,710 and think about how we can connect and be better people and create the best community 192 00:28:49,710 --> 00:28:51,309 here at UVA. 193 00:28:51,309 --> 00:28:56,760 She inspires me every day to you know, continue to learn and ask questions, and, you know, 194 00:28:56,760 --> 00:28:58,880 be curious about those around me. 195 00:28:58,880 --> 00:29:05,260 And she always takes the time to talk about her own cultural background as a Puerto Rican 196 00:29:05,260 --> 00:29:09,080 and how she can connect with others both similar and different than herself. 197 00:29:09,080 --> 00:29:12,929 My time here at UVA definitely would not be the same without Alisa, and I know that many 198 00:29:12,929 --> 00:29:14,440 others would say the same. 199 00:29:14,440 --> 00:29:15,440 Alisa makes UVA a better place. 200 00:29:15,440 --> 00:29:16,440 ___ 201 00:29:16,440 --> 00:29:22,000 The Resiliency in Action Award was created by the Class of 2021 Trustees to recognize 202 00:29:22,000 --> 00:29:27,830 a graduating student who has demonstrated commitment to their intellectual and extracurricular 203 00:29:27,830 --> 00:29:31,710 pursuits in the face of obstacles and failures. 204 00:29:31,710 --> 00:29:36,830 We would like to recognize Katelyn Ann Shea for this award. 205 00:29:36,830 --> 00:29:41,730 Throughout her four years here, Katelyn Ann Shea has demonstrated what it means to succeed 206 00:29:41,730 --> 00:29:46,250 despite all obstacles presented. 207 00:29:46,250 --> 00:29:52,530 Katelyn has overcome the difficulty of managing ulcerative colitis as well as IBS during her 208 00:29:52,530 --> 00:29:54,889 time at the University. 209 00:29:54,889 --> 00:29:59,460 Because of the complications with her health, she was constantly in and out of the hospital. 210 00:29:59,460 --> 00:30:05,520 This required her to split her time between fulfilling her academic obligations and managing 211 00:30:05,520 --> 00:30:08,600 her physical and mental health. 212 00:30:08,600 --> 00:30:15,280 Her experiences have impacted her professional goals of being a nurse; however, her resilience 213 00:30:15,280 --> 00:30:20,970 is exemplified by her acceptance to the UVA School of Nursing’s Clinical Nurse program. 214 00:30:20,970 --> 00:30:24,120 Despite such obstacles, Katelyn did not let her passion for helping others waver. 215 00:30:24,120 --> 00:30:30,169 She has worked as a mentor in the College Mentor for Kids Program, as well as been involved 216 00:30:30,169 --> 00:30:33,880 in Chronically Ill and Disabled Cavs meetings. 217 00:30:33,880 --> 00:30:39,690 In addition, Katelyn has worked to improve the mental and physical health of her peers 218 00:30:39,690 --> 00:30:46,669 by working with the Mental Health Coalition, as well as the Safety and Wellness Division 219 00:30:46,669 --> 00:30:55,990 of Student Council. 220 00:30:55,990 --> 00:31:01,330 Whether it be juggling school, physical, or mental health, Katelyn has persevered; and 221 00:31:01,330 --> 00:31:11,100 she has used her experiences to educate, help, and uplift the people in her community. 222 00:31:11,100 --> 00:31:16,550 We would like to recognize Katelyn with the Resiliency in Action award in honor of the 223 00:31:16,550 --> 00:31:23,360 perseverance and contribution to the community throughout her undergraduate career. 224 00:31:23,360 --> 00:31:27,880 Hi, my name is Maddie Peterson and I nominated Caitlin Shea for the Resilience in Action 225 00:31:27,880 --> 00:31:30,960 Award because she is the most resilient person I've ever met. 226 00:31:30,960 --> 00:31:34,680 Through her time at UVA, she struggled with Crohn's disease but has gotten through her 227 00:31:34,680 --> 00:31:41,050 struggles and is now going on to be a clinical nursing leader in the CNL program at UVA. 228 00:31:41,050 --> 00:31:44,919 She's going to make an incredible nurse just like she's an incredible friend to everybody 229 00:31:44,919 --> 00:31:48,570 that she knows including myself, and she's my best friend and I love her so much and 230 00:31:48,570 --> 00:31:50,799 I wish her the best next year. 231 00:31:50,799 --> 00:31:55,580 At Valediction each year, the Seven Society presents two unique awards – the Louis A. 232 00:31:55,580 --> 00:32:00,980 Onesty Memorial Scholar-Athlete Award and the James Earle Sargeant Award, which are 233 00:32:00,980 --> 00:32:06,970 given annually to an outstanding student athlete and a student organization that makes major 234 00:32:06,970 --> 00:32:10,850 contributions to the University community. 235 00:32:10,850 --> 00:32:17,460 This year, the 2021 Louis A. Onesty Memorial Scholar-Athlete Award recipient is Paige Madden, 236 00:32:17,460 --> 00:32:19,880 a member of the Swimming and Diving team. 237 00:32:19,880 --> 00:32:25,309 Over the course of her four years at UVA, Paige Madden has demonstrated the highest 238 00:32:25,309 --> 00:32:29,970 standards of excellence both in and out of the pool. 239 00:32:29,970 --> 00:32:35,030 Her recent accomplishments include being a member of the U.S. Swimming Junior National 240 00:32:35,030 --> 00:32:42,260 Team, being a two-time medalist at the 2019 World University Games, a 2016 U.S. Olympic 241 00:32:42,260 --> 00:32:47,350 Trials Qualifier, setting the UVA record in the 200-yard freestyle, as well as bringing 242 00:32:47,350 --> 00:32:53,870 home many wins for UVA, including the first Swimming and Diving NCAA Championship title. 243 00:32:53,870 --> 00:32:54,870 (Wahoowa!) 244 00:32:54,870 --> 00:32:59,909 She has also been recognized as the 2020 ACC Swimmer of the Year, 2020 CoSIDA All-America 245 00:32:59,909 --> 00:33:04,960 At-Large Recipient, and the Co-ACC Scholar Athlete for two years in a row. 246 00:33:04,960 --> 00:33:09,309 Her coach, Todd DeSorbo, describes her as someone who “every single minute is working 247 00:33:09,309 --> 00:33:10,559 really hard.” 248 00:33:10,559 --> 00:33:14,159 He states that “it’s not that other people aren’t exceptional, it’s just that Paige 249 00:33:14,159 --> 00:33:15,860 is on a whole other level.” 250 00:33:15,860 --> 00:33:21,039 While her athletic achievements are impressive; it is important to note her impact outside 251 00:33:21,039 --> 00:33:23,450 the Swimming and Diving community. 252 00:33:23,450 --> 00:33:29,110 A student in the UVA School of Education and Human Development, who is majoring in kinesiology 253 00:33:29,110 --> 00:33:33,520 and minoring in health and wellbeing, Madden is an active member of several other organizations 254 00:33:33,520 --> 00:33:38,260 including Student-Athlete Mentors, Student-Athletes Committed to Honor and Leadership, Madison 255 00:33:38,260 --> 00:33:41,059 House, as well as serving as President of the Encore Club. 256 00:33:41,059 --> 00:33:45,600 For her personal, academic, and athletic achievements and contributions to the University, I’m 257 00:33:45,600 --> 00:33:50,500 incredibly honored to present the Louis A. Onesty Memorial Scholar-Athlete Award to one 258 00:33:50,500 --> 00:33:53,820 of my Class of 2021 peers, Paige Madden. 259 00:33:53,820 --> 00:33:58,740 The 2021 James Earle Sargeant Award goes to The Political Latinxs United for Movement 260 00:33:58,740 --> 00:34:02,149 and Action in Society also known as PLUMAS. 261 00:34:02,149 --> 00:34:08,270 PLUMAS is a community of passionate students who seek to empower the Latinx community in 262 00:34:08,270 --> 00:34:14,669 Charlottesville and UVA through relationship building, direct action, advocacy, and collective 263 00:34:14,669 --> 00:34:15,810 political education. 264 00:34:15,810 --> 00:34:22,450 PLUMAS grounds its work in collective liberation and the recognition of how systematic oppression 265 00:34:22,450 --> 00:34:25,970 plays a role in the inequalities that exist in our communities. 266 00:34:25,970 --> 00:34:30,100 Importantly, their members also ground their work in personal experience. 267 00:34:30,100 --> 00:34:37,640 PLUMAS works to fulfill its mission by working with local community organizations and community 268 00:34:37,640 --> 00:34:40,530 activists to advocate for local issues. 269 00:34:40,530 --> 00:34:45,429 They work with organizations like the Legal Aid Justice Center, Creciendo Juntos, and 270 00:34:45,429 --> 00:34:49,070 the Charlottesville Immigrant Freedom Fund. 271 00:34:49,070 --> 00:34:54,929 They also host events such as monthly Open Mic Nights which allows the University and 272 00:34:54,929 --> 00:35:00,750 Charlottesville community to engage in cultural expression and encourage discussion on heavy 273 00:35:00,750 --> 00:35:06,319 topics that marginalized communities face to shed light on the importance of community 274 00:35:06,319 --> 00:35:07,319 healing. 275 00:35:07,319 --> 00:35:11,020 Each year, the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award Committee selects two student recipients from 276 00:35:11,020 --> 00:35:16,410 the graduating class who best exemplify the highest qualities of character, humility, 277 00:35:16,410 --> 00:35:18,010 and unselfish service. 278 00:35:18,010 --> 00:35:21,990 The committee also selects an individual from the University community whose compassion, 279 00:35:21,990 --> 00:35:26,160 service, and influence are widely acknowledged and appreciated. 280 00:35:26,160 --> 00:35:30,740 All of the recipients of this award are wonderful people, but they are distinctly defined by 281 00:35:30,740 --> 00:35:33,130 their acts in support of others. 282 00:35:33,130 --> 00:35:37,510 Their deeds are not spent on their self-interests, but rather in the interest of community. 283 00:35:37,510 --> 00:35:41,609 They represent our highest ideals and our greatest hopes. 284 00:35:41,609 --> 00:35:49,920 I’m Wayne Cozart, and I was honored to receive the community member award in 2020, alongside 285 00:35:49,920 --> 00:35:55,160 student recipients Kaitlyn Diaz and Chesdin Harrington, and I’m delighted to present 286 00:35:55,160 --> 00:35:58,600 the awards to this year’s recipients. 287 00:35:58,600 --> 00:36:05,350 An exemplary mentor, trusted colleague, and loyal friend, Dean Vicki Gist has served multitudes 288 00:36:05,350 --> 00:36:09,420 of students through her work in her early career in Housing and Residence Life, and 289 00:36:09,420 --> 00:36:14,740 now in Multicultural Student Services, and Fraternity and Sorority Life. 290 00:36:14,740 --> 00:36:19,230 Dean Gist is adept in navigating these diverse spaces with fierce intelligence, dedication, 291 00:36:19,230 --> 00:36:22,600 and a care for students that is unparalleled. 292 00:36:22,600 --> 00:36:27,120 The first Director of Multicultural Student Services, Dean Gist built this new unit and 293 00:36:27,120 --> 00:36:32,560 expanded its footprint, working alongside students to create new spaces and places that 294 00:36:32,560 --> 00:36:35,620 provide a home and sense of belonging for so many. 295 00:36:35,620 --> 00:36:38,590 While she never seeks the spotlight, her work speaks volumes. 296 00:36:38,590 --> 00:36:43,100 She is the best of our community and we are proud to honor her today. 297 00:36:43,100 --> 00:36:49,480 Selflessness, humility, warmth, empathy – if you know Lauren Brown – you have experienced 298 00:36:49,480 --> 00:36:51,720 these gifts from her often. 299 00:36:51,720 --> 00:36:56,859 A quiet but impactful leader, Lauren has reshaped the School of Architecture – thinking deeply 300 00:36:56,859 --> 00:37:01,670 to ask essential questions of spatial and social justice in design - while guiding the 301 00:37:01,670 --> 00:37:07,140 courses of action necessary for support, care, and belonging. 302 00:37:07,140 --> 00:37:12,950 Motivated by a deep sense of service and paying forward the privileges and gifts she has received 303 00:37:12,950 --> 00:37:18,450 from others, we are so pleased to be able to honor Lauren’s leadership, positivity, 304 00:37:18,450 --> 00:37:22,220 and generous spirit today with this award. 305 00:37:22,220 --> 00:37:27,580 Finally, while this award often goes to students outside traditional leadership roles, the 306 00:37:27,580 --> 00:37:32,580 tireless work of Mazzen Shalaby to represent diverse student voices to those in power in 307 00:37:32,580 --> 00:37:37,549 this most difficult year required a departure from the usual practice. 308 00:37:37,549 --> 00:37:42,150 With a unique ability to manage difficult conversations with a blend of thoughtfulness, 309 00:37:42,150 --> 00:37:47,569 deep intelligence, and warmth, Mazzen engages others genuinely and seeks to find opportunities 310 00:37:47,569 --> 00:37:50,310 for common ground and a path forward. 311 00:37:50,310 --> 00:37:55,100 A committed friend and collaborator to so many, Mazzen has been a humble and reliable 312 00:37:55,100 --> 00:38:00,270 source of leadership and support through this strange and difficult year, and embodies the 313 00:38:00,270 --> 00:38:08,740 characteristic of matching words and deeds that is at the heart of this award. 314 00:38:08,740 --> 00:38:10,300 Congratulations to all of the winners! 315 00:38:10,300 --> 00:38:14,839 Our community is better for your commitment and dedication to others. 316 00:38:14,839 --> 00:38:22,770 Babe, it is our pleasure to present you with the 2021 Gordon F. Rainey Jr. Award for Vigilance 317 00:38:22,770 --> 00:38:24,620 to the Student Experience. 318 00:38:24,620 --> 00:38:30,120 We have watched you for 16 years, I've watched you for 16 years, as you've led students and 319 00:38:30,120 --> 00:38:33,830 cared for them and served the university and the Alumni Association, and particularly in 320 00:38:33,830 --> 00:38:38,240 this past year where that student experience just got turned upside down. 321 00:38:38,240 --> 00:38:43,580 I've watched from the dining room table as you have led them and cared for them in ways 322 00:38:43,580 --> 00:38:48,480 that just went above and beyond in addition to taking on extra duties on the COVID care 323 00:38:48,480 --> 00:38:53,270 team, just in your sense of calling and your sense of purpose to the work that you do, 324 00:38:53,270 --> 00:38:55,980 and the people that you serve. 325 00:38:55,980 --> 00:39:01,530 I want to read one quote from this letter from the Society of the Purple Shadows. 326 00:39:01,530 --> 00:39:07,910 It says, Maya Angelou once said, "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive, 327 00:39:07,910 --> 00:39:13,270 and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor and some style." 328 00:39:13,270 --> 00:39:17,161 And I think that speaks to you in the way you've handled this last year and the way 329 00:39:17,161 --> 00:39:22,420 you've led students for 16 years to a T. We are very proud of you. 330 00:39:22,420 --> 00:39:23,420 We're inspired by you. 331 00:39:23,420 --> 00:39:25,680 We love seeing you in your element and doing the work that you do. 332 00:39:25,680 --> 00:39:26,680 So, congratulations! 333 00:39:26,680 --> 00:39:27,680 We're so proud of you, Mommy, love you. 334 00:39:27,680 --> 00:39:28,680 ___ 335 00:39:28,680 --> 00:39:29,680 Good evening class of 2021. 336 00:39:29,680 --> 00:39:30,680 You've made it to Valedictory Exercises, and I couldn't be happier to be among the first 337 00:39:30,680 --> 00:39:31,680 to congratulate you. 338 00:39:31,680 --> 00:39:32,680 This won't be the last time you hear from me this weekend. 339 00:39:32,680 --> 00:39:40,478 But it may very well be the last time you see me on video, which is truly something 340 00:39:40,478 --> 00:39:41,478 to cheer about. 341 00:39:41,478 --> 00:39:42,478 As I've said before, your class will always have a special place in my heart from your 342 00:39:42,478 --> 00:39:43,478 first year when you endured the horrific events of August 11 and 12th, to the first-round 343 00:39:43,478 --> 00:39:44,478 elimination of the Men's Basketball Team, to the redemption of the victory in your second 344 00:39:44,478 --> 00:39:45,478 year, to the moment when you found out we were closing grounds in your third-year and 345 00:39:45,478 --> 00:39:46,478 then your return. 346 00:39:46,478 --> 00:39:47,478 This past year. 347 00:39:47,478 --> 00:39:48,478 It has been a wild, sometimes tragic, sometimes joyful, and continually surprising ride, but 348 00:39:48,478 --> 00:39:49,478 you haven't simply persevered. 349 00:39:49,478 --> 00:39:50,478 You've grown and thrived. 350 00:39:50,478 --> 00:39:51,478 And along the way you've inspired others, including me. 351 00:39:51,478 --> 00:39:52,478 You're passionate about fairness, about justice, about health in the environment, and about 352 00:39:52,478 --> 00:39:53,478 caring for one another and for the Charlottesville community. 353 00:39:53,478 --> 00:39:54,478 You've been leaders, friends, fans and classmates. 354 00:39:54,478 --> 00:39:55,478 In short, your Hoos and always will be. 355 00:39:55,478 --> 00:39:56,478 So, if I could only share one wish with you, it would be that you never lose that spirit 356 00:39:56,478 --> 00:39:57,478 and compassion, no matter where you're headed next in life. 357 00:39:57,478 --> 00:39:58,478 And if I could share just one more wish for you, it would be that you cheer your hearts 358 00:39:58,478 --> 00:39:59,478 out at graduation this weekend. 359 00:39:59,478 --> 00:40:00,478 Congratulations, Class of 2021, and I'll see you soon. 360 00:40:00,478 --> 00:40:01,478 Class of 2021, 361 00:40:01,478 --> 00:40:02,478 Today, you stand before me empowered by your time here on Grounds and educated to move 362 00:40:02,478 --> 00:40:03,478 forward in the pursuit of your passions and goals. 363 00:40:03,478 --> 00:40:04,478 We have been allowed this compressed time period to explore the depths of our minds 364 00:40:04,478 --> 00:40:05,478 and capabilities. 365 00:40:05,478 --> 00:40:06,478 We have been given a safe space to explore our identities and come up with comprehensive 366 00:40:06,478 --> 00:40:07,478 ideas and solutions while not being burdened by the idea of “perfection”. 367 00:40:07,478 --> 00:40:11,790 We have been allowed to stumble, to make mistakes, and even encouraged to do so. 368 00:40:11,790 --> 00:40:17,370 In the pursuit of our education, we have relied on each other and the community to keep us 369 00:40:17,370 --> 00:40:20,670 safe while we continued our pursuits. 370 00:40:20,670 --> 00:40:26,520 However, these accomplishments we have achieved cannot be understood without the walls, measures, 371 00:40:26,520 --> 00:40:31,260 and most of all, the people who have worked tirelessly, day in and day out, to guarantee 372 00:40:31,260 --> 00:40:39,670 us this safe space: the healthcare workers, custodians, dining hall staff, RMC ambassadors, 373 00:40:39,670 --> 00:40:48,360 local shop owners, first responders, UVA administration, Charlottesville community members, professors, 374 00:40:48,360 --> 00:40:51,180 family and friends, and so many more. 375 00:40:51,180 --> 00:40:55,500 These people have played major roles in getting us to where we are today. 376 00:40:55,500 --> 00:41:00,790 We send out special appreciation to all of the individuals who have made our time as 377 00:41:00,790 --> 00:41:03,180 undergrads possible. 378 00:41:03,180 --> 00:41:06,040 Without you, we would not be where we are today. 379 00:41:06,040 --> 00:41:09,190 Your efforts and services have not gone unnoticed. 380 00:41:09,190 --> 00:41:15,460 In fact, members of our community are even excited to give shout outs to particular individuals 381 00:41:15,460 --> 00:41:16,730 who have gone above and beyond. 382 00:41:16,730 --> 00:41:22,180 I share with you now these sentiments of thanks for individuals. 383 00:41:22,180 --> 00:41:27,390 Peter Hodgkins has served as UVA dining staff since before our first year. 384 00:41:27,390 --> 00:41:33,240 Every day, he has been completely and utterly integral to dining's success and safety during 385 00:41:33,240 --> 00:41:34,450 the pandemic. 386 00:41:34,450 --> 00:41:40,440 Susan Davis works as the Associate Vice President in the Division of Student Affairs. 387 00:41:40,440 --> 00:41:46,980 Susan provided daily input to University leadership as a dedicated advocate for the students. 388 00:41:46,980 --> 00:41:52,720 Her commitment to a safe student residential experience and her undying concern for the 389 00:41:52,720 --> 00:41:58,549 wellbeing of all students was prominent throughout this unique pandemic year. 390 00:41:58,549 --> 00:42:03,700 Robert Ragland, more often known as "Shawn", is a strong member of the Facilities Management 391 00:42:03,700 --> 00:42:04,700 team. 392 00:42:04,700 --> 00:42:10,900 Shawn took the initiative to salvage hundreds of sheets of plexiglass out of Alderman Library 393 00:42:10,900 --> 00:42:17,590 to create protective COVID barriers for the UVA Bookstore, Newcomb Hall, UVA Libraries, 394 00:42:17,590 --> 00:42:21,049 and the local voting precinct for the Presidential Election. 395 00:42:21,049 --> 00:42:26,500 Shawn is also responsible for installing all the tent heaters around grounds. 396 00:42:26,500 --> 00:42:31,270 Lastly, Shawn took the lead to install the new Fire tables located around grounds. 397 00:42:31,270 --> 00:42:39,160 He has exhibited a "can do" attitude to keep things moving through this global pandemic! 398 00:42:39,160 --> 00:42:45,250 Christine Wagler, a Registered Nurse at Elson Student Health has stepped up time and again 399 00:42:45,250 --> 00:42:50,620 to ensure students have access to care during the COVID-19 pandemic. 400 00:42:50,620 --> 00:42:55,310 Leading all nurses and front-line staff at Student Health and Wellness, Christine helped 401 00:42:55,310 --> 00:43:00,779 students who were returning from China, even from Wuhan province, and worked to make sure 402 00:43:00,779 --> 00:43:06,080 that there was a plan in place to care for any that may need medical assessment or care 403 00:43:06,080 --> 00:43:07,339 after their return. 404 00:43:07,339 --> 00:43:13,390 Christine, with her calm, flexible, creative approach to leadership, has worked around 405 00:43:13,390 --> 00:43:19,609 the clock, including evenings, weekends, and snow days, to ensure that staffing, supplies, 406 00:43:19,609 --> 00:43:24,130 and training met everyone's needs. 407 00:43:24,130 --> 00:43:29,259 Anna Fitzgerald works in the Student Affairs Vice President office and she has shown, time 408 00:43:29,259 --> 00:43:34,370 and time again, the drive to support UVA students and CIOs. 409 00:43:34,370 --> 00:43:40,390 In particular Anna went out of her to make sure Africa Day 2021 could come to life for 410 00:43:40,390 --> 00:43:43,940 the organization of African students. 411 00:43:43,940 --> 00:43:50,370 Students continually express their appreciation and admiration for her. 412 00:43:50,370 --> 00:43:56,220 Tanyia Moore leads the custodial team that provides service to UVA's residential housing 413 00:43:56,220 --> 00:43:58,000 properties. 414 00:43:58,000 --> 00:44:04,060 She lights up any room she's in with a warm smile and incredible customer service. 415 00:44:04,060 --> 00:44:09,069 Throughout the pandemic she has solved problems and sought to help make our residents and 416 00:44:09,069 --> 00:44:15,150 employees feel comfortable, even as she worked to learn about Covid-19 and keep our living 417 00:44:15,150 --> 00:44:17,920 and working environments safe. 418 00:44:17,920 --> 00:44:23,300 Move-out for summer of 2020 was unique to say the least, and Tanyia rushed around to 419 00:44:23,300 --> 00:44:28,890 make sure that everyone had the assistance they needed, which helped make a stressful 420 00:44:28,890 --> 00:44:33,480 and uncharted process successful. 421 00:44:33,480 --> 00:44:40,390 Gary Mason is an extremely hard-working individual for Facilities Management and enjoys putting 422 00:44:40,390 --> 00:44:43,430 that energy toward “Lighting of The Lawn”. 423 00:44:43,430 --> 00:44:49,660 Gary meets each student with joy to help prepare and install all the lights for LOTL. 424 00:44:49,660 --> 00:44:54,540 He has made an impression on each and every student volunteer who has helped with hanging 425 00:44:54,540 --> 00:45:01,000 up the thousands and thousands of lights for the annual celebration. 426 00:45:01,000 --> 00:45:06,470 Gary has even expressed to his peers that his interactions and mentoring with students 427 00:45:06,470 --> 00:45:11,210 and the friendships that develop along the way are always a highlight of his year. 428 00:45:11,210 --> 00:45:18,690 Jamal Hurd, a proud Officer of the Charlottesville Police Department, has shown through his interactions 429 00:45:18,690 --> 00:45:25,290 with students, his warm smile, and his dedication what it truly means to serve. 430 00:45:25,290 --> 00:45:30,770 Throughout his patrols, he goes out of his way to help, connect, and even develop friendships 431 00:45:30,770 --> 00:45:32,240 with those he meets. 432 00:45:32,240 --> 00:45:38,200 I, myself, have come to consider Jamal a friend and will never forget the times he has engaged 433 00:45:38,200 --> 00:45:43,440 in conversation with me, inspired me, and even encouraged my pursuits. 434 00:45:43,440 --> 00:45:49,730 Dara Orange, known as “James”, has been a fixture up at The Lawn since he joined the 435 00:45:49,730 --> 00:45:51,630 Ambassador team years ago. 436 00:45:51,630 --> 00:45:57,700 If you have been a resident of the Lawn or Range, you have seen James making his rounds 437 00:45:57,700 --> 00:45:59,990 ensuring all is safe for his Lawn Community. 438 00:45:59,990 --> 00:46:07,640 He is a rock-solid person and always has a smile for whoever he meets, be it the Lawn 439 00:46:07,640 --> 00:46:12,290 residents, Pavilion residents, or the countless visitors he sees everyday. 440 00:46:12,290 --> 00:46:17,480 Michael Montgomery, known as “Mike,” is an Ambassador often on Main Street who has 441 00:46:17,480 --> 00:46:24,390 been recognized for being so dedicated to his job, for engaging in genuine conversation, 442 00:46:24,390 --> 00:46:26,980 and being undeniably a good person. 443 00:46:26,980 --> 00:46:33,609 He has offered his presence and warming conversations to students after difficult nights and students 444 00:46:33,609 --> 00:46:39,630 have expressed how safe they feel as a Charlottesville resident and UVA student to know that people 445 00:46:39,630 --> 00:46:41,790 like him are on the roads. 446 00:46:41,790 --> 00:46:47,670 We recognize, today and every day, the effort and services that surround this UVA community 447 00:46:47,670 --> 00:46:52,390 and the privilege we have had to know that these individuals were there to support us. 448 00:46:52,390 --> 00:46:58,190 And these names only represent a small sampling of hands that work so hard to support and 449 00:46:58,190 --> 00:47:00,650 enrich the undergraduate experience. 450 00:47:00,650 --> 00:47:05,310 We, the Class of 2021, thank you for your efforts. 451 00:47:05,310 --> 00:47:10,810 And finally, let us allow this moment of silence for those of our graduating class that have 452 00:47:10,810 --> 00:47:16,509 passed away and that do not have the opportunity to walk in cap and gown with us. 453 00:47:16,509 --> 00:47:30,290 Josh Richardson, Henry Reed, Nick Marshall, Logan Leemis. 454 00:47:30,290 --> 00:47:40,970 *Moment of silence* 455 00:47:40,970 --> 00:47:43,509 You all have touched the lives of this class. 456 00:47:43,509 --> 00:47:49,069 You were a pivotal part of these years, from every life that you touched and all the joy 457 00:47:49,069 --> 00:47:52,100 and love you brought onto Grounds. 458 00:47:52,100 --> 00:47:58,330 We hope the engraved UVA class rings provided to each of your families by the Class of 2021 459 00:47:58,330 --> 00:48:04,190 Trustees, may provide a symbol of your time and accomplishments here on Grounds. 460 00:48:04,190 --> 00:48:11,750 Today we recognize each of you and your families, with our deepest heartfelt sorrows. 461 00:48:11,750 --> 00:48:17,330 Although today looks a bit different than we originally imagined, we will graduate with 462 00:48:17,330 --> 00:48:24,350 one heart, knowing that we will leave the University of Virginia as scholars, artists, 463 00:48:24,350 --> 00:49:09,130 national champions, friends, and most importantly, as the Class 464 00:49:09,130 --> 00:49:35,449 of 2021. 465 00:49:35,449 --> 00:49:45,989 And for 466 00:49:45,989 --> 00:49:58,450 that I thank YOU. 467 00:49:58,450 --> 00:50:05,660 Congratulations, Hoos! 468 00:50:05,660 --> 00:50:08,200 Good Evening Graduating Class of 2021, 469 00:50:08,200 --> 00:50:13,480 My name is Kia Azadbakht and, today, I am honored to introduce our Valedictory Exercises 470 00:50:13,480 --> 00:50:19,180 Speaker, Jay Pharoah, a phenomenal American actor, stand-up comedian, impressionist, and 471 00:50:19,180 --> 00:50:20,580 fellow Virginian. 472 00:50:20,580 --> 00:50:26,120 From 2010 to 2016, Jay Pharoah was a prominent cast member for NBC’s Saturday Night Live. 473 00:50:26,120 --> 00:50:31,330 He is known for his various celebrity impressions, including Barack Obama, Will Smith, Jay-Z, 474 00:50:31,330 --> 00:50:34,790 50 Cent, and Eddie Murphy, just to name a few. 475 00:50:34,790 --> 00:50:39,660 In addition to his tenure at SNL, Mr. Pharoah has worked on over 25 films and television 476 00:50:39,660 --> 00:50:45,440 programs, including the blockbuster film Ride Along, as well as Family Guy and BoJack Horseman. 477 00:50:45,440 --> 00:50:49,310 You may even recognize him voicing one of the protagonists in the ever-popular Call 478 00:50:49,310 --> 00:50:51,060 of Duty franchise. 479 00:50:51,060 --> 00:50:55,779 Looking forward, you can expect to see Jay Pharoah in the upcoming Netflix romantic-comedy, 480 00:50:55,779 --> 00:51:00,770 Resort to Love, and continuing as the host of Nickelodeon’s Unfiltered. 481 00:51:00,770 --> 00:51:06,630 Pharaoh, a fellow Virginian and alumnus of Indian River High School, is a role model 482 00:51:06,630 --> 00:51:07,630 for me. 483 00:51:07,630 --> 00:51:09,810 As someone who succeeded with a similar academic and personal upbringing, he is living proof 484 00:51:09,810 --> 00:51:15,950 that I too can go on to become the best in my field overcoming any obstacle. 485 00:51:15,950 --> 00:51:23,049 This year has been nothing short of difficult for our year, with fewer job opportunities, 486 00:51:23,049 --> 00:51:26,500 less graduation trips and ceremonies, limited socializing, and canceled fourth-year experiences; 487 00:51:26,500 --> 00:51:31,509 however, I hope we can share one final laugh together before moving on to our different 488 00:51:31,509 --> 00:51:32,509 paths. 489 00:51:32,509 --> 00:51:36,720 With that, on behalf of the Class of 2021 and the University of Virginia, I am excited 490 00:51:36,720 --> 00:51:38,650 to present Jay Pharoah. 491 00:51:38,650 --> 00:51:39,790 UVA. 492 00:51:39,790 --> 00:51:51,200 How are you, Jay Pharaoh SNL, and Virginia native from the 757. 493 00:51:51,200 --> 00:51:57,230 Ah, the first thing to say to you all today is Congratulations! 494 00:51:57,230 --> 00:52:02,411 You're already ahead of most of the world. 495 00:52:02,411 --> 00:52:07,970 Because most of the world doesn't even get accepted into college, let alone finish it. 496 00:52:07,970 --> 00:52:10,202 So for finishing, I would like to say right now, Congratulations. 497 00:52:10,202 --> 00:52:15,220 Now I understand it could be hard. 498 00:52:15,220 --> 00:52:18,279 And it was hard to get to this point. 499 00:52:18,279 --> 00:52:23,929 And it's going to get harder when you graduate because you have so many people competing 500 00:52:23,929 --> 00:52:25,989 against you. 501 00:52:25,989 --> 00:52:29,641 Trust in yourself, believe in yourself. 502 00:52:29,641 --> 00:52:35,620 And know that God doesn't give you anything that you can't handle. 503 00:52:35,620 --> 00:52:43,239 Once he does give you the opportunities, it's your responsibility to put in the work, stay 504 00:52:43,239 --> 00:52:48,630 fresh, stay on top, and keep going. 505 00:52:48,630 --> 00:53:00,530 At a comedy show about 16 years ago, I asked this comedian for advice. 506 00:53:00,530 --> 00:53:06,580 I said, “Man, what advice can you give me while I'm out here trying to make it while 507 00:53:06,580 --> 00:53:10,390 I'm trying to solidify myself as an artist?” 508 00:53:10,390 --> 00:53:14,330 He said, “Don't be afraid to fail.” 509 00:53:14,330 --> 00:53:17,010 So that is the same advice I will give everybody right now. 510 00:53:17,010 --> 00:53:23,460 Don't be afraid to fail, fail, fail and fail again. 511 00:53:23,460 --> 00:53:30,030 Because eventually, from failure comes success. 512 00:53:30,030 --> 00:53:33,319 The predecessor of success is failure. 513 00:53:33,319 --> 00:53:34,410 So don't be afraid. 514 00:53:34,410 --> 00:53:35,410 Try. 515 00:53:35,410 --> 00:53:38,430 If you think about it, try it. 516 00:53:38,430 --> 00:53:45,549 If it doesn't work, it's okay I was talking to a fellow actor of mine. 517 00:53:45,549 --> 00:53:47,660 We had a roundtable conversation. 518 00:53:47,660 --> 00:53:54,290 It was me and it was for other actors. 519 00:53:54,290 --> 00:54:02,989 He said that he went on 1000 auditions before he landed his big role and that was Antwan. 520 00:54:02,989 --> 00:54:06,080 Antwone Fisher was the movie. 521 00:54:06,080 --> 00:54:08,770 And it blew, it blew my mind. 522 00:54:08,770 --> 00:54:15,330 I was flabbergasted to even know that he had to audition that much because he's so good. 523 00:54:15,330 --> 00:54:19,560 But it's a part of life. 524 00:54:19,560 --> 00:54:21,370 So fail. 525 00:54:21,370 --> 00:54:24,179 As Denzel says, “Fail, yep, fail big. 526 00:54:24,179 --> 00:54:27,040 But get back up.” 527 00:54:27,040 --> 00:54:34,000 Fall 1000 times and get up 100,000 times I think he said something like that. 528 00:54:34,000 --> 00:54:37,390 But don't be afraid. 529 00:54:37,390 --> 00:54:44,810 Because the hard part is starting, and you're already there. 530 00:54:44,810 --> 00:54:54,600 I never got the opportunity to finish school. 531 00:54:54,600 --> 00:55:04,160 I want to eventually one day, but you know, I got whisked away on the SNL train. 532 00:55:04,160 --> 00:55:09,760 That's something else for you all to think about. 533 00:55:09,760 --> 00:55:19,230 As you're out here in the world, and you have one thing that pops off. 534 00:55:19,230 --> 00:55:22,890 Don't be afraid to pursue that. 535 00:55:22,890 --> 00:55:26,460 Go with your gut. 536 00:55:26,460 --> 00:55:28,730 Trust yourself. 537 00:55:28,730 --> 00:55:32,020 Nobody's going to care about you more than you do. 538 00:55:32,020 --> 00:55:36,770 Well, your mother, your mother might care about you more than anybody else. 539 00:55:36,770 --> 00:55:39,240 And hey, your father, too. 540 00:55:39,240 --> 00:55:45,870 We don't give dads the proper credit that they deserve. 541 00:55:45,870 --> 00:55:48,850 It definitely takes a village to raise somebody. 542 00:55:48,850 --> 00:55:53,700 And some of you all have representative fathers, you know, or representative mothers or what 543 00:55:53,700 --> 00:55:55,950 have you. 544 00:55:55,950 --> 00:55:58,670 Just trust in yourself. 545 00:55:58,670 --> 00:56:07,310 And trust that the decisions that you are making are steps on your path and understand 546 00:56:07,310 --> 00:56:08,780 something. 547 00:56:08,780 --> 00:56:12,520 It's not a race, it's a marathon. 548 00:56:12,520 --> 00:56:15,610 So, keep stacking. 549 00:56:15,610 --> 00:56:18,700 Keep going hard. 550 00:56:18,700 --> 00:56:24,120 And don't sweat the BS because BS is a part of life. 551 00:56:24,120 --> 00:56:37,730 But my big advice to you all on this day is embrace yourselves, smile, trust your genius, 552 00:56:37,730 --> 00:56:45,730 and never let anybody knocked you off the path. 553 00:56:45,730 --> 00:56:57,179 If any of you turn into publishers, any of you turn into media people, get cancel culture 554 00:56:57,179 --> 00:56:59,770 to cancel important things. 555 00:56:59,770 --> 00:57:11,299 Like not, not the prince kissing, kissing Snow White, not Pepe le pew, all right? 556 00:57:11,299 --> 00:57:13,680 not Dr. Seuss. 557 00:57:13,680 --> 00:57:27,179 Make cancel culture cancel something important, something substantive like student loans because 558 00:57:27,179 --> 00:57:31,049 a lot of you are going to have problems paying them paying them back, and I know people right 559 00:57:31,049 --> 00:57:41,410 now who are still trying to pay them things back, and it's been 20 years. 560 00:57:41,410 --> 00:57:53,550 If you need a helping hand if you need someone to look to pray, God is ubiquitous. 561 00:57:53,550 --> 00:58:06,420 He's always there, and I wouldn't have come so far without his love, my family's love, 562 00:58:06,420 --> 00:58:07,870 and believing in myself. 563 00:58:07,870 --> 00:58:09,650 Congratulations, UVA! 564 00:58:09,650 --> 00:58:14,020 You did it. 565 00:58:14,020 --> 00:58:17,690 You did it during COVID. 566 00:58:17,690 --> 00:58:24,940 Shout out to the parents that took the PPP loans and just tried to throw someone to tuition. 567 00:58:24,940 --> 00:58:26,240 You see that's a sweet act. 568 00:58:26,240 --> 00:58:30,630 We're not talking about the people that took the PPP loans and bought them so Maserati 569 00:58:30,630 --> 00:58:35,230 and studio apartments and girls off the only fans. 570 00:58:35,230 --> 00:58:40,090 We are talking about people who use it in a positive way. 571 00:58:40,090 --> 00:58:42,880 That's a joke. 572 00:58:42,880 --> 00:58:44,750 Congratulations. 573 00:58:44,750 --> 00:58:50,070 Don't be afraid to fail. 574 00:58:50,070 --> 00:58:56,970 And whatever you think, whatever you conceptualize up here is your reality. 575 00:58:56,970 --> 00:58:58,859 So always think positive. 576 00:58:58,859 --> 00:59:00,779 Dream big. 577 00:59:00,779 --> 00:59:03,930 And don't be afraid to put the work in. 578 00:59:03,930 --> 00:59:06,370 Congratulations 2021. 579 00:59:06,370 --> 00:59:10,040 You did it! 580 00:59:10,040 --> 00:59:13,720 I would like to be the first to thank Jay Pharoah for his inspiring remarks. 581 00:59:13,720 --> 00:59:18,730 We couldn’t have asked for a better person to help us celebrate this weekend! 582 00:59:18,730 --> 00:59:23,770 Class of 2021, it has truly been an honor to serve as your class president for the last 583 00:59:23,770 --> 00:59:25,080 three years. 584 00:59:25,080 --> 00:59:29,900 I am so thankful for that privilege and for the opportunity to address you today. 585 00:59:29,900 --> 00:59:36,560 We have spent so much time together and have shared a lot of great memories, experiences, 586 00:59:36,560 --> 00:59:39,630 and passions over the last four years. 587 00:59:39,630 --> 00:59:44,480 When brainstorming how to start this speech, I began by recounting all the major events 588 00:59:44,480 --> 00:59:46,370 – the highs and the lows. 589 00:59:46,370 --> 00:59:49,770 There is always a sense of uncertainty when going away to college. 590 00:59:49,770 --> 00:59:54,130 In addition to this normal nervousness, our incoming class was met with fear. 591 00:59:54,130 --> 01:00:00,580 On August 11th and 12th, 2017 white nationalists descended on Charlottesville and brought with 592 01:00:00,580 --> 01:00:02,600 them hatred and racial injustice. 593 01:00:02,600 --> 01:00:07,410 The events of this weekend made many of my classmates feel like they did not belong in 594 01:00:07,410 --> 01:00:08,410 Charlottesville. 595 01:00:08,410 --> 01:00:13,069 However, our class and the Charlottesville community found a way to persevere. 596 01:00:13,069 --> 01:00:18,020 In one of the community’s darkest times, we managed to find light by creating it ourselves. 597 01:00:18,020 --> 01:00:23,650 We came together to rally behind initiatives, like the Concert for Charlottesville, to support 598 01:00:23,650 --> 01:00:27,150 local businesses and bring awareness to racial inequality. 599 01:00:27,150 --> 01:00:33,730 In a way, the Class of 2021 was already showing our resiliency before our first day of classes 600 01:00:33,730 --> 01:00:34,730 even began. 601 01:00:34,730 --> 01:00:39,460 Towards the end of our third year and during the entirety of our fourth-year, I also feel 602 01:00:39,460 --> 01:00:45,430 that our class has displayed impressive resiliency time and time again. 603 01:00:45,430 --> 01:00:49,620 Before spring break, there were whispers of the coronavirus, but nobody could have expected 604 01:00:49,620 --> 01:00:53,770 that over a year later we would still be feeling its effects. 605 01:00:53,770 --> 01:00:57,910 Many of us have been directly affected by this disease, and I want to say that I am 606 01:00:57,910 --> 01:01:02,160 incredibly sorry to all who have experienced loss because of it. 607 01:01:02,160 --> 01:01:06,900 This pandemic showed us that you cannot take anything for granted and that you have to 608 01:01:06,900 --> 01:01:12,100 soak up every experience as if it might be your last. 609 01:01:12,100 --> 01:01:17,290 Our class did not get to have our last home football game or other in-person events and 610 01:01:17,290 --> 01:01:22,190 milestones, but I want to applaud everyone for how you kept spirits high during these 611 01:01:22,190 --> 01:01:23,190 times. 612 01:01:23,190 --> 01:01:28,609 We found creative ways to stay connected with one another and with our communities. 613 01:01:28,609 --> 01:01:35,560 Student-led campaigns worked to help local businesses and thank first-responders. 614 01:01:35,560 --> 01:01:41,440 In addition, during a time where racial inequality and police brutality were main topics in the 615 01:01:41,440 --> 01:01:45,640 United States, UVA students did not stay silent. 616 01:01:45,640 --> 01:01:51,230 Student-organized protests and activism fought, and continues to fight, for racial justice 617 01:01:51,230 --> 01:01:52,480 everyday. 618 01:01:52,480 --> 01:01:57,600 In a way, the UVA Class of 2021 came full circle from the Charlottesville attacks in 619 01:01:57,600 --> 01:02:02,160 2017, which illustrates that we have been able to overcome the worst of times, by bringing 620 01:02:02,160 --> 01:02:05,370 good to the community and putting others before us. 621 01:02:05,370 --> 01:02:10,710 While we have faced many challenges during the last four years, I also think that our 622 01:02:10,710 --> 01:02:15,839 time at UVA has been defined by some pretty spectacular milestones and events. 623 01:02:15,839 --> 01:02:22,770 It is in many of these times that I truly felt more connected to you all and to our 624 01:02:22,770 --> 01:02:23,770 University. 625 01:02:23,770 --> 01:02:28,000 Experiencing LOTL and Rotunda Sings on the Lawn was incredibly special. 626 01:02:28,000 --> 01:02:31,950 Thousands of students came together and the sense of unity was unparalleled. 627 01:02:31,950 --> 01:02:35,910 Well, unparalleled until April of 2019. 628 01:02:35,910 --> 01:02:40,779 The NCAA Basketball Championship during our second year brought thousands of people together 629 01:02:40,779 --> 01:02:43,259 on the corner and in Minneapolis. 630 01:02:43,259 --> 01:02:48,170 We also watched dozens of sporting events and cheered on the Hoos as they won 4 national 631 01:02:48,170 --> 01:02:49,549 championships during our time. 632 01:02:49,549 --> 01:02:54,670 At class specific events, like the Second Year Dinner Series and the Third Year Ceremony, 633 01:02:54,670 --> 01:03:01,750 we gathered to celebrate our relationships with one another and foster class connection. 634 01:03:01,750 --> 01:03:05,700 So far, I have hit on some of the major milestones of the last four years. 635 01:03:05,700 --> 01:03:10,810 But I also encourage you to reflect on your own college experience by looking deeper at 636 01:03:10,810 --> 01:03:14,730 all those little moments that defined your time at UVA. 637 01:03:14,730 --> 01:03:17,600 Moments like: • Watching the sunset on top of Culbreth 638 01:03:17,600 --> 01:03:18,880 garage. 639 01:03:18,880 --> 01:03:23,120 • Sitting on the Lawn and admiring the many dogs, the intricate architecture, and the 640 01:03:23,120 --> 01:03:25,290 beautiful scenery. 641 01:03:25,290 --> 01:03:30,440 • Spending hours in Clem 2, but only actually doing five minutes of work. 642 01:03:30,440 --> 01:03:33,290 • Becoming best friends with a stranger in the Coupes line. 643 01:03:33,290 --> 01:03:39,370 • Attending an a capella or dance performance -- or even performing in one. 644 01:03:39,370 --> 01:03:43,080 • Getting Bodo’s and laughing about the events of the previous night with your best 645 01:03:43,080 --> 01:03:44,190 friends. 646 01:03:44,190 --> 01:03:50,580 • Checking Snapchat to see approximately 24 pictures of a truck stuck under the bridge 647 01:03:50,580 --> 01:03:52,430 on the Corner. 648 01:03:52,430 --> 01:03:58,009 • Walking past the Rotunda and unknowingly cracking a smile because damn she is beautiful. 649 01:03:58,009 --> 01:04:01,680 All of these small moments, and thousands more, are really what made up our college 650 01:04:01,680 --> 01:04:02,680 experience. 651 01:04:02,680 --> 01:04:06,710 I encourage you to try to remember a few of these moments and share them with the people 652 01:04:06,710 --> 01:04:08,480 who made them special. 653 01:04:08,480 --> 01:04:12,740 Next, I ask that you think about all the communities and all the individuals that got you to this 654 01:04:12,740 --> 01:04:13,740 very moment. 655 01:04:13,740 --> 01:04:18,469 It is these communities and individuals that helped us all feel like we had a home at UVA. 656 01:04:18,469 --> 01:04:23,110 To our consistently supportive parents and families, thank you for believing in us. 657 01:04:23,110 --> 01:04:28,930 To our professors and advisors, thank you for pushing us and for fueling our curiosity. 658 01:04:28,930 --> 01:04:33,290 To all the wonderful organizations we have been a part of, thank you for welcoming us 659 01:04:33,290 --> 01:04:35,900 and allowing us to explore who we are. 660 01:04:35,900 --> 01:04:41,670 To our first-year roommates, hallmates and RAs, thank you for being our first homebase. 661 01:04:41,670 --> 01:04:46,210 And to our friends, new and old, thank you for enjoying the ride along with us. 662 01:04:46,210 --> 01:04:50,310 Finally, I wanted to leave you with a few things that I have personally learned over 663 01:04:50,310 --> 01:04:52,210 the last four years. 664 01:04:52,210 --> 01:04:57,880 First, people might put you in a box or attach some arbitrary labels to who they think you 665 01:04:57,880 --> 01:04:58,880 are. 666 01:04:58,880 --> 01:05:02,170 And while these labels can feel suffocating at times, do not let them define how you think 667 01:05:02,170 --> 01:05:04,509 of yourself and how you carry yourself. 668 01:05:04,509 --> 01:05:09,100 You are so much more than what any single person thinks of you. 669 01:05:09,100 --> 01:05:11,940 Similarly, don’t be afraid to be different. 670 01:05:11,940 --> 01:05:16,460 Many of us have used the last four years to explore what is truly important to us and 671 01:05:16,460 --> 01:05:18,520 what values we want to drive our person. 672 01:05:18,520 --> 01:05:23,880 Second, you are enough, and you are exactly where you are supposed to be. 673 01:05:23,880 --> 01:05:28,739 Everyone at UVA is special and impressive in their own ways, but it can feel daunting, 674 01:05:28,739 --> 01:05:30,940 even intimidating at times. 675 01:05:30,940 --> 01:05:36,670 It is hard not to compare yourself to others, but I really encourage you to try not to. 676 01:05:36,670 --> 01:05:41,190 Some of us have had our post-graduation plans solidified, while some of us are still unsure 677 01:05:41,190 --> 01:05:42,790 of what the next few months will bring. 678 01:05:42,790 --> 01:05:45,470 And both are totally okay! 679 01:05:45,470 --> 01:05:50,230 Take this time to figure out what is best for you and know that your first job or decision 680 01:05:50,230 --> 01:05:54,920 by no means defines what you have to do for the rest of your life. 681 01:05:54,920 --> 01:05:59,650 Third, my mom always tells me, everything happens for a reason. 682 01:05:59,650 --> 01:06:01,520 And I truly believe this. 683 01:06:01,520 --> 01:06:05,960 Whether you know it or not, there is a plan laid out for you, and all you have to do is 684 01:06:05,960 --> 01:06:07,340 trust the process. 685 01:06:07,340 --> 01:06:12,570 While our time at UVA did not finish exactly how any of us thought it would, I am happy 686 01:06:12,570 --> 01:06:17,830 to look back on all these moments – big and small – that have defined our college 687 01:06:17,830 --> 01:06:19,480 experiences. 688 01:06:19,480 --> 01:06:23,600 I am honored to have walked beside all of you on this journey and I am looking forward 689 01:06:23,600 --> 01:06:27,310 to the next chapters that are beginning for all of us. 690 01:06:27,310 --> 01:06:31,980 Once again, thank you being such an amazing class and congratulations to the class of 691 01:06:31,980 --> 01:06:32,980 2021. 692 01:06:32,980 --> 01:06:33,609 Wahoowa!