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VCU alums who won Black History in the Making Awards when they were students. Clockwise from top left: Eloise Berry, Ph.D., Fadel Allassan, Jaz-Munn Johnson, M.D., Taylor Pattie, Tonecia Brothers-Sutton and Sasha Pierre-Louis.

Checking in with VCU’s Black history makers

Feb. 26, 2025

For more than four decades, VCU has honored students with Black History in the Making Awards – and here are updates on six accomplished recipients.

Black History in the Making Award alum Sasha Pierre-Louis

Black History in the Making Award alumni highlight: Catch up with 2020 award recipient, Sasha Pierre-Louis

Feb. 19, 2025

For Black History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on Black History in the Making Award recipients.

Melanie Cruz’s advocacy mindset is being framed in part by serving as a Virginia Management Fellow, which allows her to complete three eight-month rotations at state agencies. (Thomas Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2024: With a master’s in public health, Melanie Cruz looks to serve diverse communities

Dec. 18, 2024

VCU faculty and travel opportunities helped shape the two-time graduate, who is serving as a Virginia Management Fellow.

Gabriela León-Pérez poses with her Latino Virginia students and undergraduate research assistants. (Photo contributed by Gabriela León-Pérez)

Latino Virginia oral history project gives voice to stories that supplant stereotypes

Nov. 12, 2024

The collaboration from VCU professors Gabriela León-Pérez and Daniel Morales will form a public database documenting the state’s fastest-growing minority population.

(File photo)

A year-end review of students and alums who earned prestigious scholarships through the National Scholarship Office

Nov. 11, 2024

Recipients represent a variety of fields and backgrounds, and their scholarships will provide invaluable opportunities to deepen their studies, gain new perspectives and grow in their fields.

Harper Reed (center) participated in the Summer Community Public Health program in Botswana this summer. (Contributed photo)

To prepare for graduate studies in public health, Harper Reed seized a study abroad opportunity

Sept. 27, 2024

The recent VCU graduate spent the summer exploring public health in Botswana.

Conscious consumption means shopping your values, whatever those values may be, according to VCU sociology professor Meredith Katz, Ph.D. (Getty Images)

How can I practice conscious consumption?

Aug. 5, 2024

VCU sociologist Meredith Katz offers insight into the concept, plus tips about the best mindset and potential practices.

Now in its third year, the VCU Breakthroughs Fund has supported more than 30 projects through investments totaling nearly $6 million. (Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

VCU Breakthroughs Fund provides grants to 10 more faculty-led projects that pursue transformative innovation

July 2, 2024

Health, equity, sustainability and the human experience are the driving forces for transdisciplinary teams that target society’s grand challenges.

Four current VCU students and two alums have received NSF Graduate Research Fellowships. (File photo)

Four VCU students and two recent alums selected for prestigious National Science Foundation funding

May 1, 2024

The Graduate Research Fellowship Program supports their advancement in STEM disciplines.

Sheila Hernandez-Rubio will spend two years conducting research with the NIH after graduation, looking into health disparities in Black and Hispanic communities. (Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2024: Family and diversity inspire Sheila Hernández-Rubio on her path toward medicine and community

April 30, 2024

With a NIH project starting soon, pre-med student embraces how undergraduate research and multicultural groups shaped her VCU experience.