From the Publisher: 30 years in and just getting started

Nearly 30 years ago, in response to the urging of enthusiastic young graduates, the Alumni Association established Young Alumni Council (YAC) to advocate for the needs of young alumni. As we prepare to celebrate this milestone anniversary this spring, it is extraordinary to reflect on YAC’s sustained, far-reaching impact across Grounds. 

From initiating treasured traditions like Young Alumni Reunions (YAR) to incubating what became the University’s “Giving ToHoos Day,” YAC has been an engine of ingenuity, engagement and leadership development for decades. To that end, more than 75 percent of YAC members have gone on to serve the University in other committee and leadership capacities. 

What’s more, YAC’s role in program development and relevance to the Alumni Association’s mission have never been greater. As undergraduate classes increase in size and methods of alumni engagement evolve rapidly, finding new ways to connect creatively with UVA’s young alumni is—and will continue to be—critical. Case in point: More than half of undergraduate alumni have graduated since 2000 and more than a quarter of undergraduate alumni have graduated since 2014. 

While YAC may be 30 years in, it really is just getting started. Serving young alumni has always been core to the Alumni Association’s work, and we have no plans of slowing down anytime soon. 

Wahoowa,

Lily West (Darden class of ’12)
President & CEO