Thankful for you
As our university and our nation pause to reflect on our many reasons to be thankful, I am reminded how thankful I am for the people who make up Virginia Commonwealth University. In our classrooms, laboratories, studios and clinics, my faculty colleagues are writing the future. What they create and discover here will be the […]
Following up on Presidential Forum on Diversity and Inclusion
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4kwYk4VbPE&w=560&h=315] Yesterday, we engaged in a productive discussion about diversity and inclusion at Virginia Commonwealth University, especially relating to the lives of black students. The room was filled beyond capacity, and many more followed live on Twitter (#VCUForum) or watched the webcast, which is archived here. I am grateful for the many voices that […]
Celebrating National Philanthropy Day
In his classic work “Prometheus Bound,” the ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus describes his title character as philanthropos tropos, or “humanity loving,” because he gave early humans the gifts of knowledge and hope to save them from destruction. Centuries later, we still call those who give selflessly to others “philanthropists.” And on National Philanthropy Day, which […]
Continue the conversation: Presidential forum on diversity and inclusion
Wednesday afternoon, a group of VCU students staged a demonstration on The Compass as a sign of support for African American students facing discrimination at the University of Missouri. About 200 people attended the rally, which was positive, peaceful, and appropriate for a university that values diversity, inclusion, and thoughtful action as tenets of a […]
Statement regarding diversity and inclusion at VCU
National events are again shining a spotlight on the critical issue of diversity and inclusion everywhere, including on our college campuses. Recent incidents at the University of Missouri are bringing forward important questions about tolerance, understanding and trust at universities across the nation. These are important questions, and they are part of a conversation that […]
Honoring our veterans
As our nation celebrates Veterans Day — honoring the brave service members who fought for the freedoms we all enjoy — I am especially grateful to those members of the VCU community who are veterans of our armed forces. More than 400 students and nearly 200 faculty and staff are U.S. veterans and active-duty soldiers, […]
