Alum and Donor News

Lauren Moncayo, a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, is balancing her scientific education and passion for modeling (Photo by Arda Athman, School of Medicine)

From the lab to the runway: Ph.D. candidate finds confidence through research

Jan. 24, 2025

Graduate student Lauren Moncayo said pursuing a doctorate has made her reevaluate other goals she considered ‘out of reach,’ like becoming a model.

VCU alum Kam Black is a content creator on the social media team at EA Sports and has worked on two of the video game developer’s top titles: Madden NFL and EA Sports College Football. (Contributed photo)

In the merging of sports, video and social media, VCU alum Kam Black is a top player

Jan. 9, 2025

The Robertson School master’s graduate brings creative flair to familiar platforms, including notable games from EA Sports.

VCU alums Vivian Shields and Carolyn Bishop both hold positions in the C-suite of Commonwealth Savers (formerly Virginia529). (Photos courtesy of Commonwealth Savers)

In the C-suite at Commonwealth Savers, Carolyn Bishop and Vivian Shields invest their Ram pride

Jan. 7, 2025

The two executives credit their VCU student experiences for laying the foundations of their success

Melanie Cruz’s advocacy mindset is being framed in part by serving as a Virginia Management Fellow, which allows her to complete three eight-month rotations at state agencies. (Thomas Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2024: With a master’s in public health, Melanie Cruz looks to serve diverse communities

Dec. 18, 2024

VCU faculty and travel opportunities helped shape the two-time graduate, who is serving as a Virginia Management Fellow.

Jennifer Cousins (second from right) with her daughter, Reagan; husband, Kevin; and son, Jack. Cousins said her family has been “cheerleading me on and supporting me” while she pursues a nursing degree at VCU. (Thomas Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2024: For Jennifer Cousins, VCU is a family affair in the spirit of care

Dec. 16, 2024

The former teacher joined her two children on campus, pursuing a nursing degree inspired by her daughter’s medical journey.

The film “Unity: Cocacoeske’s Dilemma,” which shifts between 1677 and the modern-day descendants of tribes of Tsenacommacah, includes VCU alum and instructor Christina Davis among its performers.

Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival has VCU spirit in front of and behind the camera

Nov. 25, 2024

Instructor and alum Christina Davis has a prominent role in one film, and the Humanities Research Center co-sponsored the spotlight on Indigenous stories.

(File photo)

A year-end review of students and alums who earned prestigious scholarships through the National Scholarship Office

Nov. 11, 2024

Recipients represent a variety of fields and backgrounds, and their scholarships will provide invaluable opportunities to deepen their studies, gain new perspectives and grow in their fields.

VCU to celebrate 14 notable alumni at biennial Alumni Stars event

Oct. 28, 2024

Honorees will be recognized at a Nov. 15 event at the Science Museum of Virginia.

From left: Sesha Joi Moon, Chuck Richardson, Shawn Utsey, Stephanie Rizzi and Christopher Brooks during the recent “Restoration and DEI: Where are We Now?” panel discussion at VCU. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Panelists assess historical shadows and modern perspectives on DEI and restorative justice

Oct. 22, 2024

The discussion, offered by VCU’s Project Gabriel and Common Book program, highlights personal connections and broad-based insights.

A dream two decades in the making: VCU alum Alysha Morgan is ready for her Broadway debut. (Photo by Ted Ely)

With Broadway debut, VCU alum Alysha Morgan is dancing into a childhood dream

Oct. 18, 2024

The 2016 graduate is part of the cast bringing ‘A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical’ to the world-renowned theater district.