He was a lawyer, a farmer, a diplomat, a scientist, a musician, and an architect. He served as governor of Virginia, as the nation's first secretary of state, and as its third president. Yet, of all his achievements, Thomas Jefferson wished to be remembered only as author of the Declaration of American Independence, author of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, and father of the University of Virginia. A child of the Enlightenment, Jefferson was a champion of education throughout his life. He recognized that "knowledge is power, knowledge is safety, knowledge is happiness" and that an educated citizenry was vital to the nation he helped to create. Establishing the University fulfilled a long-held dream for Jefferson, who planned its curriculum, oversaw the hiring of its first faculty, and designed its buildings. When the cornerstone was laid on October 6, 1817, for the first structure on the Lawn, James Madison and James Monroe were there with Jefferson to mark the occasion.

The University still bears the imprint of Jefferson's far-ranging intellect: his devotion to every branch of learning, scientific and artistic, beautiful and useful; his desire to "follow truth wherever it may lead"; and his vision for a public university that attracts public-minded people who take seriously their commitment to their community and their world, who are aware, active, and involved. Above all, the University reflects his intent to produce leaders--not just capable students, not just competent workers, but women and men with ideas of their own, ready to make their mark on the future.

A champion of "the general diffusion of knowledge," Jefferson devoted the last years of his life to creating the University of Virginia. He died July 4, 1826, one year after the first students enrolled at the University.