Paying it forward
Through their scholarship, Iris Harrell and Ann Benson help first-generation students reach their capacity When Iris Harrell’s (M.Ed.’75/E) parents divorced during her junior year at what is now the University of Mary Washington, her college education was left in jeopardy. She didn’t have enough money to supplement the scholarships that had allowed her to be […]
Rodney Harry dies; former president of the VCU AAAC led expansion, left lasting legacy
Rodney A. Harry (B.S.’90/H&S), former president of VCU Alumni’s African American Alumni Council, died Oct. 12 from complications related to diabetes. He was 56. A Petersburg, Virginia, native and 1983 graduate of Petersburg High School, Harry dedicated much of his life to serving others, including eight years as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps […]
Stephen Andrews, Ph.D., finds his post-retirement calling through VCU Link
Not one to sit around, in 2018 new retiree Stephen Andrews, Ph.D. (Ph.D.’87/H&S), got involved with VCU Alumni as a volunteer, where, he says, “you get to see a lot of the knobs and wheels that run the university.” He became a big fan of VCU Link, which he refers to as a Facebook for […]
Alumni Biz Spotlight: Perk! Coffee & Lunchbox
Christophile Konstas (B.F.A.’00/A) and Elizabeth Ellen (B.F.A.’00/A) were randomly assigned as roommates at VCU, which led to a lifelong friendship and, eventually, a business partnership. The idea first germinated as they chatted over endless cups of coffee in between art classes, way before the third-wave coffee scene of today. After moving away from Richmond (then […]
Immersing herself in art
Christine Stoddard (B.A.’12/A; B.A.’12/H&S; Cert.’12/B), can’t be defined by one form of expression. The multitalented artist and writer’s new feature film, “Sirena’s Gallery,” tells the story of a Salvadoran American art gallery owner, played by Stoddard, who has to adapt to self-isolation, visions and navigating the world of e-commerce in the wake of her husband’s […]
Alumni Biz Spotlight: Studio 4 Dance
Alumna Deandra Clarke(B.S.’02/H&S) started dancing at VCU. A non traditional student of the art form, she found herself in love with the opportunity to try something new. As a radio broadcasting major she learned the skills necessary to become a professional in LA and then start her own Agency and Studio back in Richmond. How […]
Let’s get together!
Get to know Rams in your region and across the country at our Social in the City events. VCU Alumni is hosting in person opportunities with local chapters, plus a virtual option. Whether you’re new to an area or have lived there for years, this is a great way to grow your Ram network. You […]
Meet DMV Chapter President Ellen Motley
Ellen Motley (B.S.’86/MC), a northern Virginia native, now lives in Rockville, Maryland, with her husband and dog, Smokey. Now an empty-nester, she has four adult children, her youngest a senior in college. Ellen is crime-show junkie, an avid reader and proud steward of a Little Free Library. Q. What was your major? A. Mass communications […]
Book report sparks alumna’s lifelong passion for puppetry
Presenting a book report in front of her fifth-grade classmates was the “most horrible, terrifying thing I could imagine as a new student.” Heidi Rugg’s (B.I.S.’21/UC) family had just moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia, when the then 10-year-old was tasked with preparing an oral presentation on a biography. While at the library selecting her book, […]
Connect 4 Summer
Do you need some fresh ideas for staying active this summer while connecting with VCU and your city? Whether you live in Richmond, Virginia, or Riverside, California, VCU Alumni offers a summer bucket list, four weeks of exciting opportunities for you to get active in your area, starting July 12. The list below includes in-person […]