The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and presidents of universities across the Commonwealth met on Grounds earlier this week. I was pleased to join other UVA leaders for dinner with the group in the Dome Room. We are fortunate to have so many talented and dedicated educators making sure that our institutions meet the needs of students and the Commonwealth.

Senior Vice President for Operations and State Government Relations Colette Sheehy has served UVA for 40 years this month. From her early days in the budget office to leading UVA's state government relations program and large segments of our operations, Colette has made tremendous contributions to the University. Her staff surprised her with a lunchtime celebration earlier this week. Thanks for all your great work, Colette! 

The Staff Senate is partnering with the President's Office to host the new annual Hoos Making an Impact competition, which aims to cultivate staff success and foster process improvement that will positively impact staff across the University. This year, the competition focuses on sustainability initiatives that will advance UVA's 2030 Sustainability Plan goals. Learn more about the competition and submit your idea today! 

One of the things that distinguishes UVA is that the heart of the University's landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Academical Village has housed students and faculty for two centuries. The skilled craftspeople on our Facilities Management team work hard to preserve our historic buildings while allowing them to remain in active use by the University community. Read about their work in UVA Today and learn about the FM Apprenticeship Program that has helped some of our staff working in the skilled trades to get their start. 

It was a great summer with lots happening on and off Grounds including numerous construction and renovation projects, reaching major milestones in our multi-year Finance Strategic Transformation, and spending time with students and long-serving staff members. It's all about the people -- those we serve and those we serve alongside. I'm excited about what's in store for us in the new academic year. 

This week, I had a chance to spend time with an incredible group of student leaders and with dedicated members of our teams. It was a great week!

The past week has included tributes to several people who have made a difference at UVA through their dedication and commitment...

Even with exams, papers, and projects on their minds, students took the time to express their gratitude to some of our amazing staff who help make their UVA experience a positive one. Student Council's Community Engagement Committe organized an appreciation lunch and hand-written thank you cards for the FM houskeeping staff who help keep residence halls in top-notch condition. The student-run EHK tutoring group provided 220 gift cards to say thanks to the UVA Dine staff who have fed them throughout the year. Our students are not only brilliant, they are thoughtful too!

As an early riser, I've witnessed the activity on Grounds before the sun is up. This video captures that time so well. I'm proud to be part of the UVA team and to work alongside so many staff who keep the University running 24/7/365.

UPD officers began working with Greer Elementary School students on their reading skills last fall, and it is paying off already. Each Wednesday, officers visit Greer to spend one-on-one reading time with second grade students. Both students and officers have been enjoying their time together in the program initiated by UPD Captain Bryant Hall. In addition to making big gains in the students' reading skills, second-graders and officers have developed positive relationships...