Sept. 17, 2007

VCU to recognize Virginia’s Caring University Scholarship recipients

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By Malorie Burkett

Participants in the 2007 Walk-a-thon included from left: Robert Andrews, Dawn Mooney, Kathryn Murphy-Judy and LaForest Williams. Held last April, the walk-a-thon brought together members of the VCU and health system communities in support of the Virginia’s Caring University Scholarship fund. Photo by Ash Daniel, VCU Creative Services
Participants in the 2007 Walk-a-thon included from left: Robert Andrews, Dawn Mooney, Kathryn Murphy-Judy and LaForest Williams. Held last April, the walk-a-thon brought together members of the VCU and health system communities in support of the Virginia’s Caring University Scholarship fund. Photo by Ash Daniel, VCU Creative Services

The Virginia Commonwealth University Staff Senate will present a select group of undergraduate students with the Virginia’s Caring University Scholarship this month.

This is the third year that the Staff Senate will be presenting the scholarships, which will be awarded to nine students who applied for the awards last semester. The scholarships range in value from $300 to $1,000.

The Staff Senate established the scholarships and sponsored a walk-a-thon fitness event last April to raise money for the scholarships. University juniors and seniors with a grade point average of 2.7 or better who could demonstrate need and past or current community service were encouraged to apply for the awards.

“These are full-time undergraduate students who work and also strive to maintain their grades,” said Marquita Aguilar, Staff Senate Activities and Events chair. “They care deeply about their families, education and work, and I commend them for their excellent attitudes and accomplishments.”

Front row, from left: Nakia Williams, Summer Chaffman, LeaAnne Eaton and Rebekah Hicks. Back row, from left: Katherine Felter, Corey Boone, Marquita Aguilar and Ericka Cottman. Not pictured: Devin Peyton and Bria Corprew-Royster. Photo by Malorie Janis
Front row, from left: Nakia Williams, Summer Chaffman, LeaAnne Eaton and Rebekah Hicks. Back row, from left: Katherine Felter, Corey Boone, Marquita Aguilar and Ericka Cottman. Not pictured: Devin Peyton and Bria Corprew-Royster. Photo by Malorie Janis

This year’s recipients and their majors include Katherine Felter, international studies; Corey Boone, mass communications; Ericka Cottman, computer engineering; Nakia Williams, psychology; Summer Chaffman, anthropology; LeaAnne Eaton, English and women’s studies; Rebekah Hicks, fashion design and merchandising; Devin Peyton, mass communications; and Bria Corprew-Royster, biology.

For the past three years, the Staff Senate has raised more than $24,000 in contributions from the VCU and health system communities. Various community vendors also have donated money toward the scholarships.

According to Aguilar, the scholarships will have helped a total of 22 undergraduate students to continue their educations.

“I believe this scholarship represents a bridge that connects our students with our community,” said Aguilar. “We have built the bridge and now I am confident that our students can cross over in pride and say that VCU is truly Virginia's Caring University.”

A reception to honor the nine recipients will take place Thursday, Sept. 27, at 3 p.m. in the VCU Student Commons.