Undergraduate Student News

Bella Lubinskas, a junior majoring in advertising and a student team lead at CreateAthon@VCU, speaks to the rest of the team on March 25 during the first hour of CreateAthon. The team spent the next 23 hours preparing materials and presentations to help a collection of local nonprofits with their branding and communications needs. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

‘Energy’ fuels 24-hour CreateAthon@VCU’s return to in-person collaboration for local nonprofits

April 1, 2022

“We’re the little guys,” said one organization’s founder while expressing gratitude after students shared their vision for her organization and three other ‘scrappy’ nonprofits in the creative sprint’s 15th year.

Akira Goden is president of the student organization Black Minds Matter, which is dedicated to improving mental health in the Black community. (Tom Kojcsich, University Marketing)

Class of 2022: Akira Goden is passionate about mental health in the Black community

March 30, 2022

A double major in African American studies and psychology, her dream is to combine those two fields as a therapist.

At STEAM Day, Mychal Smith, Ph.D., an assistant professor of chemistry at VCU, turns a pickle into a battery for fifth-graders at Patrick Copeland Elementary School in Hopewell. VCU students and faculty volunteered on the first day of spring break to teach grade-school students about science, technology, engineering, the arts and math. (Alexis Finc, VCU College of Humanities and Sciences)

VCU students open Hopewell grade schoolers’ eyes to science at STEAM Day

March 10, 2022

On their first day of spring break, VCU science, technology, engineering, arts and math students showed off science experiments to students at Patrick Copeland Elementary School.

Vineeth Vaidyula. Photo by Thomas Kojcsich, University Marketing.

Honors student starts club to assist refugees in Richmond, raise awareness

March 7, 2022

‘Through volunteerism, and through conversations, we want VCU students to gain a better understanding of this local population of people that are often very underserved and falling through the cracks.’

Jessica Seppi. “The more statistics classes I took, the more I realized I needed to make this decision. I wanted to do what makes me happy.” (Courtesy of Jessica Seppi)

Starting over: Jessica Seppi took a class that caused her to change direction, and she couldn’t be happier

Jan. 13, 2022

The transfer student pivoted from broadcast journalism to statistics after discovering a love for applying math to the real world.

VCU student volunteers and interns work with workout buddies through the nonprofit Jacob's Chance, an organization that aims to enrich the lives of children and young adults with disabilities. (Courtesy photo)

Students team up with local nonprofit to promote health wellness for young adults with disabilities

Dec. 14, 2021

Members of Jacob’s Chance have the opportunity to build independence and get in a great workout while also having a fun one-on-one experience with VCU interns and volunteers.

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.

Winfred Walker. “It is important to understand that you have the power to choose your own path in life.” (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Class of 2021: Winfred Walker is an advocate for racial equity at VCU and better representation in comics

Dec. 7, 2021

The College of Humanities and Sciences student aims to help create a more racially just society through his work in the community and his research.

Heather James. Her path to a VCU degree included hospital stays and multiple organ transplants. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Class of 2021: After overcoming steep health challenges, Heather James now inspires others

Dec. 6, 2021

Her eight-year journey to a VCU degree was full of obstacles — including multiple organ transplants. Now, the public relations student aspires to a career in the field of organ donation advocacy.

Luci Harris. “The immigration system is incredibly complicated and can be very traumatic for the individuals who go through it,” she said. “I hope to be able to use my Spanish skills and cultural competencies to make that process an easier one for immigrants in Virginia.” (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Class of 2021: Luci Harris hopes to help immigrants navigate the U.S. immigration system

Dec. 2, 2021

A summer internship helped solidify her decision to pursue a law degree after graduation “so that I can help individuals feel recognized and heard.”