VCU news

By Carrie Carroll

The Virginia Commonwealth University Staff Senate’s 10th annual Marquita Aguilar Scholarship Walk-A-Thon, formerly the Virginia’s Caring University Walk-a-thon, is scheduled for Thursday, April 10.

This year’s walk is set on the Monroe Park Campus at the University Student Commons Plaza and benefits the Marquita Aguilar Scholarship – an undergraduate award for juniors and seniors in financial need with a grade point average of 2.7 or better who can demonstrate past or current community service.

Since 2005, the scholarship has helped 88 undergraduate students continue their education and graduate from VCU by raising more than $80,000 from the VCU and VCU Health System communities. The event’s name was changed in 2012 to honor Marquita Aguilar, executive administrative assistant in the College of Humanities and Sciences, who established the walk-a-thon and scholarship program.

“This event is more than just a fundraiser. It brings the students, faculty, staff and administration together,” Aguilar said. “VCU is a great place to study and work. We really care about our students and want to see them succeed. This is what the walk-a-thon is all about.”

“This scholarship was a godsend,” said Corey Boone, a 2007 scholarship recipient and current university events and special programs coordinator at VCU. “It helped me bridge the gap in my finances so I could finish my college career. I am so thankful for this scholarship, and as a staff member, I am proud to be able to give back to this program. I applaud Marquita Aguilar for her tenacity and dedication to the program, which will continue to meet many more milestones and support many more students.”

Prior to the event, participants will gather in the Commons Plaza at 11:35 a.m. Eric West, Ph.D., associate professor with VCU Recreational Sports, will lead walkers in a 20-minute warm-up. Following the warm-up, VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., will give a welcome address at noon, before the walk begins. Food and giveaways will be available after the walk in the Commonwealth Ballrooms.

Registration is open to VCU and VCU Health System faculty, staff, students, alumni, retired faculty and community supporters and can be made online using a credit or debit card or by payroll deduction. Registration will also be available on the day of the event starting at 11 a.m.

For more information, or to register, visit http://staffsenate.vcu.edu/walkathon/index.html.

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