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DECEMBER 2020 7 ANSWERING THE CALL The week following the announce- ment of this endowment match oppor- tunity, Cynthia and Heywood Fralin an- swered the call. On December 11, 2020, UVA's athletics department announced a commitment of $5 million from the Fralins. This is the first commitment following the establishment of this matching gift program and will create a permanent endowment of $7.5 mil- lion to provide ongoing support for the football program. The Cavaliers are in their fifth year under Bronco Menden- hall, whose position will be named The Fralin Family Head Football Coach. Heywood Fralin has had a long and active relationship with UVA since his graduation in 1962. He has served on the Board of Visitors, as rector and vice rector, and is a current member of the VAF Board of Trustees. He has sup- ported many initiatives at the University and within UVA athletics, including investments in Scott Stadium, John Paul Jones Arena, scholarships and opera- tional budget enhancements for football and men's basketball. THANK YOU TO THE FRALINS "We are so thankful for the gener- ous financial support of Cynthia and Heywood," said Virginia athletics direc- tor Carla Williams. "It is also impor- tant for me to note Heywood has been a tremendous friend to both Bronco and myself. His wisdom and guidance have been critical for me. The past nine months have been challenging, and it is our hope this gift from the Fralins will compel others to consider supporting us during these difficult times. Our foot- ball program continues to make great strides and this financial support gives us a chance to continue moving in the right direction." "This is an amazing gesture, and I am overwhelmed and humbled by the generosity and thoughtfulness from Cynthia and Heywood," Mendenhall said. "Heywood's vision and passion are only matched by his ability to blaze a path and set an example for others to follow. He has been a trusted friend, and his expectations and hopes for our foot- ball program are perfectly aligned with our goals and what we are accomplish- ing. This example of partnership shows what we can accomplish at Virginia in order to be a leader in college athletics." The Fralins' commitment and matching funds will create a permanent endowment of $7.5 million to provide ongoing support for the football program. PHOTO COURTESY CYNTHIA AND HEYWOOD FRALIN