This week’s From the Archives looks back on various moments from the University’s more recent history. From Class of 1950 alumnus Frank Batten Sr.’s $100 million donation creating the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy and biomedical engineer Patrick Cottler’s invention of the mechanical leech to Theta Delta Chi fraternity’s “Mustaches for Miracles” fundraiser and a record student turnout behind reforming the University Board of Elections, together these stories capture the innovation and civic engagement that shaped the University at the turn of the century.
2000s
April 13, 2007
“$100M launches school of public policy”
By Christina Brown
Photos courtesy of Jack Looney
College alumnus Frank Batten Sr. gives back, donating $100 million to the University. This sizable donation helped create the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, leading to new jobs for the University and inspired students.
April 1, 2005
“‘No TJ’ policy felt across Grounds”
By John Adams
Cavalier Daily writer, John Adams, pranks students with a column stating that a newly installed “no TJ” policy will go into effect, preventing graduates from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology from attending the University and expelling all current students who graduated from TJHSST. The article jokes that this new policy has brought more diversity to Grounds and increased the liveliness of discussion sections, but unfortunately many political advocacy groups have lost their leadership.
Feb. 16, 2007
“MAKING THAT MONEY”
By Lindsey Wegner
Early 2000s University students boast about their on Grounds jobs. While student jobs of the time start at a measly $6 an hour, many students cite scheduling flexibility and socialization as perks to their jobs, making them worthwhile.
Feb. 1, 2001
“Mechanical leech may reduce surgery risks”
By Helina Meri
Photo by Dan Lopez
University Biomedical Engineering Research Associate Patrick Cottler invents the “Smart Bandage,” a mechanical leech that delivers the same medicinal benefits as live leeches without the drawbacks of scarring and potential infection. In addition to relieving the typical apprehensions associated with using the live organism, Cottler’s creation would be readily available and, according to lab results, potentially more effective.
April 16, 2004
“MUSTACHES FOR MIRACLES”
By Richard Roberts
Photos courtesy of Theta Delta Chi
For their spring philanthropy event, members of the Theta Delta Chi fraternity take part in Mustaches for Miracles, a nationwide charity event aimed at raising money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Throughout the weeks-long event, the active participants, known as “growers,” sport their mustaches and solicit pledges from the campus community leading up to the culminating “Bar Night” mustache competition.
Nov. 20, 2003
“Students resoundingly approve election reform”
By Whitney Garrison
Photos by Alexis Day
Following a period of controversy regarding the integrity of the Student Council elections, eighty-nine percent of student voters approved the University Board of Elections reform amendment to create a new autonomous election body, completely separate from Student Council. The vote coincided with a record-breaking fall turnout of 20.01 percent, the highest since the online voting system launched in 1997-1998.



















