<p>By the way, since we're being technical here, Jeff Scholars is administered by the Jefferson Scholarship Foundation, which is a separate entity from the Alumni Association and has its own 501(c)3 status. Nonetheless, its mission is to attract scholars to UVa.</p>
<p>True, but the University loses many top admits that it could gain by giving out merit money. The OOS yield rate sucks, for example. It doesn't have to.</p>
<p>I'm not disagreeing with you. Yes, more money is always good especially since UVa is much more expensive for OOS students.</p>
<p>Like I mentioned, you should talk to the powers that be to see if money from the upcoming campaign could also be awarded to say Echols/Rodmans among others. Hey, if you pull it off, your initiative could earn you a room on the Lawn by your 4th year. </p>
<p>I could fight for this, but frankly, I'm already doing fundraising for other areas at the University that are very close to my heart. Anyhoo, if you need alumni to back you up when dealing w/ the administration, I've got your back.</p>
<p>ADDENDUM:
I have an idea; you should talk to the Young Alumni Council. I used to be a part of the Council until my life got too hectic. The members are pretty influential in alumni circles, and the Council has been instrumental in creating new programs and initiatives for both the school and alumni.</p>
<p>Another idea: Talk to the Parents Committee. The Committee already funds 2 Jefferson Scholarships. Last year, UVA's non-alumni parents donated over $5 million to UVa. In the last 8 years, UVA's non-alumni parents have donated over $42 million to the University. It would be cool if some of that money could go to other merit scholarships.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.uvaparents.org/parents/Home.asp%5B/url%5D">http://www.uvaparents.org/parents/Home.asp</a></p>