To celebrate the start of a new academic year, UVA's Jewish Studies Program hosted faculty, undergraduate and graduate fellows, administrators, and friends of the Jewish Studies program for a welcome reception. Over seventy people gathered in the Colonnade Club on the Lawn to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones.

Distinguished guests included UVA President James Ryan and Dean of the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences Christa Acampora — both of whom offered comments during the reception — as well as Provost Ian Baucom. President Ryan commended the vibrancy of the Jewish Studies program as it approaches its 25-year anniversary. Dean Acampora also applauded the work of the Jewish Studies Program, noting that it hosted a staggering seventy events over the last year, and offered her strong support for the future of Jewish Studies at UVA.

The Jewish Studies Program looks forward to another full year of events — which include public lectures by visiting scholars, workshops, and undergraduate and graduate fellows' dinners with faculty — and hopes to see continued growth, collegiality, and enthusiasm.