Meet Friends of the Libraries Scholarship recipients
Junior clinical radiation sciences major Evelyn Gomez and senior psychology major Chelsea Rushbrook are the 2024-25 recipients of the Friends of VCU Libraries Scholarships.
“The library staff has been incredibly supportive in helping me succeed. One memorable experience was when a librarian visited our class to introduce us to the library’s online resources. Learning how to navigate ebooks, academic journals and databases has boosted my confidence in conducting research for assignments,” said Gomez.
Rushbrook also makes good use of the Libraries’ resources. “As a psychology major with a concentration in addiction studies, much of my coursework requires in-depth research and a thorough understanding of the latest developments in the field. The wide range of databases available through VCU Libraries, such as PubMed, PsycINFO and JSTOR, has allowed me to explore topics in addiction treatment, recovery programs, and mental health,” she said.
As a mother of two and commuter student from Alexandria, receiving the scholarship was a huge help for Gomez. It not only covered tuition but also books and other necessities for classes. For Rushbrook, the scholarship helped take some financial stress off of a recent move to a new home.
Gomez values the quiet working environment the Health Sciences Library provides. “When I need quiet time, I need quiet time. Especially in the house, where my kids would love for me to be with them and cuddle. It’s so hard to say ‘no.’ So I keep myself in a room where I know I’m going to be productive. Because if I go home, I’m needed there.”
Rushbrook enjoys the outdoor spaces that James Branch Cabell Library offers. “During the spring, summer, and fall, I’m a very outdoorsy person, so the terrace is definitely one of my favorite spots. You have the outdoors, you hear people outside downstairs, you can hear people over at the Compass, and for me, I need the white noise for studying. The reading porch is great, too.”
Gomez’s choice to attend VCU was fairly easy since they are the closest school to Northern Virginia that offers a bachelor’s degree in clinical radiation sciences. Before attending VCU, Gomez received her associate’s degree in radiography from Northern Virginia Community College while working full-time. “I always knew that I wanted to go into radiology. I just didn’t have time back then. My mom was going through cancer. And I put myself through school and it took me 10 years to get an associate’s degree.”
After graduating, Gomez plans to stay in the Alexandria area and would like to work in mammography as a way to honor her mom. “I want to give back because my mom had breast cancer. That’s what really got me into this,” she said.
The choice to attend VCU was a little bit more difficult for Rushbrook. She was going back and forth between ODU and VCU for some time but said she is happy she chose VCU. “I’m really glad that I picked VCU. Just for the in-person experience and campus life. I’ve been able to get a lot more involved with student groups.”
Rushbrook is involved in several groups on and off campus: Rams in Recovery, 2 End the Stigma, The JHW Foundation and the Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE). After graduation, she plans to work on a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, combining a non-profit certificate with either a master’s of business administration or a master’s of rehabilitation and mental health counseling. “Career-wise, I want to stay in academia and open another collegiate recovery program.”
Started in 2018 through the gifts of a handful of Friends of VCU Libraries board members and Friends, the Friends of VCU Libraries Scholarship Endowment has tripled in size since its beginnings. VCU Libraries seeks to grow the fund to a minimum of $200,000 in order to increase the size of the awards. With the continued growth of the endowment, the awarding of two scholarships annually will become standard practice.
Support the Friends of VCU Libraries Scholarship.
Categories Awards and Honors, Donors, Friends of VCU Libraries, Gifts, Students