QVA—the University of Virginia’s Queer Alumni Network—is excited to celebrate our 27th annual Gala Weekend in Charlottesville from Friday, August 28 – Sunday, August 30, 2026. The last chance to take advantage of earlybird ticket prices, including specially discounted Young Alumni tickets, is Saturday, August 1. Registration prices will increase after this date.
Last year we were joined by over 100 alumni, students, faculty, and staff, and we are excited to once again commit to LGBTQ+ progress at UVA and celebrate the people who are making it happen amidst a challenging external environment.
We have reserved a room block at the new Kimpton The Forum Hotel. Book your room today—the room block closes on Monday, July 27. For more information about the weekend, please visit our Event Details page.
We have an exciting schedule of events planned for the weekend and we can’t wait to see you there!
Schedule at a Glance
Friday, August 28
QVA Welcome Reception: 7-9 p.m., Kimpton The Forum Hotel
Saturday, August 29
UVA Football Game, Home Opener: 3:30 p.m., Scott Stadium
- Guests can purchase game tickets in QVA’s ticket block. Tickets to the home opener are not included in weekend registration.
Awards Gala Cocktail Reception and Dinner, Kimpton The Forum Hotel
- Reception: 6:30-8:00 p.m
- Dinner: 8:00-10:30 p.m.
Sunday, August 30
Bernard Mayes Luncheon & Panel Discussion: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Colonnade Club, The Lawn
Award Recipients
This year, QVA is recognizing faculty and staff who have held the line at UVA during a time when programs to support inclusion and belonging have faced significant challenges. Our award recipients have developed innovative strategies to support the LGBTQ+ community while meeting the legal complexities of this moment in UVA’s history.
- Outstanding Service Award: Rachel Spraker, UVA’s Assistant Vice President for Community Wellbeing & Equal Opportunity, has championed numerous initiatives alongside Kevin McDonald, including multiple sustained efforts to allow students to use the name of their choice across systems at the University.
- Shamim Sisson Ally of the Year Award: Rebecca Gilbert, a retired nurse manager at UVA Health, went above and beyond to improve transgender healthcare outcomes and patient experiences, including developing and providing training to staff across UVA on how to provide compassionate, equitable care to LGBTQ+ patients.
- Bernard Mayes Award: Bizz Glover, Co-Chair of UVA Health’s LGBTQ & Transgender Advisory Committee, has made countless contributions to queer people at the UVA Health System and across grounds on the LGBTQ Committee. One nominator called Bizz “a true UVA person who happens to be at UVA Health, but she is always thinking about the broader community.” Bizz is an indefatigable advocate, including championing UVA’s continuous score of 100 on the Health Equality Index.
If you would like to nominate anyone for a future QVA Award, please reach out to Brendan Wynn (Col class of ’14) at brendan@queervirginia.org.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Lance Guthrie (Com class of ’14)
QVA Board Chair
lance@queervirginia.org
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