We are Ridley Giving Day

Celebrate the 115th birthday of Dr. Walter N. Ridley with a gift supporting learning, leadership, and legacy for Black students on Grounds!

Today is more than a Giving Day—it is a celebration of Dr. Walter Ridley’s enduring legacy. On his birthday, we reflect on his groundbreaking achievement as the first Black graduate of the University of Virginia and the generations of scholars who have followed in his footsteps.

The Ridley Scholarship Program was founded to continue that legacy, providing scholarships, mentorship, and a strong community of support for Black students at UVA. What began as a book award has grown into a program that has transformed the lives of hundreds of scholars, empowering them to excel academically, lead boldly, and make a lasting impact.

Your support today ensures that more students have access to these life-changing opportunities. Every gift strengthens the Ridley network, allowing us to invest in the next generation of Black leaders at UVA.

Join us in celebrating Dr. Ridley’s vision, the scholars who carry it forward, and the donors who make it possible. Give today and be part of this powerful legacy.