(left) MCV surgery students watch a bandaging demonstration in Memorial Hospital’s surgical amphitheatre in the early 1900s; (right) life sciences Ph.D. candidate Julie Charbonnier collects water analysis data on the James River.
(left) Influential artist Theresa Pollak was the founder of what is now the VCU School of the Arts and was an art professor for 41 years; (right) Shay Church, a visiting assistant professor of art, works on a life-sized whale sculpture that he constructed with the help of VCU arts students in the lobby of the School of the Arts Building.
(left) Richmond School of Social Work students pose for a group photo in 1917; (right) members of the VCU and Carver communities work together on a community garden in the Carver neighborhood.
(left) Pharmacology students dress up to resemble popular professor Harvey B. Haag in 1945 as part of an annual tradition that became known as Harvey Haag Day; (right) Art Foundation students prepare to parade their creations from Bowe Street to Monroe Park.
(left) Students in 1970 learn from Suzanne Hirt, who chaired the physical therapy department beginning in the late 1940s; (right) Asian dancers perform at the annual Intercultural Festival.
(left) Dental students treat patients at the dental clinic in McGuire Hall in the late 1940s/early 1950s; (right) Olubunmi Abayomi, M.D., consults with a patient at the VCU Massey Cancer Center.
(left) H.M. Lee, M.D. (arms crossed), chief of transplantation at MCV from 1973 to 1994, and his fellow researchers study organ preservation and profusion in the mid-1960s; (right) a biomedical engineering student works in an artificial heart lab.
(left) A VCU football club scrimmages during the early 1970s; (right) Briante Weber prepares to dunk the ball in a 2013 game against Butler University.
At Virginia Commonwealth University, we’re proud of our family tree. It’s filled with esteemed doctors, talented artists, selfless social workers and thousands of others who’ve made their mark on the world.
We trace our roots to 1838, when Hampden-Sydney College created a medical department to address the shortage of medical education opportunities in Virginia. In 1854, the department broke away to become the independent Medical College of Virginia.
Fast-forward to 1917, when the Richmond Professional Institute
(originally called the Richmond School of Social Economy) opened its doors to provide young, middle-class women with social welfare training and put them on the path to service-oriented careers. In 1968, RPI and MCV merged to become VCU.
A lot has changed since those early days, but through it all VCU and its predecessors have proved that making a difference — in the community, Virginia and the world — is in our genes. We celebrated 175 years of excellence during the 2013-14 academic year and we look forward to celebrating what’s to come for VCU.
Greetings,
As we celebrate the 175th anniversary of our founding as a medical school, we look back on a rich and diverse history. What is now proudly called Virginia Commonwealth University has undergone many changes over the years, including its name, its buildings and even its mission.
What has never changed, however, is the idea that the people who work, live and learn at this great institution — the faculty, staff and students who make up VCU — are focused on distinction in every way. That is evident throughout our history, and it will drive us into the next 175 years as one of America’s great public research universities.
In other words, after 175 years, our story of excellence is really just beginning, and that is what makes this celebration so exciting. Thank you for commemorating this special anniversary with us, and thank you for helping build a university that has always been, and will always be, so committed to excellence.
Best wishes,
Michael Rao, Ph.D.
President, VCU and VCU Health System
“At Campus Sustainability Day on a free Segway tour of Monroe Park Campus highlighting VCU’s sustainability efforts.”
—Julia Rubert
“This was a visit to a small Maya farming community in Guatemala. We met a family that our Professor was friends with. They cooked us lunch, after the joyous meal we all chatted about various things.”
—Martin Townes
“This photo is from my final day as an intern at CBS 6, the South’s first television station. I was an intern with the web team while I was there!”
—Alix Hines
“I was afforded the opportunity conduct research through the IMSD research program with Dr. Joseph Porter (Department of Psychology). Here I am presenting in San Jose, CA, at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS).”
—Brian Joseph
“VCU students exploring the Coliseum in Rome!”
—Arielle Clute
“[Redacted] and myself were volunteering with our ASPiRE program at the Sportable Paralympic Experience in the Siegel Center. We joined in wheelchair games with children and adults with disabilities.”
—Jasmine Luckey
“I hunted Nessie.”
—Jerid Prater
“I applied for a scholarship from the Virginia International Business Council and was a recipient in Spring 2013. I am pictured here with Dr. Van Wood and board members of the VAIBC.”
—Brittany Gracik
“Ukrop's 10K Marathon, Richmond, VA. RVA was beautiful for everyone who ran!”
—DeAudrea Rich
“Visiting the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.”
—Morse Faria
(M.D. 1862/Medicine)
An early pioneer of hydrotherapy and a doctor in the Confederate Army. He died in 1921.
(M.D.1898 /Medicine)
Mayor of Richmond from 1924 to 1940, who also served in World War I and was a professor of anatomy at MCV before his stint as mayor. He died in 1953.
(B.S. ’33/Pharmacy)
Philanthropist and founder of pharmaceutical giant A.H. Robins Co. He died in 1995.
(H.S. ’41/Medicine)
Established the nation’s first civilian burn unit in 1947 at MCV. During his tenure as burn director, the first civilian intensive care unit was established and the first protocol for fluid resuscitation post-burn was developed.
(M.D. ’43/Medicine)
Eminent scholar and one of the world’s earliest pioneers in stem-cell research, Ende was a lifelong resident of Petersburg, Va., where he practiced medicine for more than 50 years until his death.
(M.D. ’45/Medicine)
Shared the Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology in 1980 and retired as president of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard. He died in 2011 at age 90.
(M.D. ’57/Medicine; H.S. ’60/Medicine)
Past president of the American Medical Association, he’s a retired private practitioner of internal medicine with a subspecialty in cardiology. He also served as a clinical professor of medicine at VCU.
(M.D. ’58/Medicine; H.S. ’64/Medicine)
A pioneer transplant surgeon who founded the kidney transplant programs at the University of Kentucky and the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he served as professor of surgery. He performed more than 900 kidney transplants during his career.
(B.S. ’59/Mass Communications)
Author of nine novels and a collection of essays, reviews and short stories, he was awarded the Library of Virginia’s Literary Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. He is best known for his 1976 novel, “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues,” part of which is set in Richmond, Va.
(M.S.W. ’60/Social Work)
Distinguished professor in the VCU Center for Public Policy, she provides direction and oversight for The Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute. She retired as provost and vice president of academic affairs after 32 years of service and twice served as acting president.
(B.S. ’60/Nursing)
Was the first African-American student to graduate from the formerly all-white School of Nursing.
(M.D. ’61/Medicine)
Founded Kidney Care, a regional network of artificial kidney units created to treat patients with end-stage kidney disease.
(H.S. ’61/Medicine)
A pioneer in organ transplantation, Lee served as chief of transplantation at VCU. In 1984-85, he was chairman of the MCV transplantation program and president of the American Society of Transplant Surgeons. He pushed the signing of the National Organ Transplant Act into federal law. Lee died in March 2013 at age 87.
(H.S. ’62/Medicine; Ph.D. ’67/M)
Joined MCV in 1962, served as dean of the VCU School of Medicine, vice president for health sciences and CEO of the VCU Health System Authority. Kontos led the strategic planning and legislative efforts that created the VCU Health System.
(B.S. ’62/Allied Health Professions)
Retired safety training manager for the Virginia Department of General Services and a member of the MCV Foundation Board of Trustees.
(M.H.A. ’64/Allied Health Professions)
Retired executive vice president of Humana Inc. and president, hospital division, as well as a civilian consultant to the surgeon general of the U.S. Air Force. He received the VCU Department of Health Administration Lifetime Service Award.
(Cert. ’64/Allied Health Professions)
Left a $1 million endowment to the School of Allied Health Professions, its largest gift ever, upon his death in 2008. He founded the Maryland Institute of Pastoral Counseling Inc. in 1973.
(B.A. ’67/Mass Communications)
Considered one of the architects of the barter syndicated TV business with a 40-year career that established him as one of the most powerful and innovative executives in the industry, he spent 17 years as president of Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution.
(D.D.S. ’68/Dentistry; H.S. ’71/Dentistry)
Former president of the American Dental Association and a longtime VCU School of Dentistry faculty member.
(B.S. ’69/Business)
Named president of Mary Washington University in 1983, becoming the youngest president of any of Virginia’s four-year colleges and universities. After 23 years, he retired as the longest-serving president of any public institution in Virginia.
(B.F.A. ’69/Arts)
Two-time Oscar winner for visual effects for “E.T.” and “Innerspace.” He’s worked on numerous other films including “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,” “Gangs of New York” and “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.”
(M.Ed. ’70/Education)
Formerly the superintendent of public instruction for the Virginia Department of Education and former superintendent of both Henrico County Public Schools and Chesterfield County Public Schools. He also served as dean of the VCU School of Education.
(H.S. ’70/Medicine)
Conducted NIH-sponsored endocrine research while a faculty member in the VCU Department of Surgery. He served as vice chair of the surgery department for 21 years and chair of the Division of General/Trauma Surgery, chief of medical staff at MCV Hospitals, senior associate dean of the School of Medicine and then dean.
(M.D. ’71/Medicine)
Nationally known speaker on wellness, laughter and humor, health care, and health care systems, he founded and directs the Gesundheit Institute, a holistic medical community that’s provided free health care to thousands of patients since 1971.
(B.S. ’71/Business)
Served as president and COO of Trigon Healthcare Inc. and has been a director of NewMarket Corp., The Bank of Richmond, National Association, Tredegar Corp. and Central Fidelity Banks Inc.
(B.S. ’71/Mass Communications)
Vice president and co-founder of In Your Ear Music and Recording Corp., a Richmond, Va.-based company that composes and produces music for commercials and films. His music career spans 40 years.
(M.Ed. ’72/Education)
The first woman to serve as superintendent of public instruction for the Virginia Department of Education. Before retiring, she implemented Virginia’s Standards of Learning program to raise academic standards and hold schools accountable for increasing student achievement.
(B.F.A. ’73/Arts)
Established and owns Richmond, Va., restaurants Sidewalk Cafe, Bandito’s, Stella’s and Kuba Kuba.
(B.S. ’73/Business)
Partner at Hunton & Williams law firm and a member of Washington and Lee’s board of trustees.
(B.F.A. ’73/Arts)
Emmy Award winner who has served as art director for TV’s “NYPD Blue,” “Private Practice,” “The Guiding Light,” “Another World” and “Texas.”
(M.D. ’73/Medicine)
Current member of the Virginia House of Delegates, partner in Neurological Associates Inc., a leading Richmond, Va., medical practice, served as chief of staff of Henrico Doctors’ Hospital and is currently on the hospital’s board of trustees.
(H.S. ’74/Medicine)
Served as president of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Global Health Program for nearly seven years. Yamada now serves his home country of Japan by lending his decades of knowledge and experience to the country’s largest pharmaceutical company, Takeda.
(B.S. ’75/Education)
A varsity swimmer at VCU before becoming a coach, he oversaw 16 Olympians in more than seven Olympics, including two gold and two silver medalists. In 2012, he was inducted into the American Swimming Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
(B.F.A. ’75/Arts)
Songwriter of numerous No. 1 hits, including “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” recorded by Crystal Gayle, which earned him a Grammy nomination.
(M.H.A. ’76/Allied Health Professions)
Congregation leader of the Sisters of Bon Secours of Paris and chair of Bon Secours Ministries. In 2011, she received the Papal award, Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal, the highest honor given to a member of the religious community by the Vatican.
(B.F.A. ’76/Arts)
Actor who’s starred in several movies, including “Animal House” and “Dream Team,” as well as TV’s “St. Elsewhere,” “Babylon Five” and “Scrubs.”
(M.A.E. ’76/Arts)
Taught visual arts at the elementary, middle and high school levels before becoming principal in 1988. From there, she served in a number of superintendent positions before becoming vice president of district services for New American Schools in Arlington, Va.
(B.S.W. ’76/Social Work; M.S. ’82/Allied Health Professions)
Established the Cathy Saunders Career Gerontologist Scholarship in the School of Allied Health Professions, served as chair of the Virginia Alzheimer’s Commission, president of the MCV Alumni Association and worked for the commonwealth of Virginia before becoming a real estate agent 16 years ago.
(B.S. ’76/Business)
Retired chairman and CEO of WellPoint Inc., Southeast Region, former rector of the VCU Board of Visitors and current treasurer of The Community Foundation.
(M.H.A. ’77/Allied Health Professions)
Chairman and CEO of HCA, where his career began in 1981. He has served on numerous professional and community boards and is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.
(M.F.A. ’77/Arts)
Sculptor who created the Arthur Ashe Monument in Richmond, Va., the King Neptune Statue in Virginia Beach, Va., and the Martin Luther King bronze monument in Hopewell, Va.
(B.F.A. ’78/Arts)
Two-time Emmy winner for production of NBC’s Barcelona Olympics and “The Late Show with David Letterman.” He served as production designer on “The School of Rock,” “Friday the 13th” and the “Sex in the City” films.
(M.S. ’78/Allied Health Professions)
Commissioner of the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, he’s served on the community boards for Housing Opportunities Made Equal, A Grace Place and CultureWorks. He also is a deacon at Grace Baptist Church.
(B.S. ’79/Business)
Developer and builder of numerous subdivisions, apartments and shopping centers. He founded the Highlands Massey Classic, a golf tournament designed to raise money for VCU Massey Cancer Center.
(M.D. ’79/Medicine)
The first African-American admitted into the Medical College of Virginia in 1951 and the first black faculty member. In 1978, she became the first woman and first African-American to take on a cabinet-level position in Virginia as secretary of human resources. She died in 2001.
(B.S. ’80/Mass Communications)
Special assistant to the president of Virginia State University, he is a 12-time Emmy winner and directed the film “Juwanna Mann.” Vaughan worked on NBC’s local news programs and helmed the direction of several network specials, such as Nelson Mandela’s visit to Washington, D.C.
(B.F.A. ’80/Arts)
Production designer for AMC’s hit TV series “Mad Men.” Other work includes HBO’s “Big Love” and “Carnivàle,” NBC’s “Parks and Recreation,” as well as several films such as “The Replacements” and “Coffee and Cigarettes.”
(B.S. ’81/Humanities and Sciences)
Founder, CEO and president of ImageWork Technologies Corp. in New York. Along with brothers Mark and Robert, he founded the Hansan Family Foundation in 2005.
(B.S. ’82/Pharmacy)
Current member of the Virginia House of Delegates and president and pharmacist at Bennett’s Creek Pharmacy.
(B.S. ’82/Humanities and Sciences)
President and owner of CRT/Tanaka, the largest independent public relations and marketing firm based in Virginia.
(B.S. ’83/Mass Communications)
Current member of the Virginia House of Delegates, vice chairman of the board of trustees of the Center for Rural Virginia. He also serves on the board of trustees of the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia.
(B.S. ’83/Nursing; M.H.A. ’89/Allied Health Professions)
In February 2013, she was re-nominated by President Barack Obama to be administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. She’s served as acting administrator since 2011.
(B.A. ’83/Humanities and Sciences)
Attorney and best-selling author of 25 novels, all of which have been national and international bestsellers. He was inducted into the International Crime Writing Hall of Fame and received the Barnes & Noble Writers for Writers Award.
(B.S. ’84/Humanities and Sciences)
Co-founder, president and CEO of CareMetx LLC and managing partner of Bethesda Partners LLC in Maryland. Along with brothers Kevin and Robert, he founded the Hansan Family Foundation in 2005.
(B.S. ’84/Nursing; M.S. ’94/Nursing; Cert. ’96/Nursing; Ph.D. ’97/Nursing)
The Judith B. Collins and Joseph M. Teefey Distinguished Professor and chair of the Department of Family and Community Health Nursing, her work centers on improving the quality of life for cancer patients, primarily through symptom management and relief.
(M.Ed. ’84/Education)
A 33-year veteran in the field of education, she’s currently superintendent of public instruction for the Virginia Department of Education. Wright has provided leadership and technical assistance in developing and implementing early childhood, elementary and secondary education programs, specifically in mathematics.
(B.A. ’86/Humanities and Sciences)
Managing partner at Duchess Investments in Fairfax, Va. Along with brothers Kevin and Mark, he founded the Hansan Family Foundation in 2005.
(M.B.A. ’86/Business)
In 2009, he was named leader of the Richmond Media Group, which includes the Richmond Times-Dispatch, TimesDispatch.com, Richmond Suburban Newspapers and Richmond.com. In January 2005, he became president and publisher of the Times-Dispatch, Media General’s second-largest newspaper.
(M.D. ’86/Medicine; Ph.D. ’87/Medicine)
A virologist, he was the first to sequence the genome of the influenza virus which caused the 1918 pandemic of Spanish flu. He works at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, D.C., and heads the institute’s division of molecular pathology.
(B.F.A. ’86/Arts)
Lead vocalist for the Grammy-nominated band GWAR.
(B.S. ’88/Humanities and Sciences; M.S. ’89/Humanities and Sciences)
CEO, president and co-founder of Health Diagnostic Laboratory Inc., she is an award-winning American entrepreneur whose pioneering work in the field of chronic disease management has helped propel the field of cardiology and related diseases into the forefront of diagnostic care.
(B.S. ’89/Pharmacy)
Current member of the Virginia House of Delegates and owner of Gloucester Pharmacy.
(M.M. ’90/Arts)
Clarinetist, saxophonist and educator, he is one of the most respected and multifaceted musicians in today’s jazz world. He’s director of jazz studies and professor of music at Northwestern University and was artistic director of the jazz program at the Juilliard School.
(B.S. ’90/Humanities and Sciences)
Current member of the Virginia House of Delegates, owner/realtor at Crossroads Realtors and former police officer and city councilman in Manassas, Va.
(Ph.D. ’91/Medicine)
Chair of the Department of Physical Therapy with an affiliate appointment in the School of Medicine’s Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology. An honorary School of Allied Health Professions alumna, she is president emeritus of the MCV Alumni Association of VCU.
(B.S. ’92/Education)
A retired professional American soccer defender, he played at VCU from 1987-91, starting all 71 games as captain. A member of the VCU Athletic Hall of Fame, Dade is currently an assistant coach for Jacksonville University’s women’s soccer team.
(M.F.A. ’92/Arts)
A sculptor and artist in New York, she received the 2005 MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship and a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2003. In 2011, she was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts.
(B.F.A. ’92/Arts)
An actor, he’s starred in such films as “Changeling” and “The Good Shepherd,” appeared in the HBO miniseries “John Adams,” the Fox TV series “Alcatraz,” as well as several other TV shows.
(B.F.A. ’92/Arts)
President and creative director of his own multimillion-dollar fashion conglomerate, Kemistre 8, he oversees several successful brands, including Akademiks, PRPS and Stash House.
(M.F.A. ’92/Humanities and Sciences)
Author of several critically acclaimed novels, including “Rapture of Canaan,” a New York Times bestseller and Oprah Winfrey book club selection. She’s currently professor and director of creative writing and the Ruth and Perry Morgan Chair of Southern Literature at Old Dominion University.
(B.A. ’93/Humanities and Sciences)
Senior spokesperson for East, Central and Southern Africa at the World Food Program, she is currently based in Kenya.
(M.P.A. ’94/Humanities and Sciences)
Current member of the Virginia House of Delegates and former mayor of Petersburg, Va.
(B.S. ’96/Business)
Attended VCU on a tennis scholarship before embarking on a career in Hollywood. He was named one of the “50 Most Beautiful People in the World” by People magazine and is best known as a regular on Showtime’s “Soul Food.”
(M.F.A. ’99/Arts)
She has appeared in more than 30 one-artist exhibits, 14 public collections, 120 periodicals, 87 group exhibits, and 49 books and exhibit catalogues. Her work has garnered 13 grants and awards, including the prestigious MacArthur “Genius” Grant in 2008.
(M.Ed. ’02/Education; Ph.D. ’07/Education)
Currently superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools. He was assistant superintendent for instruction in Louisa, Va., and the school-improvement specialist in Chesterfield, Va., before becoming director of middle schools in Houston in 2010.
(B.S. ’02/Humanities and Sciences; Ph.D. ’11/Pharmacy)
With his twin brother, Evan, he co-founded the Richmond, Va.-based specialty pharmaceutical firm Intelliject Inc., which creates devices that are easier for patients to use, such as Auvi-Q, the first-and-only compact auto-injector that “talks” users through administering epinephrine.
(B.F.A. ’02/Arts)
A director, photographer and choreographer, he was the first American to receive the Rolex Arts Initiative for Dance. His work has been featured on the Sundance Channel, PBS and MTV Europe, and in numerous periodicals and magazines in the U.S. and Europe.
(B.S. ’03/Mass Communications)
Joined the WRC News4 morning newscast in Washington, D.C., in March 2010 after spending 11 years at WWBT, NBC’s affiliate in Richmond, Va. He began as a desk assistant and held several positions before becoming an Emmy Award-winning anchor.
(M.S. ’05/Education)
In 2012, he was promoted to interim head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, making him the youngest active head coach and first Mexican-American coach in the NBA. He currently serves as an assistant.
(B.S. ’08/Humanities and Sciences)
An American-Turkish professional basketball player, she acquired Turkish citizenship in 2012 to play for Turkey’s national team. She starred at VCU from 2005-09, ranks third in all-time scoring and second in rebounds. Her jersey is one of three retired by the program.
(B.A. ’08/Humanities and Sciences)
Author of the critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller “The Yellow Birds.”
(B.S. ’09/Mass Communications)
A network correspondent for CBS News based in New York, he anchors CBS’ early morning news broadcasts. Brown’s career began as a tape editor at WWBT in Richmond, Va.
(B.I.S. ’09/Humanities and Sciences)
Taken 20th overall by the Utah Jazz in the 2009 NBA Draft. He was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2009, and then to the Portland Trail Blazers in February 2013.
(B.A. ’12/Humanities and Sciences; B.A. ’12/Humanities and Sciences)
Co-chaired President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign in 2012, the only student on a list of 35 governors, longtime Obama friends and Hollywood celebrities selected. He advised the campaign on key issues and helped to mobilize voters.
Professor of journalism and director of graduate studies, School of Mass Communications; president, VCU Faculty Senate
“Before I was accepted to the M.S. in Strategic PR Program, June Nicholson helped me throughout the entire process. June initially got me interested in the program, and is one of the reasons I chose to apply. She is encouraging and always positive toward all students.”
—Lindsey Diamond
To commemorate our 175th anniversary, we asked the VCU community to nominate faculty and staff who made a difference in their lives.
Professor of social work
“As an ever-present doctoral student mentor; as a celebrated doctoral education leader; as an engaging, inspiring and passionate social work teacher and scholar for 24 years at VCU; as a fierce student advocate, no matter the circumstances; as a unique, special and talented person.”
—Suzanne Boyd
To commemorate our 175th anniversary, we asked the VCU community to nominate faculty and staff who made a difference in their lives.
Coordinator of advising, School of World Studies
"Jessica Lonnes took time out of her busy schedule to chat with me about scholarships, grants, internships and ideas I was having about the future. I am so inspired by her enthusiasm and how she gracefully balances advising and teaching along with so many other things."
—Jessica Hairston
To commemorate our 175th anniversary, we asked the VCU community to nominate faculty and staff who made a difference in their lives.
Assistant professor, Art Foundation Program
"He goes off book when it’s necessary for students to learn real-world applications. His classes lead to intellectual discussions about issues in the art world and in society. Above all, he is very patient and understanding that in his classes, we are learners, not experts."
—Bianca Blunt
To commemorate our 175th anniversary, we asked the VCU community to nominate faculty and staff who made a difference in their lives.
Assistant professor of epidemiology
“Dr. Lu is a quiet yet powerful force who has supported and encouraged many students from a variety of disciplines to appreciate the power of proper epidemiologic studies. Dr. Lu was a true inspiration to me as a nontraditional student and she is a true asset to the dept.”
—Jennifer Nield
To commemorate our 175th anniversary, we asked the VCU community to nominate faculty and staff who made a difference in their lives.
Assistant professor of focused inquiry
“Professor Cates has opened my eyes as to what it means to be passionate about education and educating. His love of learning radiates from him to his students and inspires them to better themselves through objective researching regardless of their educational discipline.”
—Michael Czuba
To commemorate our 175th anniversary, we asked the VCU community to nominate faculty and staff who made a difference in their lives.
Assistant professor of gender, sexuality and women’s studies
“Liz Canfield has personally made a positive impact on my life. She wants the best for her students and will do whatever she can to help them in achieving their goals. She genuinely cares about her students and is a wonderful professor and advisor. Thank you for everything!!!”
—Kaityln Donahue
To commemorate our 175th anniversary, we asked the VCU community to nominate faculty and staff who made a difference in their lives.
Special assistant to the provost for veteran support
“Dr. Green has been an amazing part of my life since I arrived at VCU. She has been supportive, encouraging and a positive member of the VCU community. Her smile is contagious and igniting. She has this great spirit that all members of the VCU community should follow.”
—Jason Cottrell
To commemorate our 175th anniversary, we asked the VCU community to nominate faculty and staff who made a difference in their lives.
Professor of philosophy and religious studies
“Without Cliff Edwards we wouldn’t have a Religious Studies Dept. When he joined the faculty, it was still part of the Philosophy Dept. Religious Studies grew and became its own. Cliff became the Chair, the program flourished and he demonstrates excellence in educating to this day.”
—Charlie Lintecum
To commemorate our 175th anniversary, we asked the VCU community to nominate faculty and staff who made a difference in their lives.
Assistant professor of marketing
“Dr. Slough goes out of his way to make a connection with his students. With over 800 new students every year, Dr. Slough still remembers small details about my life and that means a lot. He is genuinely interested in each of his student’s success.”
—Eric Rowsey
To commemorate our 175th anniversary, we asked the VCU community to nominate faculty and staff who made a difference in their lives.
Executive administrative assistant to the dean, College of Humanities and Sciences
“Marquita Aguilar is a warm and friendly staff member who cares deeply about student success, so much so that she established a scholarship program to help more students achieve their academic goals.”
—Cassie Williams Jones
To commemorate our 175th anniversary, we asked the VCU community to nominate faculty and staff who made a difference in their lives.
Director, Center for Clinical and Translational Research; associate vice president of clinical research; professor of internal medicine
“John Clore is a physician, researcher and mentor who is loved by his patients and respected by colleagues and staff. His passion and dedication to improving human health shows in everything he does.”
—Frances Dumenci
To commemorate our 175th anniversary, we asked the VCU community to nominate faculty and staff who made a difference in their lives.
Professor of art history
“Charles Brownell is passionate about design and the built environment. He pushes his students to research, learn and educate others. He has spearheaded the VCU Symposium on Architectural History and the Decorative Arts for almost 20 years and brings architectural history to the masses.”
—Jennifer Watson
To commemorate our 175th anniversary, we asked the VCU community to nominate faculty and staff who made a difference in their lives.
Associate professor of English
“David Coogan started and continues to lead the writing workshop partnership between VCU and the Richmond City Jail. He recently expanded on this platform to found Open Minds, a program where VCU students and prisoners at Richmond City Jail take humanities courses together.”
—Morgan Huff
To commemorate our 175th anniversary, we asked the VCU community to nominate faculty and staff who made a difference in their lives.
Professor of art history
“Charles Brownell is passionate about design and the built environment. He pushes his students to research, learn and educate others. He has spearheaded the VCU Symposium on Architectural History and the Decorative Arts for almost 20 years and brings architectural history to the masses.”
—Jennifer Watson
Professor of philosophy and religious studies
“Without Cliff Edwards we wouldn’t have a Religious Studies Dept. When he joined the faculty, it was still part of the Philosophy Dept. Religious Studies grew and became its own. Cliff became the Chair, the program flourished and he demonstrates excellence in educating to this day.”
—Charlie Lintecum
Associate professor of English
“David Coogan started and continues to lead the writing workshop partnership between VCU and the Richmond City Jail. He recently expanded on this platform to found Open Minds, a program where VCU students and prisoners at Richmond City Jail take humanities courses together.”
—Morgan Huff
Assistant professor of gender, sexuality and women’s studies
“Liz Canfield has personally made a positive impact on my life. She wants the best for her students and will do whatever she can to help them in achieving their goals. She genuinely cares about her students and is a wonderful professor and advisor. Thank you for everything!!!”
—Kaityln Donahue
Coordinator of advising, School of World Studies
"Jessica Lonnes took time out of her busy schedule to chat with me about scholarships, grants, internships and ideas I was having about the future. I am so inspired by her enthusiasm and how she gracefully balances advising and teaching along with so many other things."
—Jessica Hairston
Assistant professor of focused inquiry
“Professor Cates has opened my eyes as to what it means to be passionate about education and educating. His love of learning radiates from him to his students and inspires them to better themselves through objective researching regardless of their educational discipline.”
—Michael Czuba
Director, Center for Clinical and Translational Research; associate vice president of clinical research; professor of internal medicine
“John Clore is a physician, researcher and mentor who is loved by his patients and respected by colleagues and staff. His passion and dedication to improving human health shows in everything he does.”
—Frances Dumenci
Assistant professor of epidemiology
“Dr. Lu is a quiet yet powerful force who has supported and encouraged many students from a variety of disciplines to appreciate the power of proper epidemiologic studies. Dr. Lu was a true inspiration to me as a nontraditional student and she is a true asset to the dept.”
—Jennifer Nield
Professor of journalism and director of graduate studies, School of Mass Communications; president, VCU Faculty Senate
“Before I was accepted to the M.S. in Strategic PR Program, June Nicholson helped me throughout the entire process. June initially got me interested in the program, and is one of the reasons I chose to apply. She is encouraging and always positive toward all students.”
—Lindsey Diamond
Assistant professor, Art Foundation Program
"He goes off book when it’s necessary for students to learn real-world applications. His classes lead to intellectual discussions about issues in the art world and in society. Above all, he is very patient and understanding that in his classes, we are learners, not experts."
—Bianca Blunt
Professor of social work
“As an ever-present doctoral student mentor; as a celebrated doctoral education leader; as an engaging, inspiring and passionate social work teacher and scholar for 24 years at VCU; as a fierce student advocate, no matter the circumstances; as a unique, special and talented person.”
—Suzanne Boyd
Executive administrative assistant to the dean, College of Humanities and Sciences
“Marquita Aguilar is a warm and friendly staff member who cares deeply about student success, so much so that she established a scholarship program to help more students achieve their academic goals.”
—Cassie Williams Jones
Special assistant to the provost for veteran support
“Dr. Green has been an amazing part of my life since I arrived at VCU. She has been supportive, encouraging and a positive member of the VCU community. Her smile is contagious and igniting. She has this great spirit that all members of the VCU community should follow.”
—Jason Cottrell
Assistant professor of marketing
“Dr. Slough goes out of his way to make a connection with his students. With over 800 new students every year, Dr. Slough still remembers small details about my life and that means a lot. He is genuinely interested in each of his student’s success.”
—Eric Rowsey
VCU Broad Street Mile
VCU Broad Street Mile
VCU Broad Street Mile
VCU Broad Street Mile
VCU Broad Street Mile
Graduating seniors attend the first Official Class Ring Ceremony in May 2013.
Graduating seniors attend the first Official Class Ring Ceremony in May 2013.
VCU Alumni Virginia Winery Tour.
Richmond Professional Institute Reunion Weekend 2013.
VCU GOLD hosts Rams Night Out.
Seniors show off passports at Your Passport to the World graduation gala.
VCU RVA GOLD volunteers at the Monument Avenue 10k as part of the Massey Mile.
VCU alumni enjoy a Flying Squirrels game at VCU Alumni Day at the Diamond.
VCU Alumni Day at the Diamond pregame picnic.
VCU Alumni and Community Bike Ride.
African-American Alumni Council picnic at St. Joseph’s Villa; part of Reunion Weekend 2013.
African-American Alumni Council dance at the Richmond Marriott; part of Reunion Weekend 2013.
The new McGlothlin Medical Education Center.
The new McGlothlin Medical Education Center.
May 2013 Commencement.
May 2013 Commencement.
May 2013 Commencement.
E. Claiborne Robins Sr.
Everett L. Evans, M.D.
Baruj Benacerraf, M.D.
Myron Kauffman, M.D.
Grace E. Harris, Ph.D.
John Bower, M.D.
Richard T. “Dick” Robertson
Ronald L. Tankersley, D.D.S.
William M. Anderson Jr.
Patch Adams, M.D.
Robbin Thompson
Jo Lynne DeMary
Robert J. Grey Jr., J.D.
Richard Hankins
The Honorable John M. O’Bannon III, M.D.
Tadataka “Tachi” Yamada, M.D.
Jay F. Fitzgerald
Richard Leigh
Sister Patricia A. Eck
Stephen Furst
Dale C. Kalkofen, Ed.D.
Catherine “Cathy” P. Saunders
Thomas G. Snead Jr.
Richard M. Bracken
Paul DiPasquale
Jeremy Conway
George P. Emerson Jr.
Jean Harris, M.D.
Jesse E. Vaughan
The Honorable S. Christopher Jones
The Honorable R. Steven Landes
Marilyn Tavenner
David Baldacci, J.D.
Patricia I. Wright
Thomas A. Silverstri
David M. Brockie
Tonya S. Mallory
The Honorable M. Keith Hodges
Victor Goines
The Honorable Jackson H. Miller
Eric Dade
Donwan T. Harrell
Sheri Reynolds
The Honorable Rosalyn R. Dance
Boris Kodjoe
Tara Donovan
S. Dallas Dance, Ph.D.
Eric Edwards, Ph.D.
V. Kaleb Canales
Quanitra Hollingsworth
Kevin Powers
Eric Maynor