Dept: President's Letter
Everything is Connected0
Spring 2012
One of the stories in this issue of Virginia Magazine describes the complex societal problems we are facing in our country and around the world as the human population surpasses seven billion. Another story describes the emergence of the University’s newest school, the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, and its work to prepare a new type of policy leader through rigorous training in analysis, advocacy and leadership. Read the stories back to back, and you will understand why the Batten School is essential: our country and our world need a new generation of...
Shaping the Future0
Winter 2011
Teresa A. Sullivan Photo by Luca DiCecco One of the energizing aspects of daily life at U.Va. is the constant exposure to astonishing research, scholarship and other creative activities. Our faculty members are working at the leading edge of discovery to develop solutions to societal problems and to drive innovation in a multitude of disciplines. This work has real-world implications for all of us, because efforts under way now at U.Va. have the potential to improve human health, restore our environment, respond to natural disasters, and generally enhance the future that we—and our children and grandchildren...
The Second-Story Walk0
Fall 2011
Teresa A. Sullivan Photo by Luca DiCeccoThe cover story in this issue of Virginia describes the experience of living in the pavilions in the Academical Village. These original buildings, designed by Thomas Jefferson, give us a physical connection to the earliest days of the University, when the first professors and students converged on Charlottesville to give life to Jefferson’s great experiment in higher education. By Jefferson’s design, the first floors of the pavilions served as the classrooms, where faculty members and their student-neighbors came together to learn. Each of the early professors taught in a specific field —law,...
Balancing Priorities0
Spring 2011
Photo by Luca DiCeccoAlthough we are still feeling winter’s effects in Charlottesville, the spring semester is well under way. Students and teachers have returned to their classrooms and laboratories, while those of us with administrative duties are working to ensure a well-planned, productive 2011 for the University. Part of our work this year will focus on the alignment between the University’s priorities and the priorities for higher education identified by Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell. The thousands of alumni, parents and friends who live outside Virginia may know little about the governor’s work on this issue. The following paragraphs...
A Culture of Caring0
Winter 2010
In August, when I became the University’s eighth president, I joined a community whose culture and traditions are unique among American universities. Part of what attracted me to the job is the distinctive quality of the student experience here. A clearly defined group of core values characterizes life on these Grounds. Honor and ethics, leadership and service, diversity, and collaboration in the pursuit of knowledge—these are the foundational values on which our community is built. These values permeate every aspect of student and faculty life. By living these values, our students learn to become ethical, engaged public citizens....

A Message from the Rector0
Welcome to Virginia, President Teresa Sullivan
Fall 2010
Teresa Sullivan Photo by Jane HaleyTerry told us early on that during her first 100 days in Charlottesville she planned to walk, talk and drive her way around the University and the Commonwealth—to listen and to learn. So if you happen to be on Grounds this fall, you are likely to run into our new president. If you see her, please introduce yourself—and tell her why you love the University of Virginia. Her husband of 39 years, Douglas Laycock, a fellow debater she met while an undergrad at Michigan State, has joined the faculty of the School of Law, much...
So Long, Old Friends3
A final message from President Casteen
Summer 2010
President Casteen Photo by Peggy HarrisonIf my memory is correct, my first report to alumni, students’ families, and staff and faculty must have gone out in mid-fall 1990. In those days, I sent letters that took shape over several weeks in typewriters and later on word processors. Over time, the letters, then reports, and now pages in U.Va. Magazine and sometimes email reports have become for me important (and thoroughly pleasant) chances to share what I am thinking about and seeing in our University, and requests for advice, which has come back regularly and proved to be very useful. Thank...
HIGHLIGHTS

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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






