Mission Statement of the IRC:
It is the goal and mission of the International Residential College residents, as members of a global community, to spread knowledge and understanding of ourselves to all cultures; to better ourselves through exposure and interaction with people of various backgrounds; to translate social and cultural consciousness into positive global action. With this in mind, The International Residence College endeavors:
To promote cultural exchange and awareness.
To enrich ourselves and those with whom we interact through the celebration of diversity.
To facilitate a comfortable and healthy transition into the University of Virginia and Charlottesville community.
To support and serve like-minded groups in the University of Virginia and Charlottesville community.
To build a diverse, vibrant and participatory community.
History:
The International Residential College was created as a result of the Virginia 2020 Commission on International Activities, a commission appointed by University President John T. Casteen III to expand international opportunities at the University. The IRC was seen as a way to expand special-interest housing opportunities and as a focal point to explore global and cross-cultural issues on Grounds. Brad Brown was appointed Principal in March of 2001 and Marga Odahowski was appointed as Director of Studies in March of 2001 as well. Jill Jones came on board as office manager in July of 2001. Carol Brown has been an integral figure of the IRC since its inception. Applications to the IRC were first available in January of 2001 and the IRC opened its doors in the Fall of 2001.
The named buildings of the International Residential College recognizes the following leaders of the past university community:
Mary Munford was well known for her work as a champion of the causes of education, improved race relations, and women's rights. She was the first woman to be appointed a member of the University of Virginia Board of Visitors and also the first woman member of the Board of Visitors at the College of William and Mary.
Roberta Hollingsworth Gwathmey was the first woman to receive a Ph.D. from the Romance Languages Department at UVa. Mrs. Gwathmey was appointed Dean of Women in 1935 and during her 33-year tenure the enrollment of women at UVa increased from 125 to 809.
Ivey Lewis joined the UVa faculty in 1915 as a biology professor. During his tenure, he served as Dean of the University as well as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Llewellyn G. Hoxton joined the faculty at UVa in 1906 and served as chairman of the Department of Physics from 1916 until 1948. He was an authority in the field of thermodynamics and was named Professor Emeritus after his retirement in 1949.
Learn to Live, Live to Learn
International Residential College at the University of Virginia 1-100 Mary Munford Charlottesville, Virginia 22904
Phone - (434) 924-3765 Fax (434) 924-3828 Contact jjn@virginia.edu
434-924-3765
434-924-3828