Office of Alumni Relations

Kathryn Schwienteck Hartka, Pharm.D., Ph.D. (Pharm.D.’15/P; Ph.D.’19/M), first became passionate about learning how drugs affect the human brain studying neuroscience as an undergraduate at the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania.

Each fall, VCU Opera delights fans with a fully staged gala of scenes from famous operas. The annual production of opera’s “greatest hits” features the talents of student singers from the School of the Arts Department of Music, providing valuable experience and preparing them for future success as opera singers.

Altimese Nichole Curry (B.S.'07/MC), leader of the VCU Alumni Lowcountry Chapter, takes over our Instagram account tomorrow, Nov. 8, to share her time at Homecoming.

Leah Walker (M.P.A.’01/GPA) brings a point of view that is rooted in social justice, fairness, equity and a sense of what is the responsibility of the government to the Virginia Department of Education. With her background in public policy, she says her role is to provide an “expert understanding of how government works and what the levers are within government to impact change at different levels.”

While completing a doctorate in clinical psychology, Amma Agyemang, Ph.D. (M.S.'12/H&S; Ph.D.'16/H&S), developed an interest in the effects that chronic medical conditions have on sleep and cognitive functioning.

Ed Peeples conducted extensive research in issues of social justice and was a civil rights advocate who was involved in a variety of human rights reforms in Virginia.

Jennifer Osaki (B.F.A.’17/A) is a New York-based video producer for Thrillist, an online media website covering food, drink, travel and entertainment. She recently took over the VCU Alumni Instagram account to show us the latest trends and stories from around the world.

Michael Roth (B.S.’15/N) built a groundbreaking team that uses drones to assist public safety efforts such as search and rescue missions. Now a captain in the Henrico County fire department, Roth combines a devotion to firefighting with openness to new technologies and an abiding interest in medicine.

In her 24 years of working in medical school admissions, Whitehurst-Cook has led a shift to approach medical school orientation in a more holistic way. Now, orientation is a two-week experience that focuses on character building and student wellness. “We want students to have a healthy start to medical school and we hope it affirms why they choose to become a medical doctor,” Whitehurst-Cook said.

Whether you’re new to your area or have lived there for years, Welcome to the City events connect you to your local VCU community and strengthen your ties to your alma mater.