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Thank You From the Dean
Eight years ago, I was drawn into UVA and Darden’s orbit, captivated by its rich history, noble mission, enduring values and vibrant global community. This community’s passion and our beautiful Grounds, blended with core strengths such as world-class faculty and staff and unparalleled learning experiences, have served as the catalyst for us to envision a more promising and expansive future for the School.
Propelled by our shared aspirations, we launched the Powered by Purpose campaign as part of UVA’s ambitious $5 billion Honor the Future campaign. We initially set a bold target of $400 million for the Darden School Foundation, a challenge our passionate and generous community has already fulfilled two years ahead of schedule. Including matching money and all pledges made to support Darden, we have raised $505 million.
The tenacity, resilience and shared purpose of our journey are captured in this report. Each page demonstrates the transformative impact of your contributions and the continuing commitment to propel Darden into a future full of possibility.
The tenacity, resilience and shared purpose of our journey are captured in this report. Each page demonstrates the transformative impact of your contributions and the continuing commitment to propel Darden into a future full of possibility.
To each of our donors, I extend my deepest gratitude. To our tenacious volunteer leaders, I applaud your tireless efforts to make this campaign successful. I am particularly grateful to all the chairs of the Darden School Foundation Board of Trustees who served during this campaign, from the quiet phase through the public launch to the present day — Phil Knisely (MBA ’78), James A. Cooper (MBA ’84), Elizabeth K. Weymouth (MBA ’94), Robert J. Hugin (MBA ’85), Martina Hund-Mejean (MBA ’88) and now Frank M. Sands (MBA ’94). I also want to recognize our Powered by Purpose Campaign Cabinet led by Chair James A. Cooper (MBA ’84) and his successor Adair B. Newhall (MBA ’09), who just received the chair baton this summer. You can find a complete listing on page 46.
To our staff, the unsung heroes of our campaign, I thank you for your steadfast commitment to our vision. My heartfelt thanks also go out to the University of Virginia, which enhanced the impact of Darden’s campaign through its matching funds program, adding more to scholarship and faculty giving. We are incredibly thankful to be a part of this great American yet global institution.
Your generosity has enriched Darden on multiple fronts, from faculty excellence and research to student scholarships to master plan enhancements. I invite you to reflect on these accomplishments, as they embody the extraordinary potential of collective action to create meaningful transformation.
Together, we have laid a robust foundation and have momentum for the future. As we step into the next phase of our journey with Darden’s characteristic optimism, grit, humility and vigor, we will continue our search for excellence as one of the best business schools in the world, with the best faculty, students and Grounds. I see no horizon too distant for us to reach.
With sincere gratitude,
