First four to the Final Four!
Update: The VCU Rams lost to the Butler Bulldogs, 62-70, in the NCAA Final Four game on April 2 in Houston. The team did a remarkable job, however, and the last couple of weeks’ positive effects on the university will be ongoing. To see what SOP Dean Victor Yanchick has to say about that, click here. SOP professors Don and Gretchen Brophy’s daughters, 10-year-old Gabby and 6-year-old Sydney, made national news as they awaited the Rams’ homecoming on April 3. An Associated Press story quoting the girls was picked up by newspapers, Web sites and radio and TV stations all over the country, as well as videos. What the media didn’t pick up is that Joey Rodriguez gave Gabby Brophy a pair of Final Four shoes! Goooo, Rams. And thanks for everyone’s support.
Perhaps you have heard the news … somewhere? The Virginia Commonwealth University Rams basketball team is making its way to Houston for the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Final Four, playing the Butler University Bulldogs beginning at 6 p.m. EST on April 2.
A Final Four show will begin at 4 p.m., and both will air on CBS. If the Rams win, they will play in the championship game against the winner of the University of Kentucky vs. University of Connecticut game, also in Houston. That game will air at 9 p.m. EST on April 4 on CBS.
models the latest in FINAL FOURmalwear.
In the meantime, hundreds of VCU alumni, faculty, students and friends are flying, driving and busing to Houston for the game. Attendees who purchased travel packages through VCU Sports Travel will fill three planes.
The university offered a ticket lottery for students, including a ticket to all Final Four games, travel and lodging. Congratulations to several School of Pharmacy students who are among the winners! If you are in Houston or will be in Houston, click here for a list of university-related events, including a VCU Rams open basketball practice.
The MCV and VCU Alumni Associations have been maintaining a list of “watch parties” across the country. For example, School of Pharmacy alums, faculty and students attending APhA’s 2011 Annual Meeting gathered to watch the March 25 and 27 games at Fox Sports Grill in downtown Seattle.
If you’d like to check on the already-scheduled watch parties, click here. Parties have been planned in Richmond, Alexandria, Arlington, Fredericksburg, Front Royal, Hadensville, Lynchburg, Norfolk and Williamsburg, Va.; Atlanta; Chicago; Jacksonville Beach, Fla.; St. Louis; and Washington, D.C. – and more are announced every day. If you would like to submit watch party information for the April 2 or 4 games, click here.
In addition, a viewing party will take place at the Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St., with doors opening at 4:30 p.m. It’s open to the first 3,500 VCU and VCU Health System students, faculty and staff with valid IDs. Chili’s @ VCU, Cary Street and Belvidere, also will host a party with menu specials for guests wearing VCU gear.
Speaking of which … if you haven’t scored any Final Four tchotchkes, feel free to print out a Rodney Ram mask for the game! Or you may order Final Four, Elite 8, Sweet 16 or March Madness T-shirts from Barnes & Noble @ VCU.
As VCU President Michael Rao said in an e-mail to students, faculty and staff, “Thank you for all of your support for the Final Four VCU men’s basketball team. … I look forward to your continued support, enthusiasm and school spirit, whether you are in Houston cheering on the Rams, in Richmond watching at the various on- or off-campus parties, or from locations around the country and the world, rooting for VCU.
“This is an historic time for our time and our university. Do VCU and your team proud. GO, RAMS!”
If you would like to further support the university and its future successes, please click here. You may contribute to any school or department, from the School of Pharmacy to VCU Athletics. Thank you in advance for a better university!
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