UVM Today

15 Memorable Moments from 2015

#15. It was a groundbreaking year — literally

On May 15, UVM broke ground on the largest capital project in campus history: a 266,000-square-foot STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) complex that will include two new buildings for classrooms, science labs and meeting space. It’s not alone among construction projects under way; read about the transformation of Central Campus (which included saying goodbye to the Chittenden, Buckham and Will res halls) and the creation of Alumni House.

#14. Seth Rogen visited — again

Seth Rogen visits UVM

For the second year in a row, the UVM Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity won a national contest to raise money toward finding a cure for Alzheimer’s. And for the second year, a visit from Seth Rogen, whose charity runs the contest, was the grand prize. The UVM chapter is a leader again in the third annual contest, happening now. Donate to help them score a hat trick.

#13. Real maple syrup came to campus — and other exciting dining changes

Skinny Pancake at UVM

As of this fall, the UVM dining halls serve pure Vermont maple syrup, produced by the university’s Proctor Maple Research Center. It wasn’t the only change to food on campus this year; UVM welcomed to campus Chicago-based Wow Bao and local favorites like Skinny Pancake and SoYo, among others. Learn more about the new local food options at UVM.

#12. Authors, journalists and a science-loving actor graced our stages

Salman Rushdie at UVM

Who spoke at UVM this year? Some of the highlights:

#11. We found out all that happens in one day at UVM

Day in the Life of UVM

Sun up to sun down — and beyond — go inside a Day in the Life of UVM.

#10. UVM alumni continued to win top awards and honors for their important work

Diane Greene picked by Google to head cloud business

Just a few of the alumni achievements in 2015:

#9. A national champion was crowned

Dom Garand

UVM junior Dom Garand won the men's slalom title at the NCAA championships. That win followed the Catamounts' fifth straight Eastern Intercollegiate Ski Association title. Another conference victory in Catamount Country this year: men’s soccer captured the America East title.

#8. A UVM sophomore was invited to the White House — twice

Gina Fiorile at the White House

Back in February, sophomore Gina Fiorile was presented with a “Champion of Change” award at the White House. She and seven other Americans were recognized for their extraordinary work to enhance climate education and literacy across the country. Fiorile was invited again in August to host and moderate a live-streamed conversation with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration leader Kathryn Sullivan at the White House Back-to-School Climate Education Event. And she rounded out the year traveling to COP21 in Paris two speak on two panels as a voice for youth working toward climate change mitigation and adaptation.

#7. At May’s commencement ceremony, UVM awarded its 100,000th bachelor’s degree

Commencement 2015

Where have those 100,000 degrees led? The university’s magazine, Vermont Quarterly, offers global glimpse at our alumni, their pursuits and how UVM guided their paths. Read Catamount Nation.

#6. All eyes on UVM research

UVM faculty researchers designed the world’s smallest wrench that can manipulate molecules; they discovered that all language is inherently positive; they revealed how best to treat winter depression and that exercise can reduce suicide risk in bullied teens; they warned us that the nation’s capital is sinking into the sea and that the loss of bees is threatening U.S. crops. And their compelling and important work attracted the attention of the international media.

#5. UVM debuted a res hall like no other

Prof Hudziak

Neuroscience meets amazing amenities. Learn about the Wellness Environment.

#4. A UVM junior made U.S. military history

Skylar Anderson

Skylar Anderson became the first woman soldier to graduate as a combat engineer. Read the Associated Press story.

#3. An alum gave UVM the biggest gift in school history

Grossman

On Oct. 2, UVM’s business school became the Grossman School of Business, named for alumnus Steven Grossman ’61, following his family foundation’s $20 million gift to the school. The historic gift capped off two days of gift announcements totaling $40 million and publicly kicked off Move Mountains: The Campaign for The University of Vermont.