VCU news

By Mike Porter

VCU’s new freshman class was challenged and cheered during New Student Convocation and the Ram Spirit Walk, in which the new students marched from the Siegel Center to Monroe Park for a block party to launch the 2012-2013 academic year. 

During the convocation, VCU President Michael Rao welcomed the Class of 2016 and asked the 2,300 students in attendance what they will do to make a difference.

“You can start to answer that question while you are at VCU,” Rao said. “Use your education to make a difference, not only today but tomorrow. I want you to unleash your creativity, particularly in ways that benefit other people.”

Also speaking at the convocation was Kristen Iverson, author of “Full Body Burden: Growing up in the Nuclear Shadow of Rocky Flats,” the University College Summer Reading Program book that all entering freshmen are expected to read before they arrive on campus.

In her book, Iverson writes about her experience of growing up near Rocky Flats, a secret nuclear weapons plant once described as “the most contaminated site in America.”

Iverson told the students a teacher or mentor can make a difference in their lives. She recalled it was a professor who inspired her by writing “you are a writer” as feedback on her very first writing assignment.

"Those four words changed my life," she said. “That professor helped me to find my voice. And at that moment I knew it was up to me to tell my story.”

Jay Lee, president of the Monroe Park Campus Student Government Association, told the students to seize the opportunity to get involved as they start their college experiences.

“See where you can make a difference,” Lee said. “Step up to make a change. Your actions will help to shape the direction of VCU."

Convocation is the formal welcome to the VCU academic community and the official beginning of the school year for all new students.

When the convocation concluded, the Class of 2016 had a class picture taken at the Siegel Center and then participated in the Ram Spirit Walk, in which they were led to Monroe Park by VCU’s pep band, the “Peppas,”and were accompanied by the Clover Hill High School marching band.

A pep rally, featuring the VCU cheerleaders and faculty and staff, was held for the new students. A block party followed. 

The rally was part of a weeklong series of “Welcome Week” activities that helps students become familiar with VCU before the start of classes.

Akelia Nelson, a freshman who is a native of Miami and grew up in Alexandria, said she is excited to come to VCU and described Welcome Week as a great way to meet people and get connected.

“I like the environment here,” Nelson said. “I’ve met a lot of people. There are so many activities, and people just come up and introduce themselves to me. I can’t believe the university did all of this for freshmen.”

Brian Potsiadlo of Mechanicsville agreed.

"It’s cool to have everybody get together to socialize and maybe get some grub,” he said. “There have been a lot of activities to get to know people and it’s a good way to get acquainted before classes start.”