Following her passion for opera, University of Virginia distinguished interdisciplinary studies major Anne Reynolds Holt (above) combined music, history, English and drama to create a major in dramaturgy, an area of study that focuses on applying historical, cultural and literary research to play and opera production, a major that is not offered at U.Va. The scholar, instructor, director and performer will walk the Lawn on Sunday, after which she will pursue an M.F.A. in theater directing to develop her performance skills and a Ph.D. in theater studies to enhance her academic interests. Full story.

U.Va. News Services/Photo: Andrew Shurtleff

It was never a childhood dream of Bill Moore (above) to become a physician. It wasn’t until after Moore grew up, earned a Ph.D. in chemistry, married and began a family that he realized that medicine was where his heart really was. The 35-year-old father of two will realize his dream this weekend as he graduates from the University of Virginia’s School of Medicine. He and his family will soon begin the next phase of their lives as they relocate to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where Moore will begin a residency in emergency medicine. Full story.

U.Va. News Services/Photo: Dan Addison

Allison Gillen (above) has always wanted to be a teacher and her enthusiam for education was evident all through her time as a student at the University of Virginia. Gillen has tutored Charlottesville students in the Head Start program, worked as a substitute teacher in area elementary schools and led children’s tours as a University Guide. After Gillen graduates from the Curry School of Education on Sunday, she will take her enthusiasm and creativity to the Chesapeake school system where she will begin as a teacher this fall.  Full story.

U.Va. News Services/Photo: Dan Addison