Morven: The Next Chapter

Morven

John Kluge, Jr. attends luncheon hosted by the Morven Summer Institute.

During his time in the United States Senate, John Kerry attends Morven policy retreat.

THE NEXT CHAPTER BY

CHRIS

BRIDGE

•

PHOTOS

PROVIDED

BY

MORVEN

PROGRAMS

MORVEN AND THOMAS JEFFERSON’S UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

M

orven is one of the University of Virginia’s most remarkable assets: a National Historic Trust site with 3,000 acres of magnificent Piedmont landscape, located next to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and James Monroe’s Highland, minutes from the University grounds, and two hours from the nation’s capital.

As the University begins its Third Century, Morven is poised to play a pivotal role as a center of place-based learning for the next generation of global leaders.

“Morven represents an incredible opportunity for UVA students and faculty to gather with leaders from around the world and from across town to tackle difficult challenges in discrete sustained conversations. …It is a place that invites and allows deep thinking and creative discussion; a

Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright was the first recipient of UVA’s Edward R. Stettinius Jr. Prize for Global Leadership.

92

ALBEMARLE

ALBEMARLE

UVA students attend TedTalks held at Morven’s Meeting Barn.

93

Morven

John Kluge, Jr. attends luncheon hosted by the Morven Summer Institute.

During his time in the United States Senate, John Kerry attends Morven policy retreat.

THE NEXT CHAPTER BY

CHRIS

BRIDGE

•

PHOTOS

PROVIDED

BY

MORVEN

PROGRAMS

MORVEN AND THOMAS JEFFERSON’S UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

M

orven is one of the University of Virginia’s most remarkable assets: a National Historic Trust site with 3,000 acres of magnificent Piedmont landscape, located next to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and James Monroe’s Highland, minutes from the University grounds, and two hours from the nation’s capital.

As the University begins its Third Century, Morven is poised to play a pivotal role as a center of place-based learning for the next generation of global leaders.

“Morven represents an incredible opportunity for UVA students and faculty to gather with leaders from around the world and from across town to tackle difficult challenges in discrete sustained conversations. …It is a place that invites and allows deep thinking and creative discussion; a

Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright was the first recipient of UVA’s Edward R. Stettinius Jr. Prize for Global Leadership.

92

ALBEMARLE

ALBEMARLE

UVA students attend TedTalks held at Morven’s Meeting Barn.

93

THE PRESIDENTIAL PRECINCT Just as Jefferson assembled a brain trust by bringing together Monroe, Madison and William Short, Mor ven has formed an alliance with the currentday stewards of those same properties.

Morven has been a catalyst for this new non-profit partnership, which unites the University of Virginia with the College of William & Mary, as well as Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier, and James Monroe’s Highland.

The Precinct is developing a budding track record of facilitating international dialogue and collaborative problem solving through in-person and virtual programs. The Precinct has sponsored extensive programs for emerging leaders from around the globe. Morven has hosted more than 400 emerging leaders from more than 135 nations, including the State Department’s signature program for Young African Leaders, the Mandela Washington Fellowship.

Former US Senator John Warner joins in discussion with the Mandela Washington Fellows at the University of Virginia.

place for experimentation and experiential learning. Rarely does the academy and the world of practice find the right setting to bring out and integrate the best of both: Morven is that place.” —Jeff Legro, Vice Provost for Global Affairs THE HISTORIC BACKGROUND

Archeological evidence reveals Native Americans occupied Morven as early as 4000 years ago. Thomas Jefferson was so attracted to the property that he purchased “Indian Camp” in 1795 on behalf of William Short, his private secretary in France and America’s first professional diplomat.

With James Madison, William Short and James Monroe as stakeholders in properties near Monticello, Jefferson envisioned a destination for some of the nation’s most prominent thinkers, where they could consider the issues of democracy, the rule of law and religious tolerance.

Two centuries later this historic prop94

erty was acquired by John Kluge—one of America’s most successful entrepreneurs. Kluge hosted international leaders in business, the arts and science. In 2001 he gave Morven to the University of Virginia Foundation, including its premier formal garden and a working farm. Kluge’s donation reflected his aspiration that Morven would be a “place apart,” attracting some of the best minds to tackle the pressing issues of the day.

MORVEN’S MISSION

In its first decade, Morven’s programs have leveraged the University’s strengths to explore topics of international consequence. It provides a setting for teaching, research, outreach and collaboration between global leaders and the academic community, while promoting innovative scholarship among students and faculty.

In recent years, Morven has served as the setting for a range of programs that focus on the subjects of leadership and

Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

civil society. Program partnerships have included the Young African Leader Initiative, the United Nations, the Community of Democracies, and a retreat for members of the United States Senate.

Other programming run by Morven, such as the Morven Summer Institute and Morven Kitchen Garden, foster the research and exploration of sustainable practices and land use. From University sustainability initiatives to student projects investigating the effects of soil management, student and faculty research thrive on the Morven landscape.

“Future programs focus on two of the most critical topics of our time: How to nurture and support the development of democratic institutions, and how to preserve and protect the health of our planet.” —Stewart Gamage, Morven Programs Director

CHALLENGES AND ACTION

While ongoing programs at Morven succeed in promoting strategic priorities ALBEMARLE

US China Legal Dialogue Delegation gather at Morven.

for global impact, there is a commitment to continually improve and expand its global reach.

Inspiration comes from the remarkable convergence of people and ideas that Jefferson created in Albemarle County two centuries ago.

Today, Morven’s program participants are attracted by both its history and location, providing opportunity for an immersive experience. “To program participants, the impact of Morven’s powerful landscape on collaborative efforts and critical thinking is worth the bus ride,” says Morven’s Events Manager, Rebecca Deeds, “but by the time the conversation takes off, it’s time to load up on the bus again, limiting the occasion for casual interaction within the landscape.” Residential capacity is a key component to the success of future programs at Morven.

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

To expand Morven’s offerings and raise its profile as a sought-after destinaALBEMARLE

tion for top level corporate, government, philanthropic, and academic leaders, the Provost of the University launched a comprehensive planning process, involving more than 100 UVA faculty, students, neighbors, and staff, along with architecture and landscape experts.

As a consequence of the planning process, UVA has launched a $6 million campaign to reinforce the characteristics of the Albemarle agricultural landscape by fully restoring the Main House and other existing structures. This restoration project will provide program participants with a more robust experience with Morven and its surrounding landscape.

MORVEN MOVING FORWARD

Morven has the capacity to help the University become a global leader. Its programs continue to enhance the University mission, connecting students and faculty with emerging leaders around the globe and promoting innovative scholarship

among students and faculty on Grounds.

In March of 2016, Morven, in concert with UVA, created its first ever award honoring Edward R. Stettinius Jr., UVA student, US Secretary of State and architect of the UN, who supervised the LendLease Act program. Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright was the first recipient of UVA’s Edward R. Stettinius Jr. Prize for Global Leadership.

In partnership with UVA’s Bicentennial Commission and University leaders, Morven is in the midst of planning its next initiative, a women’s global leadership forum in November 2017.

“Just as Jefferson brought together the best minds to shape a new Republic and John Kluge assembled the brightest and best business talent to re-invent and re-shape the economic landscape, Morven can become a destination for the next generation of leaders addressing the challenges of today and arriving at imaginative solutions for tomorrow.”

—Stewart Gamage 95

THE PRESIDENTIAL PRECINCT Just as Jefferson assembled a brain trust by bringing together Monroe, Madison and William Short, Mor ven has formed an alliance with the currentday stewards of those same properties.

Morven has been a catalyst for this new non-profit partnership, which unites the University of Virginia with the College of William & Mary, as well as Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier, and James Monroe’s Highland.

The Precinct is developing a budding track record of facilitating international dialogue and collaborative problem solving through in-person and virtual programs. The Precinct has sponsored extensive programs for emerging leaders from around the globe. Morven has hosted more than 400 emerging leaders from more than 135 nations, including the State Department’s signature program for Young African Leaders, the Mandela Washington Fellowship.

Former US Senator John Warner joins in discussion with the Mandela Washington Fellows at the University of Virginia.

place for experimentation and experiential learning. Rarely does the academy and the world of practice find the right setting to bring out and integrate the best of both: Morven is that place.” —Jeff Legro, Vice Provost for Global Affairs THE HISTORIC BACKGROUND

Archeological evidence reveals Native Americans occupied Morven as early as 4000 years ago. Thomas Jefferson was so attracted to the property that he purchased “Indian Camp” in 1795 on behalf of William Short, his private secretary in France and America’s first professional diplomat.

With James Madison, William Short and James Monroe as stakeholders in properties near Monticello, Jefferson envisioned a destination for some of the nation’s most prominent thinkers, where they could consider the issues of democracy, the rule of law and religious tolerance.

Two centuries later this historic prop94

erty was acquired by John Kluge—one of America’s most successful entrepreneurs. Kluge hosted international leaders in business, the arts and science. In 2001 he gave Morven to the University of Virginia Foundation, including its premier formal garden and a working farm. Kluge’s donation reflected his aspiration that Morven would be a “place apart,” attracting some of the best minds to tackle the pressing issues of the day.

MORVEN’S MISSION

In its first decade, Morven’s programs have leveraged the University’s strengths to explore topics of international consequence. It provides a setting for teaching, research, outreach and collaboration between global leaders and the academic community, while promoting innovative scholarship among students and faculty.

In recent years, Morven has served as the setting for a range of programs that focus on the subjects of leadership and

Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

civil society. Program partnerships have included the Young African Leader Initiative, the United Nations, the Community of Democracies, and a retreat for members of the United States Senate.

Other programming run by Morven, such as the Morven Summer Institute and Morven Kitchen Garden, foster the research and exploration of sustainable practices and land use. From University sustainability initiatives to student projects investigating the effects of soil management, student and faculty research thrive on the Morven landscape.

“Future programs focus on two of the most critical topics of our time: How to nurture and support the development of democratic institutions, and how to preserve and protect the health of our planet.” —Stewart Gamage, Morven Programs Director

CHALLENGES AND ACTION

While ongoing programs at Morven succeed in promoting strategic priorities ALBEMARLE

US China Legal Dialogue Delegation gather at Morven.

for global impact, there is a commitment to continually improve and expand its global reach.

Inspiration comes from the remarkable convergence of people and ideas that Jefferson created in Albemarle County two centuries ago.

Today, Morven’s program participants are attracted by both its history and location, providing opportunity for an immersive experience. “To program participants, the impact of Morven’s powerful landscape on collaborative efforts and critical thinking is worth the bus ride,” says Morven’s Events Manager, Rebecca Deeds, “but by the time the conversation takes off, it’s time to load up on the bus again, limiting the occasion for casual interaction within the landscape.” Residential capacity is a key component to the success of future programs at Morven.

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

To expand Morven’s offerings and raise its profile as a sought-after destinaALBEMARLE

tion for top level corporate, government, philanthropic, and academic leaders, the Provost of the University launched a comprehensive planning process, involving more than 100 UVA faculty, students, neighbors, and staff, along with architecture and landscape experts.

As a consequence of the planning process, UVA has launched a $6 million campaign to reinforce the characteristics of the Albemarle agricultural landscape by fully restoring the Main House and other existing structures. This restoration project will provide program participants with a more robust experience with Morven and its surrounding landscape.

MORVEN MOVING FORWARD

Morven has the capacity to help the University become a global leader. Its programs continue to enhance the University mission, connecting students and faculty with emerging leaders around the globe and promoting innovative scholarship

among students and faculty on Grounds.

In March of 2016, Morven, in concert with UVA, created its first ever award honoring Edward R. Stettinius Jr., UVA student, US Secretary of State and architect of the UN, who supervised the LendLease Act program. Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright was the first recipient of UVA’s Edward R. Stettinius Jr. Prize for Global Leadership.

In partnership with UVA’s Bicentennial Commission and University leaders, Morven is in the midst of planning its next initiative, a women’s global leadership forum in November 2017.

“Just as Jefferson brought together the best minds to shape a new Republic and John Kluge assembled the brightest and best business talent to re-invent and re-shape the economic landscape, Morven can become a destination for the next generation of leaders addressing the challenges of today and arriving at imaginative solutions for tomorrow.”

—Stewart Gamage 95