VCU news

By Anthony Langley
Office of Development and Alumni Relations

With students and faculty hailing from more than 100 countries, Virginia Commonwealth University strives to create a diverse and inclusive environment that adapts and nurtures people of all life experiences and cultural backgrounds.

Tatenda Ndambakuwa

Class of 2018
College of Humanities and Sciences
Home country: Zimbabwe

“I came to VCU because we don’t just have diversity, we embrace it in every way, and it’s been the best decision of my life! Through the da Vinci Center, math department and Global Education Office, I’ve gone to professional and educational conferences around the country. The more time I spend on campus talking to people with different cultures, the more I’ve come to appreciate the values we all share.”

Mohammad Ahangari

Class of 2022
Life Sciences
Home country: Iran

“I was born in Iran, grew up in Dubai and continued my higher education in Ireland before coming to the U.S., which made me appreciate the importance of diversity. One of the reasons I chose VCU was because of the great emphasis on fostering an interdisciplinary environment that embraces multiculturalism. I believe that we can create an environment that encourages the pursuit of knowledge through communication and dialogue.”

Kateryna Korobka

Class of 2018
School of Nursing
Home country: Ukraine

“VCU was always my No. 1 choice because it has one of the best nursing programs in Virginia. I believe that being surrounded by others from all different parts of the world has made me a more well-rounded individual. I remember how happy I was that I was accepted into the School of Nursing, and now I’m looking forward to walking across the stage and graduating in May!”

Fabrizio Cena

Class of 2021
School of Dentistry
Home country: Italy

“I chose VCU because we do an outstanding job embracing diversity, and I appreciate being at a university that gives international students the opportunity to be included, understood and treated equally. Whether I’m studying or going out to sing karaoke with my classmates, I think the university has created a welcoming culture that enriches our lives and helps us be more tolerant, sympathetic, compassionate and resourceful.”

Yan Gao

School of World Studies
Home country: China

“When I first came to America as an international student, it opened up a whole new world. I came to VCU to pursue my Ph.D. while experiencing a different culture and getting the best higher education in the country. The skills I’ve gained from interacting with so many professors, students and friends from different countries are invaluable. Without them, I wouldn’t have such a solid foundation for being a language teacher.”

Sandro da Rocha

Professor
School of Pharmacy
Home country: Brazil

“Before I settled in the U.S., I lived on several continents and visited a great number of countries. When I arrived at VCU, the people in the Department of Pharmaceutics made me feel at home instantly. I have great colleagues, many friends and outstanding students. I love it here! Sometimes, you have to get out of your comfort zone, recognize what’s around you and realize your unique perspective, and at VCU I’ve been able to do that.”

Yasaman Ataei

Class of 2020
School of Medicine
Home country: Iran

“VCU stood out to me from the beginning due to its supportive and collaborative environment, and it’s been a privilege to work alongside such a diverse and amazing group of people in the School of Medicine. As future physicians, we’ll be taking care of people from all walks of life, and being surrounded by students from different social, economic and cultural backgrounds makes us better prepared to take care of our future patients.”

Sunny Shin

Associate professor
School of Social Work
Home country: South Korea

“I came to Richmond partly for the weather and partly because VCU has a reputation for landmark research in addiction and trauma and a vision for community-engaged research. I think about the impact my students will have on the families, communities and individuals they work with. As professors, we must prepare them for a global experience and help them be open to new ideas, issues and solutions.”

Meera Mehtaji

School of Education
Home country: India

“My husband and sister-in-law are both graduates of VCU, so I knew when it was my turn to further my education I wouldn’t have to look far. As an international student, I’ve had the opportunity to compare, contrast and think from different perspectives. I’ve seen how the university goes above and beyond to foster a sense of belonging and community within its student population. Studying abroad here has been a dream come true!”

Paul McArdle

Class of 2020
School of Business
Home country: Ireland

“I came to VCU from Dublin, Ireland, in 2015 because I wanted to be part of a best-in-class M.B.A. program that I could take in person. Being on campus, surrounded by different cultures and perspectives, has enriched my learning experience and changed the way I’m able to innovate, assist others and connect with the world.”

Note: This article originally appeared in the fall 2017 VCU Alumni magazine. Learn more and engage with VCU Alumni at vcualumni.org.