VCU Staff Senate Presents 2010 Virginia’s Caring University Scholarships

By Malorie Burkett

In a recent ceremony, the Virginia Commonwealth University Staff Senate presented eight undergraduate students with Virginia’s Caring University scholarships.

This is the sixth year of the scholarship program, which has raised more than
$60,000 since it began.

“Our mission is to really help each and every student discover themselves, discover their passion for life and to achieve excellence,” said Beverly J. Warren, Ed.D., Ph.D., interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Many of us are in positions where we have really found ourselves in an area where we can give back in meaningful ways.

“And that’s what we hope for you students,” she said. “That by support from this caring staff, you remember when you graduate, how to give back.”

The Staff Senate established the scholarships and sponsored a walk-a-thon in the spring to raise money for the scholarships. This year, members of the VCU and VCU Health System communities, along with community sponsors, raised more than $12,000 in support of the scholarship fund.

This year’s recipients and their majors are Angela P. Hutto, environmental sciences; Faith Hofma, music; Tania Bolden, psychology; Katherine Rivara, liberal studies for early and elementary education; Shaena Goodman-Robinson, criminal justice; William A. Smith, chemistry; Kendra G. Reid, biology, pre-medicine; and Aileen Manguiat, accounting.

Hutto also was recognized with the first Marquita Aguilar Scholarship Award, which is named in honor of the former Staff Senate Activities and Events chair for her service and dedication to the VCU Walk-a-thon.

The Virginia’s Caring University Scholarship Award is designed for juniors and seniors with a grade point average of 2.7 or higher. Applicants also must demonstrate a need for financial assistance and show involvement in community service.