For many University alumni, the experience of being a student at Mr. Jefferson's University has positively impacted their personal and professional lives. Many speak of the pride and sense of accomplishment that come with earning a diploma from such a fine institution. And what better way, they say, to give back to the University than to make a charitable donation or establish a trust fund for a scholarship?
University graduates Jim and Susan Neligan have been regular supporters of several areas of University life. Mr. Neligan, a 1983 McIntire School of Commerce graduate and Charlottesville resident, said his motivations for donating money to the University are twofold.
"A big reason for me is I live here," Neligan said. "I think everyone in the community benefits from the University's presence. In some small way, we're happy to be able to support the University in its efforts."
In addition to supporting the University for the benefit of the Charlottesville community, Neligan, who serves on the board of the Virginia Athletics Foundation, said he contributes money to the University out of appreciation for his education.
"As an alum, my education from the University of Virginia is one of the best assets I have," he said. "Earning a degree from the McIntire School was a very meaningful accomplishment for me and one that has served me well over time."
Harvie Fitzgerald, a 1953 College graduate and 1957 Darden graduate, has established a charitable trust for the University.
"I get the income from the trust for as long as I live," Fitzgerald said. "When I die, it goes to the University."
Proceeds from the trust are intended to endow the Herbert E. Fitzgerald Jr. and Harvie W. Scholarship Fund in the College of Arts & Sciences.
"I wouldn't know a bit of anything if I didn't go the University," he said.
Fitzgerald, who was a wrestler at the University as well as a manager of the football team, said a portion of the proceeds also will go to the Virginia Athletics Foundation and the Darden School.
Another McIntire graduate, Georgia Willis, from the Class of 1983, established a charitable trust in 1999 to finance at least one annual scholarship for a third-year female business student.
Willis said she hopes the scholarship will help alleviate some of the financial pressures students face in college.
"I worked 20 hours whenever I was going to school," Willis said. "If I had had the 20 hours to study rather than work, it would have made a difference in my time here on Grounds."
Willis, who is a member of the University Board of Visitors, said she serves on many youth-oriented boards as a way to help young people who face financial obstacles pursue their goals.
"I always try to make sure my board members know of my respect for the three 'T's
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