The University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson, is a practical expression of the revolutionary ideals he set forth in the Declaration of Independence. As Hoos join the rest of the nation in celebrating the 250th anniversary of this essential American document, the University continues to educate citizen leaders, create opportunity and champion, in the words of our founder, “the illimitable freedom of the human mind.”
Made forthe USA
The University and the declaration are connected by birth and intent. Jefferson, the declaration’s principal author, founded the University to be certain the ideals on parchment would endure by preparing generations to understand, defend and practice them.
To Jefferson, the essential ingredient for preserving democracy was an engaged, informed citizenry. The finest professors were brought to Grounds from all over the world to help educate citizen leaders for the fledgling nation. The University would become a model of higher education for the world. Yet academic excellence was not enough.
The University had a greater aspiration: to serve the common good. The University itself would evolve as liberty, equality and self-governance came to guide decisions, policy and community life.
The bond between UVA and the declaration arises from a shared purpose. Together, they would transform revolutionary principles into practices capable of sustaining the bold experiment called American democracy.
Dedicated by Design
The University of Virginia is the only American university founded to explicitly support self-government as proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence.
It was the first American university that wasn’t centered around a clerical authority. The heart of Grounds held a library instead of a church, giving institutional form to Jefferson’s belief that “liberty of conscience” was essential to freedom.
In the Jefferson-designed Academical Village, faculty lived among students. The community was united by a shared pursuit of knowledge.
An Endless Pursuit
Bringing the declaration’s ideals closer to reality is one way the University fulfills its original, animating purpose. Changes on Grounds have mirrored those of the nation it was created to serve. There were, and continue to be, opportunities to address societal issues and create positive change. The gaps between what is and what could be create an essential tension that spurs us to do better and do more.
Achieving the aspirations present at the founding of both our nation and the University is an endless pursuit, as is working toward a more perfect union.
The Declaration of Independence and the University of Virginia are bound by history and purpose. As the declaration enters its 250th year, UVA celebrates the document and noble principles that gave rise to a nation.
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Try your hand at this patriotic edition of UVA Today’s new, interactive seek-and-find game.
Students keep the Rotunda, the University’s central architectural marvel, running day in and day out, while contributing to the future of the University and the future of the world.
Accepting this year’s Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medal in Law, Stephen Breyer said the success of democracy in America is up to today’s high school, college and law students.
Small’s support of UVA projects includes an Engineering School building that bears his name, and the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, which opened in 2004, named in honor of Small and his wife.