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Dear VCU and VCU Health Community,

This Veterans Day, and every day, I am thankful for the many people who have served and continue to serve our nation. And, I am grateful to serve VCU together with the many veterans and active duty students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters who are part of the VCU and VCU Health community. The diverse life experiences of our veterans and active duty military are integral to our educational and health care missions as we serve all of humanity.

Across campuses, our commitment to advancing the lives of those who served our country is unwavering.  I am grateful for the work of the Office of Military Student Services to assist current and former members of the military as they adapt to a university setting. I am also proud of our continued work as leaders in the examination of the long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries. Research conducted by our experts at VCU will benefit veterans and their families as they adapt to life post-injury and seek treatment. And in our continued work to be a university that is mindful of our fellow human beings, Green Zone training is available to those interested in supporting friends and family in their transition to life at VCU.

During this election year, I’m particularly grateful for the work of service members in uniform who protect our democracy. It’s my honor to share a message from my colleague and a veteran, Dr. Aashir Nasim. Today, Dr. Nasim serves as Vice President of Institutional Equity, Effectiveness and Success, and professor and director of iCubed but as a college student and Army Reservist, he served in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. His life experiences and his work to help advance equity and success for VCU community members are remarkable and help to make our community even stronger.

Thank you to those who have served, today and every day.

Sincerely,

Michael Rao, Ph.D.
President
VCU and VCU Health System