Alum and Donor News

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.

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

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

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

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 sits on stage having a conversation with other panel members

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.