Seminars for 2012 Reunion

College Athletics: Then and Now
Gene Corrigan, former president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (1995-1997) and commissioner of the Atlantic Coast Conference (1987-1997), will reflect on more than five decades of change in college athletics. Throughout his career, Corrigan has served as athletic director at U.Va. (1971-1980), Notre Dame (1982-1987) and Washington & Lee (1969-1970). Corrigan came to the University in 1958 to coach lacrosse, soccer and basketball. He currently serves as a consultant to presidents of various colleges and universities on the problems they experience with athletic programs.

The University and the Corner: Yesterday and Today
Explore the history of the University of Virginia and the Corner with bestselling author and award-winning historian Coy Barefoot (Grad '97). His books include The Corner: A History of Student Life at the University of Virginia and Thomas Jefferson on Leadership. Enjoy rare archival photos of U.Va. and the Corner. Learn the real origins of the Honor Code. Find out how the Seven Society was born. Barefoot also answers the questions: Why do we call it the Corner and how did the White Spot get its name? For alumni and friends of Mr. Jefferson's University, Barefoot's talk is an unforgettable experience you will not want to miss. Following the seminar, take the opportunity to purchase a copy of one of his books and have it signed.

Alzheimer's Disease and Late Life Aging
We hear about Alzheimer's disease research being done all the time, but what are the actual risks and warning signs that we each face for this and other disorders? Dr. Steve DeKosky, the nation's go-to expert in the field of Alzheimer's disease research, will share his research in this seminar about the effects of Alzheimer's disease and other late life neurodegenerative disorders and the importance and capabilities of detecting them early. His clinical research includes differential diagnosis, neuroimaging, genetic risks of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias of late life and trials of new medications. DeKosky is a professor, vice president and dean of the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He currently serves as a member of the National Board of Directors of the Alzheimer's Association.

The American Civil War on Film: How Hollywood Shapes What We Know
Many Americans base their perceptions about our history more on what they see in movies and on television than on what they read. Gary Gallagher, Cavaliers' Distinguished Teaching and Nau Professor in the Department of History, will explore how films like Gone with the Wind, Glory and Cold Mountain have presented--and distorted--the history of the Civil War. Gallagher has written or edited more than 30 books on the Civil War, including most recently Causes Won, Lost and Forgotten: How Hollywood and Popular Art Shape What We Know about the Civil War.

The Changing Face of the Supreme Court
Widely acknowledged as an expert in the fields of constitutional law, comparative constitutionalism, and the Supreme Court, A. E. Dick Howard will consider how much the Supreme Court has changed from the era of the Warren Court in the 1960s to the present day. Howard is the White Burkett Miller Professor of Law and Public Affairs at the University of Virginia. He was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, where he read philosophy, politics and economics. After graduating from the U.Va. School of Law, Howard was a law clerk to Justice Hugo L. Black. He has briefed and argued cases before state and federal courts, including the Supreme Court. Five universities, including the College of William and Mary and Wake Forest University, have conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. In 2007, the Library of Virginia and the Richmond Times-Dispatch included Howard on their list of the "greatest Virginians" of the 20th century.

The U.S. Economy and What it Means for Each of Us
Edwin Burton, professor of economics and chairman of the Virginia Retirement System, will comment on the current economic situation of the United States and how all Americans, young and old, are dealing with it. We have all been affected in different ways by the tough economy, and Burton will outline the risks we face and what even a minor change in the economy can mean for the future. Burton has B.A. and M.A. degrees in economics from Rice University and a PhD. in economics from Northwestern University.

Financial Planning in Retirement
Jason Chestnutt (Col '98), associate director of gift planning at the University, will share ideas for managing finances in retirement and methods of estate planning. In this economy, it is important to understand the best ways to manage accounts while preparing for and living in retirement. Chestnutt will explain the options and considerations available to seniors and will offer suggestions for sound financial management. 

Honor and Honors: The Student Experience at U.Va.
Dean of Students Allen Groves will share with us the current student response to and understanding of the Honor Code, as well as discuss the awards and honors that the University's top students have been receiving. Groves recently completed his fifth year as the University's dean of students, and currently oversees many areas critical to the student experience, including residence life, student activities, fraternity and sorority life, orientation and new student programs, Newcomb Hall (student union) and 24/7 on-call incident assessment and response. Join us as Groves describes issues of importance to current students and discusses parallels with your experiences 50 years ago. Afterward, he will be joined by a panel of students who will answer questions regarding their experiences at the University.

Sabato's Crystal Ball
Come hear America's favorite political analyst speak about the complex political climate of 2012 and the upcoming election. Larry J. Sabato (Col '74) will impart his one-of-a-kind wit and wisdom while offering insight into the election. Sabato is a professor of politics as well as the director and founder of the Center for Politics at U.Va. Sabato is the author of more than 20 books on the American political process, including his most recent publication, Pendulum Swing.

Changes on Grounds
Join Architect for the University David J. Neuman as he explains the changing landscape of the University Grounds, including the restoration of the Rotunda and Mr. Jefferson's Academical Village. Learn about the new projects on Grounds, including those recently completed, underway and anticipated. Before coming to the University in 2004, Neuman held similar positions at Stanford University and the University of California-Irvine. He is a prolific journal contributor and authored three books. Neuman recently completed updating The Campus Guide to the University of Virginia with Professor Richard Guy Wilson. Neuman is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, a LEEDAccredited Professional, and he holds degrees in liberal arts, architecture and American studies.