To try and describe this past year in one word is impossible.
We've had a lot of fun, we've learned a lot,
and we've made a difference.
But let me show you a little bit more of what I'm talking about.
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The rotunda is nearing completion,
and will be open in August of this summer.
And along the way of the renovations,
we discovered a chemical hearth that
dates back to the 19th century.
Over in the School of Medicine, we
made a groundbreaking discovery linking the brain
to the immune system.
As for our Charlottesville traditions,
at Trick-or-Treating on the Lawn, thousands of kids
came dressed up ready to receive handfuls of candy.
It was yet another successful year
for Pancakes for Parkinson's, and we
celebrated the 15th anniversary of Lighting of the Lawn.
And I guess you could say it was pretty lit.
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And then, winter came, when we got 14 inches of snow,
really turning the UVA grounds into a winter wonderland.
We have a number of new academic leaders on grounds,
including a new provost, and six new deans.
And let's not forget Russell Bogue,
who was one of 32 students in the country chosen
to be a Rhodes Scholar.
Congratulations, Russell.
One of our generous alumni, John Nau,
made a huge contribution to the Nau Center
to facilitate historical research.
In McIntire, we have a new master's program
in global commerce.
And two of our alumni had a successful appearance
on Shark Tank, really sinking their teeth
into a new frontier.
The Dave Matthews Band returned home to Charlottesville
for their 25th anniversary concert,
raising over $1.5 million to benefit the community.
As for sports--
We will have fantastic students, fantastic
people, and a fantastic football team.
The Cavalier marching band really rocked the socks off
of New York City at this year's Thanksgiving Macy's Day Parade.
Leah Smith won her fourth national championship
in swimming, and Henry Wynne had a performance
that really fit his last name, becoming the national men's
mile champion.
We filled out the John Paul Jones arena yet again
when College Gameday returned, and we won big.
Wait.
Oh, that's a good one.
That's in!
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And finally, the men's basketball team
continued to leave fans in awe, making it
to the Elite Eight for the first time in 20 years.
Go Hoos!
For all of the graduating UVA students, seeing the success
has really helped to wrap up the year in a way
that they will never forget.
And for me, I'm just excited to see
what comes in the next year.
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