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Life changing impact of a scholarship L ife is good for Jon Fausey ('13 Kinesiology; '14 M.Ed. Kinesiology). He's a recent graduate of the Yale Phy- sician Assistant School, married to a fellow Wahoo, Cammie Fausey (Genda) ('13) and is a youth wrestling coach. It was not always so easy for him though. "At the age of 7, I remember my dad sitting my brother and me down to ask us if we could get ourselves to school on our own. He was a single parent and had to work 90 hours a week just so that we could get by. He taught us how to use the stove and take care of ourselves so that he could work and provide for us." Fausey had to grow up quickly. His self-reliance carried over to the wrestling mats where he won the Pennsylvania State Title in 2009, catching the eye of Virginia head coach Steve Garland ('00). Fausey quickly became a leader not only on the wrestling team, where he won the 2012 ACC Championship at 184 lbs., but also off the mat as president of the Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), a Student Athlete Mentor (SAM) and a Fourth Year Trustee. In his spare time, he coordinated visits to the chil- dren's hospital. "It was very clear from a young age that we couldn't afford to pay for college. e scholarship to Virginia literally changed my life. e donor support didn't only pay for my school but al- lowed me to be around incredible people in the coaching staff, my teammates and the medical staff who cared for us. Being in this environment inspired me to pursue a career in medicine." Fausey made his first gi to the Virginia Athletics Foundation while still compet- ing and plans to continue his support. Fausey now shares the life lessons he learned by working with young wres- tlers through his local youth wrestling program. Because of donor support, I was able to pur- sue my passion and I'm now able to share what I've learned on my journey with the next generation of student-athletes. I'm endlessly grateful for the support I received and I hope to pay it forward." JON FAUSEY " JON FAUSEY Four-time NCAA Championships qualifier Four-time NWCA All-Academic team 2017 VAF GUIDE TO GIVING / 19