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 […]
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, […]
The importance of athletics
Pictured from left: Women’s Basketball Head Coach Beth O’Boyle, VCU President Michael Rao, Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics Ed McLaughlin and Men’s Basketball Head Coach Will Wade. Earlier today, we cut the ribbon on our Basketball Development Center, a best-of-its-kind practice facility for our men’s and women’s basketball teams. It was an exciting […]
Innovation to advance humanity
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3eahWo5RP4&w=560&h=315] Earlier this week, I had the great pleasure of honoring Peter Pidcoe, my faculty colleague in the Department of Physical Therapy in the School of Allied Health Professions, during the Invented at VCU event, our university’s annual celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship. Dr. Pidcoe’s work is impressive and inspiring: He has invented a […]
