<p>With UVA in the news so much these past few weeks, I thought it might be a good time to share with each other why we love UVA. It's far from perfect, but it is an amazing place. As a student, alum, faculty, staff or parent, do you have a facet of UVA that you love that you would like to share?</p>
<p>My OOS D’s IS friends and their parents have been the kindest, most generous people that any parent could ask for. They have hosted her during Reading Days and Easter weekend; fed her, taxi-ed her and made her feel so welcomed. UVa, Charlottesville & Virginia is truly her home for the time being. And that makes my heart happy. I want that experience for every parent whose kid is far away. </p>
<p>We had a similar experience this Thanksgiving. I drove our son 2 hours to Chicago O’Hare for his return flight to Charlottesville. Three hours later the flight was canceled and of course I was already back home. Another UVa student on his flight, whom he had never met, extended an offer to stay with her family for the night before they returned him to the airport the next morning. I love UVA because it’s a great community of students who look out for each other.</p>
<p>So many things to love!
– the kind, intelligent, funny lifelong friends I made - and my daughter is making.
– speakers, concerts, plays, bands, Shakespeare on the Lawn.
– Bodos, Littlejohns, live music while eating outside on the corner on a beautiful spring or fall day.
– big basketball wins, like beating Duke in last year’s NCAA tournament.
– walking on the Lawn at night – any night.</p>
<p>Lifelong friends - which arose from my fraternity</p>
<p>I love that along with great academics, the school spirit is outstanding. How many schools of UVa’s academic caliber can say that? People we talk to are always surprised that students attend every sporting event for free. Our son is an active Hoo Crew member and they host events at many non-football/basketball games to encourage turn out for all sports. Attending a field hockey game may earn you points to help earn you points to get tickets to watch UVa beat Duke in men’s basketball. </p>
<p>Work hard, play hard at UVa means more than just parties.</p>
<p>Actually, the athletic events are not entirely “free”. A few hundred dollars of the mandatory fees paid by every student pays for that benefit. However, it does help increase student attendance at football games because there is no marginal cost of attending a game.</p>