Alum and Donor News

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, 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

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.

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.

Alumni Q+A: Samantha Clavel (B.S. ’21) is empowering local adolescent girls to be more active

Aug. 26, 2025

Clavel uses the lessons from her health, physical education and exercise science curriculum to promote healthy living in local girls and mentor current students.

Alumni Q+A: Karishma Singh (B.S. ’20) is a storyteller and marketer inspired by literature

Aug. 21, 2025

Singh’s studies in the Department of English created the foundation to pursue roles in marketing and communications.

Alumni Q+A: Ella Balasa (B.S. ’14) is a voice for fellow patients

Aug. 21, 2025

Balasa’s interest in biology put her on a path to better understanding her chronic disease and helping others navigate their treatments.

Alumni Q+A: Denver Supinger (B.A. ’14, M.P.A. ’15) is an advocate for community betterment

Aug. 11, 2025

Supinger’s career of public service in the region was launched in the Department of Political Science.

Alumni Q+A: Jeff MacDonald (B.S. ’10, M.S. ’12) is directing AI’s evolution in creative advertising

Aug. 5, 2025

The creative advertising alumnus reflects on his time at VCU and how it influenced his career path as an industry trailblazer in AI integration

Emma Cummings processes a bird as part of her responsibilities during an internship at Assateague Island National Seashore off the coast of Maryland. (National Park Service)

Recent VCU grad Emma Cummings is bonding, and banding, with the birds

July 24, 2025

In Yellowstone this season, the National Park Service staffer is powered by a lifelong interest in nature and avian ecology lessons from the Rice Rivers Center.