UVA President Jim Ryan expressed his excitement about the opening of the School of Data Science, giving credit to the University administrators who paved the way before him. He specifically mentioned President Emerita Teresa A. Sullivan, whose vision and advocacy were instrumental in establishing the Data Science Institute as the foundation for the School of Data Science. Ryan also acknowledged the contributions of the School of Data Science students, faculty, staff, and alumni, emphasizing their role in bringing the school to life.
Jaffray Woodriff, a UVA graduate from 1991, shared his journey of using early artificial intelligence to predict stock trends, which led to his success. He directed funds from his family foundation to support the creation of the School of Data Science building. Woodriff expressed his excitement that the study of data science, which had a profound impact on his life, was now accessible to everyone at the University of Virginia.
The grand opening of the School of Data Science marked a significant milestone for the University and its commitment to advancing data science education. With the dedication of past leaders, generous contributions from supporters like Jaffray Woodriff, and the active involvement of students, faculty, staff, and alumni, the School of Data Science was set to make a lasting impact in the field of data science. The event was a celebration of the collaborative effort that brought the school to fruition and a testament to the bright future ahead for data science at the University of Virginia.