President's Corner

January 2012

Dear UVa. Alumni & Friends,

Happy New Year! 2012 is off to the races and so is the UVa. Club of Richmond. We closed out 2011 with phenomenal high quality events and we still have plenty of great events lined up to enjoy.

Our events are listed on our homepage www.richmondhoos.org and it’s easy and simple to register! Remember, all of our members enjoy the benefits of our events at reduced costs (sometimes at no cost!). The good news is that it’s still not too late to enjoy these benefits. 

If you sign up or renew your membership today you can begin reaping benefits from our first event of the new year – the Downtown Luncheon Series! You will not want to miss hearing Professor Karin Bonding from the McIntire School of Commerce discuss the do’s and don’ts of investment allocation in this challenging market environment. Her credentials are illustrious and you will certainly enjoy being part of the discussion.

As always, please feel free to reach out to me at haider.sharifi@mssb.com or any of the Board Members and Committee Chairs if you would like more information or would like to get more involved.

Happy New Year!

November 2011

Hello, Hoo’s and Friends!

Can you believe the holiday season is right upon us?  Even though the weather is getting cooler and waiting for my windshield to defrost is slowing me down, I know of at least two things that aren’t:

   1) our Winning Cavaliers, and

   2) the UVaClub of Richmond!

We still have a number of great events coming upto close out 2011 and launch into 2012 in style!  Our Cavs Care committee has several opportunities to get involved the next few months.  And with the Young Alumni's successful and fun group tour of the local craft brewer in the record books, be on the look-out for another special Young Alumni event next month.

And, of course, one more reminder to save the date for our next marquee event -- the Annual Holiday Party will be on December 7th at M Bistro & Wine Bar at Rockett’s Landing.  This event has quickly become a highlight of the club year!  Once again, we're able to offer this event free for members.  For those who haven't yet renewed or joined yet, it’s not too late to join the club and be a part of the festivities!

As always, please feel free to reach out to me at haider.sharifi@mssb.com or directly to any of the Board Members and Committee Chairs.  We'd love to get you more information on how the Club operates and to see you get more involved.

Thank you and Go Hoos!

Haider Sharifi
President
UVaClub of Richmond 

October 2011

Greetings, Fellow 'Hoos and Friends!

We’re off and running! The Fall Kick-Off was a great success – I enjoyed seeing all of you as well as hearing Ray Roberts and Dave Koehn share their insights on the 2011 Wahoo football season.

The club calendar is filling up quickly and I am excited to see the great lineup of quality programs on the horizon.  It’s not too late to register for this month's events!

         Consider attending the first Book Club meeeting of the year on 10/18 – will you be this year’s winner and get a free Nook?

         Or get on out to the 10/19 Welcome to the City Event at Legends.  We had a great time of networking, information and fun last year and this year promises to be a success once again!

         If you’d like a lunch break, join us at the Bull & Bear Luncheon Series on 10/20 to hear Lucy Meade share about the Art of Urban Innovation!

         From the Miami game-watching event to the Cav’s Care ‘Hoos at the Howl-o-ween, there is something for you to enjoy!

You can register and learn more about the upcoming events on RichmondHoos.org.

As always, please feel free to reach out to me at haider.sharifi@mssb.com or contact any of the Board Members and Committee Chairs if you would like more information or if you would like to get more involved.  And remember – it’s not too late to JOIN THE CLUB to get in on the fun!

Thank you and Go Hoos!

Haider Sharifi
President
UVaClub of Richmond

September 2011

Dear U.Va. Alumni and Friends!

As this year’s President of the UVaClub of Richmond, I want to first thank you for allowing me to serve and also let you know how excited I am! We have a strong program of events for you and even stronger leaders who promise to continue to provide enjoyable avenues of engagement for all the region’s alumni, parents of students and friends of the University!

The 2011-2012 Board is 21 members strong with 18 committees! The new Executive Team includes Bud Higgins, Vice President Operations; Katie Merritt, Vice President Social; Elliott Beaulieu, Treasurer; and Leigh Corbitt, Secretary. Please join me in welcoming the Board Members and Committee Chairs this year.　 The full listing is available on the website at www.richmondhoos.org where you can also submit your membership application online.

The Club welcomes five new Board Members and Committee Chairs. We have added a new Communications Committee that will be responsible for continuing to enhance our level of engagement with you through an integrated and unified communication system. If you would like to help the Club in member engagement or you see how we can continue to grow in our communications, we would love your participation in this new committee! As always, since we have a full calendar of events and programming, there is always room for participation and involvement. If you are interesting in getting more involved, please feel free to e-mail me at haider.sharifi@mssb.com and I would be happy to forward your information to the appropriate chair.

I am looking forward to seeing you at the Annual Fall Kick-Off at T. Miller's on September 22nd. It will be a great opportunity to renew your membership, meet the board and have the opportunity to see football legend, Ray Roberts.

Though most of the Club's events are open to all U.Va. Richmond metropolitan area alumni, friends and parents, some of our programs are exclusively for members, such as our always at capacity Fall Kick-Off, Holiday Party and Spring Banquet. The Board hopes that this year you will consider becoming a member. Funds raised through membership dollars support the 90+ programs we do each year plus the local school recruitment activities.  You can join the club on-line at this link.

Thank you, and I look forward to serving you as your Club President this year.

Thank you and Go Hoos!

Haider Sharifi
President
UVaClub of Richmond

May 2011

Dear Wahoos!

Wow what a busy few months! The UVaClub of Richmond has been busy hosting social, service and educational events over the last few months! On May 5th, the Club was fortunate to host President Theresa A. Sullivan, U.Va.'s Eighth President, at CenterStage. President Sullivan gave wonderful remarks and answered many tough questions! We thank her for her time and for her personal attention while mingling with guests one on one throughout the evening.

Although our year is winding down for the Summer, we still have a full calendar for May and June! Have you been part of our pilot year Cavs Connect Mentoring Program, or are you currently a mentor or mentee? If so, we have the perfect event for you! At 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22nd, Emily Bardeen, Director of Alumni Career Services (ACS) at the Alumni Association in Charlottesville, will share tips on how to set goals and expectations to ensure success, give and receive advice and feedback constructively and manage the relationship effectively. Alumni Career Services staff will also be available on June 22 for 30-minute individual career advising appointments at no charge. They can support you on resumes, interviewing, job search, grad school career advancement, transition and more – if it’s about your career, they are ready to help! This is a great opportunity that will surely book up fast! If you are interested in attending the event or booking an individual career advising appointment please visit: https://alumnical.itc.virginia.edu/alumnical/event/display?eventID=13044377950001.

Thank you for your support throughout this year and for your dedication and enthusiasm for the UVaClub of Richmond. I'm pleased to "pass the gavel" to Haider Sharifi at the end of June. Haider will be the Club's 2011-2012 President and will do a fabulous job! If you have any questions or thoughts regarding the Club, please feel free to e-mail me at kteagno@boscobel-llc.com.

Thank you and Go Hoos!
Kari Teagno Hyman
UVaClub of Richmond President 

April 2011

Dear U.Va Alumni and Friends,

Well it looks like Spring may be here to finally stay! We just completed a great number of events in January, February and March and hope that you were able to make it to at least one event!

As the weather warms up the Club will continue to host many great events and take full advantage of the beautiful spring weather. I hope you will consider joining us at one of our upcoming outdoor events such as

-Flying Squirrels vs. Altoona Curv Baseball Game on April 21st
-Cavs Care Shalom Farms Event on April 23rd
-Historical Landmark Segway Tour on April 28th
-U.Va. vs. VCU Baseball on May 3rd
-Cavs Care Paws in the Park on May 7th

Additionally, we are pleased to welcome President Theresa Sullivan to Richmond on Thursday, May 5th at CenterStage in Downtown Richmond. I hope you will consider joining me and other area alumni as we hear from President Sullivan and Kevin Edds who will share the Untold Stories of U.Va Football through clips of his documentary "Wahoowa: The History of Virginia Cavalier Football." We will also be celebrating this year's Jefferson Scholars, Ridley Scholarship and Dabney Award winners. There will be a 6 PM Reception in Rhythm Hall, 7 PM Presentation in Gottwald Playhouse and a Dessert Reception at 8 PM. Free parking is available in the surface lot adjacent to CenterStage. Please RSVP by April 29th at (Register Here). We hope to see you there!

Best Regards,
Kari Teagno Hyman
UVaClub of Richmond President 

March 2011

Dear Wahoos!

It's hard to believe that Spring is right around the corner! The U.Va. Club of Richmond has lots in store for the Spring including a visit from U.Va.'s President Theresa Sullivan and Former Virginia Govenor James Gilmore (CLAS '71, LAW '77). President Sullivan will visit the Capital City on Thursday, May 5th for a cocktail event at CenterStage (to register now click here). Governor Gilmore will present at the Club's Annual Spring Banquet on Thursday, March 31st. His extremely timely topic, "America's Economic Crisis: Where Do We Go From Here?" will cover America's overburdening of debt, the problem of deficit spending, and practical solutions to address these concerns (to register now click here).

To continue bringing Richmond area alumni, parents and friends the UVa Club of Richmond Board is constantly bringing new volunteers into the fold. If you are interested in serving on the UVa Club of Richmond Board now is your opportunity! The Board is currently accepting applications for open Board seats. Please visit our Volunteers Page and fill out the Board Application. All applications must be submitted to me no later than 3/25 for consideration by the Nominating Committee. If you are interested in the types of opportunities available to Board Members please visit the Job Descriptions Link and review our job descriptions. Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions.

Thank you and we hope to see you at at one of our many events this Spring!

Best Regards,
Kari Teagno Hyman
UVaClub of Richmond President

February 2011

Dear Fellow Wahoos,

Well it's still a chilly 30 degrees outside, but the UVa Club of Richmond is turning things up with a full calendar of events for February! Be sure to join the Club to save money and also to have access to all Members-Only events! 

Please be sure to make your reservations now for the Ninth Annual Ridley Scholarship Event taking place on Saturday, February 26th at the Virginia Historical Museum from 6-9 PM.  2011 Ridley Scholarship with Coaches London & Randolph Sign Up  This year's event features U.Va Football Coach Mike London and Natalie Randolph, Head Football Coach at Coolidge High School.  Ms. Randolph is the only female High School Head Football Coach in the Nation and she is a fellow Wahoo!  Coaches London and Randolph will offer insight into Why We Put Academics First.  Please join me at this exciting event as we raise money for Richmond's Ridley Scholarship.  The Ridley Scholarship is used as a tool to attract the most talented African American students in the nation.

I look forward to seeing you on the 26th and please let me know if you have any questions!

Best Regards,
Kari Teagno Hyman
UVaClub of Richmond President

January 2011

Dear Fellow U.Va Alumni, Parents and Friends,

2011 is upon us and the UVaClub of Richmond has lots to offer in terms of of upcoming events and programs!  We hope that you will consider making your 2011 New Year's resolution to join YOUR UVaClub and come out and enjoy fellow U.Va. alumni, parents and friends at the fun, engaging and educational events we host.

In November of 2010, we kicked off our first Cavs Connect Mentoring Program and have had over 80+ U.Va. parents, friends and alums sign up to be mentors and mentees. We are kicking of this new initiative with a Match Party on Tuesday, January 25th at Sands Anderson (1111 East Main Street, 24th Floor). If you have registered as a mentor or mentee, we invite you to attend this special event to get to meet your respective match!  If you haven't yet signed up to be part of this exciting program, please visit: http://uvaclubs.virginia.edu/richmondcavsconnect.

Additionally, at the end of 2010, we launched a new ticket donation program to get unused U.Va. football and basketball tickets to local charities involving children and young adults.  It's simple...all you have to do is send an e-mail to uvatix@gmail.com indicating the number of tickets you would like to donate along with your mailing address. We will write back and coordinate ticket pick-up or mail-in options and deliver your unused tickets to a local non-profit on your behalf.  Soon thereafter, you will receive a letter in the mail from the non-profit expressing appreciation and the in-kind value of your donation that can be used as a tax receipt. What a great way to fill the seats at John Paul Jones Arena and share our pride and enthusiasm for U.Va. with local children! If you have questions, please e-mail them to uvatix@gmail.com.

We hope that you will consider joining the Club's already robust membership and consider participating in our Cavs Connect Mentoring Program in the New Year! We look forward to seeing you soon at our upcoming events.

Best Regards,

Kari Teagno Hyman

November 2010

Fellow Wahoos,

I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween and enjoyed our football team's great win over Miami! We had a busy October and are hitting the ground running in November. At the end of October, the Club hosted our first Welcome to the City event at Legend's Brewery with nearly 35 people attending. This was our first "go" at hosting an event to specifically welcome alumni new to the Rivah' City, and I am personally proud of our Networking Chair, Terri Shiffer, who organized the event.

We also hosted the Club's monthly luncheon at a new venue - the beautiful new MeadWestVaco headquarters located downtown on the river.  We had a great turnout to hear from seven U.Va. alum entrepeneurs. We hope that you can make it to our next luncheon!

The Club's next big event is our "Capital City Hoos Connect" with special guest Sylvia Terry, Dean of the University of Virginia, on Friday, November 5th, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the McGeorge Mercedes-Benz Showroom in Richmond's West End. This event supports the Richmond area Walter Ridley Scholarship and at the event Dean Terry will reflect on her 30 years at the University of Virginia. There will be a cash bar and light hors d'oeuvres served by Mama J's. Raffle tickets will be sold with such prizes as box seats to the U.Va. football game vs. Maryland, registration to Black Alumni weekend, Washington Wizards tickets, and more. I invite each of you to attend this intimate event fundraiser for and celebration of Richmond's Walter Ridley Scholarship.

Of course, I can't miss the opportunity to remind you to join the UVaClub of Richmond. Each alum and parent's $35 membership goes a long way to supporting events like the ones mentioned above. We hope to see you at our next event!

Go Hoos!
Kari Teagno Hyman

October 2010

Dear Fellow Wahoos!

Last month's annual UVaClub of Richmond Kick-Off was awesome! We had a full house at T-Millers at the Marriott, lots of great give-a-ways, funny and enthusiastic speakers and even the T-Millers staff decked out in U.Va. shirts! September not only featured our annual Kick-Off, but also the beginning of our great partnership with "Hoos Talking" on SportsRadio 910 featuring Frank Maloney and Jim Hobgood. Frank and Jim had the Club on their show twice in September and we also participated in the October 9th Game Watching Event at TGI Fridays on October 9th. September also included an active Book Club conversation over the book The Hemmingses of Monticello; a full luncheon with Charles Harris, Chair of the University's Honor Committee; a Cavs Care event at Shalom Farms and our first Young Alumni TJ Tuesday.

We hope that some of the events peaked your interest and you were able to attend and mingle with fellow Cavalier fans! Look out for a full Fall featuring additional Cavs Care service opportunities; a Luncheon at MWV on November 2nd featuring U.Va. entrepreneurs; a Dodge Ball Tournament on October 30th and a Walter Ridley Scholarship event featuring Retired Dean Sylvia Terry on November 5th. We hope to see you out at one of our next UVaClub of Richmond events! If you would like to be part of one of the 19 Committees that organizes events throughout the year, please e-mail me at kteagno@boscobel-llc.com.

Thank you and Go Wahoos!

Kari Teagno Hyman

September 2010

August 2010

First thank you for allowing me to serve as President of the UVaClub of Richmond.

On July 14th we had our first Board meeting of the new club year (2010-2011) and we welcomed 23 Board Members and Committee Chairs in addition to a new Executive Team including Bud Higgins, Vice President; Haider Sharifi, Vice President Social; Elliot Beaulieu,Treasurer; and Katie Merritt, Secretary.

Thanks to last years strong recruitment and social Board meeting in May, we have a total of 12 new Board Members and Committee Chairs each excited about the new year. This year we have also added two new Committees--Networking Events and Sports chaired by Terri Shiffer and Alana McMillan respectively. Thus, bringing our total number of committees to 19. With so many committees, our area alumni, parents and friends can look forward to a full calendar of events and programs. To put on the 90+ projected events this year we not only need dedicated Committee Chairs, but also active Committee Members interested in assisting and planning. If you are interested in joining or asssting a Committee please e-mail me at kteagno@boscobel-llc.com and I would be happy to forward your information onto the appropriate Chair.

Though most of the Club's events are open to all U.Va. Richmond metropolitan area alumni, friends and parents, some of our programs are exclusively for members such as our always at capacity Admissions Program, Holiday Party and Spring Banquet. The Board hopes that this year you will consider becoming a member. Funds raised through membership dollars support the 90+ programs we do each year plus the local school recruitment activities. Please anticipate receiving a membership mailer in August via e-mail and mail and joining us for the Club Kick-Off in September. Thank you, and I look forward to serving you as your Club President this year.

Please join me in welcoming the Board Members and Committee Chairs this year.  The full listing is available on the website @ www.richmondhoos.org.

Thank you and Go Hoos!

Kari Teagno Hyman

2009

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)