While nothing could adequately summarize four years at the University, these articles represent some of the major moments for the Class of 2026. This week's From the Archives takes a look at notable stories from the past four years.
Nov. 15, 2022
“Students hold informal vigil on South Lawn in wake of shooting” (article)
By Eva Surovell and Ava MacBlane
Photo by Eva Surovell
The day after the shooting that took the lives of Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis and D’Sean Perry and injured two other students, thousands of students, faculty, staff and community members gathered on South Lawn to honor the victims’ lives. The vigil was organized by dozens of student leaders, who passed orange ribbons and candles out to attendees. Members of the Virginia football team gathered on the steps of Old Cabell Hall and embraced each other, looking out at the crowd, who silently raised their candles and phone flashlights to the players. After 30 minutes of reflection, the attendees began to leave their candles on the steps of the Old Cabell Hall, at the Homer statue and at the Rotunda.
May 5, 2024
"Police forcefully clear encampment near University Chapel, detain protesters" (article)
By Thomas Baxter and Finn Trainer
Photo by Finn Trainer
After four days of protests demanding the University divest from investments that benefited from the Israeli occupation of Palestine, University Police cleared the pro-Palestinian encampment near the University Chapel in the afternoon of May 4, 2024. The protesters — made of students, faculty and community members — first formed the “Liberated Zone 4 Gaza” early in the evening of April 30, 2024, but began to put up tents on the evening of May 3. Timothy Longo, chief of the University Police Department, and University Spokesperson Bethanie Glover cited violations of University policies prohibiting tents and megaphone usage, as well as failure to comply with ultimatums issued by Longo, as reasons for removing the encampment. Portions of the Environmental Health and Safety documents that allowed for recreational tent usage were found to be removed May 4.
Jan. 25, 2025
“Renovated Alderman Library stirs wonder for first-time visitors” (article)
By Mia Tan
Photo by Robbie Favaro
After being closed since 2020, Alderman Library, later renamed Edgar Shannon Library, was reopened to the public Jan. 8, 2025. Compared to the other libraries on Grounds, like Clemons Library and Charles L. Brown Science & Engineering Library, students and faculty appreciated the spaciousness, upgraded amenities and furnishings of the new and improved library. All, especially the graduating Class of 2025, were excited to finally enjoy the renovated space.
June 27, 2025
“U.Va. President Jim Ryan announces his resignation” (article)
By Cecilia Mould and Naima Sawaya
Photo by Benvin Lozada
Last June, it was announced that former University President Jim Ryan would be stepping down from his position after serving for nearly seven years as the University’s ninth president. Ryan’s resignation came amidst an investigation by the Department of Justice claiming that he had not complied in dismantling Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives at the University. Hoping to avoid negative impacts on faculty, students and University funding, Ryan chose to resign rather than prolong the fight.
Sept. 28, 2025
“A titan conquered, a field stormed: Inside Virginia’s electric celebration” (article)
By Xander Tilock
Photo by Benvin Lozada
A chaotic, yet historic celebration of thousands of fans rushing the football field occurred after the Cavaliers’ win against Florida State. The game was the most attended since the 2023 game against James Madison, and it only took two seconds after junior defensive back Ja’Son Prevard secured the game-winning interception for the field to be engulfed by fans. The celebration was not without consequence, causing significant injuries and earning a hefty $50,000 fine for Virginia Athletics. The victory and the field storming made the night one to remember.
Oct. 17, 2025
“U.Va. rejects Trump administration Compact for Academic Excellence” (article)
By Cecilia Mould
Photo by Hannah Tuten
After two and a half weeks, the University rejected the White House and Department of Education’s “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education,” which would have provided the University with preferential access to research funding and federal partnerships in exchange for agreeing to multiple conditions. The Compact requested that U.Va. agree to screen international students for “American and Western values,” freeze tuition for five years and remove curriculum units that “punish, belittle or spark violence against” conservative ideas. The Trump administration extended invitations to join the compact to nine institutions, including the University. Interim University President Paul Mahoney rejected the compact but suggested future collaboration with the federal government, saying “We look forward to working together to develop alternative, lasting approaches to improving higher education.”
Dec. 20, 2025
“U.Va. leaders react to Beardsley’s presidential appointment” (article)
By Grace Little
Photo by Luca Bailey
Following the appointment of Scott Beardsley, former Dean of the Darden School of Business, as the 10th President of the University Dec. 19, faculty, staff and students expressed differing reactions. David Leblang, presidential search committee member and professor of public policy, objected to the Board of Visitors’ choice to appoint Beardsley when they did, saying “This is not about the appointment of Mr. Beardsley. This is about the timing of the appointment.” The Faculty Senate, Student Council, General Faculty Council, nine of the 14 academic deans and then-Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger had previously called for the presidential search to be paused or suspended, citing concerns about the speed of the search and broad distrust in the Board. Joel Gardner, president of The Jefferson Council — a conservative group of University alumni — expressed support for Beardsley’s appointment, calling opponents of his appointment “just politically motivated.”
March 26, 2026
“Virginia women’s swimming: A dynasty redefined” (article)
By Aimee Crosbie
Photo by Aimee Crosbie
After five consecutive NCAA championships, predictions for the future of Virginia women’s swimming were bleak. Commentators read the departure of Gretchen Walsh, the last of the individual high scorers, as a death knell for the Virginia team, but the team proved them wrong, scoring 589 points — the most in program history. As Coach Todd DeSorbo put it, “now that the rest of them [have] the sun shining on them, … they're able to blossom.” The team swept all five relay races, set an NCAA record in the 400-yard freestyle relay and had 16 of 18 swimmers place in scoring position, proving their dominance even without the big names of the previous five years. Crosbie put it perfectly, “They did it without superstars. Or, more precisely, they did it with 18 of them.”
Read More
An overview of University administration changes since Class of 2026’s arrival
By Abigail Larkin | 3 hours agoThe graduating Class of 2026 witnessed these changes during their time at the University, with many changes occurring during the latter portion of their college careers.
U.S. Supreme Court strikes final blow to redistricting, denies Democrats’ request for stay
By Grace Little | YesterdayThe U.S. Supreme Court rejected Virginia Democrats’ final push for redistricting Friday ahead of the 2026 national midterm elections.
Spanberger visits U.Va. to sign legislation banning firearms on college campuses
By Luca Bailey | 2 days agoGov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed a firearm ban for all Virginia public colleges and universities Tuesday at an event hosted by the Governor’s office in The Dome Room of the Rotunda.
