President’s Posts

Michael Rao, Ph.D.

To the VCU and VCU Health System Communities:

We proudly champion diversity and inclusion as a core value, and engage in initiatives that create and nurture a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.  All people of differing cultural backgrounds, identities, abilities and life experiences are embraced, engaged and empowered to drive excellence and success.

Annually the Presidential Awards for Community Multicultural Enrichment (PACME) honors individuals or organizations who have made extraordinary contributions toward enhancing VCU’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Every person and organizational unit recognizes and contributes to the advancement of an inclusive environment. This is an integral part of VCU’s mission. 

I am pleased to ask for your nominations for the 2022 PACME awards. The awards will be presented on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at 3:00 p.m., in the University Student Commons, Commonwealth Ballroom.

To recognize members of our university community for their outstanding service, four separate awards are given:

  • Academic and Administrative Leadership Award  – includes administrators, directors, and university organizations
  • Faculty Award – includes teaching, research, and adjunct faculty
  • Staff Award includes classified, hourly, and part-time staff, and university and academic professionals
  • Student Award – includes graduate and undergraduate students, post-docs, and student organizations

Each award winner will receive $500. In addition, one of the four recipients will be selected to receive the capstone award – The Riese-Melton. This special award, named after two VCU employees who were brave pioneers of championing diversity and inclusion, is given for contributions made in advancing cross-cultural relations. The awardee will receive an additional $250 gift.

Nominations should be submitted electronically, and are due on or before March 14.

Instructions and the nomination forms can be found here: https://president.vcu.edu/nominations/pacme/

You may also go directly to the nomination form.

Thank you for taking time to nominate your fellow colleagues, students, and organizations, and for supporting one of our top priorities at VCU. The creation of a more diverse and inclusive educational community can only be achieved through a concerted effort that engages the participation of a broad and diverse community of people. 

I appreciate your dedication to embracing diversity and inclusion at VCU.

Categories 21st-Century University, Community, Diversity, Health, To VCU, Uncategorized, VCU Health
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