Undergraduate Student News

Gabriel’s House at 816 W. Franklin St. is home of the African American Studies program. The building was named after Gabriel, an enslaved Richmond man who organized a rebellion in 1800 intended to end slavery in Virginia.

20 years after the establishment of the African American studies major at VCU, a look back at the program’s history and impact

May 30, 2023

Since its origins more than five decades ago, the program has developed into a ‘hub for Black intellectual thought.’

Daniela Negrete (left) and Mariana Fernandes Gragnani have helped lead Collective Corazón, a student organization that aims to break down cultural barriers in health care. (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

From the heart, VCU student group promotes Latinx health equity

May 24, 2023

Collective Corazón’s efforts include a spring symposium that spotlighted professionals and inspired aspiring practitioners.

Varun Kodali is a second-year Honors College student studying biology and minoring in chemistry in the VCU College of Humanities and Sciences. (Contributed photo)

VCU award winners are Keeping it REAL in research, community engagement and global education

May 22, 2023

Projects that highlight relevant, experiential and applied learning touch on cancer treatment, youth exposure to science and cultural expansion.

Olivia Blackstone, Oscar Kemp and Yathzelly Ortega are just three of thousands of VCU undergraduates who earned their degrees this month.

In their words: Crossing the finish line

May 19, 2023

In a series of short videos, three new VCU graduates capture their thoughts and emotions in the weeks leading up to commencement.

Nonso Akunwafor and Vishnu Alavala will be fellows in the Fulbright U.K. Summer Institutes this year. (Contributed photo)

Two VCU students selected as fellows for Fulbright U.K. Summer Institutes

May 17, 2023

Nonso Akunwafor, a freshman studying urban and regional studies, and Vishnu Alavala, a freshman studying biology, will go abroad this summer as part of the program.

Christine Singleton, an avid reader, is part of the English department’s Distinguished Major Program. (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2023: After allowing herself time to grieve, Christine Singleton returns to school and resumes her love of literature and learning

May 11, 2023

Singleton, an English major, has thrived at VCU, where she has found her voice again.

Jonathan Tatman, a biology major and safety ambassador, joined the Powerlifting Club at VCU as a junior. (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2023: Jonathan Tatman, a safety ambassador, combines his interests in powerlifting and science

May 10, 2023

Tatman, who is a biology major, has won four statewide powerlifting competitions.

Ishaan Nandwani, pictured at the Plaza de España in Seville, Spain, has been mesmerized by the architecture and “authentic beauty” of Seville during his spring studying there. (Photo by Victoria Bee, @?victoriabeephoto on Instagram)

Class of 2023: With an expanding world view, Ishaan Nandwani sees medicine as service

May 8, 2023

VCU Honors College senior, with degrees in biology and Spanish, looks to blend patient and community care.

Micah White has participated in The Warmth, a reading and writing intensive named for “The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson, every summer since he transferred into VCU. (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2023: Psychology major and rising Ph.D. student Micah White sets his mind on healing and community

May 5, 2023

His path to VCU was framed by Mellon programs that support transfer students and research, and his path forward reflects a longtime commitment to helping others.

Gabriella Zenelovic, an international studies major with a minor in Middle Eastern and Islamic studies, joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at VCU. (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2023: Gabriella Zenelovic pairs military and Arabic language training as she considers federal service career path

May 4, 2023

International studies major found her way to VCU with an assist from the basketball team.