President's Corner

Hello Richmond 'Hoos,

I am honored to serve as President of the UVaClub of Richmond this year. My main purpose for being involved with the club has always been to give back to the University that we all love and to empower others to get involved and stay connected with the University and fellow alumni. So, I would be remiss if I didn't start this letter by mentioning a few alumni who I am glad to have worked with through the club. They are all outstanding UVaClub of Richmond board members who officially rolled off the board this past year: Jennie Barrett Shaw, Alex Taylor, Marcy Boclair, and Susan Dennis. Each of these board members has served the UVaClub of Richmond and the University well. Even though they have fulfilled their duties on the board I am sure they will continue to support the club.

For a long time, Jennie has been a very active member and a recognizable figure at many of the club's events. During her time on the board, Jennie has served as Social Committee Chair, Secretary, Vice President and she is currently the Luncheons Chair. Jennie has always been extremely professional in her work with the club. When she was in charge of a task or an event, you knew the job would be done well.

Alex has had an incredible track record with the club as well, and we are fortune that he plans to continue to head the Ridley Scholars Committee. What Alex has been able to accomplish with Ridley is truly extraordinary. With a dedicated committee, Alex has been able to award numerous scholarships to Richmond area African-American students to attend the University of Virginia. And, within a few short years, Alex challenged us all to raise the funds to fully endow a scholarship to the University, and we succeeded.

When Marcy got involved with the club, she very quickly took on a lot of responsibility organizing several of the club’s marquee events. She is probably best known for throwing awesome holiday parties the past couple of years. However, she also organized great fall kick-offs, spring socials, and wine tastings, among many other club events.

Susan did a great service to the club by stepping up to take on the responsibilities of Treasurer - which is probably the least fun, most time-consuming role. Susan was always at the board meetings to write checks, making her the most popular board member there.

Losing four great board members in one year is certainly a big loss. Fortunately, we had a number of outstanding club members agree to step up and take over open positions. The newly elected board members are: Elliott Beaulieu, Haider Sharifi, Cliff Singer, and Richard Yhip. Elliott has agreed to take on the ever-desirable task of Treasurer. Haider's professionalism and leadership will serve him well as Social Chair. Richard has been an active member for years and was a natural fit to take over as Young Alumni Chair last year. Cliff, who will head the Social Committee, is now one of the more senior board members and his wisdom will be invaluable.

These additions round out a board that consists of 15 dedicated members. Everyone is truly committed to the University and the alumni club, and with this group of people on the board, the UVaClub of Richmond is certain to have another tremendous year.

Each month, I plan to update you on the club's activities and ways to get involved, so I hope to see you out at a club event soon.

Go 'Hoos!

Patrick Busch (COMM '98)
President, UVaClub of Richmond

2008

Richmond 'Hoos,

Welcome to the UVaClub of Richmond. I’m honored and humbled to be serving as the Club's president this year and look forward to seeing you at one of many Club social, educational, and sporting events during the year.

I'm constantly asked why I should join the UVaClub of Richmond and here’s my 10 reasons:
1. Help review local high school students for the Jefferson Scholarship award.
2. Meet alumni celebrities while enjoying good food and cold beverages at the Annual Kick Off Parties and Spring Banquets.
3. Celebrate the holidays with U.Va. alumni at Lexus of Richmond.
4. Participate in Mini Decade Reunions for the '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s & '90s.
5. Do something good for your community by working with Cavs Care.
6. Read & discuss a book by a U.Va. author.
7. Share in the magic of the Richmond Ridley Scholarship and Silent Auction.
8. Present the Jefferson Book Award to outstanding high school juniors.
9. Hear world class U.Va. professors speak at evening seminars and weekday lunches.
10.Membership is only $30 year and you stay connected with UVa alumni in Richmond.

Hope to see you at the Fall Kick-Off on Sept 10th or our first luncheon speaker on Sept 18th.

Cheers,
Teri Lovelace (CLAS '82)