Earlier this month, more than 1,700 alumni, guests, students, and University community members returned to Grounds for Black Alumni Weekend—a tradition nearly 40 years in the making that brings generations of Hoos together in celebration of the Black community at UVA.
BAW 2026 featured signature events like the Cookout, topical sessions including a conversation with University leaders, and milestone moments—most notably a breakfast honoring the 50th anniversary of the Office of African-American Affairs. Alumni-led sessions and collaboration with partners across Grounds brought the weekend to life, creating meaningful opportunities for community and connection.
Whether you were with us in person or experiencing the joy of BAW from afar, take a moment to revisit the weekend with the photo album below.
Stay Connected
The dates for BAW 2028 will be announced in early 2027. Until then…
Add Us to Your Calendar
Keep upcoming Alumni Association events on your radar. And, if your undergraduate class year ends in 1 or 6, we’re celebrating you at Reunions in June! Also, over the next 18 months, UVA’s 10th president, Scott C. Beardsley, will visit alumni around the world through Grounds for Conversations events, listed on both the Alumni Association and UVA Clubs event calendars. Find your UVA Club.
Our Future, Your Home.
In spring 2027, the Alumni Association’s Aggarwal Hall will open its doors. Alumni are coming together to name spaces in the state-of-the-art, 50,000 square-foot building in honor of Hoos across generations and affinities. At BAW, alumnus Chris Ford (Engr class of ’87) announced a seed gift to name the Parlor in Aggarwal Hall in honor of Black alumni. Join Chris in bringing this lasting tribute to life. We can’t wait to welcome you home. If you have questions about this project, contact Lizzie Temme at fet4f@virginia.edu.
Once a Hoo, Always A Hoo
Alumni Association Contributing Members are a proud family of Hoos committed to making a lasting impact at UVA and beyond. They enjoy special benefits like discounts on Virginia Athletics tickets and UVA Bookstore purchases, personalized advising with the Association’s Alumni Career Engagement team, and exclusive Perks Platform discounts no matter where they call home. Join now, for life, at a special BAW rate.
We Are Ridley
The Ridley Scholarship Program will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2027. Celebration details will be released in fall 2026. A gift to Ridley supports the ongoing legacy of Black Excellence at UVA and will help shape 40 more years for the next generation of alumni.
Stay Engaged with Black Alumni
Ubunye is an alumni-led interest group for the Black alumni community, complementing the longstanding work of Black Alumni Weekend and the Ridley Scholarship Program.
Expand Your UVA Network
Our nine Alumni Professional Networks (APNs) are industry-aligned communities that help Hoos make connections, find new opportunities, and engage in industry-focused programming. You can also add your name to Wahoo Connect, the online directory for UVA alumni, to further engage with your fellow Hoos.
Ignite Lifelong Engagement for Hoos Everywhere
The UVA Alumni Association has proudly supported BAW since 1987. Your gift to the Alumni Association Annual Fund helps sustain traditions like this one, helping Hoos everywhere feel a lasting sense of belonging to our remarkable community.
Founded in 1838, the UVA Alumni Association is an alumni-led 501(c)(3) that serves the full breadth and depth of the alumni community. Learn more about our history, programs, and vision for a new Alumni Hall, follow @uva_alumni, and join Wahoo Connect, our online community for UVA alumni.
BAW is presented by the UVA Alumni Association and supported by:
