The
Powerof Personal Philanthropy Fall 2011
www.support.vcu.edu
VCU V i r g i n i a
C o m m o n w e a l t h
U n i v e r s i t y
The
Powerof Personal Philanthropy Fall 2011
www.support.vcu.edu
Inside this issue 5 Plaque renews a sense of class pride, donations 6 Gerontology scholarship promotes staying active 7 Faculty philanthropy bolsters medical tradition 8 Inaugural gala bolsters scholarship campaign 9 Bank contributes $100,000 to aid teacher training 10 Alumnus’s idea inspires full 9/11 commemoration 12 VCU organizes first gathering for Alaska alumni 13 Gathering of friends leads to $10 million center 14 Ball generates $50,000 for athletic scholarships 15
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On the cover
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Capital campaign funds VCU Rice Center additions
Virginia Commonwealth University’s cancer research and prevention programs advance thanks to a $45 million bequest.
Editor: Melanie Irvin (B.S. ’96), msirvin@vcu.edu, (804) 828-3975 | TheNan IVWriter: PowerJohnson, of Personalnljohnson@vcu.edu Philanthropy
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A crowd gathers at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts on Aug. 25 for a reception announcing the Glasgow bequest.
Planned giving yields VCU’s largest-ever cash gift In the early 1950s, Arthur Graham and Margaret Branch Glasgow named the Medical College of Virginia in their estate plan. Their wishes were to advance efforts to cure and prevent cancer and other degenerative diseases. They died soon thereafter. Sixty years later, after the death of their last heir, the couple made possible the largest cash gift in the history of Virginia Commonwealth University. “For Richmond, and our entire community, it’s amazing to think of the foresight that the Glasgows had more than 60 years ago,” said VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., at a special ceremony held in August at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The museum and 13 other local groups also were beneficiaries. “The impact of their generosity enhances the quality of lives, our culture, our health and our service to the community in so many different ways,” Rao added. “Their gift will be used in the same forward-thinking, generous and compassionate spirit in which it was given to support the cure and prevention of cancer and other degenerative diseases.” Sixty years after their deaths, the couple’s planned gifts totaled $125 million. Nearly $70 million — another record cash gift — will go to VMFA to strengthen its vast collections, $45 million will be dedicated to VCU’s cancer research and prevention programs and the remaining $10 million will be distributed to 13 nonprofit organizations in Richmond and elsewhere. The impact of the VCU gift is far-reaching. “Arthur and Margaret Glasgow had an incredible vision for what they could accomplish through the creation of their trusts, although I suspect the full impact of their generosity goes beyond their expectations,” said William P. Kotti, Ph.D., associate vice president and president of the MCV Foundation. “The power of their extraordinary gifts is truly inspirational and will transform the lives of generations of students and patients on the medical campus of VCU.” The Glasgow gift to support finding a cure for cancer also has the potential to affect the VCU Massey Cancer Center’s quest to achieve “comprehensive” status from the National Cancer Institute. The Massey Cancer Center has maintained its current NCI status as a designated cancer center since 1975. A comprehensive status would help attract critical NCI funding. Through their planned gift, the Glasgows significantly bolstered the center’s ability to raise additional funds as well as awareness of its nationally recognized programs.
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From naming a beneficiary in a will to setting up a trust, donors have many options for contributing to the future financial health of VCU and its programs. “Planned giving is becoming more commonplace,” said Tom Burke (B.S. ’79; M.P.A. ’95), associate vice president for VCU’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations and executive director of the VCU Foundation. “Our planned giving Heritage Society grows every year as alumni and friends see the benefit of making significant gifts utilizing bequests.” Gifts such as these foster new discoveries, sustain programs and much more. “The Glasgow gift is truly transformative,” said Dr. Sheldon Retchin (H.S. ’79), vice president for VCU Health Sciences and CEO of the VCU Health System. “It paves the way for a remarkable surge in our research efforts in cancer and other chronic illnesses. The Glasgow family truly had a philanthropic vision that will now become reality.” Born in Richmond in 1876, Margaret Elizabeth Branch was the daughter of John Patteson Branch and Mary Louise Merritt Kerr Branch. She was a cousin of James Branch Cabell, the namesake of the VCU Monroe Park Campus library. Arthur Glasgow, an engineer and brother of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ellen Glasgow, was born in Botetourt County, Va., in 1865. He formed a partnership with Alexander Humphreys in 1892 creating Humphreys & Glasgow, an engineering firm in London that specialized in building gas plants. The two married in 1901 and had one child, Marjorie, who married Ambrose Congreve, in 1935. Congreve had a passion for gardening and died earlier this year while in London to attend the annual Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show. He was 104 years old. The couple had no children. “The Glasgows’ gift is the kind of gift that elevates a university like ours even further,” Rao said. “As a major research university, a gift of this magnitude enables us to support the people, the facilities and the programs necessary to make a difference in peoples’ lives and certainly in the health of our community.” To learn more about planned giving, contact William P. Kotti, associate vice president and president of the MCV Foundation, at (804) 828-9734 or wpkotti@vcu.edu, or Tom Burke (B.S. ’79; M.P.A. ’95), associate vice president and executive director for the VCU Foundation, at (804) 828-3958 or tcburke@vcu.edu.
VCU President Michael Rao speaks at the joint announcement with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts about the Glasgow bequest — the largest-ever cash gifts to both organizations, totaling $115 million.
4 | The Power of Personal Philanthropy
Capital campaign funds VCU Rice Center additions With a rich history of providing sustenance to early American inhabitants, the James River serves as a present-day home to endangered and rare species such as the Atlantic sturgeon and the bald eagle. The Virginia Commonwealth University Inger and Walter Rice Center for Environmental Life Sciences not only helps preserve this treasure trove, but it also furthers the knowledge that helps improve preservation efforts worldwide. Through a $10 million capital campaign, the center now aims to add additional research facilities and to create a place for scientists and policymakers to meet on site. The Rice Center is less than a half-hour’s drive from VCU in Charles City County, Va. Inger Rice, a longtime friend of VCU, made the environmental research and education center possible through a generous land donation. “A developer from Florida wanted to take down all of the trees,” Rice said. “I thought that was absolutely horrible and wanted to preserve the natural beauty.” In 2000, she approached VCU with an idea to maintain the enviThe Rice Center’s $10 million campaign provides support for additional on-site research and lodging facilities. ronment while dedicating the 343 acres to research and education. “It’s amazing how VCU has moved forward and kept the idea going. I’m very impressed,” she said. Rice later provided funds to establish an education facility to accommodate the VCU Rice Center’s growing programs. Further additions include an outdoor classroom, a boathouse and pier, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Region I headquarters building, and research infrastructure allowing for the continuous collection of water-quality and meteorological data. The $10 million campaign aims to enrich Rice Center operations by adding a stateof-the-art research building, on-site lodging for researchers and students, laboratory equipment and graduate student scholarships. All of these measures will help fuel the model example of collaboration the Rice Center provides. “The VCU Rice Center is part of VCU Life Sciences’ universitywide matrix, offering undergraduate and graduate students the benefits of a highly interdisciplinary approach across the whole range of the biological scale, molecular to landscape,” said Thomas F. Huff, Ph.D., VCU’s vice provost for life sciences. External alliances with multiple federal and state agencies, as well as with the College of William and Mary through the Center for Conservation Biology, help advance the understanding, conservation and stewardship of Virginia’s natural resources. The vision for the center is one of international leadership in environmental research and teaching that is focused on rivers and other water resources. “Rivers are important from almost every aspect of life,” said Dr. Daniel W. Fort, chairman of the VCU Rice Center board of trustees. “It’s important to maintain them in a safe way and preserve them from abuse. If we can do anything to prepare ourselves to deal with problems that come up from a research point of view, then we’ve done a lot.” The creation of an Atlantic Rivers Institute at the center will bring scientists and policymakers together in a single location. “There are very few organizations with our capacity to do the necessary research on site,” Fort said. “The addition of the new research facility will make it the most sophisticated institute for the study of large rivers anywhere. An investment in the VCU Rice Center is an investment in the world’s largest living laboratory.” To make a gift to the VCU Rice Center, contact Catherine Dahl, director of development and special programs for VCU Life Sciences, at (804) 827-7372 or ccdahl@vcu.edu. Fall 2011 | 5
Plaque renews a sense of class pride, donations In 1962, each member of the School of Dentistry’s graduating class pledged to give $1,000 back to their alma mater over the course of their careers. The names of these individuals were then recorded on a plaque. The commemorative piece eventually made its way to the attic of the Lyons Building, only to be discovered by the class of 2008. The 2008 graduates were moved to repeat the act by making similar donations. When the class of 2011 followed suit by raising more than $128,000 in gifts and pledges, it was clear — nearly 50 years later — a tradition of pride and donation was reborn. “Many of our students make a personal pledge to the school over a five-year period, which they fulfill by their first reunion,” said Jim Doyle, director of alumni engagement for the School of Dentistry. In addition, every student contributes to a class gift at graduation. “It’s extraordinary that these new alumni, at the start of their careers, make the effort to give back in such a significant way,” Doyle said. Margaret Snellings (left) celebrates with Michelle This is the first year that students at all McGregor (M.Ed. ’11), assistant director in the VCU Division of Dental Hygiene. three levels of dental study have pledged to support a class gift — each of which is aimed at making student life better for those who follow. The 2011 dental hygiene graduates gave a record-breaking gift to provide specialized tools for each student. The gift also funds a clinical review course preparing students to take the national board examination required for licensure. Recognizing the difficulties that the medical campus’ expansiveness creates for new students and patients, D.D.S. graduates chose to fund signage to raise the visibility of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry’s practice areas. Periodontics residents made the first pledge by a postgraduate group by naming an operatory in their clinic. “We’re not aware of this type of targeted, student-driven philanthropy at any other dental school,” said Dr. David C. Sarrett, dean of the School of Dentistry. “These are outstanding students and outstanding individuals. To express their gratitude in this philanthropic way shows a high level of commitment to the school and to the profession.” The 2011 School of Dentistry graduates are thankful for their VCU experience. “Learning from so many specialized professionals helped make me the best hygienist possible, so I want to help the program in whatever way I can,” said Margaret Snellings (B.S. ’11). Snellings and her classmates gave more than $18,000 to the dental hygiene program. “I give to the dental school because that’s where my allegiance lies,” said Dr. Barrett Peters (D.D.S. ’11). “But I believe that if you care about the profession you’ve chosen — whether its dentistry or social work — you can help shape the hearts and minds of individuals to come.” Peters and his D.D.S. classmates gave nearly $85,000 in pledges and gifts. “It’s important to reflect back on our time at VCU,” said Dr. Sayward Duggan (D.D.S. ’06; M.S.D. ’11). “I wanted to give back to my future colleagues and to the program. We have wonderful faculty who taught us and guided us. I wouldn’t have the experience that I have now without them.” Duggan and her two periodontics resident classmates pledged $25,000 to the periodontics clinical graduate program. To learn more about the School of Dentistry, contact Jim Doyle, director of alumni engagement, at (804) 828-1138 or pjdoyle@vcu.edu. 6 | The Power of Personal Philanthropy
Gerontology scholarship promotes staying active While many Americans hope to age gracefully, Marion Cotter King chose another route: to age gracefully and actively. For nearly three decades, she traveled the world, collected memories and enjoyed life’s pleasures along the way. Now her philosophy is preserved and promoted through the Marion Cotter King Memorial Gerontology Scholarship in the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Allied Health Professions, a scholarship created by her son, J. James Cotter, Ph.D. (Ph.D. ’96), associate professor of gerontology. “My mother was a travel nut,” Cotter said. “She retired at 62 and never looked back.” King occasionally accompanied her first husband, Cotter’s father, on international business trips. After his death, Cotter said she supported and raised their two children at a time when most women didn’t work outside of the home. “It was quite an achievement on her part to keep us together,” he said. As her grown children settled into their own lives, King remained active and vibrant, defying the tendency for older people to go through a certain amount of crisis when their roles change after retirement, Cotter said. The newly established scholarship aims to reverse that trend by awarding students specializing in research or fieldwork in the areas of elder recreation, leisure and, of course, travel. King visited 44 countries and set foot on every continent except Antarctica. Once, a friend phoned to tell her about a trip planned for the next day to which she replied, “I’m in,” without knowing the destination or the details. King was also a food lover who vividly remembered favorite restaurants from her trips at home and abroad. She would often show her son all the “hot spots.” After his mother’s death at 92, Cotter established the scholarship in her honor. “A lot of folks come into our department from an activities or parks and recreation environment,” said E. Ayn Welleford (M.S. ’93; Ph.D. ’98), chair of the School of Allied Health Professions’ Department of Gerontology. “This scholarship is specific to those students who start out in recreation or elder leisure. They find out that they really love this population and that there’s so much more to know. The Cotter King Memorial Scholarship will help them learn.” The Marion Cotter King Memorial Gerontology The scholarship honors two of Scholarship celebrates Marion Cotter King and her love for life. Cotter's passions: gerontology and his family, said Cecil B. Drain, Ph.D., dean of VCU’s School of Allied Health Professions. “The opportunity to celebrate his mother through this generous gift was very important to him and it is certainly most appreciated by the school,” Drain said. King’s mastery of the art of aging is an inspiration to many, including her grandchildren, three of whom attended VCU: Evan Cotter (B.F.A. ’03), Drew Cotter (B.S. ’06) and Margaret Cotter, who is studying in Turkey as a Boren Scholar and will receive her degree in 2012. “Her positivity and her engagement with life is certainly part of her legacy and part of the reason she thrived so well after retirement,” Cotter said. “The scholarship will help others do the same thing.” To learn more about the School of Allied Health Professions, contact Jessica FeinbergGurganus, assistant dean for development and external affairs, at (804) 828-3269 or jfgurganus@vcu.edu. Fall 2011 | 7
Faculty philanthropy bolsters medical tradition Dr. James P. Neifeld (M.D. ’72; H.S. ’78), Stuart McGuire Professor and chair of the Department of Surgery in the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, decided to be a physician when he was just 5 years old. Samarth Gola (B.S. ’11) started thinking about attending medical school when he was in high school. Today, the two are living their dreams and sharing a connection at VCU, partly thanks to a scholarship Neifeld and his wife, Ramona, created in memory of his parents. Gola is the first recipient of the Herbert S. and Elinor C. Neifeld Scholarship. “Things were a whole lot less expensive when I was a student,” Neifeld said. “I was fortunate to receive scholarships that paid for my undergraduate training, and my parents were able to pay my medical school tuition. I wanted to give back something for everything that has been done for me through the institution, and I wanted to honor my parents and try and make it possible for people to get a medical degree without going as much into debt as might otherwise have been the case.” Neifeld created one of seven scholarships that were awarded for the first time during the 2011 school year. Together worth more than $500,000, these endowments generate annual An endowed scholarship helps support Samarth Gola’s dreams of attending medical school. scholarship awards to benefit students like Gola. During World War II, Neifeld’s father, an optometrist, served in Italy and Morocco as a member of the U.S. Army’s 45th General Hospital, which comprised mainly personnel from the Medical College of Virginia. He had nothing but good things to say about his colleagues. “That’s why I applied here,” Neifeld said. “I really liked it, got accepted and withdrew my other applications.” Gola liked VCU, too. As an undergraduate student studying biomedical engineering in the School of Engineering, he also performed research in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in the School of Medicine. “I’m very grateful for this scholarship. It’s a huge relief,” Gola said. “I’m looking forward to medical school. It’s going to be a huge adjustment going from undergrad to graduate life, but I’m happy about it.” Neifeld encourages Gola to work hard and get as much out of medical school as he possibly can. “I hope he will be proud of the education he receives here and will go on to do great things in medicine,” Neifeld said. Neifeld views endowing scholarships as a great way to maintain the tradition of the School of Medicine by attracting top students and helping them finish medical school with as little debt as possible. Dr. Jerome F. Strauss III, dean of the VCU School of Medicine, said the Herbert S. and Elinor C. Neifeld Scholarship exemplifies faculty philanthropy. “This is a wonderful example of the strength of the commitment of our faculty to the School of Medicine and its mission,” Strauss said. “These remarkable acts of generosity reflect a culture of caring for the next generation of healers and a deep understanding of the burden of student indebtedness. Dr. Neifeld leads by example in supporting his medical school and outstanding students.” To learn more about the School of Medicine, contact Tom Holland, associate dean for development, at (804) 828-4800 or teholland@vcu.edu. 8 | The Power of Personal Philanthropy
Inaugural gala supports scholarship campaign A rousing Quest for Distinction-themed performance by Theatre VCU students had a capacity crowd on its feet and dancing in the aisles at the Oct. 13 inaugural gala celebrating Virginia Commonwealth University President Michael Rao, Ph.D. More than 350 friends packed the Commonwealth Club ballroom to honor Rao on the eve of his official inauguration as the university’s fifth president. The event raised $143,650 in gifts and pledges for the Opportunity VCU scholarship campaign. The Board of Visitors has approved designating the majority of that for the new Michael Rao Inaugural Scholarship Fund. “In these tough economic times, scholarships are extremely important to support, attract and retain the country’s brightest and most deserving student-scholars,” Thomas G. Snead Jr. (B.S. ’76), rector of the VCU Board of Visitors and chairman of the executive inaugural committee, told donors. “Because of you, our students will have access to more scholarship dollars in the years ahead.” School of Nursing Dean Nancy Langston, Ph.D., R.N., shared her congratulations on behalf of faculty members, and VCU Honors College student and Presidential Scholarship recipient Kunal Kapoor thanked the community for supporting scholarships in honor of Rao. “From a student perspective, it is humbling to see your investment in VCU, but even more importantly, in the future of students and the future of our world,” Kapoor said. Rao echoed his gratitude and stressed the importance of VCU’s new strategic plan, Quest for Distinction, in the future successes of the university. The evening concluded with a special presentation by former rector and current member of the Board of Visitors Dr. W. Baxter Perkinson Jr. (D.D.S. ’70). Perkinson painted an original watercolor, “Turning Leaves at 910,” for Rao to commemorate his inauguration. He also donated hand signed and numbered prints to everyone in attendance. To learn more about making a gift to the Michael Rao Inaugural Scholarship Fund, contact Michael P. Andrews (M.S. ’05), director of annual giving strategy, at (804) 828-0236 or andrewsmp@vcu.edu.
Stuart C. Siegel (left) congratulates Michael Rao, Ph.D., on the eve of his inauguration as VCU president.
Fall 2011 | 9
Bank contributes $100,000 to aid teacher training The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Education received $100,000 from Union First Market Bank to support Richmond Teacher Residency, an innovative partnership with Richmond Public Schools. The goal of RTR is to increase student achievement by recruiting, preparing and sustaining outstanding secondary teachers who are committed to the elimination of educational inequities in the city of Richmond, Va. RTR builds on the medical residency model by providing an intensive, school-based teacher preparation program that integrates the research and theory behind effective urban teaching with a yearlong residency, co-teaching with a master/mentor teacher already vested in Richmond Public Schools. RTR will recruit, prepare and support 80 new middle and high school teachers during the next four years to meet the staffing needs of Richmond schools and will prepare a critical mass of highly skilled teacher leaders who can serve as mentors and coaches, not only for future RTR participants but also for future Richmond teachers. Funds will help support housing costs for participants during their residency year. After completing their residency year, participants make a three-year commitment to teaching in Richmond Public Schools. To learn more about the School of Education, contact Magnus Johnsson (M.P.A. ’10; Cert. ’10), executive director of external affairs and development, at (804) 827-1363 or johnssonm@vcu.edu.
Event draws athletes and donors closer together Virginia Commonwealth University student-athletes were given the opportunity to establish a personal connection to the source of their scholarships as the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics hosted its second annual Donor/Student-Athlete Dinner on Sept. 11. The event, which drew about 200 people to the Richmond Marriott in downtown Richmond, Va., gave student-athletes a chance to recognize the impact Ram Athletic Fund members have on their education. In return, donors could see the difference their contributions make in the lives of student-athletes. “This experience was great for both our donors and student-athletes,” said VCU director of athletics Norwood Teague. “The event gave our donors a chance to make a personal connection with our student-athletes, while allowing the athletes to see how critical donor contributions are to their educational experiences here at VCU.” Former men’s basketball standout Domonic Jones (B.S. ’04) gave his account on the significance of donor gifts, while field hockey’s Melanie Marotta spoke on behalf of VCU’s current student-athletes. The event also allowed participants a chance to understand the NCAA regulations pertaining to athlete/donor relationships, which helps ensure the success of athletic programs. To learn more about the Ram Athletic Fund, contact director Vic Cegles at (804) 828-4771 or vpcegles@vcu.edu.
The second annual Donor/Student-Athlete Dinner gathers together student-athletes and Ram Athletic Fund members, adding a personal connection to scholarship programs.
10 | The Power of Personal Philanthropy
Development office welcomes staff members
Joey Broussard
Kristen Coulter
Joey Broussard
Director of major gifts School of Business (804) 827-7408 jebroussard@vcu.edu Formerly director of development, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina
Lauren Kiger
Angela L. Flagg
Director of communications School of Nursing (804) 828-1071 flaggal@vcu.edu Formerly director of public and media relations, Johnson Inc.
Lauren Kiger (M.P.A. ’11)
Kristen Coulter
Development assistant School of Medicine (804) 828-3901 klcoulter@vcu.edu Formerly director of communication, JP Horizons Inc.
Gregory G. Kimbrell
Angela L. Flagg
Joan L. Izzo
Event manager Massey Cancer Center (804) 828-1451 kigerml@vcu.edu Formerly volunteer coordinator, FeedMore
Michael W. Norris
Gregory G. Kimbrell (M.F.A. ’11)
Michael W. Norris
Joan L. Izzo
Sue Robinson
Membership and events coordinator VCU Libraries (804) 828-0593 kimbrellgg@vcu.edu Formerly Levis conference and Levis Reading Prize contest coordinator for the VCU Department of English
Director of marketing and communications School of Engineering (804) 827-3984 jlizzo@vcu.edu Formerly owner, Joan Izzo Communications
Assistant director of leadership annual giving Massey Cancer Center (804) 828-4812 mwnorris@vcu.edu Formerly executive director, St. Luke Hospital Foundation, Kansas City, Mo.
Director of communications and public relations VCU Libraries (804) 828-0129 srobinson26@vcu.edu Formerly director of community programs, Jepson School of Leadership Studies, University of Richmond
Fall 2011 | 11
Alumnus’s idea inspires full 9/11 commemoration In September, hundreds of visitors came to Virginia Commonwealth University’s James Branch Cabell Library to view a group of exhibits and installations marking the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. The inspiration for the event came from John Jay Schwartz (B.S. ’69), a member of the VCU Friends of the Library board who was named the first VCU Ultimate Ram in April 2011. Earlier in 2011, Schwartz approached the library with a portfolio of prints by renowned illustrators Nicholas Solovioff and Lili Réthi, documenting the construction of the World Trade Center in New York. A real estate consultant, Schwartz received the prints years ago as a gift for his role in a business project involvMore than 500 tribute messages posted in ing the top floor of the World Trade Center. He Cabell Library honor the 10th anniversary of 9/11. suggested that the library exhibit the prints in its gallery space as a way to mark the historic anniversary of the 9/11 tragedies. Through a collaborative effort among library staff, the idea then grew to encompass a full range of exhibits and installations. One of the most poignant displays included the Wall of Memories, containing five boards on which members of the community attached Post-it notes about where they were on the day of the tragedies and what the event meant to them. In addition, the library’s Special Collections and Archives division created exhibits of comic art, book art and news coverage pertaining to 9/11, while Steven Vitiello, professor in the Department of Kinetic Imaging and an internationally recognized sound artist, offered a haunting and evocative installation of sounds from the World Trade Center recorded in 1999. More than 500 comments were left on the Wall of Memories.
Ball raises $50,000 for pediatric mental health At the fifth annual Butterfly Ball, held Sept. 24 at the Westin Hotel, Del. John O’Bannon III (M.D. ’73) was honored for his commitment to children and families throughout Virginia. Former Virginia first lady Jeannie Baliles chaired this year’s event. The ball benefits the VCU Medical Center’s Virginia Treatment Center for Children, the child psychiatry division of the Department of Psychiatry in the VCU School of Medicine. The VTCC sees more than 6,000 patients each year, with more than 40 percent coming from outside Central Virginia. This year, the VTCC Advisory Council announced a faculty development scholarship in honor of Dr. Bela Sood (M.S.H.A. ’06), professor and chair of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the medical director of VTCC. This scholarship will encourage young faculty members to continue their education in the field of children’s mental health. While one in five children have mental health issues, only a third of them receive the treatment they need. The VTCC provides thousands of families a safe place to heal on their darkest days. Susan Dubuque (left) and members of the The Butterfly Ball raised $50,000 to support VTCC Advisory Council honor Dr. Bela Sood children’s mental health. for her work in children’s mental health. 12 | The Power of Personal Philanthropy
Arts school features robust fall lineup for friends This fall, friends of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts were treated to several events showcasing the school. Sept. 8, School of the Arts Dean Joe Seipel, VCU Board of Visitors member Jackie Stone and donors Alan Kirshner, Deb Mihaloff, True Luck and Charlie Luck hosted a special evening celebrating the Anderson Gallery’s fall exhibit “Environment and Object – Recent African Art,” featuring the work of 16 leading contemporary African artists. The evening included a reception at the Scott House, a preview of the exhibit and a panel discussion with artists Viyé Diba and Bright Ugochukwu Eke, exhibit co-curator Lisa Aronson and VCU professor of art history Babatunde Lawal. Sept. 18, the Windmueller Series presented the artist lecture “In Conversation: El Anatsui with Babatunde Lawal” at the Grace Street Joan Loren Gaustad (B.F.A. ’76) and Darryl Harper (right), Theater. Ghanaian-born sculptor El interim chair of the Department of Music, chat with Dean Joe Seipel (left) at the Anderson Gallery preview. Anatsui is labeled one of the most significant artistic innovators of our time. His work merges personal, local and global concerns through the transformation of discarded materials. By assembling thousands of aluminum tops from Nigerian liquor bottles, Anatsui creates large-scale sculptures that reveal a scintillating interplay of color, shape and fluidity. His work is collected by major museums worldwide and is currently the subject of a traveling retrospective organized by the Museum for African Art in New York. The Windmueller Series was established through a gift from the estate of Otti Y. Windmueller. Windmueller received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from VCU and taught fashion design for 29 years in the School of the Arts. In October, donors Ann Parker and Teddy Gottwald hosted the season kick-off event for The Pollak Society with “Asethetics and Athletics” at their art-filled home. Seipel and VCU men’s basketball coach Shaka Smart imagined the future of Broad Street with the upcoming Institute for Contemporary Art. Donors who make annual, unrestricted gifts of $1,000 or more to the School of the Arts are accorded membership in The Pollak Society. Each year, society members receive special opportunities to pursue their common interests in the visual arts, design, performing arts, education, research and community programming. To learn more about the School of the Arts, contact Hannah Neilson, assistant director of development, at (804) 828-9182 or hbneilson@vcu.edu.
VCU organizes first gathering for Alaska alumni In late August, VCU alumni in Anchorage, Alaska, did not have to travel across the country to reconnect with their alma mater. Their alma mater came to them. John E. Ulmschneider, university librarian, and Tom Burke (B.S. ’79, M.P.A. ’95), associate vice president and executive director of the VCU Foundation, hosted an alumni and friends reception at the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage. Alumni learned about what’s happening on campus and how to get involved with the VCU Alumni Association.
University librarian John E. Ulmschneider (far right) meets with Alaska-based VCU alumni at a reception in Anchorage.
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Gathering of friends leads to $10 million center The Movers and Shakers began as a group of friends each touched by Parkinson’s disease who gathered over breakfast. The group later grew into a grassroots movement, culminating in the September opening of a $10 million comprehensive center for the research and treatment of Parkinson’s disease. The new Virginia Commonwealth University Parkinson’s Disease Center combines treatment, education, research and outreach to provide a coordinated approach for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. The center’s multidisciplinary team includes specialists from neurology, physical therapy, speech therapy, neuropsychology and gastrointestinal physiology. “This helps put Richmond on the map,” said Charles F. Bryan Jr., president and chief executive officer emeritus of the Virginia Historical Society. Bryan, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2005, is co-founder of the Movers and Shakers, along with David C. Reynolds. “There’s nothing really quite like this on the East Coast,” Bryan added. “This positions Richmond to be a leading center for the care and research of Parkinson’s.” VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., said an important aspect of VCU’s role as a leading research university calls for using research as a tool for improving treatment and exploring “novel ideas that make a difference.” “We do research, we do clinical trials, and now we have this concentration in the Parkinson’s Disease Center,” Rao said. For more information, visit www.parkinsons.vcu.edu.
Inaugural Family Open supports Lobs & Lessons Virginia Commonwealth University’s Mary and Frances Youth Center program hosted its first Lobs & Lessons Family Open on Sept. 17. The inaugural tournament attracted 68 players and more than 50 volunteers, and raised $2,400 to support Lobs & Lessons programming. “The Lobs & Lessons Family Open was a wonderful event,” said Tom Burke (B.S. ’79; M.P.A. ’95), executive director of the VCU Foundation. Burke played in the tournament with Will Hoffler, an 11-year-old student at St. Michael’s Episcopal School in Richmond, Va. “We had a great time participating as well as helping to raise some funds for the program.” The tournament reflects an ongoing partnership between the Lobs & Lessons program and the Richmond Tennis Association to develop QuickStart Tennis in the greater Richmond area. QuickStart is a teaching format that incorporates smaller courts and equipment, allowing children the opportunity to experience the game with greater confidence. “Lobs & Lessons builds hope, confidence and Tournament players raise their rackets in support of Lobs & Lessons. character for young people,” said Magnus H. Johnsson (M.P.A. ’10, Cert. ’10), a volunteer and executive director of external affairs and development for the School of Education. “This was on full display Saturday. The Family Open brought together adults and children for a wonderful day of tennis and learning. I left exhausted, satisfied and touched at the same time, seeing the impact the Family Open had on the children and families present.” To learn more about Lobs & Lessons, contact Tina Carter, director of the Mary and Frances Youth Center, at (804) 827-0802 or cccarter@vcu.edu 14 | The Power of Personal Philanthropy
Ball generates $50,000 for athletic scholarships The Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics hosted its second annual Black & Gold Ball on Sept. 30 at the Verizon Wireless Arena at the Stuart C. Siegel Center. Markel Corp. co-sponsored the event, which drew nearly 750 attendees. The evening proved a success for VCU Athletics by raising more than $50,000 for the Ram Athletic Fund, doubling the previous year’s total. Upon arrival, attendees were greeted by members of the VCU baseball team as part of a red carpet entrance. The event included a casino, dancing to the sounds of local band Attraction at center court, wine tastings and a cigar lounge. Guests who purchased a VIP package were treated Guests enjoy the casino games at the second annual Black & Gold Ball. to an exclusive dinner with VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., athletic director Norwood Teague and head men’s basketball coach Shaka Smart before the event. “We take great pride in these types of fundraising events, and I’m extremely excited about the response we received from the VCU community,” Teague said. “The primary goal of the Ram Athletic Fund is to provide scholarship aid to our 16 varsity sports as well as raise funds to support facility improvements and other initiatives inside the department. This event plays a critical role in our continuing quest to enhance the student-athlete experience at VCU.” Guests were also given an opportunity to have their picture taken with the NCAA men’s basketball 2011 Southwest regional trophy and the ESPY Award. The tentative date for next year’s Black & Gold Ball is Friday, Oct. 5, 2012. Additional details will be available in the coming months.
New teaching award aids faculty development Dr. Mimi Koller Pizzani (M.D. ’80; H.S. ’85) was so inspired by her favorite teacher and mentor at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine that she recently established the Joel J. Silverman, M.D. Teaching Award for Excellence in his honor. The award, to be presented for the first time in 2012, supports the development of young faculty who are responsible for training new recruits in the field of psychiatry. Silverman, who completed his psychiatry residency training on the MCV Campus, has served as chair of the Department of Psychiatry for nearly 30 years and is the James Asa Shield, Jr., M.D. Professor. Pizzani, associate clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry, created a letterwriting campaign to fund the award. “My passion for psychiatry stems from great mentorship and my drive to help others live a healthy life,” Pizzani wrote. “I have taken a first step to help the department recruit and retain the brightest faculty in our field by starting the Joel J. Silverman, M.D. Teaching Award for Excellence to honor my mentor and to promote inspirational health education for the next generation of health care providers.” Nearly $15,000 has been raised in support of the award to date. To make a gift to the Department of Psychiatry, contact Rupa S. Murthy, director of development, at (804) 628-3878 or rsmurthy@vcu.edu. Fall 2011 | 15
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