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A look back at VCU’s top moments from 2018.

Year in review 2018: A look back at VCU’s top stories, Instagram pics, videos and more

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A lot can happen in a year at Virginia Commonwealth University, and 2018 was no different. The year was full of changes — both joyous (the opening of the much anticipated Institute for Contemporary Art) and sad (the passing of former provost Grace E. Harris, Ph.D., whose leadership transformed VCU). It was also full of the kinds of events, discoveries, collaborations and creativity that make VCU such a vibrant place to be.

Looking back, 2018 may seem like a blur. Here are the top stories, social media posts and videos to help remind us of the strides made and the moments prized at the university.

 

Six baby fish swim in a small plastic container.
Sturgeon born in mid-September found during an Oct. 31 trawling survey by Rice Rivers Center researchers. (Photo courtesy of VCU Rice Rivers Center)

Top 10 VCU News stories from 2018

1) Discovery of baby sturgeon in the James River marks potential milestone for restoration efforts

2) As he prepares to speak at commencement, Boris Kodjoe recalls his road from VCU to Hollywood

3) Bodies of work

4) Hidden VCU

5) Instead of jail, low-level offenders are taking an experimental class at VCU focused on writing, healing and self-reflection

6) VCU programs recognized among the best in updated U.S. News & World Report rankings

7) VCU, GRTC agreement provides unlimited transit access to VCU and VCU Health System students, employees

8) The worst teachers at Hogwarts — and the best: A professor’s study of the fictional school’s faculty

9) Super Bowl ads showcase VCU Brandcenter talent once again

10) ‘Dang, I’m in the end zone’: Mo Alie-Cox’s first NFL touchdown is one for the memory books

 

Two doctors in white coats stand in an operating room.
VCU Health trauma surgeon Sudha Jayaraman, M.D., and VCU School of Pharmacy assistant professor Dayanjan Wijesinghe, Ph.D., collaborate on using mass spectrometry to analyze medications that are in trauma patients' blood. (Photo courtesy Karl Steinbrenner)

Top 5 research stories from 2018

1) Discovery of baby sturgeon in the James River marks potential milestone for restoration efforts

2) VCU receives $21.5M National Institutes of Health Clinical and Translational Science Award

3) VCU celebrates groundbreaking research in LGBTQ studies being conducted by faculty

4) Since Ancient Greece doctors have relied on patients to tell them what medications they are taking. They may no longer need to.

5) VCU researchers are developing a device to restore a person’s sense of smell

 

Top 5 videos from 2018

1) New Gladding Residence Center tour

The New Gladding Residence Center - 60 Second Tour

2) VCU: A public university, a public good

VCU: A Public University, A Public Good

3) Make it reel: VCU alumni working in film and TV

Make It Reel: VCU Alumni Working in Film and TV

4) VCU professors read their RateMyProfessor reviews: Part 2

VCU professors read their RateMyProfessor reviews: Part 2

5) Yoga for preschoolers

Yoga for Preschoolers

 

Top 5 Instagram posts from 2018

1) VCU women’s track team posing on Siegel Center stairs

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2) Rodney flexing in front of Capitol in the snow

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3) Cooper the dog posing in front of “new” VCU letters

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4) View of VCU buildings across Monroe Park

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5) Sketchbook by alum of Richmond street

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Top 5 Facebook posts from 2018

1) Profile story on Boris Kodjoe

2) Boris Kodjoe speaks at May Commencement

3) Super Bowl ads: Brandcenter alumni showcase

4) First-generation graduates

5) Opening of the ICA

Top 5 Twitter posts of 2018

1) Cabell Library flashback

2) Adam Sandler wedding crash

3) VCU ‘Jeopardy’ question

4) Sneak peek of the Gladding Residence Center

5) Mo Alie-Cox’s touchdown catch