VCU news

By Carrie Carroll

Virginia Commonwealth University Staff Senate held the 12th annual Marquita Aguilar Walk-a-Thon on April 5 on the Monroe Park Campus.

More than 150 people, including administration, staff, faculty and guests, participated in the event and helped raise more than $10,000 in funds for the Virginia’s Caring University Scholarship. Nancy Rodrigues, secretary of administration for Virginia, was among the participants. Rodrigues was also in attendance at last year’s walk-a-thon and spoke on behalf of Gov. Terry McAuliffe. She returned this year as a participant and supporter.

Thank you for empowering our students to make a difference in this world.

The walk began on the University Student Commons Plaza. Due to weather, the 20-minute warmup, led by representatives from VCU Recreational Sports, and the welcome address from VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., were held inside the Richmond Salons of the University Student Commons. The Black Awakening Choir at VCU also performed a song before the walk.

“We are shaping so many lives and so many opportunities for so many people who have tremendous potential to make a difference in the lives of so many,” Rao said during his address. He also took a moment to recognize Marquita Aguilar, founder of the walk-a-thon and scholarship and the director of the Great Place Initiative for the College of Humanities and Sciences.  “Marquita is at the center of the photograph that I picture in my mind when I think of very passionate people who are committed to our students. I think it continues to be wonderful that we honor this walk in your name and your leadership for getting this started. Thank you for empowering our students to make a difference in this world.”

Since 2005, the Staff Senate has raised more than $90,000 from the VCU and VCU Health communities through the walk-a-thon. To be considered, students must be juniors or seniors in financial need with a grade point average of 2.7 or better who can demonstrate past or current community service. A total of 101 students have benefited from the scholarship.

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