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The Best of 2015

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. Here's a collection of our favorite stories from 2015.

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1

Charlottesville A-to-Z

A look at what makes UVA and its Charlottesville setting so special.

2

First Things First

Who was the first known female Seven? Find out on this list of UVA “firsts.”

3

Peculiar Properties

Tour of some of the mysterious, historic—and empty—properties owned by the University.

4

Old School Ads

A visual history of advertising with history professor and BackStory co-host Brian Balogh.

5

Talking Virginia Hoops with Mark Titus

The former Grantland writer Mark Titus shares his thoughts about the men’s basketball team

6

McCormick Observatory Tour

Video: Take a tour of McCormick Observatory with astronomy professor Ed Murphy.

7

Inside the Ivy Stacks

Video: Follow a book along its journey from the Ivy Stacks to you.

8

Human Computer

In the 1940s, Caroyl Beddow Gooch measured the stars at McCormick Observatory.

9

Growing Grounds

A look at how some of the buildings on Grounds—old and new—measure up to each other.

10

Ghost World

Six UVA academics interpret the supernatural—spirits, visions, the undead and more.

11

Hoos on the Bus

We hopped on a UVA UTS bus and asked passengers to share their stories.

12

The Many Faces of Cavman

A visual history of how UVA’s mascot has changed over time.

13

Spirit of '81

A comparison of two of the finest Cavaliers basketball teams in program history.

14

Grounds as Playground

Video: UVA Parkour enthusiasts flip over walkways, walls and rails all over Grounds.

15

The Pioneer

Bernard Mayes broke down barriers for gay students and colleagues alike.

16

Ordinary Genius

UVA’s youngest student—he’s studying engineering—discusses his life on Grounds.

17

The Modern Curator

Eleanor Gould documents Monticello’s biodiversity through Instagram.

18

Print Shop

UVA has two of the most precise bioprinters in the nation. What can they do.

19

‘Unknown No Longer’

Lauranett Lee has created a public database of enslaved Virginians who may otherwise be forgotten.

20

Capital Replacement

Here’s how 16 three-ton, intricately carved blocks of marble were swapped out.

21

The Case for Compassionate Policing

A law professor advocates for a shift in the ways police officers and people see each other.

22

In the Name of God

A UVA professor and a Nobel Peace Prize winner work to combat religion-based violence.

23

How to Save a Life

UVA’s Gordie Center supports students in recovery for addiction.

24

Love Among the Equations

Two UVA economics professors find proof of love in their research.

25

Sadness Like Moonshine

Breece D'J Pancake’s “stories are just so damn good.”

26

Podcast People

UVA has deep connections to Serial and Invisibilia.