Dear Echols alumni,
Join us at the Forum Hotel in Charlottesville, March 20-21, 2026, to celebrate the Echols Scholars Program’s 65th Anniversary Reunion! We will commemorate 65 years of the Echols Scholars Program—a legacy of curiosity, innovation, and academic excellence at the University of Virginia. This special reunion invites Echols Scholars from across the decades to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate the impact our community has made on Grounds and throughout the world.
RSVP today and take advantage of early bird prices through February 8. Ticket pricing will increase on February 9, and the final deadline to purchase tickets will be March 7 or when tickets have sold out. All attendees are welcome to bring one guest with the purchase of a second ticket.
Over the course of the weekend, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Reunite with classmates and friends during our Friday cocktail reception and Saturday dinner at The Forum Hotel.
- Join a special astronomy lecture by UVA Professor Kelsey Johnson, author of Into the Unknown: The Quest to Understand the Mysteries of the Cosmos.
- Enjoy a talk by bestselling author Laurie Gwen Shapiro about her newest book, The Aviator and the Showman: Amelia Earhart, George Putnam, and the Marriage that Made an American Icon.
- Hear from distinguished Echols alumni during a dynamic panel featuring graduates who are doing extraordinary work in their fields.
- Connect with current Echols Scholars, explore their research, and learn how you can become a mentor to the next generation.
- Take guided tours of Grounds, revisiting the places that shaped your UVA experience.
All daytime activities and sessions will take place on Central Grounds in Newcomb Hall, placing you in the heart of the UVA community.
We have secured a block of rooms at The Forum Hotel. Though this booking link, you’ll enjoy a 15% discount off the best available rate. Please note that the rate is dynamic and adjusts with the market, so guests booking at different times may have different rates.
If you have questions about the weekend, please visit our event details page or contact Echols Director, Karl Shuve, at kes3ba@virginia.edu or Echols Program Coordinator, Ana Harrington, at jwv3gp@virginia.edu.
We can’t wait to welcome you back to Grounds and to celebrate the shared spirit, scholarship, and service that have defined Echols Scholars for 65 years!