Alumni Spotlight: Recent Grad Council
The Recent Graduate Council is an advisory board of graduates from the past 10 years who help their peers connect with one another and the university in new and exciting ways.
Meet Thomas Chatman (B.S.’24) and Rosemary Kane (M.E.’20).
Thomas Chatman (B.S.’24)
When did you know VCU was the right place for you?
When I was graduating high school, my biggest thing was playing sports, but when I got to VCU, I didn’t end up playing. I had this whole identity crisis. Outside of being an athlete, I didn’t know who I was inside, but VCU welcomed me. I tried a lot of different things to figure out who I wanted to be, it was an open space for that. VCU bridged that gap for me.
Why did you specifically join the Recent Grad Council?
I heard about the Recent Grad Council right when I had graduated, only a few months into my working role. I saw a lot of alignment in terms of my experiences and helping people. I really love VCU and what VCU has done for me. So this is an opportunity to give back and help out however I can.
Why should alumni stay connected with VCU alumni?
Stepping into the real world is like you’re a freshman again.
I moved to Austin, Texas, when I graduated, so staying connected to the place that helped me grow in those very critical stages is super important. Having community, no matter where you are, to support you and help you grow is the biggest benefit for alumni.
What advice do you have for recent graduates?
Take risks and don’t let the idea of having it all figured out get the best of you. When you’re a senior on campus, people look up to you, but once you get to the other side of the railroad, you have no idea.
Ask questions, find mentors and kind of take the risk – it’s the prime time to do so.
What are you looking forward to on the council?
I’m really interested in getting some initiatives off the ground that connect seniors and alumni.
Once people graduate, they go on and do other things, and it’s hard to stay connected. Keeping people connected is something that I’ve been doing with my own nonprofit organization, Developing Men of Color, which brings together students and alumni. I’m looking forward to doing that on a greater scale.
Rosemary Kane (M.E.’20)
How did you know VCU was the school for you?
I wanted to go to school in the city I work in. VCU is intertwined in the city, so it made sense to enroll at VCU as it is such an integral part of the Richmond community. Many work colleagues have attended VCU and recommended it to me. VCU also provided a high-quality program [in educational leadership] that fit with my work and family schedule.
Why did you specifically join the Recent Grad Council?
I graduated towards the end of the COVID pandemic and want to make sure that my fellow classmates are included in events that they may have missed. I joined to become more involved in creating that sense of community for everyone.
Why should alumni stay connected with VCU Alumni?
The benefits are numerous. Being able to build connections with other alumni who you may not otherwise connect with is important. Being able to collaborate and network with others is helpful in the professional arena. Also, just meeting new people and participating in the various alumni activities is a fun way to stay connected.
What advice do you have for recent graduates?
Be proud of what you have accomplished and look forward to seeing what doors open for you in your professional and personal path. Travel when you can and wear your VCU swag with pride – you never know where you will run into a fellow Ram! What are you looking forward to on the council?
I’m looking forward to continuing to build the alumni community into a thriving global network. And giving everyone a voice and a way to connect with other like-minded people.
✓ Follow VCU Alumni on Instagram and Facebook.
✓ Check out the alumni events calendar.
✓ Receive the latest alumni news and resources by updating your contact information.
✓Join VCU Link for career advice, job opportunities, mentorship and more.
Categories Alumni