An Unexpected Delight: Four UVA Darden Students Surprised with Full-Tuition Scholarships at First Coffee

Imagine attending First Coffee and leaving with a full-tuition scholarship for your second year at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. That happened to Anh Do, Luke Heisinger, Sid Jain and Victoria Ondieki (Class of 2024) on 24 April, as they were unexpectedly named the latest recipients of the prestigious Frank E. Genovese Second Year Fellowships.

Carolyn Miles (MBA ’88), the interim president of the Darden School Foundation, lauded the winners’ academic performance and entrepreneurial aspirations and highlighted the significance of the fellowships, which are awarded to students in the top 30 percent of their class and focus on those aspiring to become general managers.

“This is important for Darden because, as you know, we don’t have majors here,” she explained. “Instead, we have concentrations, and all of you graduate with a general management MBA. That’s truly part of the ethos of Darden.”

The fellowships were established in 1991 by Frank E. Genovese (MBA ’74), a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and president of the Rothbury Corporation. Genovese has owned and operated nine businesses and credits his success to his time at Darden. Urging students to take risks and pursue their goals, Genovese said: “Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do what you want to do. Even if you fail, you get back up and do it again.”

Miles praised Genovese’s commitment to the School and UVA. He was a long-serving member of the Darden School Foundation Board of Trustees, has taught at Darden since 1997 and is a recipient of the Charles C. Abbott Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a Darden graduate. Genovese is also a member of the Principal Donors Society, a group recognizing the School’s most loyal stewards.

Throughout the years, 88 full scholarships have been awarded to Second Year students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in management. Genovese maintains connections with the recipients, holding reunions every five years and ensuring their continued involvement with Darden. Miles emphasized the importance of this connection, stating, “The fact that he actively unites the scholars, maintains their connection, and keeps track of their progress by regularly emailing and writing to them is crucial.”

In her remarks, Miles shared her experiences as the former CEO of a global nonprofit, Save the Children, and expressed her appreciation for Genovese’s support of Darden and UVA. She also reminded the students of the importance of staying connected to the institution and giving back when possible.

The four recipients, Anh Do, Luke Heisinger, Sid Jain and Victoria Ondieki, were each awarded $78,600 towards their second-year tuition and fees at Darden. The announcement surprised the students, who had no prior knowledge of their selection.

To establish an endowed scholarship, please contact Stephanie Brady, assistant vice president for scholarships, at BradyS@darden.virginia.edu or +1-207-333-2517.