Every year, thousands of families help their new Wahoos move into dorms at the University of Virginia. They return for Family Weekend, football games – and at the drop of a hat when their new student needs something, even if that something is just encouragement.
Thousands more parents and guardians have come before them, earning the status of veteran Wahoo parents. UVA Today has assembled a team of six parent correspondents who, several times a year, will write stories dispensing advice, revealing insider secrets and helping with both the silly and serious elements of college life in Charlottesville. Let’s introduce them.
Jackie Brence, center, is a 1992 UVA graduate and is in a family full of Hoos, including her husband and three of their children. (Contributed photo)
Jackie Brence
Jackie Brence is a 1992 graduate of the McIntire School of Commerce and the parent of three Hoos: Madeline, a 2022 graduate of the College of Arts & Sciences; Jillian, a 2024 College graduate; and Nathan, a third-year College student. Alongside her husband John, a 2001 and 2004 graduate of the School of Engineering and Applied Science, she has successfully navigated 10 move-ins, two Final Exercises and countless football weekends. Brence lives in Stafford and has a background in government and nonprofit communications. In her free time, she enjoys reading and running.
Marah Derzon is the parent of a recent graduate of 鶹ƽ School of Engineering and Applied Science. (Contributed photo)
Marah Derzon
Marah Derzon is the parent of a 2026 graduate of the School of Engineering and Applied Science. She loved her time in Charlottesville and misses the hiking, the restaurants, attending Family Weekend and the (Greek Life) Parents Formal with her son, Matthew, and the wonderful energy that is UVA. She is excited to share all her favorite things about Grounds and Charlottesville. She graduated from Colby College and holds master’s degrees in social work and English education. She works part-time in K-12 admissions at Columbus Academy in Columbus, Ohio. In her spare time, you can find Derzon writing, cooking and traveling.
Rick Hodges is an author and a 1987 graduate. His daughter, Brita, is a third-year economics and statistics major. (Contributed photo)
Rick Hodges
Writer by day and , Rick Hodges, a 1987 graduate of the College of Arts & Sciences, learned to write at The Cavalier Daily when it was printed on paper. He lived in Echols House his first year, and now lives in Arlington with his wife, Elenor McLean Hodges, a 1990 College graduate. Their daughter, Brita, is a third-year economics and statistics major, rugby player, Best Buddies volunteer and a history guide for the Virginia Guide Service. Look for Hodges’ new historical novel set in Virginia, “The Death of Driftwood,” in February.
Juliet Huffman, a 1995 graduate of the College of Arts & Sciences, is also married to a Hoo. They’re the parents of a fourth-year daughter who is in the Cavalier Marching Band. (Contributed photo)
Juliet Huffman
Juliet Huffman, a 1995 graduate of the College of Arts & Sciences, lives in Leesburg with her husband, Jeremy, a 1994 College graduate and a 1997 graduate of the School of Law. She is the mom to three young adults, including a current fourth-year student, Emory, who is in the Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. Huffman is a teacher in Loudoun County and volunteers with the UVA Club of Loudoun. She loves sharing all things UVA with incoming students and parents, with a particular interest in helping them navigate the first year of college. Huffman is an avid supporter of the Cavalier Marching Band. Accordingly, she can be found in her “premium” band-mom seat in the nosebleed section of Scott Stadium.
Elise Wolter Sherman is the parent of three adult children, including fourth-year UVA student Trevor, in the School of Engineering and Applied Science. (Contributed photo)
Elise Wolter Sherman
Elise Wolter Sherman is the proud parent of three adult children, including fourth-year Trevor, a student in the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Having survived sending all of them to college and now tackling her 12th drop-off, she is a veteran of the higher education journey. From chaotic move-ins with bleary-eyed, late-night Target runs to Family Weekends and everything in between, she has savored each moment. She bridges the distance between New Jersey and Grounds through care packages of homemade baked goods, regular texts and visits. A professional writer and communications strategist, she enjoys exploring nature, traveling, beach days, biking and soaking up quality time with her family.
Viviane Salah, left, is a 2001 graduate of the McIntire School of Commerce and the parent of UVA student Emma, Class of 2030. In addition to her full-time job in Northern Virginia, she runs a food-truck business on weekends. (Contributed photo)
Viviane Salah
Viviane Salah is a 2001 graduate of the McIntire School of Commerce and the parent of one UVA student, Emma, Class of 2030, and a high school student, Nellah. Salah is excited to experience UVA again through her daughter’s lens. She lives in Northern Virginia, where she works as a senior manager supporting various government contracts. Outside of work, she is a content creator in the areas of travel, fashion and everyday life. Viviane also with her husband, Matt, a food truck business and – as if life is not busy enough – they both dedicate their weekends to vending at local farmers markets, where Northern Virginia life slows down and mimics a small-town feel.
