Gifts of Beauty

Walking the Lawn

The University of Virginia has hosted 197 Final Exercises. Graduates gather at the Rotunda—designed by Thomas Jefferson as the library centerpiece of his Academical Village—and walk the Lawn toward Old Cabell Hall. This traditional procession symbolizes the graduates’ departure from the University into the world beyond Grounds.

Thanks to generous supporters, after more than two centuries UVA’s historic buildings continue to educate and inspire students and visitors.

Students on the Lawn with the Rotunda in the background

The Rotunda

In 2016, a four-year, $58 million renovation of the Rotunda was completed, funded through generous gifts. The project included replacing the roof, installing modern technology, and restoring 16 marble capitals.

Warm sunlight hits upon the UVA pavilion columns

Beautiful sunny day on the UVA lawn, Pavilions on right with lawn and trees filling the lefthand side of image

Pavilions

Gifts to the Jeffersonian Grounds support restoration, renovation, and maintenance of historic structures across the Lawn like the pavilions.

Breeden Commerce Grounds

Rouss & Robertson Hall

Recently renovated Cobb Hall and the new Shumway Hall (initially funded with a gift from The Chris & Carrie Shumway Foundation), within the Breeden Commerce Grounds named for Ramon W. Breeden Jr. (McIntire ’56), expanded the footprint of the McIntire School of Commerce and extended it to the southeast corner of the Lawn.

Distant view of Old Cabell Hall from across the UVA Lawn

Old Cabell Hall

Arrival at Old Cabell Hall marks the end of each graduate’s academic journey.