Special Events
The McIntire School of Commerce provides students with a unique undergraduate experience both inside and outside of the classroom. Activities that take place outside the classroom provide students with valuable leadership and learning experiences. McIntire students are involved and active members of their communities, and the McIntire community offers a variety of ways for students to become engaged. From athletic events to academic competitions, McIntire encourages student interaction and involvement; these activities help to make McIntire students well-rounded, contributing members of society at large.
In addition to the many McIntire School student organization events, a number of School-related events take place throughout the academic year.
Ongoing Events
Monthly Socials: An opportunity for McIntire faculty, staff, and students to gather and interact with one another in a casual setting for a themed reception. Events have included Chili & Cider Round Up, Fall Pumpkin Carving, Ice Cream Sundae making, and a Valentine's Day Brunch. Sponsored by McIntire Commerce Council and McIntire Student Services.
Commerce Happening: Sponsored by Commerce Council and more commonly referred to as Comm Happ, this Thursday-night gathering of McIntire students and faculty is held at a local restaurant, with drink and food specials, and gives everyone the opportunity to unwind and cap off a week of hard work in an informal social setting.
Dining with the Dean: All McIntire students are invited each semester to have lunch with Dean Zeithaml in his home on the Lawn at Pavilion X. This provides students the opportunity to meet the Dean and to discuss and exchange issues and concerns related to the McIntire community.
Fall Events
Third-Year Block Building Day: This annual event, which pairs third-year ICE block students and faculty teams against each other, started in 1998 as a student idea and is better known as the Kickball Tournament. The lively and often competitive event is a great way for third-year students to get to know their classmates early in the fall semester; the winning block has bragging rights for the entire year.
Family Weekend: The University’s Family Weekend, held in on conjunction with Fall Convocation, is a wonderful opportunity for students to share their University experience with family and friends. McIntire presents a program of events that offers an opportunity for families of students to learn more about the many facets of the McIntire School and to meet McIntire faculty. Past sessions have included presentations on the academic program, international opportunities, career opportunities, and student advertising campaigns and student-led investment presentations.
Ellen Whitener Memorial 5K: The race is held in memory of Ellen Whitener, former Professor and Senior Associate Dean, to honor her contributions to the McIntire School of Commerce and the Charlottesville community at large. Ellen is remembered as an influential faculty member and student adviser, passionate professor, devout Christian, willing philanthropic volunteer, and avid runner. Proceeds from the race support The Ellen Marie Whitener Faculty Fellowship Fund. Ellen's family founded the fund in her memory, to honor Ellen's passion for supporting and facilitating development of young professionals. Sponsored by Beta Alpha Psi and McIntire Commerce Council.
Spring Events
Leadership Celebration: This annual dinner event sponsored by Commerce Council and Student Services honors graduating McIntire students who have contributed to the McIntire and University community through their leadership in student organizations and events.
McIntire Golf Tournament(s): During the spring, the McIntire Women’s Business Forum holds a Women’s Golf Clinic, and Commerce Council holds a student/faculty golf tournament for the McIntire School. These events often include Corporate Sponsors and alumni participation.
Navigant Case Competition provides students with the opportunity to exhibit the analytical skills that they have developed at UVA while working in teams on an actual consulting case. The competition offers a unique opportunity to interact and gain feedback from Navigant consultants concerning real cases. Sponsored by the McIntire Consulting Group.
The Madhu Chopra Writing Contest was created to honor the memory of Madhu Chopra (McIntire ‘89) and gives McIntire students the opportunity to reflect creatively through writing about their own lives. Each spring students submit essays that are reviewed and judged by McIntire faculty. Several students are selected as contest winners.
The Contest in Effective Oral Presentation of Business Problems, sponsored by Beta Gamma Sigma, provides students an opportunity to compete with other McIntire students by presenting speeches on an assigned topic.