Decades ago, passionate alumni helped form the Foundation to ensure the philanthropic support the needed by the College to flourish. Twenty-five years and a billion dollars later, the Foundation is still advancing the academic mission of Arts & Sciences thanks to generations of benevolent alumni, parents, and friends.

UVA opened its doors to students and held its very first “College” classes in 1825. Today, its academic mission is stronger than ever, thanks in part to donor support. To celebrate, Arts & Sciences is kicking off a year-long bicentennial celebration.

A formal Investiture Ceremony recently celebrated 16 faculty who were awarded prestigious named professorships. Philanthropic support makes these possible to recognize top professors for contributions to research, teaching, and the University community.

Backed by a $6M NIH grant, UVA scientists will lead a national effort using AI to develop new treatments for drug-resistant superbugs. In a time when some federal grants are uncertain, A&S uses College Fund dollars to bridge gaps in research funding.

Philanthropy is a critical component of UVA's budget. College alum Matt S. Erskine now leads the College Foundation of the University of Virginia in its mission to raise donor support for Arts & Sciences.

Anton Korinek, a UVA economist and AI expert, joins TIME’s list of the 100 most influential people in artificial intelligence for his work on AI’s economic impact and global policy leadership. Donor support helps attract top teaching talent to the College.

Student satisfaction jumped from 55% to 84% after UVA Arts & Sciences revamped its advising model with help from the College Fund. Those paired with full-time Advising Fellows reported even higher ratings.

College Advising Fellows and pre-major advisors welcome incoming students during UVA’s Summer Orientation, offering personalized support as they navigate course registration and begin their academic journey.