Cavalier Corner is the publication just for UVa sports fans!
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Even though Tom Giangiulio attended the University of Virginia for only one year, to say he's still enamored of the school would be an understatement. "I've always held Virginia in high regard as one of the fore- most institutions of education in the nation," said Giangiulio, who graduated from Villanova in 1973 with a degree in ac- counting and finance. "As a history buff, I'm cognizant of the founding principles of the school as influenced by Thomas Jefferson. "The school's ongoing mission has been to serve the com- munity, the nation and the world by developing responsible and thoughtful leaders in an environment which encourages a free exchange of ideas." Giangiulio's lone year at UVa (1969-70) coincided with the arrival of Barry Parkhill, who became one of the Cavaliers' all-time basketball stars and who currently is one of the VAF's directors. "Barry and I were born in the same hospital in the same year," Giangiulio recalled. "When he was at UVa, I was quite aware of Barry." Giangiulio, a high school athlete and the son of a col- lege basketball player, said his own experience helped him develop a perspective of the role sports play at a university. "I always looked at college athletics as a prominent aspect of the academic environment," he said. "At Virginia, it starts at the top with [athletics director] Craig Littlepage and fundraisers like Barry Parkhill. "They maintain the core values that are in keeping with the founding of the university. I've observed a lot of universi- ties. None are as steeped in their essence and traditions as Virginia. Within the athletic realm, the coaches spend as much time emphasizing the values of honor, integrity, trust and respect as they do teaching [athletes] to compete with excellence in every game." Giangiulio recalls a statement by UVa baseball coach Brian O'Connor. "He talks about how the day will come when games will end and the athletes will be measured not by their athletic accomplishments but by the nature of their character," he said. "Coaches like him understand the core essentials of the university. "The graduates are very mature and thoughtful. They know it's not all about the game. They see themselves as con- tributors to the community and society. Their pursuit is about gaining confidence, character development and leadership." Given his affinity for sports, Giangiulio has been a VAF member and football season ticket holder for 13 consecu- tive years, and a men's basketball season ticket holder for eight years. "I prefer my contributions to be for a particular area, like baseball's Step up to the Plate Auction, the John Paul Jones Arena Capital Campaign and the Athletics Director Fund for Excellence," Giangiulio said. "I do the best I can to donate to areas that have the most immediate need." Giangiulio understands the importance of retaining coaches. "You need consistency in leadership for the sake of the student-athlete," he said. "To carry the brand forward you need that consistency. I give much credit to Craig for maintaining that steadfast focus." — Mike Scandura Giangiulio has been a VAF member and football season ticket holder for 13 consecutive years. PHOTO COURTESY TOM GIANGIULIO wahoo nation TOM GIANGIULIO