Building an Uncommon Legacy of School Spirit: VCU’s Black and Gold Wednesdays
Unequaled school pride—this was the vision that Dr. Aaron Hart, Vice President for the Division of Student Affairs (DSA), had in mind when he sought to create a new tradition to elevate school spirit to unprecedented levels. In the spring of 2023, Dr. Hart, alongside his dedicated team, launched an initiative that would bring the VCU community together in celebration of their shared identity. The idea was simple yet powerful: encourage students, faculty, and staff to wear black and gold every Wednesday to showcase their pride in being VCU Rams.
The initiative kicked off in April 2023 with an event that set the tone for what has already become a cherished tradition. During this inaugural event, VCU community members received exclusive Black and Gold Wednesday t-shirts, igniting excitement and anticipation for what was to come. This initial spark paved the way for the Black and Gold Wednesday Welcome Week Events in August of 2023, at which new and returning students received t-shirts and engaged with Dr. Hart, VCU President Dr. Michael Rao and Rodney the Ram.
As the 2023-24 academic year unfolded, thousands of students participated in Black and Gold Wednesday events, solidifying the tradition’s place in the university’s culture. The increasingly common sight of Black and Gold Wednesday shirts on campus is a testament to the success of the initiative. With each passing week, the tradition continues to grow, fostering a sense of pride and belonging that defines what it means to be a VCU Ram.
“Creating the VCU Black and Gold Wednesdays spirit event was essential to me because it provided a unique opportunity to foster a sense of unity and pride within our community,” said Dr. Hart. “At a university as diverse and dynamic as VCU, it’s important to have moments where we can all come together to celebrate what makes us proud to be a part of this institution. Black and Gold Wednesdays are more than just about wearing our school colors; they’re about building a shared identity and strengthening the connection between students, faculty, and staff.”
The Black and Gold Wednesday events extended beyond just one campus or one day. Throughout the academic year, activities were held on both the Monroe Park and Health Sciences campuses, including a special Popsicles with the President event and bi-weekly Instagram Black and Gold Wednesday prize competitions via the DSA Instagram account. The School of Pharmacy took the tradition to the next level by organizing a semester-long competition for first-year students, with special Black and Gold Wednesday prize packages awaiting the winners. Dr. Tori Keel, a key player in these efforts, emphasized the importance of incorporating school spirit into orientation, ensuring that new students felt the pride and unity from day one.
“My favorite part of Black and Gold Wednesdays has been witnessing the enthusiasm and creativity that students bring to the event,” Hart shared. “Seeing everyone decked out in their black and gold, whether it’s through creative outfits, face paint, or even themed events, is incredibly inspiring. The sense of camaraderie and fun that permeates the campus on these
The hope is that this new tradition will continue to unite the VCU community and build a legacy of school spirit that future generations of Rams can carry forward.
Categories Annual Report Stories: 2023-24