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“College was a game changer for me,”’ said Sandra Wicks Lewis (Col ’72). “Creating a scholarship for a student accepted to UVA was a no-brainer.” She was addressing a group of over 200 scholars, all supported by benefactor-funded scholarships, at a November 17, 2025, gathering to celebrate their achievements.
The evening included a fireside chat with Sandra, her husband, Lem Lewis (Col ’69, Darden ’72), and Carolyn Callahan, Commonwealth Professor of Education Emeritus in the School of Education and Human Development. Greg Roberts, associate vice provost for enrollment and admission, hosted the conversation.
Lem Lewis was one of four Black students in his undergraduate class. He met Sandra at a Charlottesville church. After they married, she was able to attend the University before women were formally admitted under a policy that allowed spouses of employees to enroll; Lem worked as an assistant director in the financial aid office. The couple built successful careers—Lem’s in media and Sandra’s in finance—and chose to give back to the institutions that had shaped them, establishing family-named scholarships in the College of Arts & Sciences and at the Darden School of Business.
While at the Education School, Callahan was principal investigator of the National Research Center on the Gifted. She was named Outstanding Professor in the school, was recognized as Outstanding Professor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and was designated as a Distinguished Scholar of the National Association for Gifted Children. Callahan created the Michael S. Caldwell Bicentennial Scholarship Fund in memory of her husband.
Callahan offered advice to the students in the room. “There’s a lot to be learned in classes, more than you ever can imagine. But the world is changing all the time, so you have to keep being a person who learns.”
“I really hope you find your passion,” she added. “I do a lot of research on gifted people—and you’re all gifted people. Gifted people are most successful when they do what they love. Success comes from finding the thing you really want to do. Then you’ll be able to give back to the community you live in, in a way that otherwise wouldn’t be possible.”
“I learned as much outside of class as I did in class,” said Lem. “The relationships I built here have been ongoing and, quite frankly, opened many, many doors for me in my career.” Sandra agreed. “Appreciate where you are,” she said. “Be very proud that you attended UVA. You will have a calling card as a UVA grad. It will open doors.”
At the event, students shared how financial support has enriched their University experiences.
“Thank you for believing in the power of education. I promise to stay curious for life and pass on your act of kindness.”
Samman Akbarzada (Col ’27)
Hometown: Charlottesville, Virginia Major: English Language and Literature Scholarship: Lois A. Fitton and W. Christopher Draper Jr. Bicentennial Scholarship
“This opportunity has given me the chance to explore UVA, learn more, connect with people, and gain a deeper understanding of what I want to do with my career.”
Abel Alemayehu (Engr ’29)
Hometown: Springfield, Virginia Major: Engineering Scholarship: Blue Ridge Scholar
“I would like to thank the donors for their support and generosity to me and to all of the other students. This would not have been possible without them.”
Matan Goldstein (Col ’27)
Hometown: Rockville, Maryland Major: Classics Scholarship: Perlman Family Bicentennial Scholars Fund
“Thank you for your generosity. This scholarship has opened up so many opportunities for me and I look forward to what’s next.”
Anab Hassan, (Col ’28)
Hometown: Alexandria, Virginia Major: Undeclared Scholarship: Matt and Sharla Wilson Bicentennial Scholarship
“The scholarship and my academic experience have totally changed me and my family’s lives.”
Morgan Hennen (Nurs ’27)
Hometown: Roanoke, Virginia Major: Nursing Scholarship: Mazacoufa Family Bicentennial Scholars Fund
“The scholarships opened new doors for me. I don’t need to rely on my family as much as I had planned, which provides them with more lenience and allows me to explore more opportunities at UVA.”
Audrey Peters (Col ’28)
Hometown: Manassas, Virginia Major: Global Studies Scholarship: Donna A. Bucella Bicentennial Scholarship and McVey Family Scholarship
“I’ve been able to take EMT classes, and I’m hoping to use those skills to impact the families around me. That’s just one of the many opportunities the scholarship has allowed me. I’m infinitely grateful for that, and for the University as a whole.”
John Thach (Col ’29)
Hometown: Arlington, Virginia Major: Biology Scholarship: Mangas Family Blue Ridge Scholarship
