The University has more than 100 clubs in the U.S. and abroad designed to bring alumni together after they leave the University.
Each “UVaClub” organizes its own events, from social get-togethers to culturally motivated excursions and community projects.
UVaClub of Paris President Stephen Hartka said most of the events organized for alumni in Paris are casual, and attract about 30 people, though there are around 100 individuals affiliated with the University currently residing in Paris.
“We do a Wahoo Wednesday every few months and meet at a bar or café,” Hartka said. “In the past, we’ve done some excursions to museums and other locations.”
The UVaClub of London is one of the largest groups abroad, and as a result hosts events more regularly than smaller regional clubs. There are currently about 1,000 constituents involved in London, Hartka said.
UVaClub of London President John Messamore said that UVaClubs are not limited to alumni. Parents, current faculty and students studying abroad are welcome to become involved. In London, alumni club members often meet with students who study abroad.
“We have faculty visits, and professors doing lectures,” Messamore said. “We’ll do visits to museums and art galleries led by alumni or friends of alumni. Then we have social events like a regular pub night to welcome people come to London, and we have sports nights to watch games.”
Messamore said events that garner the most attention tend to be those when deans and faculty members visit the city, such as when President Teresa Sullivan visited London last year.
Kevin Rankin, a member of the UVaClub of New York, said it’s nice to remain a part of the University community after graduation. The UVaClubs provide a network for University graduates to feel connected when they begin their new lives outside the University.
“I think moving to a new city, it’s nice to have an initial group you have something in common with,” Rankin said. “You meet a lot of people from the years around you who you would never have met except for the U.Va. bond you have.”
To be a member of the New York club, alumni must pay a small fee of $20 to $30, Rankin said. Not all regions require a fee, although it is not uncommon among the larger groups.
Events the New York club has hosted include soup kitchen visits, community projects to clean up Central Park, game watches for University sports teams and professional panels.
“It’s a kind of home away from home for U.Va.,” Messamore said.
Hartka encouraged recent graduates to get actively involved in the UVaClubs. He said they offer a chance to not only socialize and meet with friends, but to network and reach out if alumni so desire to do so.
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