A college education seemed out of reach for Katherine Thompson Jackson, who graduated from high school in 1969. Jackson, growing up the only girl among four boys, had high expectations placed upon her. Jackson’s mother firmly believed in a good education and at the time of her mother’s death, Jackson, who was 12, made a promise that would make her mother proud. On May 16, Jackson made good on her promise. The longtime U.Va. employee was among the nearly 6,000 undergraduate students who graduated from U.Va., earning her bachelor’s degree after completing U.Va.’s Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program. Full story.

U.Va. News Services

Samar Katnani (middle row, second from left) knows the hurt caused by negative stereotyping. Part Lebanese, part Palestinian, Katnani grew up surrounded by negativity directed at her culture. Fear forced her to hide her identity — until 9/11. Seeking emotional healing, Katnani joined U.Va.’s Sustained Dialogue group, where she could share in personal experiences of other students. Katnani went on to become one of the group’s first moderators and vice-chairwomen. U.Va. is the second university to implement Sustained Dialogue, designed to improve the climate for diversity. Full story.

Inside UVA