In the fall of 1960, 35 male students selected for a new honors program at the University arrived at Echols dormitory. They quickly became known around grounds as the "Echols Scholars," and in 1964, became the first graduates of the new honor program.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the first Echols graduating class, and with over 830 Echols Scholars currently in the program, the tradition of academic excellence initiated four decades ago continues to thrive at the University.
Echols Program Director James L. Sofka hosted a reunion dinner this June for the Class of 1964, and additional events are in the works to commemorate the anniversary. An undergraduate research symposium, co-hosted with the Center for Undergraduate Excellence, is planned for later this year, Sofka said.
Hallmarks of the Echols program include freedom from area requirements, priority registration for courses, an optional interdisciplinary major and housing with fellow scholars during first year.
"The thing that sparks the most envy among my peers is the priority registration," third-year Echols Scholar Catherine Hauptfuhrer said. "You get into classes as a first year that fourth years can't get into."
In addition to the academic perks awarded to current Scholars, reports show that the program has been an effective recruiting tool.
According to a 2004 study by Ph.D. student Jessamy L. Hoffman, nearly 40 percent of current Echols Scholars said they would have attended another university if it were not for the Echols program. The program has a 35 to 37 percent acceptance rate by those invited to become Scholars.
Politics Prof. Larry J. Sabato, a 1974 Echols graduate, said his decision to attend the University was swayed by the Echols program.
"I was actually headed to Princeton, but I chose U.Va. for two reasons: the Lawn and the Echols program," Sabato said. "That was what tipped the balance toward the University, and I've never regretted it."
Echols Scholars are chosen by admissions counselors who consider participation in academic extracurricular activities, test scores, advanced coursework and quality of written essays in their selection of Scholars.
In addition, students can apply to the program after their first semester. Last year, 63 second-semester first years were accepted, Sofka said.
In 1970, the year Sabato arrived as an Echols Scholar, the University became co-educational and the first women were admitted to the program. The only co-ed dorm was Watson, where women were housed with Echols men.
"They knew the women would have no risk being housed with the male Echols Scholars," Sabato joked.
Elisa Holquist, a 1985 Echols graduate, said the first-year living experience was a great aspect of the program.
"I sort of worried about living with 300 geeks, but it really surprised me on the upside," Holquist said. "People were well-rounded with lots of different interests. It was great place to live."
During Holquist's undergraduate career, Charles A. Vandersee served as Echols Dean. Sofka said Vandersee did more for the program than any other individual in the past 40 years.
"Echols alums have told me that an hour in Chuck's office changed their career track and their lives," Sofka said. "He was always available, always approachable and ever-ready to greet a visitor."
Vandersee served as director from 1973 to 1997, and passed away in January 2003. A scholarship was created in his name.
Sofka, who became director in 2002, said his goal is to deepen the sense of community among Echols Scholars and offer them as many resources as possible to achieve their goals.
"I'd like to see more students studying abroad, doing more work with fellowships and partnering with the Center for Undergraduate Excellence," Sofka said. "We'd like to continue to attract and retain the most talented students."
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