Alum and Donor News

Kiffy Werkheiser

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 stands in front of a research poster hanging up on a bulletin board

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

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.

Andrew Alli, who became the superintendent of the James River Park System this year, graduated from VCU’s environmental studies program in 2011. (Photo by Max Posner)

Meet-a-Ram: Andrew Alli’s path to James River Park System leadership came through VCU

Oct. 10, 2025

The new superintendent (and blues musician) found formative experiences on campus.

Mikaela Romanelli

Mikaela Romanelli (M.S. ’14) protects her community using forensic chemistry

Oct. 9, 2025

The Department of Forensic Science alumna continues to use her training from her graduate program as a senior forensic chemist with the Drug Enforcement Administration

Adriene Marshall

Adriene Marshall (B.S. ’91, M.T. ’94) is making mathematics more accessible for K-12 students

Sept. 29, 2025

The Maryland-based educator works in every level of the state’s education system to decrease students’ anxiety around mathematics

Participants in the “Civil Discourse and Collaboration Initiative” will be encouraged to contribute to the greater good in meaningful and lasting ways.(File photo)

David and Michelle Baldacci launch the ‘Civil Discourse and Collaboration Initiative’ with VCU and the Library of Virginia

Sept. 25, 2025

Their $13M joint contribution will promote constructive dialogue in a polarized world through experiential learning, a tailored curriculum, public events and programming spaces.

Peter Zucker speaking at a podium

Peter Zucker, Ph.D., (M.S. ’81, Ph.D. ’83) is paying it forward with gratitude

Sept. 22, 2025

The Department of Psychology alumnus reflects on his educational journey, its influence on his career in organization attunement and the joy of helping current students

Bryce McLeod, Stephanie Violante and Micheal Southam-Gerow stand in front of a brick building wearing graduation regalia

Alumni Q+A: Stephanie Violante, Ph.D., (M.S. ’18, Ph.D. ’23) utilizes her training from VCU to treat childhood anxiety

Sept. 16, 2025

The Department of Psychology and CREATE Lab alumna works to support and empower children.

A group of people in blue uniforms pose for a photo inside a lab; a person in the center of the group holds a flat item with four lit candles

Alumni Q+A: Devleena Samanta, Ph.D. (M.S. ’12) is guiding the next generation of nanoscientists

Sept. 15, 2025

The Department of Chemistry alumna utilizes her experiences at VCU to guide her own students in her lab at the University of Texas at Austin.