University graduates throughout the state might run across a familiar name as they pore over Virginia's tax forms this year.
The University's Center for Governmental Studies, founded by Larry J. Sabato, government and foreign affairs professor, is one of 15 organizations to which Virginia taxpayers can opt to donate all or part of their tax refunds.
Virginia's tax forms contain a two-paragraph description of the Center, mentioning Sabato by name.
Sabato said that although any Virginian receiving a tax refund can make a donation, he especially hopes that his former students will contribute when they read about the Center and learn about his involvement in it and its multiple projects.
He also expressed gratitude toward the state officials that made the Center's inclusion on the tax forms possible.
"We were delighted to get the support of the Governor and several key legislators in both parties," he added.
Although it was founded less than two years ago, the Center already has been recognized widely for promoting involvement in the political process by both adults and younger citizens.
It is engaged in several major projects, including the Youth Leadership initiative, which combats political apathy among high school students through mock elections - including one of the largest Internet elections in history, with over 11,000 participants - and town meetings.
The Center also sponsored the University's recent "Symposium on Character in Politics," which drew a number of high-profile guests to Charlottesville, including former United States Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr, former U.S. Rep. Robert Livingston (R-La.) and National Organization for Women President Patricia Ireland to address the issue of character and the media and the role both play in the political system.
Fourth-year College student Garron M. Hansen, a foreign affairs major, said he supports the mission of the Center and would consider contributing to it.
"I would consider giving a portion of my return to the Center ... I think apathy among youth in politics is a big problem and hopefully they'll be able to combat it," Hansen said.
The Center relies on a number of sources for its funding, including individual and corporate donations, as well as state and federal grants.
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