VCU Staff Senate, faculty take steps for worthy cause

By Malorie Burkett

The Virginia Commonwealth University Staff Senate was joined by friends in the university community in a walk-a-thon to raise funds for the Virginia's Caring University Scholarship, an undergraduate award for juniors and seniors in financial need.

Kicking off the April 6 event was VCU President Eugene P. Trani, Ph.D., who addressed participants in the VCU Student Commons. Dr. Trani expressed his appreciation for the hard work and dedication of all who contributed to the event. About 85 walkers participated, cheered on by supporters.

“The donations from the community, university and health system are great examples of how we come together to support our students,” said Dr. Trani, who mentioned that he began taking half-hour morning walks about 10 months ago.

Dr. Trani also talked about how scholarships and financial aid are significant to VCU students.

“Sixty-one percent of our students receive financial aid, and it is important to our students,” he said. “Scholarships make a difference at Virginia’s university and Virginia’s opportunity university.”

Following the opening remarks, Eric West, Ph.D., VCU fitness and wellness program coordinator, carried a VCU flag and led participants as a group to the Cary Street Recreational Complex for a warm-up and the walk-a-thon on the Cary Street field.

In addition to contributions from the VCU and health system communities, various businesses in the community also donated money toward the scholarships. Other businesses donated gift certificates, which participants had the chance to win as prizes.

Some of this year’s sponsors and contributors included Sam’s Club, the Washington Redskins, the Jefferson Hotel, Caston Studios, the Richmond Braves, VCU Athletics, Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts and the Radisson Hotel.

To date, the VCU Staff Senate has collected approximately $7,000 for this year’s scholarships. Last year’s event raised more than $4,000 and the scholarships, which ranged in value from $400 to $1,000, were awarded to seven students.

University juniors and seniors with a grade point average of 2.7 or better who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance are encouraged to apply for the awards. The deadline for students to apply for the scholarship is April 21. For more information, visit http://www.vcu.edu/scholarships/.

“The VCU Staff Senate leadership is exceptionally proud of everyone who came together as a unified group for the sole purpose of supporting our students,” said LaForest Williams, VCU Staff Senate president. “We look forward to continually building relationships across both campuses and with our friends in the surrounding communities.”

The VCU Staff Senate represents the diverse classified staff of VCU and the VCU Health System and serves in an advisory role to the administration.