'Henrietta Lacks' Author to Serve as Keynote Speaker at Student Convocation

By Tom Gresham

Rebecca Skloot, author of “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” Virginia Commonwealth University’s 2010 summer reading book selection, will be the keynote speaker at VCU’s New Student Convocation on Tuesday.

New Student Convocation, which marks the official beginning of the school year for new students, will begin at 4 p.m. in the Landmark Theater. In addition to Skloot, students will hear from some of VCU’s leaders, including President Michael Rao, Ph.D. The annual Ram Spirit Walk will precede convocation at 3:30 p.m. in Monroe Park.

VCU’s Summer Reading Program introduces incoming students to the academic and intellectual culture of VCU through a common reading experience. Incoming VCU students read the summer selection before arriving for the academic year and then discuss the book in different settings during their freshman year.

The Ram Spirit Walk, which is now in its third year, serves as a pep rally for alumni, staff and students.