Alumni Spotlight: Sabrina L. Scott-Lorestil, Ph.D (B.S.’09)
Sabrina Scott-Lorestil, Ph.D., is grateful her mom suggested VCU, after her first college choice didn’t offer enough financial aid. Urban, far enough from home in Newport News, and with the right degree offerings (psychology), VCU checked all her boxes.
As a student ambassador, member of Delta Sigma Theta and a working student, Sabrina was heavily involved on campus. She’s kept up her campus involvement as the new president of the VCU Black Alumni Council. Meet Sabrina and learn why she calls her new role a “full-circle moment.”
Tell us about your experience at VCU, especially as a Black student. How did you find your community? What challenges or highlights did you experience?
Being at VCU from 2005-2009, during what we call “The REAL VCU,” was a great experience as a Black student. It was an interesting time to be a college student. It was right at the start of social media infiltrating college campuses and before all the fame that came with NCAA basketball appearances. It was true to its urban, artsy and diverse vibe. The student population was very representative of the entire state of Virginia with large groups of people coming from the Metro Richmond, DMV and 757. School pride and involvement was top tier, we really did bleed Black and Gold.
The programming and staff were empowering, with groups like the Activities Programming Board that ensured safe spaces for Black students. My initial community was on my dorm floor, thanks to my dedicated RA who brought residents together. My friends and I still call ourselves “the Chic Boutique,” after our hall theme. As a student admissions ambassador, I traveled to conferences and met other student leaders. Joining the Eta Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. provided me with a sisterhood that celebrated my drive to give back to the community and succeed academically and professionally. The greatest challenge I had at VCU was balancing academic requirements and social events, all while working.
What made you pursue a leadership role in the BAC? Why is the BAC important?
I’ve often been told I have great leadership qualities and skills, and I don’t take this lightly. Becoming a leader at the alumni level, following past president Daniel Brisker (B.S.’09), feels like a full-circle moment. We both held leadership roles as student ambassadors. During our senior year, he was president and I was vice president.
I initially joined the Black Alumni Council to contribute my talents, helping transition the BAC mentoring circle to a fully virtual format during the COVID pandemic. Over time, my potential as a BAC president was recognized, and I’m grateful for the support from fellow alumni to take on this honor.
Being of African descent means you are excellent, brilliant and deserving. Being a part of the BAC is important because the alumni council provides a safe space to celebrate and grow said qualities, all the while cultivating unity that empowers collective work. It also allows us to celebrate each other for all that we bring to the BAC via our giving, creativity, love and determination as Black VCU alums.
What are you most looking forward to during your presidential term?
Growth and increased impact is what I’m most looking forward to. During my term, I want all Black alumni to feel they have a safe space to celebrate their academic journey to VCU graduates as well as know they can use the BAC as a catalyst to impact future generations and enhance connections with current alumni. My plan is to increase Black alumni engagement across generations, boost civic engagement and strengthen our community through fundraising and philanthropic initiatives. I aim for my tenure as president to reflect my purpose in life: to empower all people I work with, especially Black people.
Why should Black alumni get involved with the BAC?
Black alumni should join the BAC for a supportive space to be themselves after earning their VCU degrees. Participation also allows them to impact Black students’ lives and strengthen the alumni voice, driving progress for the university, Richmond and our communities.
Connect with the Black Alumni Council
Black Alumni Council Instagram | Black Alumni Council Facebook |Volunteer VCU