The
Powerof Personal Philanthropy Spring 2013
www.support.vcu.edu
1 8 3 8 - 2 0 1 3 V i r g i n i a
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U n i v e r s i t y
The
Powerof Personal Philanthropy Spring 2013
www.support.vcu.edu
Inside this issue 5 Local corporations help transform VCU Athletics 6 Pediatric dentistry fund recognizes two mentors 8 Nursing scholarship celebrates VCU experience 9 Funding aids psychiatry residents, honors family 10 Donors make medical school building a reality 11 M.H.A. students endow grant in professor’s name 12 Fed presidents debate policy at business event 13 Contribution supports aspiring creative writers 17 Runners raise more than $500,000 for Massey 19 Grant helps VCU Libraries preserve rare films
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On the cover
Students attend class in the new James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center, which opened in April 2013. Editor: Melanie Irvin Seiler (B.S. ’96), miseiler@vcu.edu, (804) 828-3975 Writer: Nan Johnson, nljohnson@vcu.edu
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The new James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center provides hands-on training opportunities for today’s medical students.
New tax law enables creative giving to alma mater Inspired by a minister’s Christmas message about giving to others, Dr. Lewis D. Johnson (M.D. ’65; H.S. ’68) and his wife, Lucy, recently created a scholarship endowment to help students in the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine defray the costs of their medical education. The couple’s gift to establish the Dr. and Mrs. Lewis Daniel Johnson M’65 Scholarship Fund came in addition to a gift made to support the School of Medicine’s new medical education building. The building donation was made possible by a change in tax law. The Johnsons took advantage of a recent charitable “rollover” extension allowing taxpayers age 70½ and older to transfer up to $100,000 from their individual retirement accounts to qualified charities. Under the extension, effective through the end of 2013, such a transfer isn’t counted as part of adjusted gross income, which reduces taxes. “With his gifts, Dr. Johnson has touched on two of the medical school’s key priorities: support for our students and for the innovative learning spaces where they’ll train,” said Dr. Jerome F. Strauss III, Ph.D., dean of the School of Medicine and executive vice president for medical affairs for the VCU Health System. “The Johnsons have my admiration for their generosity and for the tax-wise way they set about making a significant gift that will help generations of students.” Featuring a new medical education curriculum, clinical simulation center and cancer research facilities, the 200,000-square-foot James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center, which opened in April 2013, will help the VCU School of Medicine offset a part of the state’s physician shortage by graduating more doctors each year. “The last time I was on campus they were getting ready to tear down the old A.D. Williams building, so I was eager to see it,” said Johnson, who is now retired and lives in Atlanta. Johnson and his wife saw their names on the McGlothlin Medical Education Center’s donor wall when they made the trip to Richmond, Va., for the grand opening ceremony during April’s Reunion Weekend.
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Dentistry alumni honor mentor with scholarship Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry alumni living in and around Utah gathered to reconnect with classmates at the annual Utah Dental Association Convention in February. Although the food and camaraderie were wonderful, the real highlight of the event was special guest Dr. Marshall P. Brownstein. Brownstein recently retired after a 40-year career in dental education, including 30 years at the VCU School of Dentistry. Dr. Marshall P. Beginning in 1975, Brownstein served as the assistant dean of Brownstein admissions and student affairs as well as an associate professor of pediatric dentistry. During his lengthy tenure, he met and mentored hundreds of aspiring young dental students, many of whom were present at the Utah event. And those students have not forgotten him. During the evening, Gloria Callihan, associate dean for development and alumni relations, announced the creation of the Marshall P. Brownstein, D.D.S. Endowed Scholarship. Just as Brownstein fostered the development of budding dentists at VCU, the scholarship, which will be awarded annually, will provide support to deserving dental students. Several of Brownstein’s protégés pledged their support for the scholarship bearing their mentor’s name, resulting in nearly $30,000 in donations to kick-start the fund. “It was heartwarming to feel the love in the room for Dr. Brownstein,” Callihan said. “We know that his legacy will live on through this scholarship.”
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Likewise, they will see the benefit of their scholarship paying off this fall when the Johnsons’ scholarship will be awarded for the first time. “When I was in medical school I was called into the dean’s office — you can imagine how scared I was — I was shaking,” Johnson said. “The dean gave me a $500 scholarship, and I was very appreciative of that. I’d never been given anything. My wife and I have been fortunate, and now we’re going to share Lucy and Dr. Lewis D. Johnson with others.” Johnson’s inspiration to enter medicine came from within his own family as well as his wife’s. Both are from Bedford, Va., where his great-uncle, Dr. E.L. Johnson, was a “horse and buggy” doctor. His father-in-law, Dr. W.G. Hardy (M.D. ’37), was another inspiration. But, Johnson said, his medical career would not have been possible without his wife. “Had it not been for Lucy, I wouldn’t have made it through medical school. I give her the credit,” he said. “Life wasn’t easy, but we had a good time.” The couple is still having a good time. In addition to helping others through creative philanthropy, they travel and enjoy retired life. “After 25 years in internal medicine, I now play golf, do my yard work and grow tomatoes,” Johnson said. He is also helping to grow the numbers of skilled and dedicated medical professionals through gifts to the VCU School of Medicine. To learn more about the School of Medicine’s new medical education center and the IRA rollover, contact Tom Holland, associate dean for development, at (804) 828-4800 or teholland@vcu.edu. 4 | The Power of Personal Philanthropy
Grant helps VCU Libraries preserve rare films A picture may be worth a thousand words, but for Kitty Snow, it’s priceless. Two years ago, she began rescuing a family trove of some 3,000 rare photographs, negatives, journals and films documenting Richmond, Va., in the early 1900s. Harris H. Stilson, her great-grandfather and a Richmond streetcar motorman, was the photographer and filmmaker. Snow was raised by a mother who believed her children should know the city in which they lived. “She took us everywhere in Richmond to see history,” Snow said. Snow’s quest to preserve her great-grandfather’s moving picThe donated films provide a rare glimpse of Richmond, Va., in the early 1900s. ture images led her to Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries, which builds collections of Richmond history. She donated 12 films, two of which will be restored this year through a grant secured by VCU Libraries from The National Film Preservation Foundation. “The Stilson films are a treasure,” said Wesley J. Chenault, Ph.D., head of Special Collections and Archives at the James Branch Cabell Library. “Footage of the city is rare, and these motion pictures are among the oldest, if not the oldest, held by any local or regional cultural institution in the commonwealth.” The Special Collections’ staff is working with Snow’s donated materials. “Preservation is a careful and expensive process,” Chenault said. Following best practices, the films have been inspected, evaluated and properly stored in safe archival materials in a climate-controlled location. Chenault is securing bids on restoring the films and is seeking additional grant funding. The restored films will be added to the libraries’ collections, giving scholars and students of Richmond history easy access to this rare glimpse of early 20thcentury city life. “The Stilson collection is one that captures the interest of others,” Chenault said. “It’s unique not only for its scope but also for how it came to be. Through his job, Mr. Stilson traveled through African-American and Jewish communities about which fewer historical records exist. Having a visual record is even more compelling. Kitty was inspired to create a collection to be shared with the public, and we’re grateful to be a partner in her efforts.” VCU Libraries also is working with Snow to preserve the Stilson photographs, negatives and personal papers, which will add historical depth and context to the film collection. “Generous gifts from thoughtful members of our community like Kitty make all the difference,” said University Librarian John E. Ulmschneider. “The history of our communities helps us define our future and these gifts capture our history with unique and powerful records that we otherwise would never have the opportunity to preserve for the future.” To learn more about the VCU Libraries, contact Kimberly R. Separ (M.A. ’97), director of development and community relations, at (804) 827-1163 or krsepar@vcu.edu. Spring 2013 | 5
Local corporations help transform VCU Athletics In March, Virginia Commonwealth University’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics received the largest gift and largest corporate sponsorship in its history. Health Diagnostic Laboratory Inc. agreed to a $4 million partnership to support VCU Athletics and its future capital projects. Additionally, as part of its sustained commitment to a thriving downtown Richmond, Va., MeadWestvaco Corp. pledged $3 million to support the new VCU Basketball Complex project. This facility will enhance VCU’s stature as an athletic powerhouse and economic engine for downtown Richmond. Part of the university’s master site plan, the complex is slated to be built adjacent to the Stuart C. Siegel Center. “Great research universities have strong partnerships with great corporations,” said VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D. The HDL partnership encompasses the entire facility footprint for athletics. Each athletics facility will fall under the umbrella of the HDL Inc. Athletic Village and will have premier street signage, which will enable the HDL Inc. brand to be displayed prominently. Among the facilities in the HDL Inc. Athletic Village will be the Stuart C. Siegel Center, the planned VCU Basketball Complex, Sports Backers Stadium, Thalhimer Tennis Center and Cary Street Gym. “The progress of a national research university is accelerated by strong partners with big ideas and a commitment to excellence in every way,” Rao said. “For Virginia Commonwealth University, one of those best partners is Health Diagnostic Laboratory, an innovative corporation that shares our focus of improving human health and the human experience. We are grateful for their support and enthusiasm for VCU and our nationally prominent athletics program, and we thank them for their forward-thinking investment in our top 50 national research university.” The partnership will include a coordinated effort by VCU Athletics, VCU Recreational Sports and HDL Inc. to create a program that will promote wellness initiatives within the facility and an inner-city youth wellness program featuring VCU student-athletes engaging with community members to promote health and wellness in neighborhoods around the athletic village. “The HDL and VCU partnership goes beyond just the funding of a premier athletic facility, and by the promotion of our company within VCU, it is our hope that we The planned complex will bring nearly all of VCU’s basketball keep math and science jobs in activities under one roof. 6 | The Power of Personal Philanthropy
VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., thanks VCU alumna Tonya Mallory, CEO and co-founder of HDL Inc., for the corporation’s $4 million commitment.
Virginia — and hopefully here in Richmond at HDL,” said Tonya Mallory (B.S. ’88; M.S. ’90), president, CEO and co-founder of HDL Inc. “HDL places an enormous value on saving lives and preventing disease through advanced testing, lifestyle change and the type of active living that is enhanced by the athletic village.” Likewise, this MWV gift is the latest instance of the company’s generosity to VCU. Through corporate and foundation gifts, MWV has partnered on numerous occasions with the schools of Business, Engineering and Pharmacy, the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, the Inger and Walter Rice Center for Environmental Life Sciences and the da Vinci Center for Innovation. “For many years, they have invested in education and research initiatives at VCU, and their latest gift to athletics will further enhance our university’s ability to compete on the national stage,” Rao said. “Athletics is an important window into VCU for so many people, and MeadWestvaco’s latest gift is a game-changer for our athletics program.” The basketball practice facility will provide a greatly enhanced atmosphere for student-athletes and coaches. This new venue will give student-athletes an advantage in their skill development and game preparation. The cutting-edge sports medicine and athletic training area will allow all of VCU’s student-athletes access to state-of-the-art treatments and equipment. “VCU is a vital and vibrant part of our Richmond community,” said MWV Chairman and CEO John A. Luke Jr., who was appointed to the VCU Board of Visitors in 2012. “The success of VCU’s basketball team has attracted national attention and raised the university’s profile on the court and in the classroom. MWV is proud to support the continued growth of this world-class university in our community.” The new facility will allow VCU Athletics to centralize nearly all of its basketball activities — strength training, academic advising, video study, individual skill development, team meals and practice — under one roof. Additionally, the practice facility will allow student-athletes 24-hour access to improve themselves on the court. “The new practice facility will mean a great deal to our team. Not only will it enhance the student-athlete experience and provide a competitive advantage, it will also be critical to our ongoing efforts to attract high-level student-athletes to VCU,” said VCU’s head men’s basketball coach Shaka Smart. For more information about making a gift to VCU Athletics, contact Glenn Hofmann, executive associate athletic director, at (804) 828-7398 or gahofmann@vcu.edu. Spring 2013 | 7
Pediatric dentistry fund recognizes two mentors Dr. Carl O. Atkins Jr. (D.D.S. ’83; H.S. ’85) says he thought long and hard about making a donation to the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, especially when several years ago Dr. Tegwyn H. Brickhouse, Ph.D., chair of the school’s Department of Pediatric Dentistry, asked members of the VCU Pediatric Dentistry Board of Advisors for support. “Given the contributions of Dr. Frank Farrington and Dr. Arthur Mourino to the pediatric specialty and the VCU School of Dentistry itself, I thought we needed a way to honor them,” Atkins said. “They were mentors of mine until they retired in the early 2000s. They influenced most of the dental student body at large, including me.” In 2012, Atkins pledged $50,000 to establish the VCU School of Dentistry’s Frank H. Farrington, D.D.S. and Arthur P. Mourino, D.D.S. Fund in Pediatric Dentistry to advance the specialty of pediatric dentistry and to improve children’s oral health in Virginia. By doing so, he set an example for others to follow. Dr. Randy Adams (H.S. ’80) accepted the challenge and matched Atkins with a Dr. Randy Adams (left) and Dr. Carl O. Atkins Jr. pledge funds to $50,000 pledge of his own. the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, chaired by Dr. Tegwyn H. “I thought it was a great Brickhouse, Ph.D. (center). idea. Since I was in VCU’s first class of pediatric dentistry and I fully support the program, I thought I needed to step up,” he said. “My dental career has definitely been aided by Farrington and Mourino. What I am today as a dentist is because of them. I owe them a lot.” Atkins was “pleasantly surprised” when Adams made his pledge. “When I told Randy what I was going to be doing to support the department in honor of our mentors, he said, ‘I think I can do that.’ I was touched and honored by his gift,” Atkins said. Once the fund reaches $250,000, an endowed professorship will be created in pediatric dentistry. Contributions from alumni, colleagues and friends have already put the total at more than halfway toward creating the professorship. “This professorship will help us fill the need in the communities we serve,” Brickhouse said. “There are vulnerable populations in this region of the country where children have special health care needs. VCU is the only academic health care center in the region that has pediatric dentistry and other pediatric subspecialties, and that makes us unique.” Professorships are key to the recruitment and retention of top-notch faculty, said Dr. David C. Sarrett, dean of the VCU School of Dentistry. “Drs. Mourino and Farrington were role models for all of the residents who became pediatric dentists like Carl Atkins and Randy Adams. I can’t think of better role models to honor.” To make a gift to the VCU School of Dentistry, contact Ed Kardos, director of development, at (804) 828-0324 or egkardos@vcu.edu. 8 | The Power of Personal Philanthropy
Kristin Filler (B.S. ’09) hit the ground running when she arrived at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Nursing in 2005. From her early days on campus, she emerged as a leader, serving as president of the student nursing association, becoming an active participant in alumni and donor events and working as a teaching assistant for Dean Nancy Langston, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN. Currently a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Nursing’s B.S. to Ph.D. program, Filler’s goal is to pursue a dual career in nursing research and education. Her parents attribute their daughter’s success to the supportive environment she found at VCU. “We were so impressed [with VCU] and the program seemed so cutting-edge,” Barbara Filler said. “Dean Langston spent time with us as prospective parents before Kristin became a student. We received the personal touch from everyone at the School of Nursing.” Kristin Filler’s interest in nursing stemmed from her participation as a high school student in a communityservice program at a nursing home in Northern Virginia. “That really spurred her into the nursing program,” Robert Filler said. “She blossomed just as soon as she was exposed to the MCV Campus during her first semester.” Kristin Filler continued to Robert and Barbara Filler (far right) establish a scholarship in their daughter Kristin Filler’s name to express thanks to VCU for her edugrow throughout her academic cational experience. career, with her financial burden eased by undergraduate support from university and School of Nursing scholarships and graduate support through scholarships from the American Cancer Society and the Jonas Nurse Leader Scholar Program of the Jonas Center for Nursing Excellence. To celebrate their daughter’s success and to express gratitude for VCU’s role in helping shape her career, the Fillers established the Kristin Filler Nursing Leadership Scholarship in 2012 with a pledge of $10,000. Kristin Filler followed their lead with a $5,000 pledge. The scholarship will be awarded to a nursing student who demonstrates leadership qualities and an interest in pursuing graduate education with priority given to a student with past or present military service. “We thank the entire staff at the School of Nursing for giving Kristin an outstanding education and undergraduate experience,” Robert Filler said. “We hope our scholarship provides that same experience to future students.” The scholarship will be awarded for the first time in 2017. Kristin Filler is humbled by and thankful for her parents’ gift. “I am grateful to have had scholarship support throughout my academic career. The scholarships provided me with opportunities that I would not have otherwise experienced,” she said. “It’s a special honor for us as a family to be able to give back and provide future students with the same opportunity.” Funds such as the Kristin Filler Scholarship provide an excellent opportunity to recognize a family member while providing financial assistance to future students, said Kelly Gotschalk (B.F.A. ’90; M.A. ’97), director of annual giving and alumni engagement for the School of Nursing. ✫ see Nursing, continued on Page 10 Spring 2013 | 9
Skip Rowland photo
Nursing scholarship celebrates VCU experience
Funding aids psychiatry residents, honors family After 28 years of service as residency education director in the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry, Dr. John Urbach relinquished that role in September 2012 to continue serving as a clinician-educator on the faculty. A year before the role change, he laid the groundwork to provide critical training materials and professional development opportunities to psychiatry residents long after his departure. “We operate pretty close to the bone in terms of finances,” Urbach said of the Department of Psychiatry, where he still teaches. “I knew coming up with the funds to buy the teaching materials we need was something we struggle Dr. Chris Kogut (left) is grateful for the gift with every year.” provided by Dr. John Urbach. An inheritance inspired him to get creative. “With a gift from my late aunt, I saw an opportunity to create an educational fund to be matched with department funds,” he said. “We can’t do everything we’d like to do with the limited dollars we have, but together we can make a greater impact.” Established in 2011 with a gift of $50,000, the Rindler Urbach Psychiatry Residents Education Fund honors Urbach’s late aunt and uncle who were World War II refugees from Europe. The fund provides for educational materials and stipends to support attendance at national conferences for the benefit of about 40 residents. Dr. Chris Kogut (M.S.W. ’96; M.D. ’04; H.S. ’09), the current residency education director for the department, is grateful for Urbach’s vision. “Books don’t seem like a big deal, but they are very expensive, and our residents work extremely hard with very little disposable income to cover those expenses,” Kogut said. “Resources and support are hugely important when applicants are selecting their residencies. Being able to provide them with books and opportunities to travel to meetings makes a difference when they’re making decisions about what school to attend.” Department Chair Dr. Joel J. Silverman (H.S. ’73) agreed. “Giving residents the opportunity to have access to modern educational tools and professional meetings requires special sources of funding,” he said. “Dr. Urbach understands this need, and his willingness to help us fill the need is critically important. “We clearly need other people who care about education to follow his lead in providing ongoing support. It makes a difference.” To make a gift to the Department of Psychiatry, contact Rupa S. Murthy, director of development, at (804) 628-3878 or rsmurthy@vcu.edu.
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“Our need for scholarships is greater than ever before,” she said. “We’re very grateful for the Fillers’ support.” Kristin Filler has a special place in her heart for VCU. “My older brother, who earned VCU degrees in biomedical engineering and medicine, really enjoyed his VCU experience. Growing up in a military family, we moved every three years. I’ve lived at VCU the longest and consider it to be my home.” To make a gift to the School of Nursing, contact Kelly Gotschalk (B.F.A. ’90; M.A. ’97), director of annual giving and alumni engagement, at (804) 828-2993 or kjgotschalk@vcu.edu. 10 | The Power of Personal Philanthropy
Donors make medical school building a reality At the grand opening of the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center in late April, the medical school announced the completion of the first phase of a fundraising campaign that raised $190 million in gifts and pledges. The campaign included $44.8 million in support for the education center, a total that surpassed its initial goal by $7 million. “This facility is a testament to the loyalty and commitment of our alumni and friends. Their gifts and pledges have fueled the first phase of what will clearly be the most successful fundraising campaign in the medical school’s history,” said Dr. Jerome F. Strauss III, Ph.D., dean of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and Frances and James McGlothlin visit the wall on executive vice president for medical which their names and other donors’ are inscribed. affairs for the VCU Health System. The unprecedented level of support was anchored by a lead gift from philanthropists James and Frances McGlothlin, for whom the center is named. Their $25 million gift, the largest to VCU at the time it was made in 2011, was given in honor of their friend and physician Dr. Harry Young, professor and chair of the Department of Neurosurgery. The names of the McGlothlins and all donors who made leadership gifts in support of the center are inscribed on a wall in the lobby of a facility that will allow the School of Medicine to pioneer new approaches for training physicians. Dozens of faculty and generations of alumni added their support to that vision through the discoverMedicine Campaign. The campaign’s donors include more than 30 faculty and 325 alumni including: • Physiology faculty members Linda Costanzo, Ph.D., and Richard Costanzo, Ph.D., who made their gift in honor of former student, medical school alumnus and ophthalmologist Dr. Ali R. Tabassian, Ph.D. (M.D. ’90; H.S. ’94), whose surgical skills saved Linda’s sight. • The Cook brothers — the Class of 1982’s Dr. William A. Cook III, the Class of 1987’s Dr. Robert D. Cook (H.S. ’92) and the Class of 1993’s Dr. George W. Cook (H.S. ’98) — who, with their joint gift, elected to posthumously add their father’s name on the wall: Dr. William A. Cook Jr. of the Class of 1951. • Drs. Charanjit and Parbhur Singh, who went to medical school in India but adopted the VCU School of Medicine as their own when their sons earned medical degrees and went on to join the faculty. • Department of Family Medicine and Population Health Chair Dr. Tony Kuzel, who asked to have Dr. Fitzhugh Mayo’s (M.D. ’55) name inscribed on the wall, instead of his own. Mayo was the department’s founding chair and a pioneer for re-establishing the family medicine field in Virginia. • The Class of 2012, who marked their graduation by showing their support for the medical school and the students who would follow in their footsteps.
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M.H.A. students endow grant in professor’s name Each year, students graduating from the Master of Health Administration program in the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Allied Health Professions present the program with a gift. This year’s graduates raised more money than any class before them, building an endowment of more than $26,000 to create the Kenneth R. White Scholarship in honor of a faculty member. White (B.S. ’95; M.S. ’95; Ph.D. ’96), the Sentara Professor of Health Administration, Kenneth R. White, Ph.D., and Carolyn holds a Ph.D. and is also a registered nurse. He Watts, Ph.D., celebrate the scholarship has taught at VCU since 1993. created in his name. “Each class is unique, but with this one there was a special connection from the beginning,” he said. “They are diverse in their interests but cohesive, and this has to do with leadership. They are all leaders.” Carolyn Watts, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Health Administration, said the gift achieves three important goals: highlighting the spirit and initiative of the students, providing funding for future students for years to come and honoring a faculty member. “The Ken White Scholarship effort demonstrates our students’ thoughtfulness, caring and generosity,” said Cecil B. Drain, Ph.D., professor and dean of the School of Allied Health Professions. “The M.H.A. Class of 2013, under the leadership of John Neidenbach and Scott Rusz, has been outstanding in bringing together so many people to honor Dr. White, while at the same time, creating a much-needed scholarship that will provide financial assistance for students. This is quite an honor for Dr. White, the School of Allied Health Professions and VCU.” White is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and author of several books and chapters. “When I hear about chaos in health care, I’m not worried when I see students like all of you who know the patient is at the center of what we do,” he told the M.H.A. Class of 2013 at the gift presentation. “I encourage you to always do what is best for the patients, bedside to boardroom.” For more information about making a gift to the School of Allied Health Professions, contact Jessica F. Gurganus, assistant dean for development and external affairs, at (804) 828-3269 or jfgurganus@vcu.edu.
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In addition to the $44.8 million raised in private donations, the McGlothlin Medical Education Center was supported by $70 million from the commonwealth of Virginia. The center opens in a milestone year in which the medical school marks its 1838 founding. To further commemorate the 175th anniversary, the medical school is embarking on the second phase of its campaign, which will support faculty, research and student scholarships. A key feature of the campaign will be the 1838 Fund, a scholarship endowment to support the students who will train in the McGlothlin Medical Education Center. To learn more about the School of Medicine, contact Tom Holland, associate dean for development, at (804) 828-4800 or tehollan@vcu.edu. 12 | The Power of Personal Philanthropy
A debate between Federal Reserve Presidents Jeffrey Lacker (left) and Charles Evans was moderated by former Fed President and former VCU Board of Visitors member Al Broaddus.
Fed presidents debate policy at business event In a rare joint appearance, two Federal Reserve presidents with starkly different opinions discussed monetary policy at the 2013 Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business’ Investors Circle Dinner in April. Charles Evans, Ph.D., president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, and Jeffrey Lacker, Ph.D., president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, discussed their ideas on inflation and unemployment rates in front of a group of more than 300 people at The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Va. Known for their often contrasting views, the two openly discussed their viewpoints and projections for the coming years in a forum unusual for Fed presidents. “Monetary Policy: Opportunities and Limits,” moderated by Al Broaddus, Ph.D., former president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and former member of the VCU Board of Visitors, was presented along with dinner by the VCU School of Business Foundation to members of its Investors Circle, established in 1996 to recognize lead donors who generously support the school. During the debate, Evans detailed his optimism that the U.S. economy will not stall in the second half. He projects 2.5 percent growth in 2013 and 3.5 percent growth by the end of 2014. “It is my expectation that this forecast is the most likely event,” Evans said. A more cautionary Lacker expressed worries that the Fed has overestimated the progress of the recovery from the recession and that its efforts thus far have not significantly improved the economy. “I don’t see the power of monetary policy on the real side as strongly as Charles does,” he said. This event was a highlight of the School of Business’ yearlong 75th anniversary celebration, honoring 75 years of educating business-ready leaders and serving the regional business community. For more information about becoming a member of the VCU School of Business’ Investors Circle, contact Joseph Broussard, director of major gifts, at (804) 827-7408 or jebroussard@vcu.edu. Spring 2013 | 13
Photo Richmond Times-Dispatch
Thomas A. Silvestri (left), Don Belt, Steve Bassett, Doug Harwood and Dorothy Abernathy celebrate their induction into the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame.
Sponsors help recognize communications giants The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Mass Communications held its 26th annual Virginia Communications Hall of Fame induction ceremony April 11 at the John Marshall Hotel in downtown Richmond, Va. More than 150 guests were on hand to celebrate the accomplishments of five new members. The Hall of Fame recognizes communications professionals with exceptional careers in journalism, public relations, advertising and other media fields. This year’s five inductees brought the total number of members to 145. Each year, the event is generously supported by corporate sponsors. This year, those partners included the Richmond Times-Dispatch, The Martin Agency, The Associated Press, Slay Communications, VCU Alumni and the Center for Media+Health Online Lecture Series at VCU. The ceremony kicked off with remarks on the future of communications by VCU alumnus Michael Whitlow (B.S. ’74), executive vice president at the public relations firm CRT/tanaka. The evening ended with the announcement of the Hall of Fame Scholarship winner, Amir-Tariq Vera, a junior print journalism major. The inductees of the 26th Hall of Fame were: • Dorothy Abernathy, bureau chief for Virginia and West Virginia, The Associated Press • Steve Bassett, senior vice president and group creative director, The Martin Agency • Don Belt, writer and editor, National Geographic • Doug Harwood, editor, Rockbridge Advocate • Thomas A. Silvestri (M.B.A. ’86), president and publisher, Richmond Times-Dispatch, and vice president, Richmond Group of World Media Enterprises 14 | The Power of Personal Philanthropy
School thrives at Atlanta Hinman dental event Each year, thousands of dentists and other dental professionals flock to Atlanta for the annual Hinman Dental Meeting. This March, the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry hosted an alumni-student reception during the conference, thanks to a suggestion from Dr. Pete Trager (D.D.S. ’68). Trager is a longtime supporter of the School of Dentistry and member of the Hinman Dental Society. VCU alumni and current dental students at the 101st Hinman event were invited, and the VCU reception turned out to be the most well-attended university event at the meeting. “It was great to see all of the students,” Trager said. “The Hinman Society was very impressed with VCU’s registration numbers, especially the students entering the profession and young dentists.” Carolyn and Dr. Pete Trager celebrated with colleagues and students at the VCU alumni reception. During the reception, alumni who had traveled far and wide to attend the continuing education conference mingled with nearly 50 VCU dental students and many recent graduates. Students and representatives from VCU’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations took the opportunity to update alumni about the university, including VCU’s new brand mark, which features a seal incorporating the university’s founding institutions, Medical College of Virginia and Richmond Professional Institute, and its first building, the Egyptian Building. “Hinman was a great way to reinvigorate alumni engagement outside of the Richmond area,” said Gloria Callihan, the school’s associate dean for development and alumni affairs. If you participate in regional or national dental organization meetings or conferences and are interested in the VCU School of Dentistry Office of Development and Alumni Relations hosting an alumni reception, please contact Gloria Callihan, associate dean for development and alumni affairs, at (804) 828-8101 or gfcallihan@vcu.edu.
CLS receives largest gift in department history A $60,000 gift from Health Diagnostic Laboratory Inc. is helping recruit top students to the Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences. The donation supported two $10,000 scholarships and will fund an additional $10,000 to each returning HDL Scholar in 2013-14. That year, two new scholars also will each receive $10,000 scholarships. In February, juniors Michael Lacy and Jasmin Walker were named the first HDL Scholars. Cecil B. Drain, Ph.D., dean of the VCU School of Allied Health Professions, said the gift is the single-largest donation made to CLS since the department was created in 1952. “Competitive scholarships help us attract the best and brightest students to the medical technology profession,” he said. “Corporate partnerships, such as this one with Health Diagnostic Laboratory, are essential to recruitment and the School of Allied Health Professions’ continued success.” Spring 2013 | 15
Development team welcomes new members
Kathryn E. Beisheim
Abby Bergakker
Kathryn E. Beisheim External affairs coordinator School of Business (804) 828-1487 kbeisheim@vcu.edu Formerly: Manager of appeals, Barnard College
Abby Bergakker (M.Ed. ’12) Director of stewardship, gift processing and special events VCU Athletics (804) 828-1740 bergakkerar@vcu.edu Formerly: Graduate assistant, VCU Athletics ticket office
Chad Krouse
Jessica M. Lee
Thomas C. Burke Jr.
Glenn Hofmann
Thomas C. Burke Jr. (B.S. ’79; M.P.A. ’95) Interim vice president Office of Development and Alumni Relations (804) 828-3958 tcburke@vcu.edu Currently: Executive director, VCU Foundation
Glenn Hofmann Executive associate athletic director VCU Athletics (804) 828-7398 gahofmann@vcu.edu Formerly: Director of athletics, Merrimack College
David M. Mainella
Kathryn B. West
Chad Krouse
David M. Mainella
Regional major gifts specialist Office of Development and Alumni Relations (804) 828-2346 cmkrouse@vcu.edu Formerly: Major gifts officer, Hampden-Sydney College
Executive director of development and external relations Massey Cancer Center (804) 828-1452 dmmainella@vcu.edu Formerly: Deputy director of development, Duke Cancer Institute
Jessica M. Lee
Kathryn B. West
Development coordinator School of the Arts (804) 828-3592 jmlee3@vcu.edu Formerly: Administrative assistant, external affairs, VCU School of Business
Development associate School of Business (804) 827-0075 kbwest@vcu.edu Formerly: Wealth management project manager, SunTrust Bank
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Contribution supports aspiring creative writers
Photo Chris Ijams
The Department of English in Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Humanities and Sciences is overjoyed after receiving a generous $50,000 commitment from friend Carole Weinstein to support graduate fellowships in the M.F.A. in Creative Writing program for academic years 2013-14 and 2014-15. “The words ‘thank you’ are simply not enough. Carole’s gift will help to build a strong liberal arts and sciences creative core at VCU and will play a key role in stimulating the intellectual vibrancy of Richmond’s community of creative writers,” said Jim Coleman, Ph.D., dean of the College of Humanities and Carole Weinstein’s gift fuels creativity at VCU. Sciences. “This generous gift will directly pave a path of future success for talented graduate students who are a part of our M.F.A. program. We are looking forward to sharing the amazing success of our graduate students with Carole and with the many other community members who have a passion for creative writing.” Kathy Bassard, Ph.D. (M.A. ’86), chair of the Department of English, explains the competitive application process in the department. “Graduate students come from all over the country to strengthen their craft. They are the best and brightest and have enormous potential to become prolific writers. Carole Weinstein’s gift will provide the opportunity for the selected graduate students to clearly focus on composition and embedding themselves in the writing community instead of holding multiple jobs to pay their way through school. This is the true power of a generous gift such as Mrs. Weinstein’s.” David Wojahn, professor in the M.F.A. program and thesis adviser to many of its students, agreed. “The most precious gifts that can be bestowed upon a young writer are the recognition of his or her potential — and, even more importantly, the gift of time, time to join a community of like-minded individuals who are honing the craft of writing, and time to engage the solitary struggle with language and oneself that is so crucial to a literary career,” he said. “Mrs. Weinstein has been a long-standing supporter of the literary arts, both locally and nationally, and her recognition of their importance — both to VCU and to the culture at large — is something for which all of us in the VCU community can be immensely grateful.”
Chef’s dinner successful in supporting the VTCC On Feb. 10, about 100 guests gathered for the second annual Chef’s Dinner at Portico restaurant in Richmond, Va., to benefit the Virginia Treatment Center for Children. The supporters, along with Virginia Commonwealth University President Michael Rao, Ph.D., Dr. Sheldon M. Retchin (H.S. ’79), senior vice president for health sciences and CEO, VCU Health System, and Dr. Joel J. Silverman, chair of the Department of Psychiatry in the School of Medicine, enjoyed a five-course meal, wine pairings and a live auction. The more than $92,000 raised will support about 2,000 families who will seek mental health resources for their children this year at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children at VCU. Spring 2013 | 17
Photo Fran Householder
Dr. Doug Arthur (H.S. ’94) (left) joins Lee Woodruff, Shelly Arthur, event chair, and Dr. Gordon Ginder, director, VCU Massey Cancer Center, at the Women and Wellness Forum Series.
Author’s discussions help raise money for Massey The 18th Annual Women and Wellness Forum Series, held Feb. 5 at The Jefferson Hotel, featured best-selling author Lee Woodruff, who spoke to more than 600 members of the community at breakfast and lunch events. The event netted more than $218,000 for women’s cancer research at Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center and was presented in memory of Susan H. Fitz-Hugh, a former member of its Community Advisory Board.
Delta Dental grant creates endowed scholarship The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry was awarded a $500,000 grant from the Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation to create a new endowed scholarship. The award is part of $1.1 million in grants that the foundation presented to 36 oral health organizations in the state. At VCU, the Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation Endowed Scholarship will provide financial support to students who hope to practice in chronically underserved areas of the commonwealth after earning their degrees. The grant will be spread over the course of four years. Inaugural scholarships will be awarded in 2013, and the scholarship will be fully endowed by 2015. Dr. David C. Sarrett, dean of the School of Dentistry, said dental students at VCU and across the country amass more debt than ever before to pursue their chosen profession. “Through the generosity of the Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation, more students will have less of a financial burden and can choose to practice dentistry in areas that truly need dentists,” Sarrett said. The grants awarded by Delta Dental of Virginia are the first of their kind for the organization. Funds will support programs that strive to improve oral health through education, research and access to care for the underserved. “We are proud to present our inaugural grants to an impressive list of Virginia-based organizations that are having a positive impact on oral health care and quality of life throughout our state,” said Dr. George A. Levicki (D.D.S. ’73), president and CEO of Delta Dental of Virginia. 18 | The Power of Personal Philanthropy
Photo St. Christopher’s School
Thousands of runners and walkers participated in the Monument Avenue 10k. More than $500,000 was raised for cancer research through the HDL Inc. Massey Challenge
Runners raise more than $500,000 for Massey
Participants cheer on one another at the race.
Photo Sports Backers Inc.
Photo St. Christopher’s School
For years, the Cooper family has run the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k just for fun. This year, they decided to run in memory of Sandra Cooper, a beloved wife, mother and friend. Cooper and her husband, Mark (Cert. ’75), lived in Richmond, Va., for many years and were actively involved with their church, the YMCA and Virginia Commonwealth University. Cooper was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, a disease that leads to blood cancer. During her last days, she made sure to thank her doctors and nurses for their help and wanted to make sure that money was donated to VCU Massey Cancer Center instead of flowers at her funeral. This year, “Team Sandra” ran the 10k with hopes that the money raised will help find a cure for cancer and other diseases. “MDS has touched our life in a horrible way, and we want to do what we can to help others who are dealing with it. In some small way, I hope we are able to prevent it from affecting other families,” said Cooper’s daughter, Jennifer. In all, thousands of runners, walkers and volunteers accepted the HDL Inc. Massey Challenge, which raised more than $500,000 this year for VCU Massey Cancer Center.
Micah Wayland, 7, runs his third Virginia 529 Kids Run, raising $4,200.
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