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University of Virginia roots run deep for Patricia W. ("Pat") Earle ('46), the oldest living female graduate of the McIntire School of Commerce. "I was born and raised in Charlottesville as was my mother," Pat said, "and influenced by the University even before I was born! My father was from Georgia. If he hadn't gotten his law degree at Virginia, my parents never would have met." She admitted she grew up in awe of "The University," but never dreamed of being a UVA student since it was traditionally an all-male institution. "But Pearl Harbor changed everything in America," she said, "including the University." She explained that there were some female students at Virginia before the war, primarily in the nursing school. But during the war with so many men going into the military, the University allowed women to also enroll in the Depart- ment of Education. Many parents, including hers, were uncomfortable with their daughters "going away" to college and in- sisted they stay home and enroll at Virginia, whether or not they wanted to become teachers. So, in June 1944, Earle entered the UVA Education Department. After one trimester, she asked to transfer to the Commerce School from which she graduated, the only woman in her class. "My husband [Frank Earle III ('48)] was one of many former students who returned to Virginia when the war ended," she said. "We met in class and were married in the UVA chapel." Two of their sons, both avid sports fans, are also Vir- ginia graduates. One son, currently in Germany, gets up at 3 a.m. whenever a UVA game is on ESPN. After graduation, the couple left Charlottesville so Frank could continue his military career. They returned to Charlottesville 20 years later when all of their five children were school age and Pat began a 25-year ca- reer in real estate, retiring in 1993. But she hasn't "re- tired" her connection with Virginia. In addition to being a VAF donor for 41 consecutive years, she contributed to the John Paul Jones Arena Capital Campaign and has been a season ticket holder for football and men's basketball for 30-plus years. "The University influenced my life tremendously," she said. "So, naturally, it's important to me, second only to my family. I love going to games with my family, espe- cially my grandchildren. Sadly, none of the 10 grew up here. Whenever they visited me, I loved taking them to games, teaching them the 'good ole song,' giving them Virginia apparel and playing UVA Monopoly. "I'm impressed with how the University has improved its athletics program, and know it couldn't have hap- pened without the VAF being able to offer scholarships to those who could succeed in the classroom as well as on the playing field. The outstanding success we're en- joying today didn't happen overnight. It was the result of a well thought-out plan and a commitment by all involved. This makes me very proud to be one of VAF's many contributors." — Mike Scandura WAHOO NATION PAT EARLE Earle, the oldest living female graduate of the McIntire School of Commerce, loves going to UVA games with her with grandchildren. In this photo, she enjoyed an event with her granddaughter Marina. PHOTO COURTESY PAT EARLE