VCU news

By Tom Gresham

Twelve students received scholarships totaling $29,000 on April 29 at the Fourth Annual VCU Business Services Scholarship Award Ceremony. The Department of Business Services has granted a total of $116,175 in scholarship funding to VCU students. The funding for the scholarships is a result of department agreements with business partners to support and enhance scholarship opportunities for VCU students.

“These scholarships are a great way of bringing a direct connection between the students and the businesses that partner with our department,” said Diane Reynolds, director of the VCU Department of Business Services.

The scholarships include:

• The VCU Dining Services Multicultural Scholarship, which recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship while promoting diversity and multiculturalism at VCU. Sponsored by ARAMARK. The winners this year were Gabrielle McDonald, a sophomore sociology major, and Xavier Guadalupe, also a sophomore sociology major. Each will receive $2,500.
• The VCU Affinity License Plate Scholarship, which rewards high academic performance and work that enhances the quality of the educational experience at VCU. Funds come from the royalties received from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles’ sale of VCU designer license plates. Winners include Lakesha Butler, a sophomore radiation therapy major; Taylor Davis, a junior English major; Shondreka Perry, a junior fashion merchandising major; Shemele Smith, a sophomore criminal justice major; Soulmaz Taghavi, a sophomore international relations major; and Dominique Williams, a junior chemistry major. Each will receive $2,500.
• The VCU Excellence in Community Service Scholarship Award, which recognizes extraordinary achievements in community service. Sponsored by Business Services through proceeds generated by class rings and graduation-related items through Jostens, Inc. The winner is Rachel Hammond, a freshman majoring in African-American studies and international studies, who will receive $2,500. 
• The VCU Scholarship for the Advancement of Women, which recognizes work that benefits, promotes and advances women or women’s issues at VCU. (Business Services/Jostens.) The winner is Susan Pollard, a junior English major, who will receive $2,500.
• The VCU Graduate Student Scholarship, which recognizes the exceptional contributions made to VCU through service and scholarship by graduate students. (Business Services/Josten’s.) The winners are Deanna Flora, who is pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, and Alan Keesee, who pursuing a Master of Health Administration. Each will receive $2,000.