Reunions Weekend 2004 Sets New Giving Records

Photo by Peggy Harrison

Reunions Weekend 2004 Sets New Giving Records Alumni, such as the women here, returned to Grounds June 4 through 6 for Reunions Weekend. By June 3, the classes of 1979 and 1974 had set new records for the 25th and 30th reunion class gifts by raising more than $3.3 million and $1.79 million, respectively. Together with gifts from the other reunion classes, total 2004 reunion giving had exceeded $11.8 million.

Instiute on Aging awards funding
Investigators receive pilot research grants

By Fariss Samarrai

Six researchers who are conducting age-related studies were honored and awarded research grants during a reception June 1 at the new offices of the University’s Institute on Aging.

One of the primary goals of the institute is to stimulate research related to issues of aging, and to encourage the formation of collaborative teams to pursue innovative approaches to topics relevant to later life. To support that goal, the institute, with funding from the Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, is providing “seed money” of up to $30,000 for pilot projects that have a likelihood of generating substantial funding from government agencies or foundations. Full story.

Gilliam’s sense of place Counterintelligence, foreign service, governor’s mansion — nothing could pry his heart away from U.Va. for long

Photo by Andrew Shurtleff

In January 1968, Alexander Gilliam became the first State Department employee to learn that the Tet Offensive in Saigon, Vietnam, had begun. These days he puts his skills in diplomacy and protocol to good use as secretary to the Board of Visitors, a post he has held since January 1991.

By Matt Kelly

Alexander G. “Sandy” Gilliam Jr. has worked at the University for nearly 30 years, as special assistant to three presidents and secretary to the Board of Visitors. He is also an alumnus, and from the beginning, there was very little question where he would go to school. Full story.