VCU news

By Tom Gresham

The Siegel Center pulsated on Tuesday with the familiar, deafening roar of Havoc as a parade of the newest members of the Virginia Commonwealth University student body entered what former basketball coach Shaka Smart once called “that animal” for the first time as Rams. As thousands of first-year and transfer students arrived and strode through the concourse, a raucous crew of older students lined the way and greeted them, creating a lively gauntlet of chants, applause and sheer, joyful noise, all of it delivered at a roof-splitting volume. The scene had the feel of a pep rally. Instead of a big game, however, the fans were on hand to rev up those at the center of the event for something more consequential: the next four years of their lives.

The reason for the madhouse was the annual New Student Convocation and Spirit Walk, which serves as an official welcome to VCU for new students and a centerpiece of the Welcome Week calendar of activities that opens the academic year. Inside the arena, after the students had settled into their seats and pulled on their complimentary black and gold T-shirts with the message “Grab VCU by the Horns,” speakers urged them to embrace the opportunity that VCU represented and to make their time on campus as ambitious as possible.

“Don’t waste a second of it,” said Gordon McDougall, associate vice president for alumni relations.

VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., said the university was energized by the students’ arrival and eager to see what they added to the diverse and dynamic VCU community, noting that they represented the largest influx of new students in the school’s history — including more than 4,200 freshmen and more than 2,000 transfers — and had the potential to have a tremendous and lasting influence on VCU.

The students were sure to learn a great deal in their time at the university, Rao said, but the faculty, staff and students already on campus were excited to learn from them, too.

“Together, we’re going to cement VCU’s international reputation for greatness,” Rao said. “And you are a major part of what makes the university great.”

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Rao and McDougall were among a series of speakers that included Gail Hackett, Ph.D., provost and vice president of academic affairs; Katie Clark, president of the Monroe Park Campus Student Government Association; and Will Wade, men’s basketball coach. VCU’s cheerleaders and the dance team, the Gold Rush Dancers, were on hand to inspire the crowd, and the world-famous Peppas, the university’s pep band, provided a rambunctious score to the afternoon. In addition to welcoming new students, Barry Falk, Ph.D., dean of the Honors College, recognized the University Student Scholars, a select group of students who have particularly excelled so far in their tenures at VCU, and the 10 National Merit Scholars in the freshman class — the most VCU has ever had.

Clark said the new arrivals should be excited that their college experience will not be easy. With that in mind, she advised them to seek out challenges rather than steer clear of them. Sticking to safe decisions, she said, will only ensure that they miss out on something special.

“Don’t be afraid to fail,” Clark said. “If you fall, VCU is here to hold you up.”

Hackett, the university’s chief academic officer, offered six keys to success while at VCU, emphasizing class attendance, faculty relationships, campus involvement, new friendships, a commitment to studying and a focus on success.

“Don’t forget why you’re here,” Hackett said. “And remember that we want you to succeed.”

We are part of Richmond. Let us be good neighbors and get to know one another.

Rao reminded students that coming to VCU meant more than just joining the university. They also were becoming an integral part of the Richmond area. At VCU, they would be expected “to respect and honor the community we interact with. I want you to learn from … our neighbors.” He asked students to seek out volunteer and outreach opportunities and to consider how the work they were doing in the classroom, studio and lab could translate to the world around them.

“We are all more powerful together than we are alone,” Rao said. “We are part of Richmond. Let us be good neighbors and get to know one another. We will learn, forge friendships and alliances, and grow stronger together.”

Before convocation concluded, Wade climbed the stage to welcome the students and ask them to “make our campus a better place.” He said the students were now part of a loyal and tight-knit group.

“We’re excited to have you as a part of our family — as a part of our team,” Wade said. “That’s what we are at VCU.”

Following the speakers, McDougall and Rod Dadzie, alumnus and general manager of RamTech, schooled students on the finer points of the school’s most popular cheers. Then the new students joined other members of the VCU community, including upperclassmen, faculty, alumni and staff, for the Spirit Walk, an exuberant, celebratory stroll from the Siegel Center down Harrison Street to campus, where a block party awaited.

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