From the Publisher: Stewarding One of UVA’s Greatest Resources

In our fast-paced, attention economy world, the concept of stewardship can be overlooked. It is often subordinated to flashier concepts of growth, innovation and change.

And yet, for nearly 200 years, stewardship has been at the core of the Alumni Association’s work. Broadly, our mission is to steward one of the University’s greatest resources: its engaged and invested worldwide alumni base. Practically, our programs and services steward alumni for a lifetime, building decades­-long relationships that start on Grounds and grow through shared connection.

Virginia Magazine is another example of stewardship. An indispensable conduit of alumni voices and perspectives, it has remained a reliable constant for those who seek trusted and independent coverage of the University community. That is thanks to the close relationship Virginia Magazine has with more than 175,000 alumni readers, forged over years of thoughtful, award-winning reporting.

For the past eight years, Richard Gard (Col class of ’81) has been at the helm of this effort. Under his leadership, Virginia Magazine has won 35 national awards (with potentially more coming this fall, after the time of publication) and helped alumni navigate the University’s most challenging, exhilarating and defining moments in recent memory.

Nearby you might have seen Richard’s editor’s column, sharing that he is retiring after this issue of the magazine. Before he leaves Alumni Hall, I wanted to thank him for the difference he has made. He has stewarded Virginia Magazine masterfully, and we are all better for it.

With gratitude,

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