On Record

Episode Notes In this episode of On Record, Professor Ran Zhao, a Chinese professor and director of U.Va . in Shanghai, highlights how the program empowers students to immerse themselves in Chinese language and culture with intensive instruction and fun opportunities to explore the city. After all, learning a language means experiencing its culture firsthand.

Episode Notes On this episode of On Record, we sit down with Vera Abbate, director of the Summer Language Institute. Abbate discusses how the program builds fluency, confidence and community through intensive study and practice.

Episode Notes On this episode of On Record, we sit down with Lela Garner, sustainability manager of student outreach and engagement at U.Va . Sustainability. Garner discusses sustainability initiatives on Grounds, the 2030 U.Va . Sustainability Plan and Earth Month celebrations.

Episode Notes On March 19, the Federal Communications Commission authorized Nexstar Media Group to finalize its acquisition of TEGNA Media Group, potentially creating the most expensive and largest broadcast media company in U.S. History. However, there have been many appeals of the decision, as it could have lasting implications for the media that students at the University consume and study.

Episode Notes On this episode of On Record, we sit down with Layne Parker, First Year Players director and third-year college student. Parker discusses the importance of building community through an inclusive space for new students, and looks ahead to FYP’s upcoming musical production.

Episode Notes In this episode of On Record, we hear from Dr. Amanda Lloyd, director of the Virginia Prison Education Program, which offers Virginia’s first bachelor’s degrees to incarcerated individuals. Dr. Lloyd discusses how and why the University chose her to lead this historic initiative.

Episode Notes On this episode of On Record, we sit down with Ava Wolsborn, University Dance Club vice president and third-year College student. Wolsborn discusses the importance of inclusivity, accessibility and sisterhood within the club. Additionally, she highlights UDC’s upcoming showcase in April.

Episode Notes In this episode of On Record, we sit down with Special Collections Director Brenda Gunn to discuss the University’s copies of the Declaration of Independence. Listen to hear about the importance of having physical copies, the unique story of the McGregor Copy and how students can get involved with Special Collections.

Episode Notes With the women’s team working to maintain a five year championship streak in the College Club Swimming National Championships, Club Swim at U.Va . hosts a thriving swimming culture at the university. Colin Sartori, Club Swim president and third-year engineering student, discusses the history, events and upcoming meets of the organization, including the National Championships in April...

As the Cavalier Marching Band wraps up an exciting season, Drum Major Taran Gupta discusses the energy, creativity and leadership behind CMB. From halftime performances to long rehearsals, Gupta reflects on how the band contributes to game day atmosphere and strengthens the sense of community across Grounds.

Episode Notes Carolyn Dillard, the Community Partnership Manager for the University’s Center of Community Partnerships, discusses the legacy Dr. King left us through his 1963 speech at Old Cabell Hall and the annual MLK Day celebrations and community events. Highlighting the most memorable moments of the keynote event by Dr. Imani Perry, Dillard explored the importance of Dr. King’s lasting messag...

Episode Notes James Torgerson, WXTJ co-event director and second-year Data Science student, discusses WXTJ’s history, community and house shows.

The Lorax Society is one of U.Va .'s many organizations with a focus on sustainability. The society’s mission is to preserve the natural biodiversity of Charlottesville. Maddie Foreman, the current president of the Lorax Society and second-year College student, discusses upcoming changes to the organization following the election of a new executive board, as well as her plans for new events and in...

In this episode of On Record, UJC Chair Allison McVey discusses the Committee’s 70th anniversary, an unusually heavy caseload this past fall semester, and the responsibilities that come with student-led adjudication. From navigating serious health and safety cases to training new members and launching a new endowment, McVey explains how the UJC continues to adapt while remaining grounded in UVA’s...

Episode Notes Dr. Anne Rotich, Director of Undergraduate Programs in the Department of African American and African Studies, informs us about her J-term course, Swahili Cultures Then and Now, which takes the students across the globe to Kenya. Dr. Rotich discusses the new knowledge and informational experiences students gain through her course, traveling around Kenya, and how she provides opportun...

Episode Notes Charlotte Walden, Public Relations Chair for the Student Docent Executive Board and fourth-year College student, discusses museum education, diversity in art history and the future of the Fralin Student Docents.

Episode Notes The Peer Health Education program is made up of student Peer Health Educators, who work to empower other students to develop healthier habits. Evie Liu, current Outreach Coordinator of PHE and fourth-year college student, discusses the role of PHE in promoting a “community of care” in the student body and expands on the organization’s various initiatives.

Episode Notes Brenda Gunn, the director of the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library and the Harrison Institute for American History, Literature, and Culture, explores how students can discover when approaching the collections with curiosity, and how this can deepen their understanding of history. From exhibitions to the broader museum world, she reflects on the vital work of archiv...

Episode Notes Ahead of its Fall 2025 issue, V MAG co-editors-in-chief Rachel Mulvaney, fourth-year Batten student, and Kieran Warner, third-year Commerce student, give a deeper look into what it takes to lead an arts publication, the collaboration and creativity that shape each issue, and the inspiration behind the upcoming edition. This episode explores the importance of an arts magazine as a pla...

Episode Notes David Leblang, Director of Policy Studies at the Miller Center, analyzes how the Center has remained a nonpartisan institution during a particularly divisive time in politics. He delves into the various programs, events, and policy proposals associated with the Center, and how they are making an impact at UVA and beyond.

Episode Notes In this episode, Mona El Khafif, an Associate Professor of Architecture, explains biophilic design: the integration of nature into urban and architectural spaces. Through her work on the Biophilic Region Exhibition and her emphasis on the role of educational collaboration, she highlights the importance of shaping architecture and learning for an environmentally conscious future, even...

Episode Notes Loaves and Fishes has grown to be the City’s second-largest distribution partner of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, supported by more than 100 volunteers. Executive Director Jane Colony Mills discusses the behind-the-scenes operations — from sourcing food to the work of their dietitian and volunteers — and reflects on why it’s important for students to learn about the city they live i...

Episode Notes Co-president Armelle Worrel gives a behind-the-scenes look at UVA’s club pickleball team, highlighting the welcoming culture, national championship success, what it’s like to lead such a large team, and partnerships and sponsorships that help the program thrive. This episode explores what makes UVA pickleball a trailblazer and a vibrant part of student life on Grounds.

Episode Notes The Organization of Young Filipino Americans is one of many identity and cultural Contracted Independent Organizations at the University. OYFA’s mission is to create a supportive community for Filipino students. Danella Romera, the current president of OYFA and fourth-year College student, discusses the importance of OYFA as a cultural organization and how OYFA plans for this year’s...

Episode Notes Parker Sims, president of Outdoors Club and fourth-year College student, discusses her presidency, the club's student self-governance and its diversity and sustainability. She highlights breaking down barriers to the outdoors and the importance of not only getting outside as a student, but doing so with a community, such as the Outdoors Club.