Alum and Donor News

2020 Virginia Commonwealth University alum Kelly Nguyen is a recipient of a Charles B. Rangel International Affairs fellowship, which supports individuals who want to pursue a career in the foreign service of the U.S. Department of State. Contributed photo.

VCU alum is the recipient of a Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program fellowship

March 10, 2022

Studies at VCU helped lay the foundation for the work Kelly Nguyen hopes to do with the U.S. foreign service.

RPS teacher and VCU alum builds community by serving others

Feb. 14, 2022

Jessica Diaz is making a career out of paying it forward as a teacher for Richmond Public Schools.

‘Heart of Atlanta’: Alum’s book tells the story behind the first legal challenges to the Civil Rights Act

Jan. 19, 2022

Ronnie Greene writes about the bravery of five Black ministry students and pastors who became unsung heroes of the civil rights movement.

Joe Cates. “I’ve always been curious. I’ve always wanted to understand things better and there’s no better way to do that than to teach others.” (Photo by mx.bex, courtesy of Joe Cates)

Starting over: Joe Cates’ journey from chef to professor

Jan. 14, 2022

Cates spent the first part of his professional life as a chef and restauranteur before a stint in rehab helped put him on a different path.

Olivia Campbell. Her book, "Women in White Coats," has received critical acclaim since it published last year. (Courtesy photo)

Olivia Campbell, a VCU alum, tells the inspiring story of the first female doctors

Jan. 10, 2022

Campbell’s ‘Women in White Coats’ recounts the crucial moment ‘when women doctors demanded the right to heal and be healed.’

Three VCU graduates and one current student have been selected for prestigious fellowships funded by the U.S. Department of State. (File photo)

Student, three alumni selected for highly competitive fellowships

Dec. 9, 2021

The Pickering and Rangel programs funded by the U.S. Department of State provide graduate fellowships to qualified college seniors and graduates committed to joining the foreign service.

VCU Afghan Student Organization officers: Rida Jamal (left), Sadef Osmanzai (back), Waris Bahrami (right) and Yasameen Anwari (front). (Tom Kojcsich, University Marketing)

Mobilizing to help Afghans in need

Nov. 22, 2021

Responding to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, VCU students and graduates of Afghan descent are raising money, donating supplies, assisting refugees and providing information in a chaotic time.

Derick Waller, left, with then-WABC photographer Gus Alonso, center, and WABC photographer John Sprei. (Courtesy of Derick Waller)

Emmy-winning reporter and alum Derick Waller on Trump, journalism, VCU and life in New York

Nov. 17, 2021

Waller’s journey to WABC-TV — the most watched station in the nation’s largest media market — has been one of big stories and big dreams.

Matt Cricchio’s debut novel, “Security Day,” focuses on the complex relationship between the people of Afghanistan and the U.S. military. (Courtesy of Matt Cricchio)

Grad’s war novel highlights the complicated relationship between the U.S. military and the Afghan people

Nov. 9, 2021

Navy veteran and VCU alum Matt Cricchio served in Afghanistan. His debut novel, “Security Day,” will “change how you think about American conflict overseas.”

Charlotte Wincott holding an award from the Hollywood Women’s International Film Festival. (Courtesy of Charlotte Wincott)

Filmmaker, storyteller, neuroscientist: Charlotte Wincott’s latest project is a reflection of her many skills

Nov. 8, 2021

In “The Issue with Elvis,” the VCU grad’s many talents are on full display, as she weaves together a story about people, science and mental health in a way few others can.