Cavalier Corner is the publication just for UVa sports fans!
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30 CAVALIER CORNER Q: You're originally from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, what enticed you to attend the University of Virginia? A: Someone very close to me told me during my recruiting process that I'd know the school to choose by the feeling I get when I show up, that it would feel like home, that I would be able to see myself attending that given Univer- sity. Walking those halls, UVA was that for me. I fell in love with everything it had to offer the moment I stepped on Grounds. Q: 2017 was a busy year for you. You started the year in AAA in Fresno with the Grizzlies and ended up in the World Series with the Houston Astros. Can you elaborate on the process and what it took to make that jump? A: 2017 came and went and it was the most exciting year of my life. I was able to learn from some of the best players and staff the game of baseball has to offer. Q: Looking back on your time at UVA, what is your fondest memory? A: I would definitely say the dog pile on Davenport Field in 2014 when we won our Super Regional to send us to Omaha for the National Championship. Q: What advice do you have for current student-athletes at the University of Virginia? A: Cherish every moment you have to put that uniform on. It's an opportunity that you'll truly appreciate once it's all over. It's a special place. Q: In what ways do you continue to support Virginia Athletics? A: I follow Virginia Athletics as much as I can. I visit Grounds at least once each off-season. Obviously, the baseball program will always be close to me. I wouldn't be who I am today without my teammates, my coaches and the sup- port of the VAF donors. PHOTO BY MATT RILEY/COURTESY UVA Derek Fisher and Chris Taylor were recognized on field during the football game against Virginia Tech for their stellar performances in the 2017 World Series. Shown left to right: Coach Kuhn, Coach McMullan, Derek Fisher, Chris Taylor and Coach O'Connor. 30 CAVALIER CORNER VAF Staff Updates Jody Harris A familiar voice to many, Jody Harris retired on January 31 after a long career with the Virginia Athletics Founda- tion. She was an excellent representative for the Foundation for over 11 years working with countless donors and providing extraordinary customer service. She served as a member of the administra- tive support team. She was steadfast in her support of the University, Virginia Athletics and her co-workers. Laura Briedis Laura Briedis joined the Vir- ginia Athletics Foundation staff on January 3, 2018 as an administrative assistant. She serves as a member of the ad- ministrative support team. Laura assists with donor database management and donor gift processing, copyediting of various print mate- rial and administers the Car Dealer program. Laura comes to VAF after a year working as an administrative assistant for two partners in the accounting firm Plante Moran in Colum- bus, Ohio and four years in the Avita Health System in Galion, Ohio. A native of Bucyrus, Ohio, Laura graduated from Cedarville University in 2006 with a bachelor of arts degree in religious studies. She and her husband, Vincent, reside in Ruck- ersville, Va. Vincent works in UVA's athletics media relations department as the primary contact for football and men's lacrosse. The Virginia Athletics Foundation elected officers for the 2018 Board of Trustees. Alan A. McClure of Atlanta, Ga., will serve as president and Juli- ana Schulte O'Reilly as vice president. William L. Tyson of Richmond, Va., becomes the immediate past president. Board members Cindy Brinker Simmons, Edmund F. Garno III and Michael S. Geismar were reelected for a second, three-year term on the Board and two new members–Yusef D. Jackson of Chicago, IL and A. Wellford Tabor of Charlotte, NC–were named to the Class of 2020. Anne Carter Smith will complete the one-year Board term remaining for newly elected vice president O'Reilly. Yusef D. Jackson, Chicago, IL Yusef is a business executive, investor and entrepreneur. He graduated from the University of Virginia in 1992, earning a BA in Government and Foreign Affairs. In 1996, he earned a Juris Doctor from the Univer - sity of Virginia School of Law. After practicing corporate law at the law firm of Mayer, Brown and Platt from 1996 to 1999, Yusef acquired River North Sales & Service and developed it into a leading beverage distribution company. In 2004, he also acquired and managed Radar Magazine and developed it into Radaron- line, an online pop culture news site. At the end of 2013, Yusef sold River North Sales & Service. At present, he manages investments in several private companies and develops select real estate projects in Chicago. In addition to his business interests, Yusef serves on the boards of several non-profits and charities including the Jackson Foundation, Chicago Children's Choir, and People United to Serve Humanity. He is also a member of the Economic Club of Chicago. Yusef currently lives in Chicago with his wife and five children. A. Wellford Tabor, Charlotte, NC Wellford is a 1990 graduate of UVA with a degree in history. On Grounds he was actively involved with the Honor Com - mittee, St. Anthony Hall and University Guides. Wellford earned his MBA from Stanford University. He is the Managing Partner of Keeneland Capital, a private invest- ment firm in Charlotte, NC where he and his fam- ily have lived for the past 17 years. Wellford and his wife, Ann, have one daughter, Grace, who is a first year at the University. Their two sons, Alex and Russell, are in high school at Charlotte Coun- try Day. The Tabors are avid Cavalier fans and enjoy making the trek to Charlottesville for games whenever possible. The Foundation would like to thank Richard L. Booth Jr. and Scott A. Dockter who have com- pleted their service on the Board. Mr. Booth served for six years from 2012-2017 and Mr. Dockter for 11 years, which included two terms as president of the Board. Each served as enthu- siastic, loyal representatives on the Board, dem- onstrating their love for the University of Virginia and its athletics program while providing extraor- dinary leadership during their tenures. VAF Welcomes Class of 2020 Board Members cavs for life Derek Fisher