Virginia Commonwealth University VCU Scholars Compass VCU Commencement Programs VCU University Archives 2019 Virginia Commonwealth University Commencement Program Virginia Commonwealth University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/vcucommence © Virginia Commonwealth University Downloaded from https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/vcucommence/71 This Program is brought to you for free and open access by the VCU University Archives at VCU Scholars Compass It has been accepted for inclusion in VCU Commencement Programs by an authorized administrator of VCU Scholars Compass For more information, please contact libcompass@vcu.edu Congratulations to all! A VCU University Relations publication an equal opportunity/affirmative action university 005161-08 Commencement MAY 11, 2019 Greater Richmond Convention Center ✦ Richmond, Virginia Dear Class of 2019: Virginia Commonwealth University takes pride in the work it does to educate, research, create, heal and serve Our students’ experience here is relevant not only to what is happening today, but also to whatever may be in the future Today we celebrate as you, the Class of 2019, become graduates of VCU Your success at one of America’s nationally prominent public research universities signifies that you have done more than complete your courses and receive grades Your degree means years of hard work and dedication to refining your skills and acquiring new ones Your dedication to academic excellence will translate well to whatever you choose to in the future For 181 years, your alma mater has focused on preparing students for a future as creators, educators, healers, innovators and entrepreneurs As a graduate of VCU, I hope you will remember that your opportunities are boundless because your potential is limitless On behalf of the faculty, staff, students and proud alumni of Virginia Commonwealth University, I congratulate you on the remarkable achievement of your Commencement We are incredibly proud of you and wish you the brightest future possible Best wishes, Michael Rao, Ph.D President VCU and VCU Health System VCU Commencement 2019 Board of Visitors 2018-19 Rector John A Luke Jr H Benson Dendy III Tyrone E Nelson Todd P Haymore Carol S Shapiro, M.D Vice Rector Keith T Parker Robert D Holsworth, Ph.D Stuart C Siegel Gopinath Jadhav, M.D Jacquelyn E Stone Edward L McCoy Shantaram Talegaonkar, M.D Ronald H McFarlane, R.Ph G Richard Wagoner Jr Secretary Colette W McEachin University Vice Presidents Jay Davenport Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Karol Kain Gray Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Gail Hackett Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Pamela D Lepley Vice President for University Relations Ed McLaughlin Vice President and Director of Athletics Aashir Nasim Vice President for Inclusive Excellence P Srirama Rao Vice President for Research and Innovation Marsha D Rappley Senior Vice President for Health Sciences and CEO, VCU Health System Meredith Weiss Vice President for Administration Grand Marshals Bridget E Byrne VCU Commencement 2019 Humberto Fabelo Processional VCU Commencement Band Terry L Austin, Director National Anthem* VCU Police Honor Guard VCU Commencement Band Welcome and Introductions Gail Hackett, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Remarks Michael Rao, President Commencement Address Andrew C Florance Recognition of Award Recipients Honorary Degree Edward A Wayne Medal Presidential Medallion Board of Visitors Award Michael Rao, President Conferring of Degrees and Honors Recognition Doctor of Philosophy Candidates F Douglas Boudinot, Dean Doctor of Education Candidates Andrew P Daire, Dean Graduate and First Professional Degrees Graduate School College of Health Professions School of Dentistry School of Medicine School of Nursing School of Pharmacy F Douglas Boudinot, Dean Alexander Tartaglia, Acting Dean David C Sarrett, Dean Peter F Buckley, Dean Jean Giddens, Dean Joseph T DiPiro, Dean Latin Honors and University Honors Barry L Falk, Dean Undergraduate Degrees College of Engineering College of Health Professions College of Humanities and Sciences School of the Arts School of Business School of Dentistry L Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs School of Nursing School of Social Work University College VCU Life Sciences Barbara D Boyan, Dean Alexander Tartaglia, Acting Dean Montserrat Fuentes, Dean Shawn Brixey, Dean Ed A Grier, Dean David C Sarrett, Dean Susan T Gooden, Interim Dean Jean Giddens, Dean Beth Angell, Dean Constance Relihan, Dean Robert M Tombes, Vice Provost VCU Alumni Remarks Dale C Kalkofen, President VCU Alumni Turning of the Tassel Vivek Kuruvilla, President VCU Student Government Association Recessional** VCU Commencement Band To share photos or memories from Commencement, use #VCU2019 *The audience will be asked to stand for the national anthem **Graduates will remain in place until the president’s party exits the arena VCU Commencement 2019 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters 2019 Recipient Andrew C Florance The Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters is Virginia Commonwealth University’s highest form of recognition Presented by the president at Commencement, it recognizes those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society through scholarship, public service, humanitarianism, science and art VCU Commencement 2019 Andy Florance founded CoStar Group from his dorm room as an undergraduate at Princeton University Florance has led CoStar Group’s growth from startup to one of the largest 500 public companies Last year, half a billion people from 70 countries used CoStar Group’s websites to rent, buy, analyze or finance a trillion dollars of real estate Florance’s enduring commitment to innovation was recognized with Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award and by Forbes magazine, which named CoStar among the 100 Most Innovative Growth Companies in the world As CEO of CoStar Group, Florance leads an exceptional team of over 3,700 employees in 100 offices, operating 25 companies Among these companies, Apartments.com, with its spokesperson Jeff Goldblum, is the most heavily trafficked apartment website and helps tens of millions of people find apartments CoStar and LoopNet are the most visited websites in the world for companies and investors looking to lease, buy or finance office, industrial and apartment buildings, as well as retail stores and land BizBuySell.com is the largest website for people looking to buy and sell small businesses The Lands of America network is the largest online marketplace for people buying and selling farms These companies and 20 others have 200,000 clients and serve tens of millions of people Florance has identified, negotiated and acquired more than 30 public or private companies across six countries, has designed dozens of websites and has raised billions of dollars to fuel CoStar Group’s growth CoStar Group has performed in the top 10% of public companies, as $10,000 invested into CoStar Group’s IPO could be worth $540,000 in 2019 Florance has co-authored a number of academic articles on commercial real estate economics and received Best Manuscript Prize Awards and the Scholar Practitioner Prize from the American Real Estate Society He is active in education, having served on six school boards over 28 years He also served on several public company boards and six nonprofit boards Florance is currently the chair of the board of the Washington National Cathedral and serves on the board of Management Leadership for Tomorrow, a nonprofit that develops diverse leaders He enjoys his spare time on a farm in the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains with his wife, Heather, and two sons, Christopher and Matthew Edward A Wayne Medal The Edward A Wayne Medal was established in 1971 to honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions or provided exemplary services to Virginia Commonwealth University Presented by the president at Commencement, the medal is named in honor of Edward A Wayne, who was chair of the commission that led to the establishment of VCU in 1968 by the Virginia General Assembly Mr Wayne served as the university’s first vice rector William “Bill” M Ginther holds undergraduate and master’s degrees from the VCU School of Business He is a retired corporate executive vice president of SunTrust Bank, formerly Crestar, where he was responsible for bank operations and the retail branches Bill worked for SunTrust for 37 years before retiring in 2007 From 2010 to 2018, he served on the Board of Visitors, including serving as rector and vice rector He is a founding trustee of the School of Business Foundation and a member of the Rams Club Advisory Committee and VCU Athletics Advisory Board Bill’s service includes previous membership on many boards, including the Business Alumni Society, VCU Health System 2019 Recipients Authority, MCV Foundation and School of Marsha C and Business Council He is also former president of William M Ginther VCU Alumni Marsha C Ginther attended Old Dominion University She is an artist who works in clay Marsha has been an active volunteer at Massey Cancer Center, specifically on the Women and Wellness Committee She was co-chair for the capital campaign to buy and renovate the Visual Arts Center in Richmond The Ginthers are steering committee members of the Make It Real Campaign for VCU The couple received the Alumni Award for Extraordinary Service in 2016, and Bill was honored as an Alumni Star in 2000 and with an Outstanding Service Award from the School of Business Council in 1997 The Ginthers have an extraordinary legacy of service and philanthropy for more than two decades In 1999, they established the Ginther Family Merit Scholarship in business In 2015, they created the Bill and Marsha Ginther Family Endowed Research Fund at Massey They have generously supported the School of Business Campaign and construction of the Athletics’ basketball practice facility and the ICA’s Markel Center The Ginthers reside in Midlothian and have two children and five grandchildren VCU Commencement 2019 Edward A Wayne Medal The Edward A Wayne Medal was established in 1971 to honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions or provided exemplary services to Virginia Commonwealth University Presented by the president at Commencement, the medal is named in honor of Edward A Wayne, who was chair of the commission that led to the establishment of VCU in 1968 by the Virginia General Assembly Mr Wayne served as the university’s first vice rector VCU Commencement 2019 Paul A Gross is a professor emeritus and former Executive-in-Residence who served in the College of Health Professions at Virginia Commonwealth University from 1992 to 1996 He received the college’s Health Administration Lifetime Service Award in 2009 Prior to VCU, Gross had a 30-year career in health administration marked by eight years as president, hospital division and executive vice president of Humana Inc He also served eight years in the U.S Navy A Richmond native, Gross holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia, a master’s degree in health administration from VCU and numerous professional certifications A devoted member of VCU Alumni, he has received mul2019 Recipient tiple honors for his service, including the Alumni Paul A Gross Star award in 1989 Gross has also received the Presidential Medallion for his tremendous service to the university He is a member of the School of Nursing’s Cabaniss Society and a trustee emeritus of the MCV Foundation Board His legacy of philanthropy and service to the university has lasted more than 30 years The Paul A Gross Conference Center at the MCV Alumni House was named in 1991 in honor of his meaningful commitments to VCU, and in 1994, he established the Paul A Gross Distinguished Leadership Lecture Series in the Department of Health Administration In 2018, he and his wife, Veronica “Roni” Gross, R.N., made another generous commitment to establish the Paul A and Veronica H Gross Achievement in Nursing Award in the School of Nursing Gross’s dedication to VCU and its students through more than three decades of engagement and generosity is extraordinary His devoted service contributes to the prominence of the university and leaves a meaningful and lasting impact on our community Gross resides in Florida with his wife They have five children and 11 grandchildren Presidential Medallion The Presidential Medallion was established in 1984 by the Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors to honor the outstanding contributions of members of the university community Presented by the president at Commencement, the award recognizes these individuals for extraordinary achievement in learning and commitment to the mission of VCU Francis L Macrina, Ph.D., joined Virginia Commonwealth University as an assistant professor in 1974 He was appointed professor and chair of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology in 1983 and served in that position until 1995 From 1995 to 1997, he served as interim director of the Massey Cancer Center In 1999, he was named as the founding director of the Philips Institute for Oral Health Research and was designated the Edward Myers Professor in Dentistry in 2000 In 2005, he was appointed vice president for research and innovation 2019 Recipient and served in that position for more Francis L Macrina, Ph.D than 13 years Over his 45-year career, Macrina taught extensively in the areas of microbiology, infectious diseases and research ethics He has received multiple VCU awards for excellence in teaching and is the author of a widely used textbook in research ethics, now in its fourth edition Macrina’s research was continuously supported by the NIH for 33 years, and included prestigious Research Career Development and MERIT Awards His service contributions to his profession and the commonwealth of Virginia have included multiple terms on NIH study sections and chair of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Board of Scientific Counselors He served as director of the Virginia Center of Innovative Technology Institute of Biotechnology and a board member of the Virginia Biosciences Health Research Corporation, and was appointed to multiple advisory boards of the Virginia Bio+Tech Park Macrina served as editor-in-chief of the journal Plasmid, as well as served on the editorial boards of three journals in the microbial sciences In addition, Macrina was elected to a fellowship in the American Academy of Microbiology in 1993 and the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2015 Macrina earned his B.S degree from Cornell University and his Ph.D from Syracuse University, and he completed postdoctoral training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Macrina and his wife, Mary, will celebrate 50 years of marriage this November The couple’s two children and their spouses have blessed Mary and Frank with four grandchildren VCU Commencement 2019 Board of Visitors Award The Virginia Commonwealth University Board of Visitors Award recognizes the achievements of an outstanding undergraduate student who represents the distinctive attributes of a VCU student: outstanding academic achievement, leadership and service to the university and the community at large The recipient of the award will receive a oneyear scholarship in the amount equal to in-state tuition and fees VCU Commencement 2019 Sarah Izabel has been challenged at every step of her college career: by hunger, by homelessness and by raising a child alone What could have been obstacles to success, however, have instead been opportunities for Izabel to demonstrate the inspiring determination for which she is known Working toward the goal of a Ph.D in neuroscience by pursuing a double major in biology and psychology, Izabel represents the best of Virginia Commonwealth University High academic achievement, outstanding 2019 Recipient leadership and exceptional service define her time at the university Sarah S Izabel A member of the Honors College, Izabel has been described as a curious, driven student who will succeed at whatever she chooses due to an unequalled combination of intellect, motivation, work ethic and optimism Her long list of honors includes a research award from the National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program and the VCU College of Humanities and Sciences Phi Kappa Phi Scholarship Demonstrating strong leadership skills while at VCU, Izabel has been recognized for exemplary service beyond normal expectations She has served as a tutor for student athletes, a Campus Learning Center senior supplemental instruction leader, and an undergraduate biomedical researcher in the VCU School of Medicine’s Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology Currently Izabel is the VCU representative to the State Council for Higher Education and adviser for the SCHEV-Senior Vice Provost for Student Affairs Leadership Board For her enduring positive impact on VCU, Isabel received the William H Duval Award given by the VCU Division of Student Affairs Serving both the VCU and Richmond communities has also brought Izabel a sense of purpose and fulfillment As a “Be the Match” campus volunteer, she has helped spread awareness of bone marrow disease within the VCU community and has recruited possible match members for the bone marrow bank She has also worked as a health outreach program volunteer for VCU’s Center on Heath Disparities A member of the Class of 2020, Izabel is a native of Brazil and the mother of a young son University Honors and Awards School of the Arts (cont.) Fiona E Penn Sarah O Postic Adilene A Ramirez Graduate School Assistantship Sara E Bouchard Graduate Teaching Assistantship Brianne A Humphreys Carl A Patow Ruiqi Zhang Juried Student Exhibition Award of Distinction Hye Su Jun Kinetic Imaging Faculty Recognition Lyly B Nguyen Phi Kappa Phi: School of the Arts Award for Undergraduate Students Lyly B Nguyen Robert and Joye Ledford Graduate Scholarship Brianne A Humphreys Robert and Joye Ledford Undergraduate Scholarship Johanna E Meehan Tasmeem Student Attendee Fiona E Penn University Dean’s Scholarship Nathaniel E Pierson University Renewable Scholarship Lily G Mccarthy Taylor D Moore Sarah O Postic University Scholarship Hye Su Jun VCUarts Dean’s Scholarship Sarah O Postic VCUarts Graduate Research Grant Carl A Patow Ruiqi Zhang VCUarts Graduate Travel Grant Sara E Bouchard VCUarts Undergraduate Research Grant Thao T Nguyen Fiona E Penn Virginia Merit Award Joshua J Cromwell Keina D Boone Krysta Meredith Amanda C Morrison Adilene A Ramirez Virginia Scholarship Fiona E Penn Jesus Silva Merit Scholarship Seamus A McDaniel Andrew Stevenson Department of Painting and Printmaking Kathy and Emerson Hughes Scholarship in Music Education Hailey K Broyles Deborah S Ferguson Memorial Scholarship Riley K Hammond Claudia Vincent Murray N Depillars Piano Scholarship Christine Hilbert Music Lessons Scholarship Jasmine A Harris Endowed Scholarship Noah Hook Robert and Jane Wait FourYear Merit Scholarship Jasmine A Harris Esther Elizabeth Motz Memorial Scholarship Madeline F Edwards Riley K Hammond Tureman Weaver M.D and Mrs Ollie Weaver Hudgins Four-Year Merit Scholarship Christine Hilbert Department of Music University Academic Excellence Award Connor A Terrell Andrew Gehr West Scholarship Cameron W Bessicks University Dean’s Scholarship Matthew L Malone Barbara H Kamps FourYear Merit Scholarship Cameron W Bessicks University Provost Scholarship Benjamin J Culver Dean’s International Study Grant Matthew L Malone Friends of VCU Music Scholarship Cameron W Bessicks Darrius Carter Jasmine A Harris Thomas S Keel Helga Attems Classical Music Fund Hailey K Broyles Jazz Scholarship Bryan K Connolly Jazz Students Fund Scholarship Michael J Bradley Bryan K Connolly Desean W Gault Collin S Hopkins Griffin M Sisk Alec M Sullivan E.I Kirkland Scholarship Diana Antohe University Scholarship Matthew L Malone VCUarts Dean’s Scholarship Cameron W Bessicks Bryan K Connolly Desean W Gault VCUarts Graduate Studies Scholarship Laurel A Christensen Virginia Merit Award Jasmine A Harris Terralynn J Mikell Jacob C Sanford Keerthana Vishwanath Gerald Donato Scholarship Nikolas S Goodich Graduate School Assistantship Su Yu Graduate Teaching Assistantship Diana Antohe Katherine E Barrie Wallis Cheung Cait Porter Su Yu Emily Wardell Juried Student Exhibition Award of Distinction Riley K Hammond Lillian and Nathan Reiss Scholarship Megan M Phillips Margaret M Scruggs Scholarship Samantha K Bantly Peter M Rylander Dorothy L Shipp-Alliata Maurice Bonds Scholarship - Painting and Printmaking Claudia Vincent Outstanding Painting and Printmaking Sophomore Samantha K Bantly VCU Commencement 2019 119 University Honors and Awards School of the Arts (cont.) Peachtree Scholarship in Painting and Printmaking Samantha K Bantly Madeline F Edwards Preston J Feivor Megan M Phillips Michael C Turner Soma Summer Scholarship Su Yu Theresa Pollak Scholarship Megan M Phillips University Dean’s Scholarship Madeline F Edwards Megan M Phillips University Provost Scholarship Samantha K Bantly University Scholarship Samantha K Bantly Madeline F Edwards VCUarts Dean’s Scholarship Samantha K Bantly Preston J Feivor VCUarts Graduate Research Grant Diana Antohe Su Yu VCUarts Graduate Travel Grant Katherine E Barrie Wallis Cheung Su Yu Virginia Merit Award Riley K Hammond Michelle E Moran Megan M Phillips Virginia Scholarship Megan M Phillips Department of Photography and Film Career Development Scholarship Marissa S Alper Dean’s International Study Grant David M Hall 120 George and Nancy Woltz Scholarship Charlotte J Haines University Provost Scholarship Brenna C Davis Danielle F Witten Graduate School Assistantship Stephanie Metz University Scholarship Marissa S Alper Brenna C Davis Danielle F Witten Graduate Teaching Assistantship Peter Cochrane Stephanie Metz Hatcher Four-Year Merit Scholarship in the Arts Christopher M Walsh VCUarts Dean’s Scholarship Brenna C Davis VCUarts Advocacy Scholarship Brenna C Davis ICA Graduate Curatorial Assistantship David Riley VCUarts Graduate Research Grant Stephanie Metz David Riley John Roos Memorial Scholarship Brenna C Davis VCUarts Undergraduate Research Grant William J Barker Kathryn R Boling Jessica R Casey Sydney N Cordoba Amber D Diemer Maya Jackson Adriana D Lundgren Samantha C Manzare Milad Rezaei Samantha Z Sheedy Danielle F Witten Juried Student Exhibition Award of Distinction Emma A Gould Michael B Huntley FourYear Merit Scholarship Kathryn R Boling Most Outstanding Film Junior Sydney N Cordoba Most Outstanding Film Sophomore Jessica R Casey Most Outstanding Photography Junior Sahab E Agim Most Outstanding Photography Sophomore Jessica R Casey Most Outstanding Photography Sophomore Daniel A Diasgranados Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society Peter Cochrane Tasmeem Student Attendee Emma A Gould University Dean’s Scholarship Jessica R Casey David M Hall VCU Commencement 2019 Virginia Merit Award Jarod C Perry Paris Eve C Reinhard Samantha Z Sheedy Department of Sculpture Alice Cabell Horsley Parker Scholarship Joy K McMillian Barbara Ellen Powers Memorial Scholarship Julia S Seliavski Career Development Scholarship Catherine C Buffington Sophie A Haulman Charles Renick Scholarship Joy K McMillian Dangerous Artist Award Carrie L Adamson Eric C Borgogelli Catherine C Buffington Abigail M Huston John Lundquist Sana Masud Stefan N Scheercook Julia S Seliavski Perrin S Turner Dean’s International Study Grant Catherine C Buffington Joy K McMillian Doha Student Attendees Perrin S Turner Faculty Achievement Award Eric C Borgogelli Katherine M Lang Sana Masud Julia S Seliavski Gerald Donato Scholarship John Lundquist Graduate School Assistantship Francheska Alcantara Graduate Teaching Assistantship C Alexander Raul De Lara Guasco Nicole Levaque Sandy Williams IV Agustine Zegers ISC Outstanding Student Award Raul De Lara Guasco Perrin S Turner Logan S Wyatt James Bradford Scholarship Sophie A Haulman James Kieran Foley Memorial Scholarship Joy K Mcmillian Perrin S Turner Juried Student Exhibition Art Education Jumping Fences Award Katherine M Lang University Honors and Awards School of the Arts (cont.) Outstanding Achievement Award in Art Foundation John Lundquist Sana Masud Abigail J Stuart VCUarts Dean’s Advisory Group Catherine C Buffington Paul F Miller Graduate Scholarship Francheska Alcantara C Alexander Raul De Lara Guasco Nicole Levaque Sandy Williams IV Agustine Zegers VCUarts Graduate Travel Grant Francheska Alcantara C Alexander Raul De Lara Guasco Nicole Levaque Sandy Williams IV Reynolds Gallery Scholarship Eric C Borgogelli Toni Eddleton Memorial Scholarship John Lundquist Tyler Binsted Endowed Scholarship Abigail M Huston Abigail J Stuart University Dean’s Scholarship Catherine C Buffington John Lundquist University Renewable Scholarship Sana Masud University Scholarship Catherine C Buffington Sophie A Haulman John Lundquist Sana Masud VCUarts Graduate Research Grant C Alexander Raul De Lara Guasco VCUarts Undergraduate Research Grant Perrin S Turner Logan S Wyatt Vikki Katen Memorial Scholarship Francheska Alcantara Virginia Merit Award Benjamin A Mattoon Joy K McMillian Abigail J Stuart William B Clopton Scholarship Francheska Alcantara William R Gaines Scholarship Benjamin A Mattoon Department of Theatre Alice Cabell Horsley Parker Scholarship Arthur H Mahaney VCUarts Dean’s Scholarship Benjamin A Mattoon Bobby Chandler Award for Theatre Landon A Nagel VCUarts Advocacy Scholarship Catherine C Buffington Career Development Scholarship Heather J Ogden Commonwealth Award Taylor L Bosta Cynthia L Warren University Renewable Scholarship Kathryn Feldhahn Dean’s International Study Grant Priscilla M Franklin University Scholarship Priscilla M Franklin Rachel Lucas Graduate Teaching Assistantship Taylor L Bosta Ashley Grantham Brandon A Lareau Arthur H Mahaney Laura S Matthews Landon A Nagel Mariah Taghavie-Moghadam Emily L Tappan Jennifer Jones Hundley Graduate Theatre Scholarship Lisa K Hermanson John Roos Memorial Scholarship Priscilla M Franklin VCUarts Dean’s Scholarship Phoebe E Copeland Landon A Nagel VCU Alumni Scholarship Kyle J Artone Marcia E Cunning Priscilla M Franklin Anna L Leonard Heather J Ogden Leighanne M Perry Stephan K Starling Cooper A Sved Kym Franklin Scholarship Priscilla M Franklin Heather J Ogden Leighanne M Perry Stephan K Starling VCUarts Graduate Travel Grant Taylor L Bosta Brandon A Lareau Laura S Matthews Mariah Taghavie-Moghadam Emily L Tappan Richard and William Newdick Theatre Scholarship Kyle J Artone Marcia E Cunning Heather J Ogden Leighanne M Perry Cooper A Sved Virginia Merit Award Marcia E Cunning Anthony G Fiore Kyla C Garland Heather J Ogden Stephan K Starling Cooper A Sved Thomas John Keller Scholarship Endowment for Theatre Students Priscilla M Franklin Virginia Repertory Theatre Assistantship Jeffery J Darland University Dean’s Scholarship Phoebe E Copeland Virginia Scholarship Phoebe E Copeland University Provost Scholarship Rachel Lucas VCU Commencement 2019 121 University Honors and Awards School of Business Ann G and Barney Roland Freasier Sr Tax Award Justin Elmore Business Honors Minor Graduates Camilla Harris Business Honors Program Graduates Muathe Al Rowaily Manleen Bajaj Saajan Sappal Davis Radcliffe Insurance Award Madiha Razzaq Dean’s Scholars Ph.D and Master’s Degree Students Javad Abed Daniel Alper Stephen Boom Lawrence Bunnell Prasit Bunyasrie Kristina Chappelle Carol D Cunha William Dale Leigh Echelberger Jack Foster Jr Kelly Green Rahmath Jabeen Kathleen Keeler Sheila Keener Craig Kilgo Alexander Kravets Sai Vignesh Kuncham Srinivasa Murthy Dinan Liang 122 Dapeng Liu Jayashree Logesh Lauren Lopez Inga Mackereth Erin Masters Osama Rabie Niharika Raskar Brent Roberts Gilbert Seese III Zitong Sheng Aishwarya Shashidhar Shetty Kristen Simms William Southard IV Thomas St John Sumit Verma Timothy Woodruff Undergraduate Students Seniors Nazaneen Anwari Benjamin Bethard Zachary A Coyne Nathaniel W Ferrell Andrew P Haskins Kirubel K Kentiba Briana N Pittman Madiha Razzaq Muathe Al Rowaily Saajan Sappal Juniors Ahmed M Akarsu Naheen Alam Mary Berghuis Austin M Hatchett Marguerite M Hudson Sasha S Koch Reena A Patel Dorothy G Raju Rianna C Riccardi Solomon F Workneh Bentley N Zabicki VCU Commencement 2019 Sophomores Haseb Alim Addison B Christian Samantha K Clark Elisa J Maurice Sierra A Moore Svea S Sturm Sofia B Sualehe Michael Viola Freshmen Erica L Buday Payton K Boyer Victoria R Brown Kaitlyn N Cottingham Payton B Grubb Kareem S Hamad Mario M Hammer Jasmine D Hanson Celine N Hoang Deep J Khamar Jeremy Knight Regis E Naupari Kaitlynn N Nguyen Harrison T Norwood Nikola Opacic Jacquelinasia K Parker Rutvi H Patel Thuy M Pham Michael R Proctor Cassidy T Ta Amira E Tadlaoui Wally S Tamana Rohit V Vishnubhatla Carlitos M Watley-Villanueva Daniel S Watson Mackenzie Williams Distinguished Service Award John Joseph Marcus Foden IV Department of Management and Entrepreneurship Tyrone Lamont Frye Jr Department of Economics Sydney Knotts Department of Finance, Insurance and Real Estate Sarah Mekonnen Department of Supply Chain and Analytics Calvin Price Jr Department of Marketing Daniela Quiroga Department of Information Systems Paullyne E Suemitsu Department of Accounting Student of the Year Zachary Aaron Coyne Department of Finance, Insurance and Real Estate Andrew Haskins Department of Management and Entrepreneurship Olivia Grace McGrath Department of Marketing Sarah Porter Department of Accounting Saajan Sappal Department of Economics Joshua Taras Shepko Department of Information Systems Christopher Sions Department of Supply Chain and Analytics University Honors and Awards School of Dentistry Dental Hygiene Awards American Association of Public Health Dentistry Award in Dental Hygiene Rebecca C Fields Clinical Dental Hygiene Award Barbara Brown Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals STAR Award Madison L Browder Community Dental Hygiene Award Mary X Tran Greater Richmond Dental Hygienists’ Association Future Leader Award Sydney Smith Hufriedy Award Hannah R Fritz Leira N Jimenez Mission of Mercy Award of Excellence for Dental Hygiene Leira N Jimenez Mary X Tran Phi Kappa Phi, VCU Chapter Linda K Blackburn Sigma Phi Alpha Honorary Society Megan Badgerow Katlin Cannon Virginia Dental Hygienists’ Association Award Linda K Blackburn Doctor of Dental Surgery Awards Academy of Operative Dentistry Award Matthew Alan Barrick American Academy of Implant Dentistry Dental Student Award Austin Lee Moon American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Award John Roman Bninski American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Award Carlton Wray Leiner American Academy of Oral Medicine Award Philippe N Franco Matthew Tsun Loek Yeung American Academy of Osseointegration Matthew Tsun Loek Yeung American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Certificate of Merit Milca Mendez-Ceballos American Academy of Periodontology Award Stephanie Nicole Till American Association of Endodontists Award Trenton Espenschied American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Student Award Darriel Joseph Cannon American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Dental Implant Award Arsalan Khalid Bhatti Hinman Dental Society Scholarship Sarah Ashley Brusko Stephanie Nicole Till American Association of Orthodontists Award Hunter James Lee International College of Dentists Award, USA Section, Student Humanitarian Award Sarah Ashley Brusko American Association of Public Health Dentistry Award Kevin James Salinas American Association of Women Dentists Elenor J Bushee Senior Dental Student Award Jennifer Matika Wood American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Achievement Award Jared Matthew Bitner American College of Prosthodontics Achievement Award Matthew Tsun Loek Yeung American Dental Society of Anesthesiology Horace C Wells Award Rebaz Azad Waise DENTSPLY Merit Award for Removable Prosthodontics Laura Gabriela Choque Dr Hugh B Douglas Jr Award Joni Michelle Watson International College of Dentists Award, USA Section, Student Leadership Award Matthew Alan Barrick International Congress of Oral Implantologists Pre-doctoral Student Dental Award Matthew Tsun Loek Yeung Mission of Mercy Award of Excellence for Dentistry Frances Satterlee Grimball Gouldin Elizabeth Hubbard Hering Andrew Yung Jelinek Connor Scott Johnson Derek Tyler Rickson Nicole Randall Rogers O.W Clough Award Austin Lee Moon Southeastern Academy of Prosthodontics Award Matthew Alan Barrick Whip Mix Corporation Hanau Prosthodontic Award John Oscar Kizer III F.B Wiebusch Award for Excellence in Periodontics Ashley Alexandra Pater H Edward Semler Award Amogh Bhalerao VCU Commencement 2019 123 University Honors and Awards School of Education Ann Elizabeth Marston Scholarship Fund in the School of Education Education Alumni Council Doctoral Scholarship Mary Ann Wright Scholarship in Educational Leadership School of Education Alumni Council Scholarship Natalie Esch Kendra Cabler Cassandra Willis Catrina Garland Meagan Bottoms Chelsey Harvey Linsey Schumacher April Marie “Sweet” Hart Scholarship Anna Clarke Colleen Canvin Clark Scholarship in Counselor Education Ashley Hastings Debbie and Todd House Urban Education Scholarship in Math and Science Ena Gross Scholarship in Secondary Mathematics Education Aarthi Vadhanam Faculty Organization Scholarship Hannah Sions Fred P Orelove Scholarship in Disability Studies Eric Lindley Anna Clarke Dr A Gaynelle Whitlock Scholarship Jack A Duncan Scholarship Fund in the School of Education Shanelle Williams Dr Loraine M Stewart Scholarship Chasity Newsome Dr William F Goggin Merit Scholarship Fund in the School of Education Chasity Newsome Madison Miller John A Van de Walle Scholarship Abigail Franck John R Cook Professorship in Counselor Education Mary Horan 124 VCU Commencement 2019 Miriam S Blake Scholarship in Early and Elementary Pamela Dean N Thelma Jones Scholarship in Education Natalie Esch Phi Kappa Phi Graduate Scholarship Kendra Cabler Richard J Rezba Scholarship for Science Education Eric Lindley Robert and Gladys Fleming Scholarship Marsha Rutledge S Virginia and Berta M Newell Scholarship Fund in the School of Education Loren McAdams Stephanie, Rebecca and Norris Holt Scholarship Mary Horan Teacher Education Scholarship Fund Chasity Newsome Vivian Conway Mason Scholarship Aarthi Vadhanam Waverly M Cole Scholarship in Science Education Dean Lee William C Bosher Jr Scholarship Fund in the School of Education Christopher Duvall University Honors and Awards L Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs Criminal Justice Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society members (graduate) Sydney Smith, president Chaneika Barber Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society members (undergraduate) Christina Pappa, vice president Ana Mulligan Laura Bissoondharry Alexia Cuffy Daniela Salguero Juan Ramirez Joseph Sejas Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Master of Public Administration Urban and Regional Studies and Planning Graduate Award Jennifer McDaniel Andrew Dunnick Outstanding Scholar Jessica Mason American Planning Association, Virginia Chapter, Outstanding Student Award (graduate) Elizabeth McKinsey Undergraduate Award Alishir Alim Public Service Award Gina Barber American Planning Association, Virginia Chapter, Outstanding Student Award (undergraduate) Justin Lipsett Peter Schultz Award for Outstanding Performance Olivia Ratay Outstanding Graduate Student Sydney Smith Outstanding Doctoral Student Award Layla Alanazi VCU Commencement 2019 125 University Honors and Awards School of Medicine A.D Williams Scholarships Third-Year Class for 2017-18 Mark Feger Second-Year Class for 2016-17 Mark Feger First-Year Class for 2015-16 Mark Feger Alpha Omega Alpha Duaa AbdelHameid Andrew E Andreae* Michael F Armstrong* Joanne Chiao Sheela R Damle* Russel Dinh Cecelia W Elam* Mark Feger* Asmar A Ghani* Tatyana Goldring* Jacob T Hall Amy D Hazzard Laura N Hoeg Jonathan Korpon* John P Laurenzano* Kenneth Lim* Emily T Marshall Meredith H Mitchell Bryan S Monroe* Matthew Nguyen* Aida Nourbakhsh Austin M Oberlin Jennifer A O’Neil* Vivek Pandrangi Omar A Protzuk Kristin Romutis* Alexander B Reed* Stacia M Ruse* Dev Sahni* Evan A Schwartz Alexandra B Stiles Wendy W Sun Elissa Trieu William D Wagner Ryan L Wallace* Jonathan S Williams* *Elected in Junior Year 126 VCU Commencement 2019 Dean’s Award for Academic Achievement, 2015-19 Mark Feger Gold Humanism Honor Society Jeremy A Carter Allan L Chan Bret M Clawson Cecelia W Elam Yousef Fazel Mark Feger Eli A Hammer Laura N Hoeg Saritha Kosarussavadi Matthew Nguyen Jennifer A O’Neil Stacia M Ruse Wendy W Sun Catherine S Valukas University Honors and Awards School of Pharmacy Academic Excellence Award Excellence in Geriatrics Pharmacy Award Casey Boyer Carrie Carter Clarissa Cho Award for Excellence in the Promotion of Pharmacy Sherwyn Tenia Award for Excellence in Public Health Cooma Asonye Clinical Communication Awards Morgan Mabey Olivia Caron Community Engagement Excellence Award Stephani Halloran Community Practice Achievement Award Hannah Sharpe Dean’s Award for Outstanding Achievement Brooke Brown Distinguished Service Award Russie Tran Excellence in Advocacy and Health Policy Award Riley Scalzo Excellence in Pharmacy Award Cameron Czech Interprofessional Practice and Collaborative Care Excellence Award Jessica Roller Leadership Achievement Award Keenan Rea Phi Lambda Sigma, the National Leadership Society in Pharmacy Casey Boyer Caitlin Broome Brooke Brown Oliva Caron Clarissa Cho Hannah Davidson Meghan Gill Stephani Halloran Emily Harmon Caroline Jones Gihun Kim Jenna Pham Jessica Roller Heather Rucker Riley Scalzo Hannah Sharpe Kayla Sheets Sherwyn Tenia Joshua Thai Jyness Williams Tammy Yu Professionalism Award Victoria Allen Research Award Zaneera Hassan Outstanding Leadership Award Devin Woods Overall Achievement in Patient Care and Service Rho Chi, the National Honor Society in Pharmacy Meghan Gill Alena Kim Sabrina Phillips Tia Scott Stephanie Seto Casey Boyer Caitlin Broome Carrie Carter Cameron Czech Jacob Ellerbrock Stewart Foster Meghan Gill Lanna Ittner Gihun Kim Jennifer Kim Katlen Kim Kristine Kim Ji Kwon David Lee Kevin Malloy Rebecca Peng Keena Rea Adam Robinson Heather Rucker Riley Scalzo Kayla Sheets Vivian Tran Kayla Sheets Patient Care Award Technology Excellence Award David Lee VCU Commencement 2019 127 University Honors and Awards School of Social Work Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Elaine Rothenberg Social Work Award M.S.W Ph.D Fionnuala Bradley Heather N Drake Jennifer Frydrychowski Elizabeth C Hall Patrick D Link Susan Theon Brienna Thompson Michelle N Wooldridge Michael Massey B.S.W M.S.W Rebecca Thompson B.S.W Dawn Brooks Field Impact Award Jun Byung Park Morgan Z Potts M.S.W School of Social Work Phi Kappa Phi B.S.W M.S.W Danielle R Scott B.S.W Zhakia Scott Black History in the Making Award M.S.W Sharane Jones Rihana Spinner B.S.W Zhakia Scott David N Saunders Legislative Award Alana Corn 128 Abigail Starns Nicole Sullivan Tanyqua Williams Phi Alpha National Honor Society for Social Work Students M.S.W Lauren M Bache Ansley S Clarke Ashley E Cliborne Nora Daly Elizabeth C Hall Deborah L Harding Ronald C Hostinsky Shelby Kienzle-Pappalardo Jefferson C Knighton Catelyn Koff Patrick D Link Isabelle M Martin Andrew Napoli Erica L McTeer Michael J Pease Jenny R Speight Rihana Spinner Megan Taylor Susan Theon VCU Commencement 2019 B.S.W Sylvia N Bailey Sara Bajwa Francisca M Cordero Johnne B Glover III Rhonda Griffin Micaela A Hernandez Sarah E Kritzer Jair J Lecky Sara F Oliva Morgan Z Potts Amanda C Ritchie Victoria M Rogalski Jessica U Shin Aundraya N Taylor Zara A Walker Rhonda Griffin School of Social Work Leadership and Service Awards Ph.D Michael Massey M.S.W Patricia Baker Ariane Bohn Nicole Cason Taylor M Davis Jennifer Frydrychowski Patrick D Link Sarah Pallazollo Evan Peters Marguerite Sagan Rebecca Thompson B.S.W Reed Bohn Ahjanae Braxton Jennifer Frydrychowski Johnne Glover Michelle Heinitz Zhakia Scott Nicole Sullivan Darrian Thomas Sundina Trieble Adelante Scholarship: Sirviendo la Comunidad Hispana Tajaira Coreas Anne Fischer Scholarship Patricia Baker Erica McTeer Amanda Stephan Anastasia Tryfiates Cesare and Ida Sclarandis Scholarship Kylie Hibshman Child Welfare Stipend Program Heather Drake Elizabeth C Hall Megan L Owens Ciera Patterson Daniela Sanzetenea Meghan Tertocha Jessica A Williams David P Beverly Memorial Scholarship Séjahdah Brianna Douglas Dana Vandervelde Emmett W Cocke Jr Scholarship Jasmine Terry Federal Policy Fellows M.S.W Robin Massowd B.S.W Lily Hamilton Micaela Hernandez Simran Khadka Amanda Ritchie University Honors and Awards School of Social Work (cont.) Fostering Success Scholarship M.S.W Distance Education Scholarship Rachel Wilkerson Memorial Scholarship Sarah E Kritzer Deborah Harding Nina J Rhys Nina J Rhys Frank and Patricia Baskind Gift-Giving Fund Lily C Hamilton Amanda Stephan Gabriel Tirado Dana Vandervelde Martin S Schwartz Scholarship Jeannie M Friberg Randi Taggart Mel C Whipple Scholarship Pippi M Wingfield Pamela Nystrom Memorial Fund Heba Hatoum Peer Mentors M.S.W Susan Theon School of Social Work Research Scholars M.S.W Amelia Kirby Jefferson Knighton Katrena Ready Abigail Starns Jasmine Terry Rick and Brenda Faulkner Scholarship Séjahdah Brianna Douglas Rita Schleuter Memorial Scholarship Octavia Bunton Johnne B Glover III Robert M McKinney Dissertation Honor Fund Michael Massey Social Work Administration, Planning and Policy Practice Scholarship Dana Vandervelde Virginia Council on Social Welfare Scholarship Jennifer Frydrychowski Tiara S Johnson Sarah L Stryhn Michelle Wooldridge William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship Nina J Rhys Katrena Ready Tiara Johnson Deborah Harding VCU Commencement 2019 129 Alma Mater In March 2016, VCU Alumni’s board of governors approved Virginia Commonwealth University’s first alma mater, “We Gather Here.” Written by Lemont “Monty” Kier, Ph.D., a longtime faculty member, and his son, Andy Kier, a 1990 VCU graduate, the school song honors the university’s commitment to providing students with experiences that they carry with them beyond their years on campus “We Gather Here” Lyrics: Monty Kier Music: Andy Kier We gather here, our voices raise, of VCU we sing our praise, the Black and Gold our colors show, diversity and value grow We’ve learned so much beyond each class, the joy of friendship will not pass So much in life is mem’ry borne, of VCU they’ll not be shorn The mem’ries of a campus walk, so many friends, we stop to talk, the friendships here were made to last, they’re in our minds though years have passed The seasons pass, the years roll by, from VCU the reason’s why we are enriched from values learned, they bring us joy that we have earned Next year again we will be here to see our school and give a cheer So VCU keep all that is great, you’ve brought us joy that is our fate So come let us sing of VCU, with ev’ry verse we will renew the mem’ries from our campus time, each one embedded in a rhyme 130 VCU Commencement 2019 VCU Commencement 2019 130 Dear graduate, On behalf of VCU Alumni, I am privileged and honored to congratulate you on this wonderful occasion Although you likely received support and encouragement from your families and friends, this is a personal achievement that is a tribute to your hard work and perseverance As you bring this chapter of your academic career to a close, I hope you will take a moment to recognize the opportunities that your university and alumni organization have provided to prepare you for this next step in your journey You might be leaving campus, but you are not leaving alone As a graduate, you join a community of more than 190,000 alumni throughout the world who engage with their communities and their alma mater to build on the strong foundation established by our past and present alumni organizations and leaders Your relationship with your alma mater can enhance and impact your life long after you graduate This is an exciting time to become a part of VCU Alumni Our inclusive membership organization welcomes all graduates, and guided by a new strategic plan, ELEVATE, we are amping up the alumni experience through increased programming in areas of interest to you No matter where life takes you, VCU Alumni provides opportunities to stay engaged with the university and with your fellow classmates My wish for each of you is that you realize your full potential and, in doing so, use your significant talents and energies to support and strengthen your communities, your alumni organization and your university Be proud of your university because we are proud of you Yours for VCU, Dale C Kalkofen, Ed.D (M.A.E.’76/A) President, VCU Alumni VCU Commencement 2019 131 Virginia Commonwealth University What we now know as Virginia Commonwealth University began as two institutions: the Medical College of Virginia, established in 1838 as the medical department of Hampden-Sydney College, and the Richmond School of Social Economy, founded independently in 1917 and then becoming the Richmond division of the College of William & Mary in 1925 The Medical College of Virginia gained independence from Hampden-Sydney in 1854 and became state-affiliated in 1860 In 1939, the College of William & Mary changed the name of its Richmond campus to Richmond Professional Institute RPI became an independent state school in 1962 In 1967, VCU came closer to its current state Edward A Wayne Sr., president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, along with city and state leaders recommended the formation of a university using resources from MCV and RPI With the signature of Gov Mills E Godwin Jr., Virginia Commonwealth University came into being in 1968 with Warren W Brandt as president Today, President Michael Rao, Ph.D., is the leader of VCU and VCU Health System A premier, urban public research university, VCU has garnered $271 million in sponsored research as one of the nation’s top 200 research universities In 2019, U.S News & World Report listed several VCU graduate and first-professional programs in the top 50 of their rankings The School of the Arts, ranked second overall, holds the top ranking among public institutions Among graduate and first-professional rankings, VCU’s nurse anesthesia program is top in the nation The same publication ranked VCU Medical Center’s state-of-the art care in more than 200 specialty areas among the best in the nation A safety-net hospital, VCU Medical Center is the top hospital in the metro area and is the only Level I medical center in Central Virginia Additionally, the medical center is ranked second in the commonwealth as the top place to seek medical care and treatment in areas ranging from organ transplantation and burn healing to head and spinal cord trauma and cancer treatment With an enrollment of more than 31,000 students from 108 countries in 217 degree and certificate programs — 37 of which are unique to Virginia and serve cross-disciplinary purposes — VCU also boasts educators who are nationally and internationally recognized for their excellence in the arts, business, education, engineering, the humanities, life sciences, social work and all of the health care professions VCU employs over 2,200 full-time instructional faculty who are nationally and internationally recognized for their high-quality instruction across 11 schools and three colleges With campuses beyond Richmond, VCU students and faculty live and work in locations throughout the commonwealth and the world For over a decade, students enrolled at VCU School of the Arts Qatar receive the same world-renowned education and training as students in Richmond The School of Medicine and School of Pharmacy’s collaboration with Northern Virginia’s Inova Health System successfully established the VCU Inova campus and now educates third- and fourth-year medical and pharmacy students In Charlottesville, the School of Pharmacy’s second satellite location for Doctor of Pharmacy students operates at the University of Virginia Medical Center More than 193,000 VCU alumni live worldwide, leading and positively impacting their communities Congratulations to all! A VCU University Relations publication an equal opportunity/affirmative action university 005161-08 Commencement MAY 11, 2019 Greater Richmond Convention Center ✦ Richmond, Virginia ... Richmond, Virginia Reedville, Virginia Roanoke, Virginia Farino, Kendall Marie Kim, Anne Dasol Stevenson, Samantha Lee Virginia Beach, Virginia Woodbridge, Virginia Virginia Beach, Virginia Flewitt,... Clare Marie Virginia Beach, Virginia Roanoke, Virginia Williamsburg, Virginia Drought, Alyssa A Jones, Thomas E Simpson, Christina L Glen Allen, Virginia Crewe, Virginia Richmond, Virginia Ebeling,... Sciences Virginia Beach, Virginia Great Falls, Virginia Zeigler, Illinois South Chesterfield, Virginia Glen Allen, Virginia Cho, Clarissa Uynyoung Aging Studies Woodbridge, Virginia Manassas, Virginia