UVA Ushers in Its Third Century with Historic Celebration
UVA Today | Caroline Newman| October 6, 2017

“On Oct. 6, 1817, three U.S. presidents walked down what would become the University of Virginia’s iconic Lawn to witness the laying of UVA’s cornerstone and the beginning of one of the country’s earliest and most illustrious public institutions.Exactly 200 years later, that same Lawn lit up the night as thousands who have made UVA their own gathered to celebrate its bicentennial…”

Music, Projection Mapping Mark UVa Lawn Bicentennial Event
The Daily Progress | Ruth Serven | October 7, 2017

As night fell on the University of Virginia Lawn on Friday, an actor dressed in a white wig and black coat stood and read about how Benjamin Franklin and John Adams had turned down the role of writing the Declaration of Independence:

“Then the role fell to me,” he said, reading Thomas Jefferson’s words.

As the orchestra swelled and a choir stood behind him, a spotlight fell on a singer.

“We hold these truths to be self evident,” she sang. “That all men are created equal…”

Cornerstone Event Brings Past to Bear on UVa’s Future
The Daily Progress | Ruth Serven | October 6, 2017
“Though the exact location of its original capstone remains a mystery, the University of Virginia celebrated the early milestone with speeches, the Good Ol’ Song and a new marble time capsule Friday. The event was part of the kickoff to UVa’s two-year bicentennial festivities.

Faculty, the governor and current and former presidents of UVa joined together to praise the university’s past and to highlight its momentum moving forward…”

U.Va. Begins Two-Year Long Bicentennial Celebration with Launch Event
Cavalier Daily | Dan Goff and Geremia Di Maro | October 9, 2017

“The University initiated a two-year long celebration of its Bicentennial Friday night with a launch event held on the Lawn, which featured speeches and musical and artistic performances. The event also featured a telling of the University’s history since its founding through animated projections on the Rotunda.

Musical and artistic performances at the launch featured the Charlottesville Symphony, the University Singers, Janice Chandler-Eteme, Glenn Seven Allen, Bill Barker, Leslie Odom Jr., the Martha Graham Dance Company, the University Jazz Ensemble, Andra Day and a finale concert by the Goo Goo Dolls…”

Opinion/Editorial: Impressive Start to UVa Bicentennial
The Daily Progress | The Daily Progress | October 10, 2017

“We wish the University of Virginia could have celebrated just one evening of unmarred joy over its 200 years of accomplishments.

But, alas, it was not to be.

Let’s focus first on the positive.

UVa put on a varied program of serious commentary and entertainment, including a dramatic multi-media show last Friday night on the Lawn, to commemorate the laying of the university’s cornerstone on Oct. 6, 1817.

‘We are a better nation and a better globe today because of the University of Virginia,’ said Gov. Terry McAuliffe, who was among the several speakers. ‘Time and time again, the university has been a leader. Thomas Jefferson set that in motion 200 years ago.’

Exactly…”

UVA Bicentennial Brings Visitors, Money into City
NBC29 News | Pete DeLuca | October 7, 2017

“Thousands of alumni and visitors are in Charlottesville for the weekend of October 7-8 for the launch of the university’s bicentennial.

Hotels and businesses – from the University of Virginia’s Corner to the Downtown Mall – are gladly welcoming these guests.

The University of Virginia bicentennial launch is creating a buzz throughout Charlottesville…”