VCU to honor nine Virginia’s Caring University Scholarship recipients

By Malorie Burkett

The Virginia Commonwealth University Staff Senate will recognize nine undergraduate students with the Virginia’s Caring University Scholarship.

The ceremony will take place Thursday, Sept. 24, at 2:30 p.m. in the University Student Commons. Scholarships, which range in value from $750 to $1,500, will be presented to a group of students selected from applications submitted last semester.

"The VCU Staff Senate is honored to present nine elite students with the Virginia's Caring University scholarship,” said Susan Beavers, president of the VCU Staff Senate. “It is humbling to see staff, faculty and students donate to this campaign.”

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 health system communities, along with community sponsors, raised approximately $9,700 in support of the scholarship fund. The scholarship program is in its fifth year.

This year’s recipients and their majors are: Kanwar Anand, business foundation; Danita Butts, accounting; Michelle Climo, interdisciplinary studies; Jordan Eubank, psychology; Holly Guelig, psychology; Shanaye La Beaud, business administration;
Deanna Mackey, pre-nursing; Joy McNamara, physics; and Iva Radman, mass communications.

Over the past five years, the Staff Senate has raised almost $45,000 in scholarship contributions from the VCU and health system communities.

“Even though the economic climate was not its best this year, we received several donations that allowed us to have the privilege of awarding these undergraduate scholarships at VCU during our 2009 Campaign,” said Marquita Aguilar, Staff Senate Activities and Events chair. “I’m proud that the Staff Senate has continued to keep a positive focus.”

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 past or present community service.