College of Humanities and Sciences

Alum and Donor News

David Baldacci shows his handwritten remarks to attendees at the VCU Libraries Rising Scholars Program book and author luncheon. Baldacci shared that he writes his best-selling novels in longhand. (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

In support of young scholars, author David Baldacci connects VCU, libraries, Richmond and how communities can change

June 6, 2023

Renowned novelist and VCU alum returns to campus for 10th anniversary fundraiser at Cabell Library.

Gabriel’s House at 816 W. Franklin St. is home of the African American Studies program. The building was named after Gabriel, an enslaved Richmond man who organized a rebellion in 1800 intended to end slavery in Virginia.

20 years after the establishment of the African American studies major at VCU, a look back at the program’s history and impact

May 30, 2023

Since its origins more than five decades ago, the program has developed into a ‘hub for Black intellectual thought.’

11 VCU students, recent alums and staff receive Fulbright awards for 2023-24

May 2, 2023

In earning one of the country’s top scholarships, they will spread out across the globe to teach English, conduct research, pursue creative projects and study for graduate degrees.

Four VCU students, three alumni selected for prestigious NSF grant

April 14, 2023

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program provides three years of financial support to help exceptional graduate students advance their studies in STEM-based disciplines.

Otis Fulton said, “I tell people I got slowed down on my dissertation because of COVID. But if I’m being honest, I think I stretched it out because I enjoy being a student." (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2023: Otis Fulton, who played basketball at UVA, has a lifelong passion for understanding why people behave the way they do

April 6, 2023

In May, the 65-year-old VCU alum will receive his Ph.D. in social psychology from the College of Humanities and Sciences.

Rachel Beanland, VCU alum and author of the new novel "The House is on Fire." (Contributed photo)

VCU alum Rachel Beanland, author of ‘Florence Adler Swims Forever,’ releases a new novel about the deadly fire in 1811 at the Richmond Theater

April 5, 2023

When the pandemic hit, Rachel Beanland took to writing about a topic close to home. The result is her new book, “The House is on Fire.”

Samantha McCartney, a VCU alum, works as a production coordinator for Loveboat at its office in Paris. (Contributed photo)

VCU studies helped prepare alum Samantha McCartney for a career in France

March 27, 2023

McCartney enjoys the challenges and opportunities that have come with life in Paris, where she works for a creative production company.

Three VCU students, one alum selected for prestigious language scholarship

March 21, 2023

Critical Language Scholarship and CLS Spark Program honorees will study languages with the goal of helping improve U.S. diplomatic relationships.

Siddiq Elmahdi, who was part of the Black Men in Medicine program as an undergraduate, credits his mentor Henry Lewis III for "helping me get to where I am today." (VCU Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

First Black Men in Medicine graduate returns for residency at VCU

Feb. 20, 2023

Aspiring gastroenterologist credits the program with opening doors to career in medicine.

Aaron Kemmerer is a third-year Ph.D. student in the School of Social Work who also has received bachelor's and master's degrees from VCU. (Contributed photo)

Doctoral student wins award to help fund research into gender equity and housing instability

Feb. 20, 2023

Aaron Kemmerer, a Ph.D. student in the School of Social Work, earned one of 13 national awards for his proposal, “Transgender and Gender Expansive Southerners’ Experiences with Housing Instability.”