UVA Celebrates Graduate Student Achievements at Inaugural Fellows Spring Reception
The University of Virginia’s College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences hosted its inaugural Fellows Spring Reception on March 25, recognizing graduate students who have earned prestigious fellowships. The Nau Hall reception also served as an occasion to celebrate the success of the Graduate Excellence Campaign, a fundraising initiative led by the College Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising and investing private funds for the benefit of the Graduate School.
The event brought together faculty, students, representatives from the Graduate School and College Foundation representatives to honor the impact of graduate education at UVA.
“This event marks the beginning of what we hope will be an annual tradition to celebrate the remarkable contributions of our graduate students,” said T. Brent Gunnoe, Commonwealth Professor of Chemistry and interim associate dean for graduate education. “Receiving a named fellowship is among the highest honors the College can bestow, recognizing outstanding achievements in research, scholarship, creativity and teaching.”
Gunnoe also emphasized the importance of the Graduate Excellence Campaign, an ambitious initiative that has nearly doubled the endowment for the Graduate School in just two years. This success has allowed UVA to increase graduate student living support by nearly 40% in just a few years and fund several new fellowships.
“As the campaign continues, it positions us to further improve support for graduate students in every way possible,” Gunnoe said.
A Commitment to Graduate Education
Jennifer Bair, Arts & Sciences' senior associate dean for academic affairs, spoke on behalf of Christa Acampora, Buckner W. Clay Professor of Philosophy and dean of Arts & Sciences. Bair highlighted the College’s deep commitment to advancing graduate education.
“Increasing support for graduate education is one of our dean’s top priorities,” Bair said. “Her vision and commitment to graduate excellence, combined with the dedication of the terrific team at the College Foundation, have allowed us to do something amazing: nearly double the endowment for the Graduate School in just a few years.”
Bair underscored the importance of UVA’s graduate students to the university’s mission.
“As an advisor and mentor, I feel so fortunate to be working with the extraordinary graduate students we have here,” she said. “You’re teaching, you’re doing research, you’re the future of the professoriate and beyond. As you go on to do amazing things in your careers, we will always feel privileged and proud that your graduate journey started here in GSAS.”
Building a Stronger Graduate Community
Phil Trella, associate vice provost and director of the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs, spoke about the diverse research being conducted at UVA and the importance of community among graduate students.
“I’m reminded every single day of the incredibly amazing things you all are doing in the classroom, in your research, and in your scholarship,” Trella said. “No school is more diverse than the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, and I want to encourage you to take advantage of the support you can offer each other as you prepare for your careers.”
Trella emphasized the importance of networking in graduate education, encouraging students to collaborate and build professional relationships across disciplines.
“It’s not who you know or what you know; it’s both,” he said. “I’m thrilled that for the first time, we have the opportunity to bring together fellows from across Arts & Sciences to events like this. I hope you’ll continue to find opportunities to support each other and build your networks as you continue your graduate studies here.”
Celebrating Graduate Students
In his closing remarks, Gunnoe reflected on the impact of graduate students at UVA and the progress made in supporting their success.
“When I was offered the position of interim associate dean for graduate education, I very enthusiastically accepted, because I know the importance of graduate students and the impact you have very broadly on the University and the College,” Gunnoe said. “I greatly value your contributions, but more important than that, I was excited to work with you to improve our programs, and I think we’ve accomplished a lot in a short period of time. This event is in celebration of you.”
