Winter 2008
Features
Tough Season, Tougher Guy
Fans don’t see the long hours of practice that go into being a Major League Baseball star, but attitude and discipline proved crucial for Zimmerman (Col ’06) in facing adversity with the Washington Nationals this season.
Elephant Speak
The Dec. 26, 2004, earthquake resulted in a human death toll of a quarter million people, but few animals perished. Drawing on his pioneering research about elephant behavior, Michael Garstang, an emeritus professor of environmental sciences at UVA, is on the hunt to find out why.
A Lifelong Learner
What the 2004 tsunami can tell us about animal communications
The Power of Normal
All UVA students are heavy drinkers, right? Wrong. The National Social Norms Institute at UVA addresses common misperceptions.
Picture This
The contest sought photographs that captured the spirit of the University. Pictures from alumni, faculty and students rolled in, and the judges have picked the best of the bunch.
Deep Rooted
What makes UVA such a special setting? The bricks and columns are nice, to be sure. But the trees around Grounds also deserve their due for the life, color and character they bring to the University.
South Lawn Takes Shape
South Lawn before and after
Catching Up on Getting In
In the first admission cycle since the University eliminated its binding early-decision program, the staff of the Office of Admission received a pleasant surprise.
The Caretaker of No. 13
In the 101 years since UVA President Edwin A. Alderman charged the Raven Society with the upkeep of the Edgar Allan Poe Room, a Raven Society member has swept its wooden floors and dusted its antique furniture.
Green Thumbs Up
It’s not easy being green, but UVA is getting higher marks for its environmentally friendly programs.
A Bug Before a Bang
Though the launch of the world’s most powerful particle accelerator was marked by a ding instead of a bang, the Large Hadron Collider still holds the promise of unlocking secrets about the essence of matter and insights into the Big Bang.
Q&A
In September, the Library of Virginia honored Dove—whose distinctions range from receiving a Pulitzer Prize to being the former Poet Laureate of Virginia and the United States—with a lifetime achievement award.
Holding Steady
In the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, the University of Virginia’s standing remains the same as last year’s: second among national public universities and 23rd among all American colleges and universities.
Troubling Signs
A short-lived ban on signs at Scott Stadium this fall raised the hackles of fans—particularly among students—and drew darts from pundits across the nation.
Something for Everyone
Navigating the carnival-like atmosphere of the Student Activities Fair is an annual rite of passage for newly arrived first years.
Home Sweet Home
Residents call it "the O-Hilton." It’s still dormitory-style housing, but given its many amenities and commanding views of Grounds, the new $18.8 million Kellogg House feels more like a hotel, according to its denizens.
From PKs to FGs
Yannick Reyering (Col ’09) grew up in Germany kicking a round ball into a net. When he came to UVA, he had the same focus—and he put the ball into the net 39 times in a three-year career that included multiple All-ACC honors.
Tall Order
With Sean Singletary and Sharneé Zoll providing leadership and fireworks for UVA’s basketball teams, last season could easily have been characterized as the Year of the Guards. Both players have gone on to the ranks of professional basketball, so now the Cavaliers will look to the front court for more points and power this season.
New & Notable
Explore ten new books from faculty and alumni.
Required Reading: Vanessa L. Ochs
Vanessa L. Ochs is a UVA associate professor of religious studies and author most recently of Sarah Laughed and Inventing Jewish Ritual, which won the 2007 National Jewish Book Award in the category of contemporary Jewish life and practice.
So Modern
Aerial balletics were on display in one of the many arrestingly choreographed pieces in "Strands in Motion," a fall dance concert that showcased original work by both faculty and students.
Miniature Literature
The Miniature Book Society defines a miniature book as any book less than three inches on each side. Historically, such tiny books served a purpose.
1983: The ’Hoo
The history of a short-lived UVA mascot, the 'Hoo.
Secret Society
The project caught the attention of two students, Courtney Mallow (Col ’10) and James Burney (Col ’09), who are the co-directors of the Arts & Enrichment Committee, a part of the University Programs Council. After inviting Warren to visit the University, they solicited secrets from their fellow students and created an exhibit of the cards they’d collected to coincide with his appearance.
A Run to Remember
Thousands of my friends have asked me one question: How did I get that special honor as a torch bearer? That’s a long story to tell.
Look, Listen and Speak Up
While health policy is a matter of national debate, making sure you get good health care sometimes requires little more than common sense—and speaking up.
Winning Palette
Alli McKee (Col '09) wins the Alumni Association's 2009 art prize.
The Times, They Are A-Changin’
Businesses are examining innovative ways to increase production and satisfy employees.
Admission FAQs
Does my child need to be the president of the class, play three varsity sports, walk dogs at the SPCA and spend part of her summer at a leadership conference in Amsterdam to be competitive at UVA?
Welcome Wagon
The bus ride from Dulles to Charlottesville helps with that adjustment, giving students a chance to bond and ask questions. “One girl was very interested in seeing cows,” Kirtland says. “Another was surprised at the number of churches.”
