Student Stories

From Valedictory Exercises Friday afternoon to Batten’s signature Academic Regalia Ceremony on Saturday and Final Exercises on Sunday, this weekend marked the first return to the full custom of in-person UVA graduation since 2019.

The Pilot and Legacy Awards, named in honor of the Batten School’s late founder, Frank Batten, Sr., are the most prestigious student-nominated awards for graduating Master of Public Policy students and students graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Leadership.

Batten School student Alyssa Candelmo said she aims to be a person who makes “positive decisions” for minorities and marginalized communities. 

After receiving his undergraduate degree from George Washington University, Batten student Cam Morales (MPP ’22) landed a job with renowned international law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, where he worked as a public policy specialist. While the work was immensely satisfying, he felt like something was missing. That led him on the path to the Batten School’s unique graduate program.

Ten Batten students and alumni — the highest number to date — have been selected as finalists for this year's prestigious Presidential Management Fellows Program, which is designed to develop a strong cadre of future government leaders.

Two Batten students say the new January term leadership course changed how they view both the presidency and policy in general.

After an unfortunate season-ending injury at the beginning of her second year with the WNBA’s New York Liberty, Jocelyn Willoughby has returned to Grounds to finish her Master of Public Policy degree at Batten.

The Virginia Policy Review, Batten’s oldest student organization, offers an ever-expanding space for people with differing perspectives to convene and converse.

Through the generosity of Fred and Mary Buford Hitz, seven Batten students completed summer public service internships with support from the Frederic S. Bocock Fellowship.

As the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks approaches, Batten student Jane Frankel (BA '22) and alum Matt Gillam (BA '21) share their impressions of 9/11 and its lasting influences.

After a challenging year and a half, Batten students were especially excited to serve their community in person.

This summer, 50 students have been selected to participate in UVA’s 22nd Century Scholars program, designed to give students public-sector, event-planning, political and historical research, and video documentary work experience. Meet three Batten students participating in this year's program.