Near the end of the degree ceremony for UVA’s Woodrow Wilson Department of Politics, Department Chair Jeffrey Legro told the audience assembled at Memorial Gymnasium that there was "one more degree to award today"—a posthumous diploma for Yeardley Love.
"We’re not mourning Yeardley, but celebrating her achievements as a member of this class," said Legro. A UVA alum and cousin of Love accepted her diploma while the crowd, including a few membes of Love’s extended family and women’s lacrosse coach Julie Myers, offered a standing ovation.
A $500,000 memorial scholarship started in Love’s name is currently more than halfway to its goal. A total of 677 donors have contributed more than $350,000. Pick up Tuesday’s C-VILLE for more on UVA’s 181st graduation.