The start of the spring semester symbolizes a fresh start which many students are using to their advantage. This can be seen through their hard work and determination as well as motivation to take new interesting classes to raise their GPAs. While academics play a huge role in the typical UVA student’s life, it is not the only area in which ‘hoos excel in. Whether it be through arts, sports, or any other extracurricular UVA students succeed in showing their wahoo pride. As every person is adjusting to his or her familiar routine, it is important to look back on 2015 and realize that it was a big year for UVA all around. Here are six of the biggest moments from the past year:
1. JUSTIN ANDERSON IS DRAFTED TO DALLAS MAVERICKS
The previous basketball season was an important one for Justin Anderson as he left UVA to enter the 2015 NBA draft. Anderson is now playing for the Dallas Mavericks–and was even named to NBA.com’s list of potential Rookie of the Year candidates back in October.
2. VIRGINIA WINS 2 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
The baseball team showed everyone hoos boss by winning the 2015 College World Series against Vanderbilt in Omaha, Nebraska. After an inconsistent start to their season, the Hoos were able to avenge their 2014 championship loss to Vanderbilt in an exciting fashion. Men’s Tennis also served the competition in Oklahoma this past spring and were rewarded with the 2015 NCAA Men’s Tennis Championship for the third year in a row. Be sure to continue your support for the athletic teams in 2016.
3. UVA STUDENT ANNOUNCED AS RHODES SCHOLAR
The University of Virginia would not uphold its strong legacy if not for its superior academics. This was exemplified in October when Russell Bogue was selected as UVa’s 51st Rhodes Scholar. He has received the amazing opportunity to study for two years in England at the University of Oxford and represent UVa on an international level.
4. MARCHING BAND FINDS STARDOM
The Cavalier marching band received the opportunity to be one of the select few bands to play in the 89th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Manhattan which is a tradition for many Americans to watch. Way to go CMB!
5. NEW FOOTBALL COACH
Bronco Mendenhall, former football coach of BYU, will be the new head coach for the Cavaliers. This brings in new anticipation as Mendenhall now has a clean slate for the hoos and we can’t wait to see how their next season goes.
6. THE REVEAL OF THE CAPITALS AT LIGHTING OF THE LAWN
Finally, 2015 left its mark with the annual Lighting of the Lawn featuring the majestic Rotunda. The Rotunda has been undergoing some serious renovation and we are finally starting to see progress with the reveal of the new marble capitals at LOTL. Everyone is eagerly waiting to see the rotunda back in its pure form and to admire the new renovations.
Here’s to an even better 2016!
