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30 CAVALIER CORNER On a summer-like late October day, the VAF hosted a new interactive format for the annual fundraiser to support Virginia Men's and Women's Golf. Instead of the traditional 18-hole Tee It Up Golf Tournament, the Dean Family Perfor- mance Center was the setting for Drive at the Dean, an event featuring competi- tive stations that included driving, wedge, and putting challenges. Alumni and donor participants had an exclusive opportunity to engage with members of both programs for the entire event as student-athletes and coaches managed the stations and hit shots alongside the guests. Attendees enjoyed music, tours of the facility, food, beverages, participant gifts, and win- ning prizes including official UVA Men's and Women's Golf team gear. During the event, participants mingled with the student-athletes and had a chance to spend time getting to know them. Head Women's Golf Coach Ria Scott shared, "The Drive at the Dean was a great way for a community passionate about golf and UVA to get together, as well as raise money for our golf programs. The event provided a wide range of attendees — alumni, donors, families, faculty, and golfers of all levels — an inside look into our programs and access to all of our golf student-athletes and coaches. We hope this event continues to grow in the future!" Non-attending alumni, donors and fans were also able to participate in the ex- citing online silent auction that generated more than $25,000 for the programs. Head Men's Golf Coach Bowen Sargent added, "A wonderful day for Virginia golf at the Dean Family Golf Center sharing time with an incredible fan base. "We are truly honored to have alumni and friends of the programs support our men and women. The funds raised will certainly help our teams compete over the next year. Again, we thank each of you for your commitment to Virginia golf. Wa-hoo-wah!" & VAF NEWS NOTABLES Drive At The Dean Coaches and team Team Introduction VAF Emeritus Dinner Recap 2023 In 2022, the Virginia Athletics Foundation (VAF) launched the new VAF Emeritus Leadership Society of previous members of the VAF Board of Trustees to recognize their long-standing support and to keep them informed and engaged with Virginia Athletics and the VAF. On Friday, October 6, the VAF hosted the second annual dinner at Farmington Country Club to welcome back all past trustees. During the dinner program, attendees were thanked for their service and shown how their continued leadership will significantly impact our student-athletes and all of Virginia Athletics. Cindy Brinker Simmons, former VAF board member and an alumna of the women's tennis and cross country programs, and Anne Carter Smith, former VAF board member and women's tennis alumna spoke on behalf of all trustees to discuss the importance of the society, thank Dirk Katstra for his past leadership and introduce the current student-athlete rep- resentatives sitting at each donor table. VAF Board President Frank Edmonds Jr. provided board updates and the exciting hire of the new Executive Director Kevin Miller, while AD Carla Williams shared recent athletics highlights and her gratitude for the trustees. Men's Basketball Associate Head Coach Ron Sanchez spoke on behalf of all coaches to share his appreciation for the trustees' longtime sup- port, excitement to be back with the Virginia Basketball family, and inside highlights for the upcoming season. VAF's Chief Operating Officer Todd Kersey closed the program by stressing the importance of the Society, sharing the incredible lifetime collective giving by the trustees who have seen major developments during the span of years they served, VAF updates and how we plan to keep the trust- ees involved. Smith reflected, "We were thrilled to welcome back 70 current and past board members, 10 student-athletes and 26 staff members from both the VAF and Athletics Department at our second annual Emeritus Leadership Society Dinner. This group has accounted for over $120 million in lifetime giving to VAF, and it was an honor to celebrate them! We look forward to this Society becoming one of the most successful Emeritus Boards on Grounds and continuing our partnership with both the VAF and the Athletics Department to help achieve all of the fundraising goals for our student-athletes."