What is your UVA story?

I came to UVA in large part thanks to the Echols Scholars Program. I was deciding between UVA and Duke, and the opportunity to have the academic flexibility that came as part of that program was very appealing. My parents also told me if I went in-state they would pay for grad school so that was also a consideration.

What did you do when you were a student at UVA?

I was a Resident Advisor, a member of University Democrats, a member of The Jefferson Literary & Debating Society, and through Class Trustees chaired the Graduation Committee.

Is there something you learned at UVA that you apply to your life now?

That there is always a lot of opportunity and you have to find your place/make things happen. UVA is a big school with lots to explore — academic, extracurricular and social. Try different things, find the things that are interesting and meaningful to you, and pursue those.

What does the UVA alumnae community mean to you? How have fellow alumnae affected your life/career/journey?

Well, besides meeting my husband at UVA, which has obviously been very impactful, I have been lucky to keep in touch with my close circle of college friends even 20 years later. Having a set of friends who go through life with you is an amazing support. My career has also been very positively influenced by fellow alums. I have a lot to be thankful for in life that comes back to UVA.

If you could impart a piece of advice to a female student on Grounds today, what would you tell her?

Besides study and do whatever genuinely interests you the most, I would tell her that if she is interested in having a spouse/partner one day, to be thoughtful about whether that person will truly support her goals — career, family, and otherwise. Not just in the next 5-10 years but beyond that. I have been fortunate that my husband is one my biggest advocates and has been since I met him third year.  He has always supported my goals — whether heading to law school, different jobs in different cities, and around our family life. Having someone who not only believes in you but then actually acts to support you each day is important.

Sarah Kelley is part of a group of “hidden nurses” who were educated at UVA in the 1950s and 1960s and became trailblazers and community leaders in the effort to desegregate the UVA Hospital, but did not receive full alumni status from the University until 2019. A project undertaken by professor and Bjoring Center for Nursing Historical Inquiry director Barbra Mann Wall and PhD student Tori Tucker shed light on the stories of the hidden nurses. Last spring, Sarah Kelley and her classmates were honored at “a ceremony recognizing the contributions [they] made to nursing, desegregation and to racial equity” and officially joined the UVA alumni ranks.

Tell us a few things about yourself (family, studies, activities, things that bring you joy).

I’m an activist for equality and equity. If I’m able to do it, I want to be able to do it. And I want my children to be able to do it, and my grandchildren.

What was your journey after leaving UVA?

I still love nursing. I love it. I just did not love the hours and I could never get adjusted. I just knew I needed another profession. I’m now a pastor. I’ve been pastoring for 35 years.

If you could impart a piece of advice to a female student on Grounds today, what would you tell her?

Patience. Patience. You have to have patience when you’re working with people.

Tell us a few things about yourself (family, job, things that bring you joy).

I'm a trial attorney at a law firm in Washington, D.C. I represent plaintiffs in complex litigation (basically I fight for the little guy)! I am married to my husband of 11 years (who also went to UVA Law). We have 3 energetic kids. In addition to spending time with my family, I love traveling, reading and cooking. 

Is there something you learned at UVA that you apply to your life now?

I was fortunate to attend the Law School (in my opinion, the BEST in the country). What sets us apart is that students are not only smart and engaged, they are also multi-dimensional and seek a collegial environment. I made some of my best friends at UVA — and I didn't want my time at UVA to end. The best lesson I learned is that things don't need to be "either/or." They can be "both/and." I never believed that I had to be either a mother/wife or a lawyer. I saw so many brilliant examples of women who were both. 

What does the UVA alumnae community mean to you? How have fellow alumnae affected your life/career/journey?

UVA Law and its alumnae are the entire reason I am here today. I was mentored by two UVA alums at Sidley Austin LLP, who helped me tremendously in my career. When I moved back to Charlottesville, I was hired by the Law School and then subsequently introduced to and hired by attorneys, also UVA alums, via a UVA Law professor. My husband, siblings and my best friends are all UVA alums! 

In your opinion, what is the legacy of women on UVA?

I think the legacy of women at UVA is a complicated one. Anytime you exclude a section of the population from an educational opportunity, you create a chasm that takes a long time to fill. I think the University has taken significant steps to repair mistakes made, but we have a long way to go until all groups can feel like UVA is the welcoming place we strive to be. We can be great and good— and I applaud the University for striving to do that. 

If you could impart a piece of advice to a female student on Grounds today, what would you tell her?

Don't think too much — get out and do it! As a student and as a young lawyer, I would often think about how I was going to balance everything. When I learned to accept that life is going to be chaotic and challenging, it made the days a lot easier. If you think too much about how you're going to do it all, you won't get out of bed in the morning. But once you start doing it, things fall into place. 

Is there anything related to women’s history at the University that you would like to learn more about?

I'd love to hear more about the experiences of some of the first women who entered UVA— why did they do it?  I can't imagine it was easy. How did they rise above it?

What is your favorite UVA memory?

No one memory is my favorite. Being a successful coach of amazing women gives you hundreds of favorites! Having incredible doctors when I had pancreatic cancer also gave me some favorite memories, the best being living beyond a disease that is lethal to most who are afflicted with it.

Tell us about a woman/women at UVA who inspires you – now, or during your time on Grounds.

Sybil Todd was an amazing Dean of Students and I learned a lot from her. Pat Lampkin is a hidden gem at UVA and always has sage advice to help you through a tough situation. Barbara Kelly taught me to keep trying even when I got no for an answer. She used to say “no” meant “maybe later” but it stuck with me because it was hard back then to get things done in athletics for women.

In your opinion, what is the legacy of women on UVA?

Women have overcome a lot here at UVA. Nothing was given and all was earned, as Bronco Mendenhall would say. Never giving up and never taking no as the final answer probably propelled women to where they are today. People have no idea what women went through in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s to cement their place here. We had to prove ourselves several times over during those years. There were many men, though, who stood up for us/with us during those times and they helped us find our way here! They were the great leaders of the University because they believed that all should be welcomed here.

If you could impart a piece of advice to a female student on Grounds today, what would you tell her?

Learn the history and honor those who fought to be here as viable, respected students, professors and professional people from all walks of life. Everything you have now is because of others who fought for all you have at UVA. Men and women worked together to make your attendance here a reality.

Tell us a few things about yourself (family, job, things that bring you joy).

I’m a recent UVA grad with degrees in American Studies and History and wrote my thesis on the musical “Showboat.” My little brother is a first year and my mom also attended UVA. I am engaged to an even more recent UVA grad. As an undergrad, I had an internship with the UVA Bicentennial Commission which I loved because I got to research UVA’s history. Now I work for the Alumni Association and have become really interested in higher education and increasing opportunities for everyone to learn and study at a high level. I’m hoping to get my master’s soon. In my free time I like to read and volunteer at Live Arts, a community theater organization in Charlottesville.

Is there something you learned at UVA that you apply to your life now?

Academically, I learned so much about the world around me. I was fortunate to take a lot of classes that explored race, gender, socioeconomic status, and more. UVA ensured I would walk with my eyes wide open. My first year on Grounds was the year Hannah Graham disappeared, Martese Johnson sustained a head injury while being arrested on the Corner and the “Rolling Stone” article was published. August 11 and 12 marked the start of my fourth year. UVA seemed to always be in the spotlight. There were a lot of debates and concerns on Grounds regarding safety and race. At graduation, Teresa Sullivan said our class was resilient, having been at the University when so much was going on. I’d like to think that in addition to resiliency, my fellow graduates and I also learned empathy. That when these things happen, it is so important to not only hold your loved ones close  but also to look out at others with love and compassion. Being able to say: I don’t know what your experience must feel like but I am here for you and I will stand together with you in the face of adversity.

If you could impart a piece of advice to a female student on Grounds today, what would you tell her?

To a first year, I would tell her it’s all going to be ok. If something isn’t working out now, don’t worry because you have the power to make it better. If a club or a major isn’t what you thought it was going to be, you don’t have to stick with it. College is the chance to explore everything. To a second or third year, I would say take time for yourself. It’s easy to be caught up in wanting to be part of everything. Make sure you are listening to yourself and focus on your needs. To a fourth year, I’d say you’ve almost made it baby! You’ve worked so incredibly hard to get where you are and it’s all going to work out.

Tell us a few things about yourself (family, job, things that bring you joy).

I am a busy, comfortable and happy woman. I live in a small house on tree farm with my cat and dogs. I describe myself as a naturalist striving to promote native Virginia plants and animals.

What did you do when you were a student at UVA?

I loved my undergraduate studies as I enrolled in the Secondary Math curriculum and did student teaching at Albemarle High School. I took courses in the College, the Engineering School, and the Education School. I was the only female in most of my classes but was always treated with respect and challenged in the best way by my professors and classmates. I was fortunate to have had a very broad liberal arts curriculum including math, psychology, economics, computer languages and English as well as education courses. I earned my PE credit by taking the absolute best health class imaginable. I am convinced that I had a much better education at UVA than I had had elsewhere.

Is there something you learned at UVA that you apply to your life now?

I have had a wonderful professional career as a secondary mathematics teacher, a psychology assistant and a school administrator. I consider my UVA experience to have been significant throughout my time as an educator. Honor, sportsmanship, empathy, character and respect have been guiding principles throughout my time as an educator. I am very grateful for my time at UVA as a woman, student and participant from the 1960s until now! UVA has also had a profound effect on my family. My daughter earned a BA in 1993 and worked as a hospital administrator at UVA. My son is currently a stroke neurologist at UVA and lives in Charlottesville with his family. He was born at UVA Hospital as were all four of my grandchildren.

Tell us a favorite UVA memory.

My recent involvement in the 1969 50th Reunion was a delightful experience and surprise. My former husband and father of my children was extremely helpful in both the planning and execution of the weekend event. We spent the weekend reconnecting with many former classmates. As a result, he and I have resumed our relationship after 28 years apart!

Tell us a few things about yourself (family, studies, activities, things that bring you joy).

I love community building. I think the recipe for the perfect day is to have good company, good food, and good music. If you give me a day with that included, I am more than happy. That is why I love to cook for other people, and I often lend my big speaker to speaker to people who want to use it for events.

What is your favorite UVA memory?

On Mexican Independence Day, a group of us met at the Rotunda with a speaker and sang and danced to our cultural music. We then wrapped our flag on the Homer statue on the South Lawn and let out our Mexican gritos. It was such a heartwarming and wholesome moment, and has now become a tradition that includes many Central American countries - we all wrap our flags on the Homer Statue and celebrate our home countries.

How have UVA alumnae affected your life/career/journey?

When I think of alumnae here, I immediately think of my Hermanas from my sorority. I am very close to them and we often share words of wisdom and encouragement to one another. They provide me with both a support network but also a professional network that can give me pointers on how to be a woman of color in the workplace, and that can connect me to people who can help me advance in my future career. They are an amazing group of women that I will forever hold close to my heart.

If you could ask a female graduate for one piece of advice, what would you ask her?

What is the best way to stand up and defend yourself without being stereotyped?

What are you most involved in as a student at UVA?

My principal involvement at UVA has been as an Honor support officer and Committee member. I was l selected as a support officer my first year, and worked in various capacities over the following three years before being elected to serve as a representative for the College of Arts & Sciences and the chair of the Committee.  I have been fortunate to have abundant opportunities to serve the University community and work with other students, staff and administrators to bring about positive change.

What lesson/lessons have you learned at UVA that you apply to your daily life?

Of the many, many lessons I have learned at UVA, there are two that rank as the most important. The first is that one can find great joy and meaning by fully immersing themselves in what calls them most strongly. I had received this advice before coming to UVA, but it wasn’t until I came to care deeply about the Honor System and felt invested in its impact that I understood the importance of going all in on the things you love and leaving the other things to the people who love them. The second lesson is that character is the most important part of a person. Part of what binds the UVA community together is that we share both an academic education and an ethical one. At UVA, I have been challenged to think deeply about who I am, the ways my behavior and decisions impact others, and what my priorities are and will be when faced with difficult situations. UVA has taught me how to be more intentional in how I spend my time and energy, my self-development, and my impact on others and the world around me.

What does the UVA alumnae community mean to you? How have fellow alumnae affected your life/career/journey?

The UVA alumnae that I have interacted with over the past few years have been a source of support, knowledge and encouragement as I have learned to navigate the University. They have served as role models and been incredibly kind and helpful when I have reached out with questions or requests. I imagine that I will continue to find the UVA alumnae community of great value in providing guidance as I begin my career.

If you could ask a female graduate for one piece of advice, what would you ask her?

I would ask her what she wished she had known when she was my age, graduating from UVA and beginning her career, and what the theory guiding her approach to this transition was.

What did you do when you were a student at UVA?

I was in the College second year taking 18 hours in order to satisfy the prerequisites to apply to the School of Nursing. I got in and was delighted to be assigned to Mallet Dorm, where I met my two roommates who are very dear friends to this day. I was a cheerleader my third year and loved the atmosphere in U-Hall during the basketball games. Easters was always a special event, with great bands and lots of frolicking in the mud in Mad Bowl. We also took advantage of the Shenandoah and spent weekends in cabins in the park. Studying was a high priority because I knew I had to learn enough to pass the Nursing Boards after graduation, which were required to get a job. The stacks in Alderman were my favorite place to study. I occasionally worked as an aide in the hospital to get hands-on experience. 

Is there something you learned at UVA that you apply to your life now?

I learned that the more effort you put into an endeavor, the more you get out of it. If you study harder, you get better grades. If you throw yourself into your patient care, their outcome is better and you get more gratification out of it.  This applies to raising a family as well.  

Tell us about a woman/women at UVA who inspires you – now, or during your time on Grounds.

A woman who whom I greatly admire is Dean Dorrie Fontaine, recently retired dean of the Nursing School. During her 12-year tenure, she was a strong proponent of compassionate nursing, mindfulness, and uniting the University with the community.  

In your opinion, what is the legacy of women on UVA?

The legacy of women at the University, I believe, is that they have proven to be strong minded, smart, willing to take chances, and in many cases not afraid to take on incredible challenges and succeed.

If you could impart a piece of advice to a female student on Grounds today, what would you tell her?

Cherish every day, even the rainy ones when you have exams. Your time here will go by fast, so take time to soak up the energy here and thrive.

Allison St. Clair Schildwachter (Mother)

How did you decide to come to UVA?

I went to a large high school in Northern Virginia. When UVA began accepting women with the class ahead of me, many of us applied — we really had no clue whether we’d get in!

What did you do when you were a student at UVA?

At Virginia I became a counselor (as they were called then — now Resident Advisors) in Humphries and then became Senior Counselor of Dabney. I loved the old dorms and our Resident Staff group. I have good friends that I still keep up with from the Counseling staff. My fourth year I served on Judiciary from the Education School and I was fortunate to be able to live on the Lawn. That was a great group — I loved spending time with them.

What does the UVA alumnae community mean to you?

I love my UVA friends. I have been blessed to have some live fairly close, and I enjoy our UVA reunions. I think we all value our friendships even more as we’ve gotten older. When we are together we still have that connection because of having that history together, even though I don’t see some all that often.

If you could impart a piece of advice to a female student on Grounds today, what would you tell her?

I would say to get involved. There is so much opportunity to try new things and belong to organizations at this point. Find something that you enjoy — stretch yourself and don’t stay in a safe zone just with students you know from your high school or hometown.

Brooke Schildwachter Kilfoil (Daughter)

What is your favorite UVA memory?

Walking around the Rotunda and processing down the steps with my medical school classmates is by far my favorite memory. I ran up and down those steps often as a child and heard my parents talk about graduation on the Lawn, so it was very special to be part of a ceremony that holds so much meaning.

What was your journey after leaving UVA?

I joined Jefferson Ob-Gyn in Charlottesville after graduating from my residency at the School of Medicine, so I haven't left!

What lesson/lessons have you learned at UVA that you apply to your daily life?

Embrace the uncertainty and vulnerability of the unknown and of new experiences. It is the only way to grow.

Tell us about a woman/women at UVA who inspires you – now, or during your time on Grounds

As a student and resident at the School of Medicine, I was inspired by women conducting research, teaching students, treating patients, or on call in the hospital who also had families and fruitful lives outside of work. These women are excellent clinicians and surgeons, but they’re also mothers, partners, singers, runners – so many things beyond their jobs.

If you could impart a piece of advice to a female student on Grounds today, what would you tell her?

Learn to be an excellent listener. People have such vast and rich stories and experiences. Sit down, pause, look someone in the eye and say "tell me more.” It almost always opens the door to deeper human connection.

What did you do when you were a student at UVA?

As an undergraduate, I held many leadership positions across all realms of the University. I am a member of the 2014 Class Trustees and served as a co-chair for the 2014 Class Giving Campaign in which our class reached an unprecedented 81% participation rate. I also led the Virginia Women’s Club Water Polo team as captain for two years, and served as recruitment chair and chapter president of Alpha Chi Omega. Additionally, I interned with the office of the Board of Visitors and the Virginia Athletics Foundation, served on the committee to plan Lighting of the Lawn, and worked Reunions weekend.

What is your favorite UVA memory?

My time at UVA coincided with the rise of UVA men’s basketball. I’m a huge college sports fan and traveled to a number of ACC and NCAA tournament games. One of my favorite experiences was the game against Coastal Carolina. It was way too close for comfort and the whole building was cheering against us, but the team remain focused and pulled out a win. My favorite recent UVA memory was road tripping to Minneapolis for the Final Four. My husband and I drove 17 hours in a day and had the best time with friends that weekend. I think the Auburn game took years off my life, but it was such a beautiful moment of perseverance, focus and pure joy. 

In your opinion, what is the legacy of women on UVA?

Like Maria from “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” said, “the man is the head, but the woman is the neck and she can turn the head any way she wants.” I think this applies perfectly to the legacy of women on UVA. Women may have not always been permitted the same experiences at UVA as men, but they were integral to the founding, sustaining and overall success of this institution. 

If you could impart a piece of advice to a female student on Grounds today, what would you tell her?

Learn how to say no. You will meet amazing people, learn new things, and experience life in a whole new environment. With all this freedom, take control and realize you can’t say yes to every invite, leadership role or request. Say yes often, but make sure you focus on your holistic personal development. 

Tell us a few things about yourself (family, studies, activities, things that bring you joy).

I’ve always loved reading and writing! My mother’s a librarian and teacher so I’ve spent my life surrounded by books and writing my own stories. Poetry has been especially important to me in the last couple of years and whenever I want to unwind I just jot down some random stanzas. Fashion has also always been a huge interest of mine—I sew and studied fashion construction in high school. I can spend hours searching through a thrift store and putting together new looks. It’s so much fun exploring my personal style and getting creative with my closet. Outside of that, I have a huge interest in studying political psychology and, recently, educational anthropology. I’ve always been fascinated by how people think, create, and exchange information, so both disciplines really offer me the opportunity to explore the complexities of human behavior and culture.

Tell us about a woman/women at UVA who inspires you.

I give so much praise to Dean Valerie Gregory, who was the first person) from UVA I met during my college search. She has the biggest heart and made me feel so welcomed before even coming to Grounds. The work she does to bring more diversity to UVA is beyond admirable. It’s been amazing to work with her through the OSAC Office of Admission’s Outreach Office and she inspires me to take pride in my identity and promote inclusivity. I’m also so grateful to work with Funlola Fagbohun and Sarah Dodge through Summer Orientation. They’re two women who energize me and remind me so often to take care of myself and pursue things I’m passionate about.   I also have to give tremendous recognition to Dr. Danielle Wingfield-Smith, a professor in the Curry School of Education who’s made my University experience feel all the more whole. She’s the first Black woman educator I’ve had since kindergarten and a woman who I look up to in so many ways. SShe’s funny, honest, willing to build genuine relationships with her students, and has accomplished so much. Finally, I can’t gush enough about Ms. Kathy—the Queen of UVA in my honest opinion. There’s not another person on Grounds who I feel can light up a room and make people feel so immensely welcome in the way that Ms. Kathy can. I’ll visit Newcomb for the sole purpose of seeing her.  

In your opinion, what is the legacy of women on UVA?

The women of UVA raise the bar; they’re trendsetters who and continue to use their voices to mobilize their respective communities and promote critical reflection. Through good times and bad, it has often been the women of UVA who gracefully tackle situations across Grounds and push everyone to become better individuals. The women here are organizers, educators, and role models for so many people and they make look it so easy, even when they aren’t given the recognition they deserve. I think the legacy of women at UVA is changing for the better. With each graduating class, we’re seeing more and more women enter amazing fields and dominate in them. I believe the legacy of women at UVA centers around opening doors and breaking down barriers with grace, wisdom, and compassion.

If you could ask a female graduate for one piece of advice, what would you ask her?

How has your perception of womanhood changed over time and how has that change in perception enabled you to achieve your goals?