Fall 2011University Digest

Up, Up and Away

TOPICS: U.Va. Tradition, University News

Photo by Jane Haley

Gov. Bob McDonnell Photo by Dan Addison

During the University’s 182nd Final Exercises, 6,248 degrees were conferred to the Class of 2011. This year’s ceremony was particularly colorful, as the number of balloons floating over the heads of new graduates seemingly rivaled the number of degrees conferred. The commencement speaker, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, offered graduates advice he called “well worn” but worth repeating: “Follow the Golden Rule; do unto others as you’d have them do to you. Help and serve your neighbor. Be kind and generous to others. Take responsibility for others, and make no excuses. Give back to your community, generously. Live today well. Do not worry about tomorrow. … Always vote. Tip well. Never miss the opportunity to enjoy a sunset or a sunrise. And always try to follow the rules of the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts; No. 1, be prepared, and No. 2, always try to leave the campground a little better than you found it.”

Comments

There are no comments for this article yet. Begin the discussion below!

U.Va. Magazine welcomes your respectful discussion. Comments are subject to editorial moderation. Review our user guidelines for more information »

HIGHLIGHTS

Body Builder
Mike Curtis helps athletes recover from injuries and maintain peak form
Eyes on the Olympics
U.Va. athletes play vital role in Team USA’s path to No. 1
New & Notable
Listen to six innovative albums by 15 must-hear alumni musicians.
Can Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment Prevent Crime?
Why U.Va. students are teaching Russian literature at a juvenile correctional center
Spirit of Adventure
Two documentaries portray challenging journeys and the importance of family
A New Kind of Leader
The Batten School was created to develop 'challengers of the status quo.'
1976: A Royal Visit
On July 10, Queen Elizabeth toured the Academical Village, where 18,000 people watched her stroll down the Lawn.
Theater as You’ve Never Seen It Before
Set designer Lisi Stoessel (Col '06, Grad '08) creates fantastical places.
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.
Jefferson’s Secret Bible
In the twilight of his life, Jefferson began exploring his faith and deepening his understanding of the Bible and Christianity.
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.
What Can the New Frog in Town Tell Us About Our Eyes?
A biology student explains a U.Va. professor's new experimental animal
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.
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.