Alum and Donor News

VCU alum Shawn Meredith serves as grants manager and district coordinator in constituent services for U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger. (Contributed photo)

After a bold introduction, Shawn Meredith found his niche in U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger’s office

Aug. 14, 2024

The 2016 graduate from the Robertson School is a go-to guy in constituent affairs.

Karl Rhodes, author of the novel “Peggy’s War,” is a 1983 graduate of VCU, where he majored in mass communications with a news-editorial concentration. (Thomas Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Meet-a-Ram: Alum Karl Rhodes tells the gripping story of a relative’s role in the underground railroad

June 24, 2024

The former journalist’s novel, 'Peggy’s War,' is a deeply researched account of Peggy Rhodes, who concealed Southerners who refused to fight for the Confederacy in the Civil War.

VCU alum Aisha Kamara meets with the governor of Huambo Province in Angola, who is sharing her thanks to the U.S. Department of State and the American people for clearing landmines in the province 10 years previously. (Contributed photo)

Study abroad inspired VCU alums to pursue global careers

May 31, 2024

Now far from campus, Calvin Watson and Aisha Kamara built on their academic experiences to embrace international opportunities.

VCU alum Avanti Yamamoto pivoted from a promising medical career to teach in the public school system, first in the city of Richmond and then in Hanover. (Thomas Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

VCU alum Avanti Yamamoto, who pivoted from medicine to math, is Virginia’s 2025 Teacher of the Year

May 30, 2024

The 2012 graduate credits professor Craig Larson for pointing her toward her public education career in the Richmond area.

Since 2006, more than 90 VCU students and alumni have received Fulbright awards, including five this year. (File photo)

Five recent VCU graduates receive Fulbright awards for the 2024-25 academic year

May 20, 2024

In earning one the country’s top academic honors, they push VCU’s total to near 100 since establishment of its National Scholarship Office.

Maizah Rashid (right) stands outside the Sisters of Mercy Hospital in Croatia, where she served an internship in summer 2022. (Contributed photo)

VCU Internship Funding Program propels students to career success

May 17, 2024

Three recent alums reflect how the initiative connects academic pursuits to employment and professional development.

Ryan Getz says, “I’ve wanted to be a teacher my whole life.” (Contributed photo)

Class of 2024: Ryan Getz feels at home in the classroom

May 9, 2024

Graduate certificate in elementary education propels the student teacher, who will start his master’s program at VCU in August.

Rebecca Rose: From History M.A. student to working at the Library of Congress

May 7, 2024

Rebecca Rose discusses her time as a student in the VCU History M.A. Program and her new role at the Library of Congress.

This year, VCU celebrated Giving Day with Giving Games, an in-person event in Monroe Park. (Jud Froelich, Office of Development and Alumni Relations)

VCU’s third annual Giving Day raises more than $16.8M

May 7, 2024

This year, VCU celebrated Giving Day with Giving Games, an in-person event in Monroe Park.

Four current VCU students and two alums have received NSF Graduate Research Fellowships. (File photo)

Four VCU students and two recent alums selected for prestigious National Science Foundation funding

May 1, 2024

The Graduate Research Fellowship Program supports their advancement in STEM disciplines.