Alum and Donor News

Terry and Ed Dadez took the same chemistry class at VCU as freshmen and married four years later. Their 46-year marriage has been highlighted by two sons, numerous academic degrees and careers in nursing and education. (Contributed image)

Unbreakable bonds: An index card isn’t the most romantic prop, but persistence paid off

Feb. 12, 2026

Ed Dadez was smitten with wife-to-be Terry from the get-go in 1975; her thoughts, and eyes, were elsewhere.

Jonathan Moore and Joel Gill have long supported each other in their studies and their work – and have seven VCU degrees between them. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Unbreakable bonds: To the nth degrees, they’re a perfect Ram match

Feb. 11, 2026

Joel Gill and Jonathan Moore made a virtual connection in 2004, and many VCU diplomas have framed their journey.

Heather Caslin, Ph.D. (B.S.’12, M.S.’14, Ph.D.’18) trains the next generation of physiology students

Jan. 30, 2026

An alumna of both the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences and the School of Life Sciences and Sustainability, Caslin’s career in teaching and research was inspired by her time on the Monroe Park campus.

J. Kim Penberthy, Ph.D. (Ph.D.’98) pursues innovative therapies to expand patient freedom

Jan. 30, 2026

The Department of Psychology alumna recently returned to campus to speak on prolonged grief disorder and the feasibility of psilocybin treatment

Shruti Shrivastava is pictured dressed in the Oxford Sub Fusc, the traditional academic attire required at Oxford University. Shrivastava is in front of Oxford's Sheldonian Theatre and Bodleian Library. (Contributed image)

How I found my research: Shruti Shrivastava’s interest in evolutionary biology takes her to Oxford

Jan. 5, 2026

Shrivastava is studying how biological diversity might change over time due to the effects of climate change.

IBé Crawley, who spent 30 years teaching K-12 in Virginia schools, is part of the African American doll and puppet makers community and the African American Craft Alliance, as well as various book arts collectives. She also founded the IBé Arts Institute. (Contributed image)

Meet-a-Ram: IBé Crawley still adding creative chapters to her life story

Nov. 14, 2025

A half-century since she started at VCU, she continues to blend education, art and community.

Nardos Iyob (B.A. ’20) raises awareness for a major adolescent development study

Nov. 10, 2025

Iyob’s survey of the humanities as a Department of Political Science and Department of African American Studies double major prepared her to work in research

Kiffy Werkheiser (B.A.’07, M.S.’08) combines her passion for philanthropy with theater

Oct. 28, 2025

Werkheiser’s studies as an undergraduate in the Department of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies, and as a graduate student in the Department of Sociology laid the groundwork for a career in nonprofits and philanthropy.

Clinton McFeely, Ph.D. (B.S. ’14, B.S. ’17, Ph.D. ’22) experiments at the molecular level in search of new treatments

Oct. 22, 2025

The Departments of Physics and Chemistry alumnus found his niche in theoretical science, experimenting in VCU’s labs to prepare for his professional career.

Marina Pugh (B.A. ’20) uses professional and volunteer experience to enhance political campaign operations

Oct. 17, 2025

The School of World Studies and Department of Philosophy alumna worked in political campaigns across Virginia and served in the Peace Corps in Kosovo.