Gary Zhu to graduates: Take risks, show resilience and lift others as you rise
By Megan Nash
The VCU School of Business Class of 2024 was encouraged to embrace new challenges and build their own paths forward at the winter commencement ceremony on Dec. 15, where approximately more than 250 undergraduate and graduate students were honored at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
Gary Zhu (B.S. ’06) senior vice president and deputy chief investment officer at AllianceBernstein, delivered a powerful keynote, urging graduates to take risks, break barriers and make the most of every opportunity in their lives and careers.
“I didn’t plan on coming to VCU,” Zhu told the graduates. “As a high school senior, I had blinders on and had only one university on my radar. I applied there and only there for early decision. I was deferred. When regular decisions came out later, I found out I wasn’t going to college. Even though it was late in the game, I sent my application to VCU, which welcomed me with open arms–and a life-changing opportunity: a full scholarship.”
Zhu’s journey to VCU was not an easy one. As an international student from China, adjusting to life in the U.S. came with challenges. His English skills weren’t strong, and he faced academic hurdles. “I struggled in my first-year English courses. By struggling, I mean barely passing and getting grades so low that I lost my scholarship,” he admitted.
But rather than giving up, Zhu doubled down. “I signed up for 18- and 21-hour semesters to catch up and broaden my learning. I worked three part-time jobs to pay my tuition,” he said. “Those years were grueling, but I was driven by a deep-seated belief that I could achieve more than anyone expected of me.”
His commitment paid off. Zhu graduated summa cum laude with a finance major, an economics minor and University Honors in just three and a half years.
The lessons Zhu learned at VCU shaped the trajectory of his career, guiding him as he moved into finance roles at major firms like Genworth Financial, Wells Fargo and eventually AllianceBernstein, where he now leads the firm’s insurance platform. Looking back on his time at VCU, Zhu shared an important moment that helped launch his career.
“When I was selected for an exclusive VCU leadership course that featured a different Virginia CEO each week, I handed my business card to every single one of them,” he said. “I knew that would help me stand out–and that ended up being the pathway to my first job.”
Zhu’s closing message to the graduates was simple yet profound: take risks, embrace challenges and always be ready to help others along the way.
“My fellow Rams, as you embark on the next chapter of your lives, I urge you to carry these lessons with you,” Zhu said. “Embrace the challenges, seek out new experiences and never forget to reach back and help those who follow in your footsteps.”
In keeping with that call to give back, Zhu recently pledged a gift to the VCU School of Business to support students pursuing internships outside of Richmond, creating opportunities that might have otherwise been out of reach.
For highlights and photos from the day, view the online gallery of the VCU School of Business 2024 winter commencement.
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