VCU’s error is chance to ‘help make dreams become a reality’

I am writing in response to an article printed in the January 5-7, 2023, edition of the Free Press, “VCU applicants receive incorrect acceptance letters.” It highlighted the recent Virginia Commonwealth University response to erroneous acceptance letters that individuals who had applied to the University for fall 2023 admission received via email … letters in my opinion which represented, for many of those impacted … ‘a dream deferred or denied.”

As I sat listening to the strategies and ideas offered at a recent MLK event sponsored by the Office of Institutional Equity (an arm of this BILLION DOLLAR plus THRIVING academic institution, Virginia Commonwealth University), I thought, WOW what a tremendous opportunity it would be; an opportunity to partner with those individuals who were denied entry into the open door of education that could very well propel them into the world of financial stability and economic justice.

I, like Dr. King, had a dream as I sat there listening. I had a dream of the successful alumni of VCU being partnered with the promising prospective students who had applied. This marriage of means and minds could potentially produce the next wave of world class success stories that could positively influence and undergird advancement seeking families for generations to come; particularly for those who may, no doubt, be a part of the class of the economically disadvantaged.

I challenge Virginia Commonwealth University, in honor of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to help make dreams become reality for those impacted by your error.

RE v. RO salI nd M. Hall Richmond