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Honoring our future

As 2019 comes to a close, we’re incredibly energized! We cheered on the ’Hoos to two national championships, welcomed thousands of alumni back to Grounds, launched new professional networks and created a refreshed, more inclusive student engagement program. We also welcomed a new class of ’Hoos to Grounds and welcomed the class of 2019 to our young alumni ranks.

Jenifer G. Andrasko Sarah Cramer Shields

This fall, President Ryan embarked on an ambitious plan to make UVA the preeminent public institution in the nation, powered by the University’s Honor the Future capital campaign. At the Alumni Association, we know it’s important to invest in the future of our University—and therefore the future of the UVA alumni community—by attracting exceptionally talented students from all backgrounds who will enrich the student and alumni experience. The Ridley Scholars program is an incredible example of how we do this. 

Ridley, a merit-based program for African-American students, is a vital tool in recruiting exceptional students to Grounds. In addition to full tuition and fees, Ridley scholars receive academic support, access to programs like the National Outdoor Leadership School, custom mentorship, and a community of 300+ alumni scholars to tap into for support. The Alumni Association is the only organization on Grounds that can support a scholarship program like Ridley, and we are incredibly proud to do so.

Ridley is a testament to the amazing things that can happen when alumni come together to pursue a passion that enhances the University.  As we look to Honor the Future, we are excited to grow the program and our support for students in the years to come.

Jen Andrasko's signature

Jenifer G. Andrasko (Darden ’10)
President & CEO, UVA Alumni Association


With our eyes on investing…

Ridley Scholarship Fund

Marcus Martin Jr. Sarah Cramer Shields

Ridley exists to attract the brightest African-American students to UVA. The program builds a better university community by helping scholars realize their potential as global citizen leaders. Although Ridley is over 30 years old, we’re just getting started. We hope to double the number of scholars we serve by 2025, increasing our impact.

The Alumni Association works hand in hand with dedicated alumni and friends to invest in scholars who will make a significant impact in our society. Ridley scholars have gone on to become community leaders, doctors, writers, lawyers and more.

We are proud to have a robust alumni community supporting our scholars, alumni who are passionate about making UVA a premier institution for all students and lighting the path for future scholars through learning, leadership and legacy.  

Marcus Martin Jr. (Col ’02)
Director of Development, Ridley Scholarship Fund

 

 

In last year’s All-Alumni Survey, you indicated that the Alumni Association’s ability to provide scholarships for under-represented students is very important. Ridley is critical to providing that support.

300+

Ridley scholars supported by the Alumni Association and the Ridley Scholarship Fund over the last 30 years

17

Ridley Scholars currently on Grounds

1987

The year the Ridley Scholarship Fund was founded at UVA