Since 1888, Corks & Curls has been a cherished tradition at the University of Virginia. Our older siblings, parents, and grandparents fondly remember the beloved yearbook — an archive of unforgettable college memories through the years.

Unfortunately, Corks & Curls disappeared in 2008 when financial problems prevented the staff from printing the 2008–2009 edition of the book. After a hiatus, the alumni community came together, determined to bring back the yearbook. A group of alumni contacted Mr. Tom Faulders, president of the Alumni Association, to see if this task was possible. Faulders reached out to the class councils last year to see if any students would be interested in helping bring it back. Two students, Carly Buckholz and Michael Buhl, stepped up to the plate and began to recruit an executive board.

After a whole year of planning, recruiting, and raising money, they are proud to announce that Corks & Curls will return in 2015.

Last winter, Corks & Curls signed a big contract with Herff Jones, a distinguished publishing company. Many former Corks & Curls staff members have donated substantial amounts of money to the Alumni Association to fund the yearbook. The financial team is striving to make the book as affordable as possible, and guarantee that it will be cheaper than high school yearbooks. 

The largest task at hand will be marketing. Although Corks & Curls is familiar to alumni, it has lost its recognition over the past few years since its departure. This upcoming week, Corks & Curls will begin a giant marketing push, led by the marketing/advertising team on the executive board. The Facebook page was just launched this week — there will be lots of fun giveaways and throwback updates from the old Corks & Curls (back to the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s). 

The new Corks & Curls will be a change from the old one, which was a five-section yearbook. Instead, the new yearbook will be more cutting-edge with a feature-driven style. However, Corks & Curls plans on keeping prior traditions while driving interest from everyone who has ties to UVA —current students and alumni alike. It will cover people, places, faces, events, alumni connections, and traditions. Corks & Curls will be at every major game and event, such as Kevin Spacey, basketball games, and graduation; so keep a look out for the photographers and see if you can make it in a pic! 

Basically, it’s a really big deal that Corks & Curls is returning to UVA, and YOU should be a part of it. Michael and Carly, as well as the entire executive board, want as many people involved as possible. They welcome as much or as little contribution to the book, from submitting a story to joining the photography staff. 

Go “like” the Facebook page and contact Michael at mcb3bk@virginia.edu or Carly at cmb9sa@virginia.edu if you’re interested in joining the staff or getting involved in some way. And don’t forget to buy your own edition of Corks & Curls, coming in 2015!