Voting Under Way for VCU’s Ultimate Ram

By Leila Ugincius

After putting out a call for its biggest fan, Virginia Commonwealth University has narrowed the pool of contestants down to the final three. Now the university needs its Facebook fans to help choose the Ultimate Ram.

The three finalists each represent one of three fan categories: students, alumni and employees.

Jim Thompson, the student finalist, is a senior majoring in Theatre Performance in the School of the Arts. Alumnus John Jay Schwartz received his bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from the School of Business in 1969. And the employee finalist, Dr. Gene Hunt, was professor in the School of Business from 1968 to 1996.

“All of the finalists had wonderful stories of their dedication to VCU,” said Tammy Berwanger, social media and marketing manager in University Marketing. “With a total of about 75 years of dedication to the university, these three finalists sincerely show their Ram spirit day in and day out. Their involvement with student organizations, athletics and positions on various VCU boards sets them apart as excellent examples of fans who truly do ‘bleed black and gold.’”

Fans can vote for their favorite Ultimate Ram by “liking” their pick on the VCU Facebook page. Voting is open through noon on Saturday, Jan. 29 – the day of the VCU men’s basketball Homecoming game against the University of North Carolina Wilmington. The winner will be crowned during the game.

Finalists were determined by votes from a committee consisting of representatives from Student Affairs, Alumni Relations, Athletics, Business Services and University Marketing.