Service

As a Society, we hope to serve the University community through a number of events that aim to bring different groups together, recognize those who have positively contributed to our community, and carry on many traditions at the University. Here are some of the events from this past year:

Faculty Cocktail Reception (December 12th, 2013)

We invited dozens of professors to a cocktail reception with food and drinks on the first floor of Peabody Hall. We wanted to thank these individuals for the positive influence they have had on the University as well as in our own time here. This annual event is a beneficial way for us to bring together a diverse group of faculty to facilitate connections between them and to share a bit about ourselves as well.

I.M.P. Service Fellowship

The 2013 recipient of the $1,000 I.M.P. Service Fellowship Grant was the Bahá’í Association, for continuing their Children’s class and Junior Youth Group in the Hearthwood, VA community. This Fellowship will support initiatives that foster relationships, provide mentors, and empower youth to create change in their own communities.

I.M.P. Student Athlete Award

The 2012 recipient of the I.M.P. Student Athlete Award is Emily Fraser. Emily was the highest ranked U.Va. women’s tennis player in 17 years and in doubles competition she was ranked no. 20 nationally. Emily earned All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors twice in her career and competed in the NCAA singles and doubles competition for two consecutive years.

Faculty Award Banquet

The 2014 I.M.P. Faculty Award winner is Ms. Claudrena Harold. Ms. Harold is an admirable woman who has committed herself tirelessly to the University while serving as a faculty member of the Corcoran Department of History and as an I.M.Portant ally to countless students in their academic, extra-curricular, and personal endeavors. Ms. Harold has sought to I.M.Part meaningful and creative solutions to the complex and challenging problems within the University, and has challenged and guided her students to become vocal, informed and conscious leaders within our society, and to critically examine the student experience. In the words of fossil Fernando Violand, “had Claudrena been at UVA as an undergrad she would have been an IMP. And she would have been the scariest fossil to have walked the earth.” Her activism, academic drive, mentorship and integrity have been sources of consistent inspiration among Actives as well as the general student body.

Transfer Student Bonfire

Each year, we invite roughly 100 students to a cabin just outside Charlottesville. Once there, we have a bonfire, music, drinks, s’mores, and an all-around good time. We intend for this to be a fun event to welcome a group of transfer students to the University. We hope that it brings about new friendships and, that for these students, the University community becomes to feel slightly more manageable.

Fourth Year Recognition Reception

We have started a new event to recognize fourth year students who have made a positive impact on our University community. For these students, we hosted a cocktail reception on the balcony of Pavilion VIII. Everyone there seemed to enjoy the food, drinks, and just being able to spend a beautiful Spring afternoon on the Lawn.

Madison House Holiday Sharing Program

This year, we participated in Madison House’s successful holiday sharing program. We adopted a family of seven and were able to donate food and gifts for this family to enjoy during the holiday season.

Lighting of the Lawn Donation

In the past decade, Lighting of the Lawn has emerged as a University tradition. As the semester comes to a close, thousands of students come to the Lawn to enjoy a capella music, warm drinks, and the camaraderie of friends. This year and last year, we donated 1,500 glowsticks to this event and recognized the subcommittee that spends many hours planning and organizing the event.

Holiday Cheer: Donuts in the library

Each winter, during the height of final examinations, we put on our horns and walk around the libraries offering donuts for all whom are up late studying.