University to Launch Strategic Plan at 29th Annual Convocation

Virginia Commonwealth University will hold its 29th Opening Faculty Address and Convocation ceremony on Sept. 8.

The ceremony begins at 4 p.m. at the Hermes A. Kontos Medical Sciences Building, 1217 E. Marshall St., immediately followed by a reception.

An annual event that acknowledges the quality and excellence of the VCU faculty, Convocation marks the formal opening of the academic year. This year's Convocation also will launch the university's new strategic plan, "Quest for Distinction." VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., will present a State of the University address and issue a call to action for all members of the university community to make the Quest a reality.

In addition, Rao will join Sheldon Retchin, M.D., vice president for VCU Health Sciences and CEO of the VCU Health System, and Beverly J. Warren, Ed.D., Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs, in recognizing this year's faculty honorees for their outstanding accomplishments in the areas of teaching, scholarship, service and overall excellence.

This year’s award recipients are:

• Michael L. Hess, M.D., School of Medicine, University Award of Excellence
• Robert G. Davis, Ph.D., School of Education, University Distinguished Service Award
• Edward J.N. Ishac, Ph.D., School of Medicine, University Distinguished Teaching Award
• M. Samy El-Shall, Ph.D., College of Humanities and Sciences, University Distinguished Scholarship Award

To attend, R.S.V.P. to Danielle Ransom at djransom@vcu.edu or 828-5880.