The
Powerof Personal Philanthropy Winter 2012
www.support.vcu.edu
VCU V i r g i n i a
C o m m o n w e a l t h
U n i v e r s i t y
The
Powerof Personal Philanthropy Winter 2012
www.support.vcu.edu
Inside this issue 4 Brandcenter patron encourages rising ad stars 5 Couple’s pledge supports psychiatric research 6 Fund honors professor, longtime chemistry mentor 7 Mentor inspires gifts to medical education center 8 Annual event celebrates donors, dental students 9 Topping out event marks construction milestone 10 Nursing school invests professors at donor dinner 11 VCU opens renovated Siegel Center centerpiece 12 Golfers tee off to fund pharmacy scholarships 14 Nursing alumni establish fundraising challenge
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On the cover
Dean of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts Joseph H. Seipel speaks at the opening of the Hamad Bin Khalifa Symposium on Islamic Art in October 2011 at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar.
Editor: Melanie Irvin (B.S. ’96), msirvin@vcu.edu, (804) 828-3975 | TheNan IVWriter: PowerJohnson, of Personalnljohnson@vcu.edu Philanthropy
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In addition to developing and exhibiting shows by major international artists, the Institute for Contemporary Art will host educational programming for children and the community plus avant-garde music, dance and theater.
VCU unveils new Institute for Contemporary Art The landscape of downtown Richmond, Va., is about to change. In 2015, Virginia Commonwealth University’s new Institute for Contemporary Art will open its doors, providing opportunities for programming and collaboration with institutions around the world as well as community partners. Located at the intersection of Broad and Belvidere streets, the ICA will be the jewel in Richmond’s art crown. “The ICA is a critical initiative for VCU,” said VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D. “It’s an opportunity to enhance the creativity and community relations of the entire university. It is more than an innovative building and the linchpin of a vibrant arts district, it is a bridge that will help link VCU’s campuses, serve as a gateway to Richmond and help bring the arts community in Richmond the national and international renown it deserves. VCU School of the Arts is already ranked No. 1 among public arts universities in the country, and the creation of the ICA will expand its reach and influence immeasurably.” Unlike a museum housing a collection or a gallery selling work, the ICA will be an institute dedicated to examining art in unexpected ways. Rising artists, as well as nationally and internationally recognized artists, will challenge visitors with new ideas. Steven Holl, founder of Steven Holl Architects with offices in New York City and Beijing, is working in collaboration with BCWH Architects of Richmond on the project, which will be made possible through private funds. “Sixty-three architecture firms from around the world submitted proposals — a record for any request for proposals in the history of VCU,” said Joseph H. Seipel, dean of the VCU School of the Arts. “To my great delight, the unanimous choice was one of the most famous, respected and sought-after architects in the world, Steven Holl.” Holl’s extensive worldwide design work includes the Glasgow School of Art in Scotland, the Museum of Natural History of Los Angeles County in California, China’s Hangzhou Music Museum and the Herning Museum of Contemporary Art in Herning, Denmark. In December, he was named the American Institute of Architects’ 2012 Gold Medalist for his humanist approach to formal experimentation and his influence on the theory and practice of architecture. Longtime VCU donors Kathie and Steve Markel and Pam and Bill Royall, tapped by Rao as co-chairs of the Campaign for the ICA, are assembling a leadership committee to help the school meet its $32 million fundraising goal for the project.
✫ see ICA, continued on Page 13 Winter 2012 | 3
Nursing alumni establish fundraising challenge With an idea and a $10,000 pledge to the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing, Corinne Dorsey (Diploma ’54; B.S. ’65) got the ball rolling. Betsy Bampton, Ed.D. (B.S. ’60; Cert. ’80), picked up the ball and made a $250,000 bequest to support the school’s R.N.-B.S. Completion Program. JoAnne Henry, Ed.D., added to her life insurance policy to support the Henry Fund for Faculty. Amy Rider (B.S. ’97) and Beth Hoettels (B.S. ’05) made $5,000 and $10,000 pledges, respectively, to further the cause. What would bring these alumnae and friends together in such a philanthropic way? The VCU School of Nursing’s Cabaniss Leadership Challenge was established to raise $4 million for endowed scholarships and professorships, including a chair for the dean’s position, as well as funds to support the school’s mission of research, education and service. A motivating goal of the fundraising campaign is to name the School of Nursing building, which opened in 2007, in memory of Sadie Heath Cabaniss, who is considered the founding director of the School of Nursing. The Cabaniss Leadership Challenge was officially announced at the annual Cabaniss Dinner in November. Nearly $1.3 million has been raised since July 2010. Nursing alumnae Kristin Filler (left) and “The Cabaniss Leadership Challenge will Corinne Dorsey support the Cabaniss Leadership Challenge. play a critical role to ensure our rich legacy and sustained leadership in nursing research, education and service,” said Nancy Langston, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN, dean and professor in the VCU School of Nursing. “The challenge’s success will have a transformative effect on our efforts to recruit and retain the best and brightest students and faculty and on our capability to reach even greater heights of nursing excellence.” In a show of support, Langston made a $10,000 pledge toward an endowed chair for future VCU nursing deans and a $250,000 bequest to establish an endowed professorship to help attract and retain a VCU nursing faculty member. “The Cabaniss Leadership Challenge grew out of an idea I had when the new School of Nursing building was under construction several years ago,” Dorsey said. “I wanted to see the name Cabaniss return to a building dedicated to nursing on the MCV Campus. As a student, I lived in the old Cabaniss Hall, and it seemed like it was time to give that name back.” Built in 1928, Cabaniss Hall dormitory was razed in 2006 to make way for the VCU School of Medicine’s Molecular Medicine Research Building. The VCU School of Nursing’s new nursing education building, located at the corner of Leigh and 11th streets, opened in March 2007. Cabaniss was born in 1863 in Petersburg, Va. She graduated from the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in 1893 and enjoyed a long career, which included work in Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida. She developed a training and certification program for nursing students and is known in the field as the founder of professional nursing in Virginia. “The name Cabaniss is a symbol of nursing excellence here in Virginia and beyond,” said fundraising organizing committee member Kristin Filler (B.S. ’09), who is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Nursing. “I was attracted to the challenge because the School of Nursing has been like a family to me. I know how much the school has helped me, and I encourage other students to give back to keep the cycle of giving going.” To learn more about the School of Nursing, contact James Parrish, director of development, at (804) 828-5172 or jtparrish@vcu.edu. 4 | The Power of Personal Philanthropy
Brandcenter patron encourages rising ad stars With experience at three powerhouse agencies, Manisha Bhatia set her sights on pursuing a master’s-level degree in advertising. She made a list of possible universities and spoke to her friends about where to study. “You often hear of the big schools,” she explained. When a colleague asked if she’d considered Virginia Commonwealth University’s Brandcenter, she visited the website, ignored her previous list and applied. Today, she is a second-year student in the Brandcenter’s communications strategy track and the recipient of a Spurrier Media Scholarship. “The annual $5,000 Spurrier Media Scholarship demonstrates a level of support that is unprecedented for a small business in the advertising and media industry,” said Caley Cantrell, a communications strategy professor at the Brandcenter. “Four of our students have received a huge financial boost to help launch their careers. They are very lucky!” The Spurrier Media Group, a Richmond-based agency specializing in merging the advertising industry’s media and creative funcThe Spurrier Media Scholarship, established by Donna tions, established the scholarship Spurrier (left), supports the career goals of advertising in 2008 through a $20,000 pledge. student Manisha Bhatia. Founder Donna Spurrier is an industry veteran and former Brandcenter professor who has seen many students face financial struggles while pursuing their dreams. “It’s very important to me to have found a way to be impactful,” she said. “To be able to share with students who are just getting their feet wet in this industry is a privilege.” Spurrier and her team held a reception where Bhatia, who received her B.S. in business and marketing from the University at Buffalo in New York, had the opportunity to talk shop and get to know her new mentor. “For a nonprofit or a profitable brand, messaging can create meaning in people’s lives,” Bhatia said. “Donna knows exactly how to do that. We share a similar passion. At the Brandcenter, we look for ways to bring meaning to a consumer’s life rather than convince them to buy something. Donna assured me that this happens in the real world!” The two discussed the value of working on cause-related advertising efforts as well as working with sexy brands. “A lot of Spurrier’s work with larger clients like the Veterans Affairs and the Federal Emergency Management Agency involves critical issues such as overcoming homelessness,” Spurrier said. “There’s just as much need in the industry for smart minds that go into more cause-related work.” Bhatia hopes to contribute to society through meaningful work and was inspired by the meeting. She was also appreciative of the company’s generosity. “When you are successful, it’s about giving back and that’s what the Spurrier Media Group is doing — giving students opportunities to think about giving back. It’s such an honor to have received this scholarship,” she said. Spurrier hopes others will give students opportunities to pursue their dreams without financial hardship. “The Brandcenter is the premier advertising master’s program in the country,” she said. “I’m hitched to that wagon because I believe in what I do as a professional, and I believe in what they’re doing. The Brandcenter is part of the fabric of VCU and Richmond. I’m thrilled to be involved.” To learn more about the Brandcenter, contact Hawley Smyth (B.F.A. ’05), executive administrative assistant, at (804) 827-8868 or smythh@vcu.edu. Winter 2012 | 5
Couple’s pledge supports psychiatric research After nearly 35 years of providing clinical psychiatric services at four hospitals and at his own practice in Southside Virginia, Dr. Jagan Reddy decided to take a rest and give back. In 2010 with a $100,000 pledge, he and his wife, Dr. Vijaya Reddy, an OB-GYN, established the P. Jagan and Vijaya Reddy Fund for Psychiatric Research in the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry. The fund currently supports behavioral studies conducted by Dr. Kenneth Kendler, professor of psychiatry and human and molecular genetics in the department. Kendler is a recent recipient of the World Psychiatric Association’s Jean Delay Prize, which honors a scientist whose work merges the biological, psychological and social aspects of psychiatry. “The research advancements in biological psychiatry treatments continue to improve, but I think the future is in genetic research,” Jagan Reddy said. “There is so much to discover, and Dr. Kendler is one of the world’s leading genetic researchers. We’re proud to have a person like him here in our community.” In November 2010, the Reddys hosted 175 friends, family and staff members at their home to announce the creation of the fund. Tony Vadella, CEO of Virginia South Psychiatric and Family Services, Reddy’s private practice, presented Jagan Reddy A gift from Dr. Jagan Reddy and his wife supports the research with a plaque to commemorate of VCU professor Dr. Kenneth Kendler. his career and his dedication to the Southside Virginia community through psychiatry. Vadella also presented a $10,000 gift to the fund on behalf of the practice. Nearly all of the partygoers also made contributions. Before establishing his practice in Petersburg, Va., in 1978, Jagan Reddy served as medical director at Central State Hospital in Petersburg. During his career, he has provided services to Southside Regional Medical Center, John Randolph Medical Center and Poplar Springs Hospital. The practice now has locations in Hopewell and Midlothian, Va., and more than 20 professionals on staff. “Jagan and Vijaya Reddy have devoted their lives and practices to helping the sick,” said Dr. Joel J. Silverman (H.S. ’73), chair of the VCU School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry. “Their financial support of psychiatric research recognizes the outstanding work being done at VCU and the importance to our patients and families of discovering the causes and cures for mental illness.” Jagan Reddy, now semiretired, has a history of providing services regardless of his patients’ ability to pay. “I always told myself to collect what you can but allow people to pay whatever they can,” he said. “It’s more important to provide a good service.” Both he and his wife share a strong belief in giving back. “I never thought there would be a chance to give like this,” he said. “The way I see it, God has given me enough opportunity to work and serve the community. It’s good to give back.” To make a gift to the Department of Psychiatry, contact Rupa S. Murthy, director of development, at (804) 628-3878 or rsmurthy@vcu.edu. 6 | The Power of Personal Philanthropy
Fund honors professor, longtime chemistry mentor Like so many former Virginia Commonwealth University students, Joyce Stargardt (B.S. ’78; M.S. ’81) has fond memories of her days on campus. It was a time, she recalled, when young women had aspirations of becoming secretaries, bank tellers or hairdressers. Then Fred Hawkridge, Ph.D., came along as a professor in the chemistry department. “When he came to VCU, I was looking for a senior research project, and I was fortunate to bump into him,” Stargardt remembered. “He showed me that I could do so much more than I thought. Fred never let me say, ‘I can’t do that.’” After VCU, Stargardt went to work at Philip Morris USA, initially in the analytical chemistry lab, then traveling throughout the U.S. and Europe visiting suppliers to ensure compliance and compatibility with inks and coatings used in the company’s product packaging. “During my time at VCU, I had the opportunity to learn not only the chemistry that Dr. Hawkridge taught but how to put the work together,” Stargardt said. “He often said that if we couldn’t get the point across through writing or presentations, then we didn’t have a whole lot.” Stargardt and other chemistry students at VCU found themselves among the Hawkridge family. He was available by phone for questions or feedback and always served as a mentor, a leader and an example to follow. After 35 years of service in a number of leadership roles at the university, including professor, chair of the Department of Chemistry, executive associate dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences and interim dean of the college, Hawkridge retired in June 2011. His friends, colleagues and former students established and contributed more than $75,000 to the Fred M. Hawkridge Fund in Chemistry in honor of his service and inspiration. The fund will provide resources in the areas of greatest need, such as student scholarships, research support, fellowships, and faculty recruitment and development. “I was stunned when I learned what was happening,” Hawkridge said. “I’m amazed and grateful.” He plans to keep an office on campus where he can stay connected to the department and help with alumni relations. Stargardt made a gift and encourages others to contribute A gift from Joyce Stargardt (left) to the Hawkridge Fund honto the Hawkridge Fund. ors her former professor and mentor Fred Hawkridge, Ph.D. “It’s not only giving back but paying forward. Being able to take what Fred gave us and not only say ‘thank you’ but to make a difference in the future, that’s what this fund is all about,” she said. “To inspire people and show them that they can do more than they ever thought they could. Fred really changed the road I was on, and when you’re able to take that and help make something happen that makes a difference and includes the next generation of students, gosh, I can’t tell you how good it makes you feel.” To make a gift to the College of Humanities and Sciences, contact Lois Badey, director of development and alumni relations, at (804) 827-0856 or labadey@vcu.edu. Winter 2012 | 7
Mentor inspires gifts to medical education center As one of the first female residents in obstetrics and gynecology at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and the first female OB-GYN to go into practice in Richmond, Va., Dr. Erika M. Blanton (H.S. ’71) is known as a pioneer in women’s health. Her presence in the OB-GYN department blazed trails for future female students at a time when husbands weren’t Dr. Erika M. Blanton sits next to her mentor Dr. Leo allowed in their wives’ delivery rooms J. Dunn in this 1971 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology photo. and schoolteachers stopped teaching as soon as their pregnancies began to show. “It was definitely a man’s world,” Blanton said. “I never thought I would be a pioneer for women entering the field at the time. Not that many people wanted to go into obstetrics and gynecology because it was very demanding, but it’s become more attractive, and now there are more women in the field than men.” Dr. Leo J. Dunn (M.S.H.A. ’98), professor and chair emeritus of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, attributes the school’s increase in the number of female OB-GYN specialists to Blanton. As her professor, Dunn became her mentor and longtime supporter. “I’m sure many people told her not to apply, but she proved to be up to the challenge,” he said. “She gathered the admiration of her fellow residents, and they looked up to her for leadership. She was a role model who went through residency with flying colors and became one of the most successful practitioners in Richmond.” In the 1970s, Blanton’s holistic approach to women’s health was something new and different in the Richmond area. She introduced Lamaze education and created classes to teach women about their bodies. “There were no prenatal education books available,” Blanton said. “I encouraged hospitals to put teachers together with nurses to teach classes about what happens during pregnancy and labor. I wanted to empower women to learn and to feel good about themselves.” In 2008, in honor of Blanton’s contributions to the School of Medicine and the field of women’s health care, Dunn and his wife, Betty, made a gift to the school to establish a fund in her name and hoped to inspire others to follow their example. In turn, Blanton and several of her patients have contributed to the fund, which supports the ongoing campaign for the school’s new medical education center. The $158 million James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center will enable the school to address the state and national physician shortage by accommodating a larger class size, from 200 to 250, which increases the total medical student body to 1,000. Scheduled for completion in 2013, the 200,000-square-foot center will bring together faculty, students, residents and practicing physicians in a state-of-theart training hub. “Everyone in the Richmond medical community is excited about the new medical education center,” Blanton said. “It’s important that we grow and attract top-notch scientists and students.” A partner at OB-GYN Specialists of Richmond, Blanton is an emerita trustee of the MCV Foundation board. Her experience at the School of Medicine helped shape her career and she’s thrilled to be giving back to the place that helped her so much, while shaping the educational experience of tomorrow’s medical students and residents. “These were very special years. Dr. Dunn was a wonderful mentor throughout my training who understood the need for opportunities for women and who encouraged me to look forward in the field. I had the right teacher. I can only do what I do because I had wonderful training at MCV. It was a privilege.” To learn more about the School of Medicine’s new medical education center, contact Tom Holland, associate dean for development, at (804) 828-4800 or teholland@vcu.edu. 8 | The Power of Personal Philanthropy
Annual event celebrates donors, dental students
Photo Joe Mahoney
On Oct. 28, friends of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry — alumni, donors, students, faculty members and VCU leadership — gathered at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts for the school’s annual Friends of Dental Education Dinner. Dr. David Sarrett, dean of the dental school, recognized, among others, members of the MCV Society, who have made provisions in their estate planning in support of the School of Dentistry, and members of the Founders’ Society, who have made gifts of $100,000 or more to VCU. Scholarships have become a primary focus for the School of Dentistry, Sarrett said, explaining that the dental school awarded more scholarships this past year than ever before, a trend he hopes will continue. Dean David Sarrett’s band gives its debut performance at the Friends The inaugural recipients of Dental Education Dinner. of the donor-driven School of Dentistry General Scholarship Fund and dental student ambassadors, attended as special guests. Two senior dental students, Jo Koontz (Cert. ’07; M.S. ’08) and Stephen DePascuale, spoke about their recent experiences receiving scholarships. They thanked the donors in attendance for making a commitment to support dental students and the future of the dental profession. To close the evening, Sarrett thanked everyone for their continued support of the School of Dentistry and surprised guests with a performance from his dental school band. To make a gift to the School of Dentistry, contact Ed Kardos, director of development, at (804) 828-0324 or egkardos@vcu.edu.
Heritage Society enjoys ‘Grease’ performance In early November, more than 100 donors and emeriti faculty gathered at the Virginia Commonwealth University Scott House for a special VCU Heritage Society reception. The group enjoyed food and drink and brief remarks before walking to the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts. Guests were treated to the opening-night performance of Theatre VCU’s “Grease.” The rousing performance had attendees dancing in their seats and on the floor as part of the production, which was brought to life by Patti D’Beck, assistant director of the longestrunning Broadway production of “Grease.” Dr. Richard P. Wenzel, M.Sc., professor, former chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine and world renowned epidemiologist, joined the cast as Vince Fontaine, the local radio DJ. The Heritage Society is a donor recognition group for those who have made planned gifts to units on the Monroe Park Campus. The Theatre VCU presents a rollicking production event was sponsored by the VCU Foundation. of “Grease.” Winter 2012 | 9
The MCV Foundation hosted the seventh annual MCV Campus Endowed Scholarship brunch Oct. 30 in the Grand Ballroom of The Jefferson Hotel, with more than 300 student scholarship recipients, donors and guests in attendance. MCV Foundation President Bill Kotti, Ph.D., welcomed the largest group to date and reported that there were 21 new scholarships created for the 2011-12 academic year, bringing the total number of endowed scholarships for the MCV Campus to 215.
Photo CSI Studios
Foundation salutes scholarship winners, donors
Dean of the School of Nursing Nancy Langston, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN (left), and MCV Foundation President Bill Kotti, Ph.D., congratulate student speaker Jalessa Holmes, recipient of the Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship, the Phi Kappa Phi Scholarship and the St. Philips Alumnae Scholarship.
Topping out event marks construction milestone In mid-November, faculty members, medical students, residents and practicing physicians at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine came one step closer to moving into a state-of-the-art training hub that will launch a new standard in medical education. A topping out ceremony of the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center, which is currently under construction at the VCU School of Medicine, marked the completion of a critical phase of the project. VCU officials, James and Frances McGlothlin and others in attendance inscribed messages and signed their names on the final beam before it was raised to the top level of the new building and secured into place. “The last piece of steel that will be raised interestingly represents a bar — a bar that will rise to demonstrate the high level of achievement of this School of Medicine, our first and founding program at Virginia Commonwealth University about 173 years ago,” said VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D. Earlier this year, VCU officials announced a $25 million donation — one of the largest in the university’s history — to the VCU School of Medicine by the McGlothlins.
VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., signs the final beam of the medical education center.
10 | The Power of Personal Philanthropy
Nursing school invests professors at donor dinner
Guests enjoy the School of Nursing’s annual Sadie Heath Cabaniss Leadership Dinner.
The annual Sadie Heath Cabaniss Leadership Dinner marked a historic milestone this year, as more than 115 guests witnessed the first investiture ceremony for the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing’s three endowed professors. The dinner was held Nov. 9 in the Marble Hall of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. In an evening full of emotion and pride, Nancy L. McCain, D.S.N., R.N., FAAN, and Mary Jo Grap, Ph.D., R.N., ACNP, FAAN (Cert. ’97), were invested as Nursing Alumni Endowed Professors. Debra E. Lyon, Ph.D., R.N., FNP-BC, FNAP, FAAN (B.S. ’84; M.S. ’93; Cert. ’96; Ph.D. ’97), was invested as the inaugural Collins-Teefey Distinguished Professor. “We at VCU and the VCU School of Nursing are proud of these distinguished faculty members and grateful to our alumni and friends who made these endowed professorships possible,” said Dr. Sheldon Retchin (H.S. ’79), vice president of health sciences for VCU and CEO of VCU Health System. Retchin, assisted by nursing school Dean Nancy Langston, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN, presided over the investiture. Endowed professorships are among the highest honors awarded to university faculty members. Those who are named to endowed professorships represent excellence in teaching, research, clinical practice and service. Lyon honored the magnitude of Judy Collins’ (Cert. ’75) career in nursing and the significance of holding a professorship in the VCU School of Nursing. Joe Teefey, Collins’ husband, paid tribute to her with characteristic humor and affection, while Collins graciously acknowledged the many guests in the audience who played a major role in both her career and in establishing the professorship. The Sadie Heath Cabaniss Society was established in 1995 to honor dedicated alumni and friends who support the mission and vision of the VCU School of Nursing through their philanthropy and leadership. The Cabaniss Society is named for Sadie Heath Cabaniss, who served as the first superintendent of the Old Dominion Hospital Training School for Nurses, a forerunner of the VCU School of Nursing, and is considered the founder of the school. Membership in the Cabaniss Society is conferred upon those whose annual contributions to the VCU School of Nursing, regardless of designation, total $250 or more. To learn more about the Sadie Heath Cabaniss Society, contact James Parrish, director of development, at (804) 828-5172 or jtparrish@vcu.edu. Winter 2012 | 11
VCU opens renovated Siegel Center centerpiece On Nov. 30, before the men’s basketball game with South Florida, Virginia Commonwealth University officials cut the ribbon on the athletics department’s much-anticipated Club Seat and Suite Project at the Stuart C. Siegel Center. The 15,000-square-foot renovation and expansion has provided the Siegel Center’s second level with a complete facelift. The project included the addition of luxury suites, a 120-club-seat balcony, renovated offices and a sparkling new lounge, the Tommy J. West Club. Completed entirely through private donations of $3.4 million, the initiative has reshaped the way fans, donors, coaches and student-athletes view VCU Athletics now and in the future. The centerpiece of the project is the Tommy J. West Club, named for the late Tommy West, a longtime VCU fan and supporter. With its distinct brick and hardwood-covered walls and upscale lounge furnishings, the club draws heavily on the urban aesthetic flair of Richmond’s Fan District. Complete with flat-screen TVs and bar-top seating, the club provides fans with an unparalleled game-day atmosphere. The lounge serves as a gateway to the project’s 120 club seats, all with an outstanding panoramic view of the arena. Invitations to the dedication were extended to all of those who contributed to the project, including the West family. The ceremony included remarks from VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., director of athletics Norwood Teague and West’s daughter, Aimee. “To be quite honest, this thing turned out even more dramatic than even I envisioned,” Teague said. “I knew it was going to look great … it really reflects a Final Four-type basketball program.” For more information, please contact Andrew Hartley, associate athletic director for major gifts, at (804) 828-1726 or aphartle@vcu.edu.
VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., cuts the ribbon on the new Tommy J. West Club at the Siegel Center.
12 | The Power of Personal Philanthropy
Pharmacy honors donors, students at annual dinner About 100 Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy alumni, faculty members, students and friends gathered Nov. 4 at Richmond’s Jefferson Hotel for the school’s annual Galen Society Dinner. Attendees were treated to a cocktail reception and live music before the dinner, during which current and new members of the donor leadership society were recognized. Dean Victor Yanchick, Ph.D., provided a stateof-the-school address, offering updates on items ranging from the school’s proposed Center for Compounding Practice and Research and student scholarships to his appreciation for the donors who make them possible. Ashley Savage, a third-year student, told alumni she had recently Ron McFarlane (B.S. ’80) (left) of Raleigh, N.C., and Harvey discussed with first-year students Morgan (B.S. ’55) of Saluda, Va., catch up at the School how the School of Pharmacy is like of Pharmacy’s 2011 Galen Society Dinner. family. “So from our family to your family,” she said, “thank you for your generosity. We look forward to joining you in the profession and helping continue to make VCU a center of excellence.” The School of Pharmacy’s National Advisory Council met for its fall meeting earlier that day. The dean welcomed members, about three-quarters of whom are alumni, by filling them in on the themes of VCU’s strategic plan, Quest for Distinction, and offering a School of Pharmacy update.
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Holl specializes in integrating new projects into contexts with cultural and historical importance while emphasizing sustainable building and site development. Paul Goldberger, architecture critic for The New Yorker, cited Holl’s addition to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Mo., as “one of the best of the last generation.” “We are very enthusiastic to be working with Virginia Commonwealth University to create architecture as a catalyst between the public and the great School of the Arts,” Holl said. “As a gate to the Monroe Park Campus, a sustainable example of architecture with a sculpture garden will act as a social condenser for the university and the community.” Faculty members are equally enthusiastic about the far-reaching impact of the new facility. “Hands-on access to the exceptional culture of our day is what future artists need most,” said Amy Hauft, professor and chair of the sculpture and extended media department in the School of the Arts. “The ICA will Steven Holl leads the architectural team designing bring those exhibitions and artists the ICA. to our doorstep.” To learn more about the Institute for Contemporary Art, contact Julia Carr, executive director of development, at (804) 827-4676 or carrj@vcu.edu. Winter 2012 | 13
Golfers tee off to fund pharmacy scholarships Come wind, come drizzle … the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy’s 2011 Pharmacy Scholarship Golf Classic went off without a hitch, as scheduled, on Oct. 18 at the Hunting Hawk Golf Club in Glen Allen, Va. The tournament was followed by lunch, including a prize raffle. Sponsors were AmerisourceBergen, CVS/pharmacy, EPIC, Kroger, Pharmacists Mutual, Rite Aid and the VCU Alumni Association. Numerous local businesses also contributed prizes. On Oct. 7, the second Paul W. Heron Memorial Scholarship Wayne Palmore, Preston Hale (B.S. ’72), Victor Yanchick, Benefit Golf Tournament took Ph.D., and Gary Throckmorton celebrate their win at the place at Sleepy Hole Golf Course 2011 Pharmacy Scholarship Golf Classic. in Suffolk, Va. Tim Jennings, Heron’s stepfather, said about 75 people participated. Heron (Pharm.D. ’09) died March 19, 2010, in a car crash. He had been employed as a pharmacist for a Kroger Pharmacy in Portsmouth, Va. “We will never forget him, but we want his name to live on, professionally,” said Jennings, who is a divisional vice president at Sentara Healthcare Inc. in Norfolk, Va., and a preceptor for the School of Pharmacy. The two tournaments raised $37,000 for scholarships in the School of Pharmacy. To learn more about the School of Pharmacy, contact Ellen Leverich, director of development, at (804) 828-3016 or emleverich@vcu.edu.
Scholarship dinner recognizes scholars, donors
Photo CSI Studios
About 300 donors and student scholars gathered Nov. 7 at the Commonwealth Club for the 13th annual Monroe Park Campus Endowed Scholarship Dinner. Host Ronald Tillet (B.S. ’79), president of the Virginia Commonwealth University Foundation, scholarship donor and former Virginia secretary of finance, congratulated VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., on his recent inauguration before welcoming him to make remarks. Rao recapped some of the exciting projects taking place around campus and thanked donors for their generosity. “I hope you know that you are vital to our continued success. Your attendance here tonight underscores your commitment to VCU and our future,” he said. “As we strive to achieve the goals set School of Education Interim Dean Michael Davis, Ph.D., forth in Quest, we will continue joins student Fajir Amin and Virginia Arnold. Amin is the to look to you for support. Many recipient of the Virginia A. Arnold Scholarship Fund. of you engage with the university in so many valuable ways, from serving on our various boards and offering internships through your corporations to volunteering your time. We truly appreciate your efforts.” The event was sponsored by the VCU Foundation, the VCU School of Business Foundation and the VCU School of Engineering Foundation. Collectively, these three foundations hold more than $300 million in assets, funding 20 chairs and professorships, 400 endowed scholarships and two research institutes. 14 | The Power of Personal Philanthropy
Development team welcomes new staff Michael P. Andrews (M.S. ’05)
Director of annual giving strategy (804) 828-0236 andrewsmp@vcu.edu Formerly associate director of development and alumni relations, VCU College of Humanities and Sciences
Julia M. Carr
Executive director of development School of the Arts (804) 828-4676 carrj@vcu.edu Formerly mid-Atlantic regional representative, ChildFund International
Anthony Meyer
Executive director of development MCV Hospitals (804) 828-3632 ameyer@mcvh-vcu.edu Formerly senior director of development, Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina
Alex Moore (M.S. ’09)
Assistant director of development and alumni communications (804) 828-0022 afmoore@vcu.edu Formerly director of stewardship, VCU Athletics
Danielle Ransom
Executive coordinator Massey Cancer Center (804) 827-2232 djransom@vcu.edu Formerly administrative coordinator, VCU Office of the Provost
William “Ike” Tucker (M.Ed. ’06; Cert. ’06)
Director of annual giving operations (804) 828-0232 witucker@vcu.edu Formerly assistant director, VCU Foundation
Fall 2011 | 15
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