Alum and Donor News

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.
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 (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 (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
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.