Background: From 2006 to 2013 the University of Virigina (UVA) successfully undertook its most ambitious capital campaign in the history of public higher education, with a goal of raising $3 billion. From 2008 to 2012, Sherrill contributed to this effort as a key Health System Development Officer raising funds from individuals, foundations, and corporations for the new UVA Children’s Hospital Battle Building and the Claude Moore Medical Education Building.

As Robert D. Sweeney, former senior vice president for university advancement said,  “Reaching a goal this ambitious takes a sustained effort by many people, inside and outside the organization. In addition to the building themselves, the campaign provided resources for many programs, centers and initiatives, benefitting thousands of students and helping ensure that UVA has world-class faculty, provides extraordinary patient care, pursues research that improves society and offers modern facilities that will last for generations.

The Campaign received gifts from more than 220,000 donors (individuals and organizations) including alumni, parents of students and 2,600 faculty and staff members, both current and former.”

These new buildings stand as exemplars of innovation and excellence in healthcare and medical education. With a combined investment of $170.5 million, these state-of-the-art facilities have redefined the landscape of pediatric healthcare and medical training at UVA.

The UVA Children’s Hospital Battle Building: The Battle Building represents a beacon of hope for pediatric patients and their families across the region, offering a comprehensive range of outpatient clinics and in-patient pediatric hospital services across seven floors and 200,000 square feet. Completed in 2014, it consolidated over 35 outpatient pediatric specialties previously in more than a dozen different locations, close to 100 in-patient beds for sick children,  and an outpatient surgery center,

From primary care to specialized treatments for conditions such as cancer and heart disorders, the Battle Building provides a nurturing environment where children receive world-class care tailored to their unique needs.  Notably, its vibrant design, characterized by cheerful colors and interactive play areas, ensures that young patients feel engaged and comfortable during their visits. The inclusion of in-home specialty care services underscores the commitment to serving children with complex medical conditions with compassion and expertise.

The Hospital Education Program further enriches the patient experience by enabling hospitalized children to continue their studies seamlessly, thanks to flexible schooling provided by licensed teachers.

The Claude Moore Medical Education Building: Complementing the advancements in pediatric healthcare, the Claude Moore Medical Education Building represents a significant milestone in medical education at UVA. With a budget of $29 million, this five-story facility is designed to facilitate transformative learning experiences for medical students. Integrating small-group learning, individual instruction, and cutting-edge educational spaces, the building serves as a hub for academic excellence and innovation.

Key features include the Learning Studio and the Clinical Performance Education Center (CPEC), which house state-of-the-art medical simulation and clinical skills centers. The building also offers essential amenities such as a student lounge, auditorium, student affairs office, and office of admissions, fostering a conducive environment for student success and growth.

Conclusion: The UVA Children’s Hospital Battle Building and the Claude Moore Medical Education Building represent significant investments in healthcare and medical education. These facilities not only provide essential services to pediatric patients and medical school students nd faculty, they also serve as symbols of UVA’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and community well-being.