WEBVTT

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[MUSIC PLAYING]

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Sending our students home in the spring was
one of the hardest things we have ever had

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to do as a community.

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Our students are the beating heart of UVA.

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And looking around at the spaces on Grounds that were usually so filled with energy and life and

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instead seeing emptiness was heartbreaking. While
we always look forward to welcoming our students

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to Grounds in the fall, this moment feels
even more momentous.

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We're excited to welcome you, the class
of 2024, into the University of Virginia family.

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This coming year at UVA is going to be different.

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It’s going to be different than you imagined
or I imagined or all of us imagined.

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I am certain though that it’s going to be
a great opportunity.

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One for us to learn from one another, an opportunity
for us to take care of one another, and we

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are absolutely determined to make sure that
you have a fabulous educational experience.

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Embracing obstacles as opportunities requires
us to look at things a little differently.

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And one of the ways we will have to adapt
is in athletics.

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We will have to find new ways to come together
as fans to cheer on our Hoos.

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But if any community can do this, it’s this
one.

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And when it’s safe to open our stadiums
and arenas once again, that moment will become

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even more powerful.

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This year will look and feel different than
years in the past.

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It will require us to come together as a community
and meet our challenges with imagination,

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compassion and determination.

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But if you’re watching this as a member
of the class of 2024, then that means you

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already have these qualities inside you.

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You’re joining this community – this family
– at a remarkably challenging time.

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But if the past is any indication, then I
have every confidence this year will lead

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us to be more creative, inspire us to be more
selfless, and in many ways bring us closer

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together than ever before.

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I can't wait to see you on Grounds.

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Our students are the spirit of this iconic
institution.

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We cannot wait for you to get here and
fill these spaces with life and energy once

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again.

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Welcome, class of 2024.

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[MUSIC PLAYING]