THE YEAR IN REVIEW - Jefferson Scholars Foundation

the year in review
graduate
fellows
program
The idea grew out of a strategic planning discussion aimed at broadening
the overall reach of the Jefferson Fellowship: Let’s build a facility where
graduate Fellows from across the Grounds, representing nearly every discipline,
can assemble, talk, listen, study, and teach. Their cross-disciplinary
interaction, on a daily basis, will fuel discussion and not only strengthen the
University’s graduate student life but enrich the entire University community.
Over the course of the last five years, land
purchases led to countless design meetings
that included current Jefferson Fellows
and alumni. Design ideas were translated
into architectural renderings and construction
plans. Geothermal wells were dug, a
sophisticated rainwater harvesting system
was developed, and a green building was
christened in April 2010 with one goal in
mind: to further the Foundation’s ability
to identify, attract, and recruit outstanding
Ph.D., M.B.A., and J.D. candidates to the
University of Virginia.
The move to the building was easily the
highlight of the 2009-10 academic year.
Comments from Fellows — whether first
year or fifth year — were virtually identical,
and they followed their words with actions.
Fellows admired the quality and design of
the communal space, teaching facilities, offices,
and quiet areas and flocked to the new
facility as soon as the doors opened. They
moved computers, books, and equipment to
their offices, began meeting frequently, sharing
ideas, and welcoming visitors to their
new academic home. They immediately began
putting the building to its intended use.
“I had been dreading trying to find a
place to run my research studies,
propose my dissertation, or teach
independent classes. Now, I have
access to a beautiful dynamic space
to do all these things and more!”
Matt Lerner, the James H. and Elizabeth W.
Wright Fellow (Psychology)
Jenifer Guimond, Macfarlane Family Fellow in the Darden
School of Business, at the Luxor Temple in Luxor, Egypt.
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