The Darden School tradition that’s given back to the community for 20 years

April 9, 2026
Close up of a Building Goodness in April sign on the chain link fence in front of a house being worked on

Building Goodness in April is a sign of spring in Charlottesville. Darden School of Business students have been part of the community-based project for 20 years. (Contributed photo)

After serving in the U.S. Army for nine years, Bobby Sherman enrolled at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, seeking more than a top-notch education.

“I was looking for an additional purpose,” he said.

On Saturday, Sherman and some 200 fellow students will be out of their classrooms on North Grounds and into the Charlottesville community, repairing a variety of homes in need.

Portrait of three of the Building Goodness in April “Build Day” volunteers

Building Goodness in April “Build Day” volunteers are all smiles during the 2015 event. (Contributed photo)

It’s all part of the Darden School’s annual “Build Day,” held in partnership with the , a nonprofit organization that connects skilled volunteers with local construction professionals to complete community-based projects.

has been a Darden School tradition for 20 years. Sherman, who graduates next month, is the Building Goodness in April president.

“(At the Darden School), we talk about stakeholder theory a lot,” Sherman said. “Really, what are we doing all this for, if we’re not giving back to the community and being present there?”

Celebrating Our Shared History - VA250
Celebrating Our Shared History - VA250

The initiative has two components. Each fall, Darden students host an auction to raise money for supplies and equipment needed for the spring project. The funds also help compensate professional contractors who handle more technical tasks, such as plumbing or appliance installation, involved with “Build Day.”

Abby Shipp, a second-year Darden School student and the Building Goodness in April’s vice president of communications, said the fall 2025 auction raised more than $80,000.

“It’s a blast,” Shipp said. “Each section at Darden auctions off different items, whether it’s like a wine and charcuterie night at someone’s apartment, or a lake house day on Lake Monticello or someone trains you at the gym.

Large group photo of the Building Goodness in April crew infront of a house they are working on

A Building Goodness in April crew takes a break during its 2007 project. The Building Goodness Foundation has improved more than 150 homes in Charlottesville over the last two decades. (Contributed photo)

“Really, the options are kind of endless, but everyone bids on these items, raises a ton of money, and then we use that to support building.”

The Building Goodness Foundation, which also works in the Caribbean and Central America, has improved .

“We feel that Darden has given us a lot, whether it’s through the people we’ve met, the friendships we’ve established and the jobs and internships we’ll be pursuing after we graduate,” Shipp said. “And when something gives you that much, we should find ways to give back and pay it forward. That’s what (Building Goodness) is.”

For Sherman, the initiative has provided the additional purpose he sought.

“Sharing hardship is always a big thing in the military, from a leadership standpoint, how you bring together teams,” Sherman said. “And I think just getting everyone out there, sweating, putting some work into the community together – it brings everyone that much closer.”

Media Contacts

Lauren Foster

Director of Thought Leadership Communications Darden School of Business

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