College of Humanities and Sciences

Alum and Donor News

At two high-profile events in Washington, D.C., celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Pell Grant program, Virginia Commonwealth University grad and Pell Grant recipient Anir Ahant will share his story and explain how the need-based grant program set him up for success at VCU and beyond. (Photo by Isaiah Mamo, University Marketing)

As part of the Pell Grant’s 50th anniversary, a VCU grad is sharing his story with federal policymakers

June 22, 2022

Anir Ahant, who graduated in May, will co-moderate a reception hosted by national higher education organizations and will speak at a congressional briefing at the U.S. Capitol.

Melissa Mason, a VCU School of Social Work and College of Humanities and Sciences alum, and her childhood best friend Lillian Jackson co-founded Brown Skin Brunchin', a platform geared toward encouraging women of color to connect and build relationships over brunch. (Allen Jones, University Marketing)

For VCU alum and 25,000 others using her platform, meaningful connections start with brunch

June 13, 2022

Melissa Mason’s business, Brown Skin Brunchin’, has helped thousands of minority women connect, personally and professionally, in 71 cities across three countries.

Holly Guelig has worked as a counselor at Greenwood Elementary School in Henrico County since 2013. (Owen Wachter, VCU School of Education)

Holly Guelig: ‘I get to be a game changer’

May 31, 2022

VCU School of Education alum and Virginia Elementary School Counselor of the Year found her dream job.

Sylvester A, Johnson, Ph.D., founding director of the Virginia Tech Center for Humanities; Michael Lynch, Ph.D.; Andrew Crislip, Ph.D., William E. Blake Chair in the History of Christianity at VCU; William E. Blake, Ph.D. professor emeritus at VCU. (Department of History)

A longtime military officer and historian returns to VCU

April 15, 2022

Michael Lynch, Ph.D., receives the 2022 Graduate Alumni Achievement Award from the Department of History.

Deonte Young (VCU Alumni)

Alum educator seeks equal access and opportunity for all students

March 31, 2022

Deonte Young pursues ways to influence educational policy and create a more equitable public school system.

Daryl Van Tongeren, Ph.D. (Photo courtesy Daryl Van Tongeren)

Widely published psychology alum hopes to help create 'a more compassionate world'

March 23, 2022

Daryl Van Tongeren, Ph.D., studies some of life’s biggest questions — the meaning of life, religion, virtues, to name a few.

2020 Virginia Commonwealth University alum Kelly Nguyen is a recipient of a Charles B. Rangel International Affairs fellowship, which supports individuals who want to pursue a career in the foreign service of the U.S. Department of State. Contributed photo.

VCU alum is the recipient of a Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program fellowship

March 10, 2022

Studies at VCU helped lay the foundation for the work Kelly Nguyen hopes to do with the U.S. foreign service.

Jessica Diaz

RPS teacher and VCU alum builds community by serving others

Feb. 14, 2022

Jessica Diaz is making a career out of paying it forward as a teacher for Richmond Public Schools.

‘Heart of Atlanta’: Alum’s book tells the story behind the first legal challenges to the Civil Rights Act

Jan. 19, 2022

Ronnie Greene writes about the bravery of five Black ministry students and pastors who became unsung heroes of the civil rights movement.

Joe Cates. “I’ve always been curious. I’ve always wanted to understand things better and there’s no better way to do that than to teach others.” (Photo by mx.bex, courtesy of Joe Cates)

Starting over: Joe Cates’ journey from chef to professor

Jan. 14, 2022

Cates spent the first part of his professional life as a chef and restauranteur before a stint in rehab helped put him on a different path.