News

UVA students and alumni are sharing the spotlight in the Virginia Theatre Festival's production of Disney's Newsies. Directed by Broadway veteran and UVA alumnus Matthew Steffens (’98), the Tony Award-winning musical runs July 9–19 at Culbreth Theatre and gives students the opportunity to perform alongside professional theater talent.

Chemistry professor Jill Venton has received the University’s highest honor for her groundbreaking discoveries in brain chemistry, furthering new understanding of neurological disorders. Sustained investment in research and education reflects critical support that enables faculty to advance discovery, train students, and extend UVA’s impact far beyond Grounds.

The Courtney Kampa Poetry Prize was named to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of A&S alumna Courtney Kampa, whose talent and love of poetry took shape during her time on Grounds. Established by her family, the annual award supports emerging writers in the Creative Writing Program while honoring Kampa’s lasting impact as a poet and teacher who inspired others to find their voice.

For Dareen Aloudeh ‘26, the path to a UVA degree began nearly 15 years ago in war-torn Syria. She resettled in Virginia, learned a new language, and returned to school as an adult. This spring, she graduated from A&S with a double major in Biology and Middle Eastern Language & Literature and earned the University’s Cultural Fluency Award.

A dedicated supporter of the College Fund and former Benefactors Society Board member, Maxwell Bonnie ’07 brings an entrepreneurial spirit and deep commitment to community to his engagement at UVA.

The 19 honored professors whose careers span decades of teaching, research, and service have shaped generations of students and advanced scholarship across disciplines. Their collective impact on UVA highlights the lasting value of hiring top faculty who educate, mentor, and drive discovery for years to come.

Members of the UVA Arts & Sciences Class of 2026 express gratitude to the faculty, graduate students, and staff who shaped their time on Grounds. The reflections highlight the relationships that defined their student experience and the lasting impact of mentorship in helping them identify their paths forward.

Tanya Holland '87 returned to Grounds bringing Virginia’s culinary history to life for students in her Summer Sessions class. Her journey back to the classroom after achieving a nationally recognized culinary career reflects the lasting impact of a UVA education and showcases how alumni engagement can enrich student learning. Sustained support for A&S fuels innovative teaching programs like Tanya’s and helps connect former and current Hoos in meaningful ways.