To All True and Worthy Elis,
We are rapidly approaching a truly momentous occasion—the 150th anniversary of the Mystic Order of Eli Banana at the University of Virginia. Founded in 1878, Eli Banana is the oldest honorary society at UVA, and we will mark this milestone with appropriate celebrations in Charlottesville in 2028.
In conjunction with this anniversary, the Board of Directors of the Eli Banana Fund has sought a meaningful opportunity to support the University and to secure an enduring legacy for our organization. At its Fall 2025 meeting, the Board unanimously approved pursuing a significant naming opportunity within the Alumni Association’s new home, Aggarwal Hall. Working closely with the Alumni Association, we are thrilled to announce that we have pledged $2 million to this building project. As a result, the largest activity space in the new building, consisting of the grand ballroom and bar area, will be named the Eli Banana Bar. Our symbol will also be prominently displayed on the wall behind the formal bar area.
Additionally, we will be recognized as a lead donor in a variety of ways, including appropriately sized lettering on the outside of the two entrances to the Eli Banana Bar and a wall plaque inside the room commemorating our history and purpose. The Alumni Association broke ground on Aggarwal Hall in Fall 2025, and the new building is projected to open in 2027. We are excited to host our 150th anniversary celebration in the Eli Banana Bar in 2028.
The Board of the Eli Banana Fund strongly believes that this $2 million pledge advances several important objectives: it provides highly visible recognition of Eli Banana and its place in the University’s history, offers meaningful financial support for Aggarwal Hall, and helps create a welcoming home for all UVA alumni.
This represents a significant financial commitment by the Fund. Beginning in 2026, we have agreed to fulfill our pledge through five equal annual payments to the Alumni Association. We will soon launch a formal fundraising campaign, and we ask all members to begin considering a five-year commitment to help secure Eli Banana’s enduring legacy.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dave Ogens (Col class of ’75, Darden class of ’79) at dave.ogens@gmail.com or Jon Cole (Col class of ’74, Darden class of ’78) at jon.cole74@gmail.com.
Crackloo,
The Eli Banana Fund
Please note that the signage pictured is not a final version, merely an illustrative representation.
Ways to Give
Online
Make an online gift or pledge now by using our secure donation form.
Please include “Eli Banana Bar” on the “In Honor of” line. This prompt will appear on the post-payment page after entering your credit card information.
Check
Make the check out to the ‘Eli Banana Fund’ and add the allocation number ‘02064’ and “Eli Banana Bar” in the memo.
UVA Alumni Association
The Eli Banana Fund
PO BOX 37963
Boone, Iowa 50037-4963
Phone
Make a gift over the phone by calling UVA Fund Gift Processing Services at 434-243-9060.
Stock and Wire/ACH Transfer
For more information, see our stock and wire/ACH transfer instructions.
Other Ways to Give
Several other ways to give are outlined on the UVA Alumni Association website.