Alumni Spotlight: Wesley Dawson
After graduating from VCU in 2014 with a bachelor’s in political science , Wesley Dawson went on to earn his master of public administration from George Mason University. He now serves as the community engagement manager for the City of Baltimore, where he helped launch the office of public safety and engagement.
Dawson’s involvement with VCU Alumni began when he joined the inaugural class of the Recent Graduate Council in 2019. “It was something new that allowed me to impact students as they transitioned from VCU,” he says.
In his spare time, he runs a photography business, and he took headshots for alumni at a recent DMV Chapter event.
He encourages alumni to get involved in a regional chapter to build community in a new city. “It helps you stay plugged in, in a unique way. You will see a familiar face at one event. Then they connect you with another alum you didn’t know before, growing your network and community.”
Wesley spotlights the VCU community as a major factor in his college experience. “People say VCU is big, but it doesn’t feel big when you’re there,” he says. “Once I got there, I knew I was in the right spot.”
A native of Washington, D.C., he encourages newcomers to the area to not only visit the museums but to explore the local D.C. culture, history and music. Wesley recommends exploring arts and culture at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, grabbing a bite to eat at MLK Deli, discovering unique D.C. fashion at The Museum DC and cheering on the Capital City Go-Go, they city’s NBA G League team.
Categories Alumni