Sternheimer,
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its inception. His commitment to funding senior design projects through this grant process over the next three years is a great example of how a donor can leverage philanthropy in support of student’s co-curricular opportunities. In this case the students, win or lose, got an opportunity to go through a competitive grant process while key corporate friends of the School of Engineering got an in-depth, first-hand look at the quality of students the school is educating.” Karles is grateful for Sternheimer’s support. “The grant award gave us the opportunity to do whatever we needed to make the process work. We didn’t have to cut any corners. It motivated us to work even harder because we didn’t want to let anyone down.” Just like in the real world. To learn more about the School of Engineering, contact R. Scott Rash, CFRE, chief development officer for the School of Engineering Foundation, at (804) 828-1475 or rsrash@vcu.edu.
Davis,
continued from Page 7 ________________________________________ “Yes, [the scholarship] is a tribute to me, but it’s also a tribute to the mission of the university to support urban education,” he said. “Being housed in a major research university gives us a platform that others don’t have.” Throughout his career at VCU, Davis, who plans to retire next year, touched many lives — faculty and students. Among them is Leila Christenbury, Ed.D., professor of English education and chair of the Department of Teaching and Learning, who has known Davis in all of his many roles from interim dean to department chair to professor. “He is a remarkable colleague and the best administrator I’ve ever worked under. When the scholarship idea was presented to the Alumni Council it came to me that there’s no better way to support it than to make your own contribution to start the ball rolling,” she said. The ball is still rolling for the Michael D. Davis Scholarship in Urban Education as contributions continue to be made. “Education is the future of this country,” Davis said. “It is our responsibility to educate youth. If people contribute to this scholarship, what they’re really doing is contributing to the future through VCU School of Education students.” To learn more about the School of Education, contact Magnus Johnsson (Cert. ’10; M.P.A. ’10), executive director of external relations and development, at (804) 827-1363 or johnssonm@vcu.edu.
Scholarship,
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Garnett house and presented the professor with a journal of farewell notes and congratulations from co-workers. Then Dean Victor Yanchick, Ph.D., announced that a scholarship had been established in his name, with pledges already surpassing $27,000. “I’m kind of overwhelmed,” Garnett said. Several colleagues shared their memories of working (and fishing) with Garnett. Alumna and former faculty member Dr. Carol Pugh (B.S. ’82; Pharm.D. ’84; M.S. ’04) presented an original tribute incorporating the letters of his first name (“W … is for willing; I … is for intelligent; L … is for literary …”). Referring to Garnett as a pioneer, Yanchick said, “He was involved in the transformation of pharmacy. …He was one of the most influential individuals in academia who really prepared the new breed of pharmacist. If it weren’t for people like William, we wouldn’t be where we are today in pharmacy education.” To learn more about the William Garnett Scholarship Fund, contact Ellen Leverich, School of Pharmacy director of development, at (804) 828-3016 or emleverich@vcu.edu. Fall 2012 | 11