From the humanities to the sciences, 27 exceptional graduate students have been recognized with endowed fellowships, made possible by generous donors who believe deeply in the importance and impact of a strong graduate program.

Arts & Sciences hosted a dinner celebrating early unprecedented success of the Campaign for Graduate Excellence, bringing together donors and graduate fellows to recognize the impact of philanthropic support and the accomplishments of the 2025-26 named fellows.

A team of mathematicians, including a UVA Arts & Sciences faculty member, has solved a decade-old problem that even advanced artificial intelligence could not crack—underscoring the power of human insight in tackling complex challenges. Fueled by a culture of collaboration and supported by philanthropy, this work highlights how investments in faculty and research empower discovery, elevate graduate and undergraduate learning, and drive impact at the forefront of mathematical innovation.

Four Arts & Sciences professors have been named 2026 Guggenheim Fellows, one of the nation’s highest honors for scholars and artists. Their groundbreaking research, supported by a culture of academic excellence and sustained by philanthropic investment in faculty and research, will advance new knowledge and shape conversations far beyond Grounds—demonstrating the power of private support to elevate scholarship, expand impact, and prepare future generations.

Hoo Rah Raise was a success! Gifts made to the College Fund during our annual giving day make a meaningful difference, directly impacting Arts & Sciences, its students and faculty.

As the first donor to establish a fully endowed fellowship during the Campaign for Graduate Excellence, Smith continues a legacy of leadership and steadfast support for the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences by investing in graduate students and ensuring their opportunities to study at UVA for years to come.

Echols Scholar alumnus Tim Ingrassia returned to Grounds as the keynote speaker for the 65th anniversary of the Echols Scholars Program, reflecting on the program’s lasting impact on his life. Ingrassia and his wife, Stephanie, are among Echols’ most generous supporters, making transformational gifts to the program and supporting research opportunities for Echols Scholars.

A newly installed radio telescope at UVA is opening powerful new pathways to uncover the mysteries of dark matter, one of the universe’s most elusive forces. Made possible through philanthropic support, this cutting-edge instrument gives graduate students and Arts & Sciences students the opportunity to engage directly in advanced research—driving discovery, deepening hands-on learning, and extending UVA’s impact in the global scientific community.