VCU news

The year 2016 is in the books, and oh what a whirlwind of a year it was. For those whose heads are still spinning, we’ve compiled lists of VCU’s top news stories, tweets, videos and more to help you catch up or reminisce about the last 12 months at the university. For more details on VCU’s very successful year, read the recently released annual report.

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Top 10 VCU News stories from 2016

1)     VCU announces new tattoo requirement for current and prospective students (April Fools’)

2)     Two VCU programs ranked No. 1, Arts rises to No. 2 in updated  U.S. News & World Report national rankings

3)     Bye, bye baby: After 365 days at VCU Medical Center, premature baby Kaleb Graves gets to go home

4)     Winning the Powerball jackpot isn’t the hardest part — it’s what comes next, VCU expert says

5)     Student debt crisis: Why it’s everyone’s problem and what VCU is doing to help

6)     Fashion grad’s scarf design becomes a presidential talking point

7)     VCU Police is the first campus policing agency in the U.S. to offer the You Have Options Program for sexual assault survivors

8)     VCU valentines: As these couples can attest, love is in the air at VCU

9)     VCU opens 2016-17 academic year with record freshman class

10)  Heroin and prescription painkiller overdoses kill at least two Virginians every day, VCU reports

 

Top 5 research stories from 2016

1)     Heroin and prescription painkiller overdoses kill at least two Virginians every day, VCU reports

2)     Shedding light on a vaping trend: Researchers study the use of e-cigarettes for illicit drugs

3)     Engineering students design thermoregulated gloves that help people with Raynaud’s disease, including one of their own

4)     VCU study finds college students feel less stress prior to exams after visits with therapy dogs

5)     New book calls for a regional, cooperative approach to addressing school segregation – and improving educational outcomes for all students

 

Top 5 photo-essays from 2016

1)     A library transformed: A makerspace, a reading porch, 1,500 new seats and loads of natural light. The new Cabell Library is a sight to behold.

2)     Night at the museum: Behind the scenes at the VCU fashion show

3)     VCU bass tackles regional tournament

4)     Nature walks: Out and about with researchers at the VCU Rice Rivers Center

5)     Medicine on a mission: This June, a team from VCU Health traveled to remote villages in Honduras to offer residents much-needed health care and supplies.

 

Top 5 videos from 2016

1)     Can’t stop the feeling! VCU and Richmond, VA, Edition

2)     PALETTE: An Intergenerational Art Program

3)     Tats Not SATS (April Fools’)

4)     VCU Make It Real: This is my real.

5)     A look inside the new Cabell Library

 

Top 5 Instagram posts from 2016 (by number of “likes”)

1)     Basketball game marriage proposal

There was quite the surprise at Tuesday night's @vcu_hoops game against Princeton. Thanks to @willweaverrva and @cbs6 for capturing these moments. Congratulations Alexa & Spencer! . . . #shesaidyes #virginiacommonwealthuniversity #vcu #vculovestories

A photo posted by VCU (@vcu) on Dec 1, 2016 at 9:48am PST

 

2)     Fall leaf color gradient https://www.instagram.com/p/BNh9P4yhS2K/

We love this photo by @micaharin showing how she practices mindfulness whenever life is a little stressful. How do you practice #MindfulFinals? ????

A photo posted by VCU (@vcu) on Dec 2, 2016 at 1:54pm PST

 

3)     Rainy fall day https://www.instagram.com/p/BNrf2J-BtNI/

Rainy day. ?? Photo by @thisisdrb . . . #virginiacommonwealthuniversity #vcu #thefanrva #goldleaves

A photo posted by VCU (@vcu) on Dec 6, 2016 at 6:49am PST

 

4)     View from the library https://www.instagram.com/p/BOFc12CBpZ8/ 

Library views. Hopefully most of you are done or nearly done with your biannual cram sessions. If you're already finished with finals - Congrats and have a very happy winter break! ??If you've only got one or two left - You can do it! We believe in you! Finish strong! ?? . . Photo by @fransgottheplan . . #virginiacommonwealthuniversity #vcu #vculibraries #clubcabell #vcusunset #rva #studyspace #mindfulfinals

A photo posted by VCU (@vcu) on Dec 16, 2016 at 8:43am PST

 

5)     Stormy Richmond skyline https://www.instagram.com/p/BGwkprAPxT7/

Such a stunning photo of last night's storm by @jamiebettsphoto. "Huge bow echo that moved through #RVA last night. The green light is from exploding transformers" . For a full list of #VCU closings please visit ALERT.VCU.EDU . The Cabell @vculibraries is open today for those that need to charge electronic devices or just grab a cup of coffee. Hoping everyone stayed safe. #VCUalert #virginiacommonwealthuniversity #richmond #severeweather

A photo posted by VCU (@vcu) on Jun 17, 2016 at 7:28am PDT

 

Top 5 Facebook posts from 2016 (by overall engagement)

1)     Tats not SATs video (April Fools’)

2)     The PALETTE Program: boosting positive attitudes toward older adults 

3)     VCU announces new tattoo requirement (April Fool’s) 

4)     Video tour of the new Cabell Library 

5)     Rams Spirit Walk welcomes class of 2020 

 

Top 5 Twitter posts from 2016 (by overall engagement)

1) VCU announces new tattoo requirement (April Fools’)

VCU announces new tattoo requirement for current and prospective students https://t.co/vcKxFT58fX #TatsNotSATs pic.twitter.com/agPOp7zQ5l

— VCU (@VCU) April 1, 2016

 
2) Monroe Park Campus Pokestop map 

We see you, #PokemonGo trainers. Here's a helpful map to Pokestops and Gyms in and around the Monroe Park campus. pic.twitter.com/UGQ1n52AFm

— VCU (@VCU) July 12, 2016

3) Medical student makes return appearance on Jeopardy 

Rocking that black and gold! ?? #VCU medical student Siddharth Hariharan is back on @Jeopardy tonight! #MakeItReal pic.twitter.com/qEyzJ3KD1d

— VCU (@VCU) September 19, 2016

4) Fun fact: Richmond experiences more annual rain than Seattle 

Fun fact: Richmond on avg. experiences 5 more inches of rain each year than Seattle. ?? pic.twitter.com/oX7MNZ6KTr

— VCU (@VCU) September 21, 2016

5) Medical student to defend title on Jeopardy 

Missed @Jeopardy last night? #VCU student Siddharth Hariharan won! Tune in tonight to see him defend his title! pic.twitter.com/tkXvpwtX6q

— VCU (@VCU) September 16, 2016

 

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