Dept: Letters
Letters to the Editor1
Spring 2010
Esoterica The article “Did You Know? A Collection of University Esoterica” [Winter 2009] reminded me of a question I’ve had in my mind for a long time. I’ve heard it said that Auburn University and the University of Virginia have the same school colors because Virginia helped Auburn establish its football team—and Auburn wanted to show appreciation. Is there any truth to this story? James B. Davis (Grad ’70) Lexington, Va. An 1887 University of Virginia graduate, George Petrie, was the organizer and coach of Auburn’s first football team in 1892. In honor of U.Va., Petrie chose orange and...
Letters to the Editor0
Winter 2009
Addiction Research I found the article “Targeting Addiction” (Fall 2009) very intriguing. I especially was curious if Dr. Bankole Johnson’s research (or even topiramate itself) is applicable to other psychological medical conditions. I wondered particularly about those conditions that are or could be related to the release of dopamine and/or its failure to be inhibited by the body in certain people. For instance, is Dr. Johnson’s research being looked at for issues related to sex addiction or obesity? On an unrelated note, I found the description of his path to medicine fascinating. After leaving U.Va., I spent...
Letters to the Editor2
Fall 2009
Palin Comparison In the most recent issue of Virginia Magazine, you refer to Tina Fey’s supposedly humorous impersonation of former Gov. Sarah Palin (“Quotable Quotes,” Summer 2009). Specifically, you quote Fey’s parody (“I can see Russia from my house”) of Palin’s remarks on Russia and its proximity to Alaska. As you correctly point out, Palin never spoke those words. Rather, Palin tried to explain, when ambushed by Katie Couric (Col ’79) in an “interview,” that the government of Alaska has trade missions with Russia and Canada and that the location of the state is important to our national security....
Letters to the Editor0
Summer 2009
Debating Change It was with great regret that I read of plans to “preserve” Mr. Jefferson’s original intentions for Pavilion X (“This Old Academical Village,” Spring 2009). This is abominable on several fronts, not the least of which is its utter violation of the great horizon-expanding agrarian aesthetic Jefferson so beautifully masters throughout his career. If the preservationists invoke “intentions” to trump “status quo,” then what of the constant flux of remodeling which had—in Jefferson’s lifetime—reduced Monticello to a perpetual experiment in trial and error? If U.Va. is indeed set on doing this, when can I...
Letters to the Editor0
Spring 2009
Poe Room Photo by Matt RileyWhen you feature upcoming events on Grounds, please be sure to include the U.Va. men’s tennis matches. The team entered the season ranked No. 5 in the nation and was the No. 1 team most of last year. They made it to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament for the second year in a row. Coach Brian Boland was named national coach of the year for 2008. The team is retiring two-time NCAA singles champion Somdev Devvarman’s jersey at the Illinois match at the Boar’s Head Sports Club. Somdev is now ranked No. 155...
Letters to the Editor0
Winter 2008
Pretty Picture My Fall 2008 copy of the University of Virginia Magazine just arrived and I am blown away by the stunning cover. “View from an archway beneath the Rotunda” is simply beautiful. Thank you for such a memorable photograph. When I first saw it, I said to myself, “That has to be a Llewellyn.” It evokes the spirit of the University and fond memories of my experiences as one of the first woman students in the College of Arts & Sciences. Marjorie Sargent (Col ’58, Educ ’63) Williamsburg, Va. Understanding China My wife and I were in China during the uprising in...
Letters to the Editor0
Fall 2008
Stories from Iraq The article “Soldiers’ Stories” in the Summer 2008 issue is one of the finest anthologies I have read in a long time. These are American heroes and heroines; their stories are important. The cover is especially riveting with the framed portraits. And the timing of your publication couldn’t have been better, as I am reading it on this Memorial Day weekend. Thank you for another job well done. Dick Clair (Col ’57) Newton, N.J. This letter is to express appreciation for your coverage in the Summer 2008 magazine of the men and women serving in Iraq. It is...
Letters to the Editor0
Summer 2008
Who’s Buried Where? Living just north of the University cemetery, on the other side of the creek, I was delighted to read your Spring issue’s article “Set in Stone.” But there is an error: Turner Ashby is no longer buried there, but in the Stonewall Cemetery in Winchester, Va. Bill Bergen (Grad ’85) Assistant Dean for Administrative Services U.Va. School of Law Please extend my appreciation to David Maurer for his article “Set in Stone.” My daughter is a first-year in Alderman dorms, and I noticed the cemetery each time we visited the school. On Easter, she and...
HIGHLIGHTS

A New Kind of Leader
The Batten School was created to develop 'challengers of the status quo.'

What’s Up, Doc?
The human body is a complex machine of about 10 trillion interconnected cells. Researchers at the U.Va. Health System are working with new technology to keep everything from our brains to our blood sugar in good shape.

Can Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment Prevent Crime?
Why U.Va. students are teaching Russian literature at a juvenile correctional center

1976: A Royal Visit
On July 10, Queen Elizabeth toured the Academical Village, where 18,000 people watched her stroll down the Lawn.

Body Builder
Mike Curtis helps athletes recover from injuries and maintain peak form

Spirit of Adventure
Two documentaries portray challenging journeys and the importance of family

Jefferson’s Secret Bible
In the twilight of his life, Jefferson began exploring his faith and deepening his understanding of the Bible and Christianity.

What Can the New Frog in Town Tell Us About Our Eyes?
A biology student explains a U.Va. professor's new experimental animal

New & Notable
Listen to six innovative albums by 15 must-hear alumni musicians.

Eyes on the Olympics
U.Va. athletes play vital role in Team USA’s path to No. 1

Over Seven Billion Served
Last October, the 7 billionth person on the planet was born. Professors explain the dynamics of the population boom and demographic transition.

Lady Gaga Recruits U.Va. Bullying Expert
Lady Gaga's lofty goal and a Foundation stacked with experts well-suited to help achieve it.

Wrapped in Mystery
A guide to U.Va.'s student societies.

Where We Study
When finals are approaching at U.Va., the air seems charged with anticipation as students take to the libraries and cafés en masse and energy drinks fly off the shelves.

Theater as You’ve Never Seen It Before
Set designer Lisi Stoessel (Col '06, Grad '08) creates fantastical places.






