A Living Legacy at UVA Darden: Benches, Trees and the Spaces That Shape Community

During Reunion Weekend, moments of connection blossomed across the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. Beneath spring leaves and over fresh coffee, alumni and friends gathered to celebrate new spaces and lasting tributes — reminders that leadership, love and everyday conversations all have a place in shaping Darden’s future.

Close-up of the plaque on the Carolyn Miles Bench. (Photo by JB Fitts)

A Bench, a Tree and a Love Story

In the Tahija Arboretum & LaCross Botanical Gardens, beneath a canopy of fresh spring green, Dean Scott Beardsley led a heartfelt ceremony to dedicate two tributes tied forever to Darden’s story: a bench in honor of Carolyn Miles (MBA ’88) and a tree planted in memory of her late husband, Brendan Miles (MBA ’88).

Carolyn’s leadership at Darden has been wide-ranging and transformational — from her global impact at Save the Children to her pivotal service as interim president of the Darden School Foundation. Her bench, now resting in one of Darden’s most serene spaces, honors a career and a character, defined by humility, purpose and heart.

Brendan’s tree represents a story just as powerful. A West Point graduate and Army officer, Brendan arrived at Darden directly from serving at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Korea. It was on their very first day at Darden that he and Carolyn met — the beginning of a partnership rooted in love, leadership and service. Brendan went on to a successful career in finance, but friends and family remember him best for how he lived: with steadiness, generosity and an unwavering devotion to others, even through hardship.

Carolyn shared words of gratitude at the event, offering personal glimpses into Brendan’s life and the deep connection they built with the Darden community. As the new bench and tree take root in the gardens, they offer students, faculty and visitors a living legacy — a quiet reminder that the bonds forged here can last a lifetime.

Nick Pomponi offers a toast during the dedication of the Pomponi Break Room. (Photo by JB Fitts)

The Break Room Where Big Ideas Brew

Inside C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall, another dedication brought a lighter — but no less meaningful — moment.

Darden School Foundation President Rob Weiler toasted the dedication of the new Pomponi Break Room, named in honor of Nick Pomponi (MBA ’05) and his wife, Kim Pomponi. Nick, a Darden Society and Hickory Club supporter and 20th Reunion co-chair, has built an impressive career in finance, with leadership roles at J.P. Morgan, Goldman Sachs and now Evercore.

But it wasn’t Nick’s resume that Weiler highlighted most — it was his spirit: generous, loyal, and imbued with the kind of humble leadership that builds community. Weiler reflected personally, too, describing himself as a “water cooler guy” who believes some of the best ideas aren’t hatched in formal meetings, but in the casual, spontaneous conversations that happen over coffee.

Thanks to the Pomponis, this break room now carries a deeper meaning — a daily reminder that connection and creativity often go hand-in-hand.

Building the Next Chapter

Across Darden’s evolving Grounds — from the inviting Forum Hotel, Tahija Arboretum & LaCross Botanical Gardens to the newly revitalized C. Ray Smith Alumni Hall — opportunities remain for alumni and friends to leave their mark.

You can name spaces not only in these areas but also in the Faculty Office Building, Student Housing, and a range of other unnamed spaces across Charlottesville and Rosslyn.

To learn more, contact Samantha Hartog, senior associate vice president of advancement, at HartogS@darden.virginia.edu or +1-434-981-4025.