Best of 2021

In case you missed them: Here are some of Virginia Magazine’s most popular—and most talked about—stories of last year.

Pep Banned

Pep Banned

For 30 years, UVA’s Pep Band managed to stay one punchline ahead of the authorities.

The Underground Refuge

How UVA’s first Black students, excluded elsewhere, found a community of their own off Grounds.

UVA Sports Comes Back a Winner in Year of COVID

After a season shortened by COVID-19, UVA sports came back to claim multiple national championships and extend the post-season to Tokyo.

A legacy on the court

Forty years ago, UVA’s basketball team rose to No. 1 for the first time, paving the way for the top-ranking teams of recent years.

The Legend of UVA’s First Olympic Medal

A tale of performance-enhancing good manners, how nice guy James Rector had his 100 meters dashed.

Graduation rates, student selectivity propel UVA in rankings

Virginia is 25th this year in national universities, fourth among public universities.

Undergraduate application rates hit records

A few factors likely contributed to surging rates across all schools and from students of diverse backgrounds.

UVA Takes Down a Statue, Takes Up Free Speech

A series of Board-approved actions seeks to reclaim the historic landscape and the higher ground on civil discourse.

Vox Alumni: Longitude and Attitudes

We mapped alumni views of UVA across a 50-year span of class years. From Jefferson to Honor to left vs. right, the results are more complex than what you might expect.

Highlights

Leave But Come Back: UVA Honor Ends Expulsions

Leave But Come Back: UVA Honor Ends Expulsions

As stunning as the outcome seemed, it was 50 years in coming.

After Mendenhall’s sudden departure, the Tony Elliott era dawns

After Mendenhall’s sudden departure, the Tony Elliott era dawns

The former Clemson assistant takes the reins.

The Future, Ready or Not

The Future, Ready or Not

We asked UVA’s resident futurists what’s next.

UVA drops mandates for vaccines, indoor masking

UVA drops mandates for vaccines, indoor masking

The masking change starts March 21 and covers office buildings, recreational facilities and venues.