Oct. 16, 2007

VCU SportsCenter launches children’s book at G.W. Carver Elementary

'Rodney Ram Teaches Teamwork' offers lessons in life skills

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By Mike Porter

VCU men’s basketball head coach Anthony Grant reads “Rodney Ram Teaches Teamwork” to students from two third-grade classes at Richmond’s G.W. Carver Elementary School as mascot Rodney Ram reacts to the story. Photo by Mike Porter/ VCU Office of University News Services.
VCU men’s basketball head coach Anthony Grant reads “Rodney Ram Teaches Teamwork” to students from two third-grade classes at Richmond’s G.W. Carver Elementary School as mascot Rodney Ram reacts to the story. Photo by Mike Porter/ VCU Office of University News Services.

The Virginia Commonwealth University SportsCenter launched its new children’s book “Rodney Ram Teaches Teamwork” during a reading for students from two third-grade classes at G.W. Carver Elementary School in Richmond.

VCU men’s basketball head coach Anthony Grant read the book to the children. He was joined by mascot Rodney Ram.

“Becoming great readers will take you where you need to go,” Grant told the children. “If you are committed to getting a great education, you’ll be able to do anything you want to in life.” 

Carver Elementary third grader Tarrell Ralls (right) is first in line for an autograph and a handshake with VCU men’s basketball head coach Anthony Grant. Grant told the students that becoming great readers will take them where they want to go. Photo by Mike Porter/ VCU Office of University News Services.
Carver Elementary third grader Tarrell Ralls (right) is first in line for an autograph and a handshake with VCU men’s basketball head coach Anthony Grant. Grant told the students that becoming great readers will take them where they want to go. Photo by Mike Porter/ VCU Office of University News Services.

The book was developed over a five-year period under the direction of VCU SportsCenter Executive Director Richard L. Sander. “Rodney Ram Teaches Teamwork” was written by VCU SportsCenter graduate Stephanie H. McNamara and illustrated by former VCU women’s basketball player and SportsCenter graduate Susie Fife. The book’s message is that everybody wins through teamwork.

"Rodney Ram Teaches Teamwork” offers lessons about teamwork and other life skills. The book costs $13.95 and can be purchased online at www.vcu.edu/sportscenter or by calling (804) 828-7821. Photo by Mike Porter/ VCU Office of University News Services.
"Rodney Ram Teaches Teamwork” offers lessons about teamwork and other life skills. The book costs $13.95 and can be purchased online at www.vcu.edu/sportscenter or by calling (804) 828-7821. Photo by Mike Porter/ VCU Office of University News Services.

The VCU SportsCenter donated copies of the book to the students. McNamara and Fife joined Grant and Rodney Ram for pictures with the children and autographs.

VCU has enjoyed a long collaborative partnership with the Carver Community. The VCU Division of Community Engagement supports efforts at the school such as the Carver Promise mentoring program and the Carver-VCU Partnership after-school program, which provides after school-tutoring and homework assistance.

“Rodney Ram Teaches Teamwork” costs $13.95 and can be purchased online at www.vcu.edu/sportscenter or by calling (804) 828-7821.