VCU news

By Dina Weinstein

At sunset Monday on the Commons Plaza, members of the extended VCU family came together to remember students, faculty, staff and alumni who have died in recent years and to reflect as a community.

In the shadow of a years-long pandemic, the Rams Remember event was presented by Virginia Commonwealth University’s Division of Student Affairs to offer a shared experience of memory.

“Each of us comes to this space collectively but perhaps from a different place in our journey with grief and loss,” Lynanne Jamison, Ed.D., associate dean for families and family programs, told the assembly. She stood in front of a backdrop of white luminary bags whose candles had been illuminated by attendees, and staff members from VCU Counseling Services were available to provide support during and after the event.

“We come together tonight as one Ramily, whose individual stories are unique but whose lives are interconnected by this place and by the people we gathered to remember,” said Aaron Hart, Ed.D., vice president for student affairs. “I am energized by our community's role in tonight's event. Whether you have planned it or staffed it, are performing or speaking, or are simply here to offer to those who need assistance or simply saw the advertisement and said to yourself, ‘I need to be a part of this,’ this is really important.”

Reuban Rodriguez, Ed.D., associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, read a letter from VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D. Of those no longer with us, Rao said: ”Their unique contributions are woven into the fabric of our institution and the lives of those they touch forever. I thank them for giving their personality, friendship, ambition, knowledge and perspective to our family.”

Stephanie Hamilton, faculty chaplain liaison and assistant professor in the patient counseling program of VCU’s College of Health Professions, read 37 names of students who have died. She paused so that event attendees could speak about their loved ones.

“She was just beautiful. She’s been a blessing. She accomplished so much in life in such a short period of time,” said DeVondus Booker, whose daughter, Angela Booker, died in 2019 after graduating from VCU. “She loved singing. I just loved her so much. She always stayed on top of her work. She was just a free spirit. We thank God for her.”

Courtney White, a cousin of Adam Oakes, who died in February 2021 in a fraternity hazing incident, recalled his personality.

“His spark and his smile just lit up any room that he walked into. He's in heaven smiling down on us,” said White, who leads the Love Like Adam Foundation that raises hazing awareness. “He sees all the powerful work that we've been able to do. It's been fantastic to create real change.”

As part of Rams Remember, VCU Poetry Club members Isaiah Hicks, Jeanleshea Ellis and Amina Fatima read original works about grief. Hicks knew a fellow School of Pharmacy student, Abigail Metzger, who died in 2022.

A student who only gave his first name, Chris, sat with a group of students to remember a friend who passed away.

“I think it's good that people came to grieve and remember,” he said. “I was just thinking about my friend, and all the memories I have with him, just kind of reflecting.”

After the event, Jamison re-emphasized the importance – amid recent events – of honoring and remembering those we have lost.

“These last few years, especially with the pandemic, just really pulled people apart, and we wanted to do something that would bring people together in remembrance of the lives that matter here, that still matter here,” she said.

Jamison added that the individuals named reflect many walks of life and ages, including undergraduate, graduate and professional students – each with a unique story.

“These are heavy losses,” she said. “These families feel those losses. Our community feels those losses, these students feel those losses. I hope we struck the right chord with everyone who was here tonight – that we're here in support of and in remembering – because we care about our community. This is really tough, but you can't just let the tough slide by. We must acknowledge it.”