News

Religion and spirituality power annual lecture series from new VCU hub

Feb. 16, 2026

The Center for the Study of Global Religions and Spiritualities encourages a broader understanding of world culture.

The panel discussion accompanies an ongoing exhibit at Cabell Library, “Voices of Change: Student Advocacy and Action from the Archives.” (Photo by Isiah Mejia, VCU Libraries)

‘Voices of Change: Stories from Alumni’ to highlight campus activism

Feb. 16, 2026

The Feb. 26 panel discussion accompanies an ongoing exhibit at James Branch Cabell Library on VCU’s history and legacy of student activism.

It took a couple of years of bumping into each other and hanging out with friends for Patrick and Ashawnna Godette to realize they were a perfect fit despite their very different personalities. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Unbreakable bonds: Bit by bit, an unlikely pairing clicked into place

Feb. 13, 2026

Ashawnna and Patrick Godette Jr. — extrovert and introvert — started their journey with small moments.

Terry and Ed Dadez took the same chemistry class at VCU as freshmen and married four years later. Their 46-year marriage has been highlighted by two sons, numerous academic degrees and careers in nursing and education. (Contributed image)

Unbreakable bonds: An index card isn’t the most romantic prop, but persistence paid off

Feb. 12, 2026

Ed Dadez was smitten with wife-to-be Terry from the get-go in 1975; her thoughts, and eyes, were elsewhere.

Amanda and Steve Guilford, pictured with their daughter Emily, were dating other people when they met their sophomore year, but the timing was right when their paths crossed a second time a year later. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Unbreakable bonds: After great first impressions, they needed a second-chance meeting

Feb. 12, 2026

Steve and Amanda Guilford turned friendship into love, adventure and family in the past two decades.

Jonathan Moore and Joel Gill have long supported each other in their studies and their work – and have seven VCU degrees between them. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Unbreakable bonds: To the nth degrees, they’re a perfect Ram match

Feb. 11, 2026

Joel Gill and Jonathan Moore made a virtual connection in 2004, and many VCU diplomas have framed their journey.

We are “far better at building these systems than at governing them,” VCU expert Jason Ross Arnold said about political chatbots. (Getty Images)

Here are five primary dangers from political AI chatbots, VCU expert Jason Ross Arnold says

Feb. 5, 2026

The political science professor also shares advice – and a stark warning about the threat to democracy.

Nostalgic pastimes – like looking at old photographs – can increase gratitude and overall well-being, according to new VCU research. (Getty Images)

If you want to feel gratitude in your life, embrace nostalgia, VCU research finds

Feb. 4, 2026

Wistful memories – from a reunion, a song or even a daydream – strengthen a sense of social connection, which drives thankfulness.

Heather Caslin, Ph.D. (B.S.’12, M.S.’14, Ph.D.’18) trains the next generation of physiology students

Jan. 30, 2026

An alumna of both the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences and the School of Life Sciences and Sustainability, Caslin’s career in teaching and research was inspired by her time on the Monroe Park campus.

J. Kim Penberthy, Ph.D. (Ph.D.’98) pursues innovative therapies to expand patient freedom

Jan. 30, 2026

The Department of Psychology alumna recently returned to campus to speak on prolonged grief disorder and the feasibility of psilocybin treatment