Community Relations News, Community Relations, U.Va.

University of Virginia Finals Weekend Scheduled for May 19 and 20
More than 30,000 people are expected on Grounds for the University’s 183rd Final Exercises. Class Valedictory Exercises will be held at 11 a.m. on the Lawn on Saturday, May 19. Katie Couric, U.Va. alumna, will give the commencement address on Sunday, May 20, following the 10 a.m. academic procession.

For more information, visit www.virginia.edu/uvatoday.

Reunions Weekend Begins May 31
Increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic is expected as more than 5,000 alumni return to Grounds for Reunions Weekend, May 31 through June 3. Some planned outdoor activities that may include amplified sound are:

Thursday, May 31, Movie on the Lawn, 9 to 11 p.m., South Lawn
Friday, June 1, Band Party, 9:30 p.m. to midnight, Peabody Hall Tent
Saturday, June 2, Kids Carnival, 3 to 5 p.m., Madison Bowl on Madison Lane

For additional information, visit http://alumni.virginia.edu/events-reunions/reunions/.

Festival Announces 2012 Offering
U.Va.’s Heritage Theater Festival summer production will be “1776,” a musical that dramatizes events surrounding the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Tickets go on sale in early June and the production is scheduled for June 21 through 30.

For times and tickets, visit http://www.virginia.edu/heritagetheatre/.

Exhibit Highlights “People of Substance”
U.Va.’s Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection will open a new exhibition of contemporary Aboriginal art at a reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, May 18. Exploring drug and alcohol abuse among Aboriginal people, "People of Substance” runs through Aug. 26.

For more information, visit http://www.virginia.edu/kluge-ruhe.

Students Chuck it for Charity
U.Va. and its partners are making move-out activities easier for many departing students and diverting tons of unwanted household items from area dumpsters and landfills through Chuck it for Charity. Donated items benefit numerous area nonprofits including The Salvation Army, Arc of the Piedmont, and the Shelter for Help in Emergency.

For more information including an event schedule and drop-off locations, visit www.virginia.edu/communityrelations/c4c.html.

Food and Fund Drive Begins May 28
The Governor's Bowl Food and Fund Drive aims to keep Virginia's food banks stocked during the summer months. Beginning on Memorial Day, donation sites will be located on and off Grounds. The drive concludes on July 4.

For more information, visit http://www.virginia.edu/communityrelations/fooddrive.html.

Emergency Preparedness Provides Monthly Safety Tips
On the 11th day of each month, U.Va.’s Office of Emergency Preparedness offers safety tips for before, during and after natural disasters and emergency events. This month, tips for hurricane preparation are offered.

To learn more about preparing for hurricane season or for more tips, visit http://www.virginia.edu/emergencypreparedness/TOMMay2012.html.

To further prepare for emergencies, the Commonwealth of Virginia offers a tax holiday for hurricane and emergency preparedness equipment. This year’s holiday is May 25 through 31.

For more information on the tax holiday and a list of exempt products, visit http://www.tax.virginia.gov/site.cfm?alias=HurricanePreparednessEquipmentHoliday.

As a service to the U.Va. Community, U.Va. Community Relations offers area-specific traffic alerts at www.virginia.edu/communityrelations.

To learn more about other University events and activities, visit www.virginia.edu/calendar.