VCU Career Center receives grant from Philip Morris

By Michala Smith
University News Services

Virginia Commonwealth University’s Career Center has received a $25,000 Aid in Education grant for the third consecutive year from Philip Morris USA.

The grant is targeted toward the peer education and mentor program, which is dedicated to developing future leaders in business and industry. The program features networking events, mock interviews, seminars on workplace diversity and a dress-for-success course.

“Our partners at Philip Morris are gracious enough to present us with the Aid in Education Grant,” said Sue Story, director of University Career Center. “After the third year in a row, things are coming full circle.”

Debbie Weber, vice president and general manager of Philip Morris USA, presented Story with the gift during a ceremony attended by students and VCU President Eugene P. Trani.

“Training our students for careers and presenting them the opportunity to move on is our goal,” Trani said.

According to Weber, VCU students are attractive commodities in the workforce because they take advantage of the university’s incorporation of leadership and industry advances into the curriculum.

“VCU is a valuable resource right here at our back door,” said Weber.

Philip Morris has provided more than 160 co-op and internship opportunities to students with more than 500 VCU alumni currently employed with the company. Among the crowd was VCU graduate and Philip Morris employee Greg Moody, who initiated the partnership. Following the ceremony, he provided an information session on employment opportunities with Philip Morris. 

For more information about the VCU Career Center, visit http://www.students.vcu.edu/careers/.