The Best of 2015
Virginia Magazine’s team of editors explores hundreds of story ideas each year. Only a small portion makes it into the magazine; even fewer made this list. From UVA's youngest student to vintage advertising and 3-D bioprinters, hHere's a collection of our favorite stories from 2015.
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Charlottesville A-to-Z
A look at what makes UVA and its Charlottesville setting so special.
First Things First
Who was the first known female Seven? Find out on this list of UVA “firsts.”
Peculiar Properties
Tour of some of the mysterious, historic—and empty—properties owned by the University.
Old School Ads
A visual history of advertising with history professor and BackStory co-host Brian Balogh.
Talking Virginia Hoops with Mark Titus
The former Grantland writer Mark Titus shares his thoughts about the men’s basketball team
McCormick Observatory Tour
Video: Take a tour of McCormick Observatory with astronomy professor Ed Murphy.
Inside the Ivy Stacks
Video: Follow a book along its journey from the Ivy Stacks to you.
Human Computer
In the 1940s, Caroyl Beddow Gooch measured the stars at McCormick Observatory.
Growing Grounds
A look at how some of the buildings on Grounds—old and new—measure up to each other.
Ghost World
Six UVA academics interpret the supernatural—spirits, visions, the undead and more.
Hoos on the Bus
We hopped on a UVA UTS bus and asked passengers to share their stories.
The Many Faces of Cavman
A visual history of how UVA’s mascot has changed over time.
Spirit of '81
A comparison of two of the finest Cavaliers basketball teams in program history.
Grounds as Playground
Video: UVA Parkour enthusiasts flip over walkways, walls and rails all over Grounds.
The Pioneer
Bernard Mayes broke down barriers for gay students and colleagues alike.
Ordinary Genius
UVA’s youngest student—he’s studying engineering—discusses his life on Grounds.
The Modern Curator
Eleanor Gould documents Monticello’s biodiversity through Instagram.
Print Shop
UVA has two of the most precise bioprinters in the nation. What can they do.
‘Unknown No Longer’
Lauranett Lee has created a public database of enslaved Virginians who may otherwise be forgotten.
Capital Replacement
Here’s how 16 three-ton, intricately carved blocks of marble were swapped out.
The Case for Compassionate Policing
A law professor advocates for a shift in the ways police officers and people see each other.
In the Name of God
A UVA professor and a Nobel Peace Prize winner work to combat religion-based violence.
How to Save a Life
UVA’s Gordie Center supports students in recovery for addiction.
Love Among the Equations
Two UVA economics professors find proof of love in their research.
Sadness Like Moonshine
Breece D'J Pancake’s “stories are just so damn good.”
Podcast People
UVA has deep connections to Serial and Invisibilia.