College of Humanities and Sciences

Alum and Donor News

Kelyon Mayo

Meet Keylon Mayo (B.S. ’06): Mr. Klean Kut

Feb. 1, 2024

For Black History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on Black alumni business owners. Meet the many grads of VCU’s College of Humanities and Sciences that have tapped into their entrepreneurial spirit.

Nicholas George said it was rewarding to serve as an expert at a prestigious conference about John Milton “on behalf of all people with disabilities like me.” (Photo by Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2023: Nicholas George felt like a failure as a child, but now he’s an internationally credentialed expert on John Milton

Jan. 8, 2024

George, who has autism and epilepsy, built on his love of reading to earn an M.A. in English at VCU and to join fellow Milton experts from around the world at a conference in Toronto.

During his time as a graduate student at VCU, Nick Driver has had three internships at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. (Tom Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2023: Nick Driver changed his tune and, with three VCU degrees, is now shooting for the stars

Dec. 14, 2023

With a Ph.D. in nanoscience, he is bringing his lifelong love of astronomy to NASA projects.

In the Laboratory for Forensic Toxicology Research, Alaina Holt demonstrates an analysis of e-liquids containing unlisted ingredients. (Photo by Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Class of 2023: Alaina Holt’s research into vaping and THC-related products is helping keep the public safe

Dec. 4, 2023

Holt’s research mentor, Michelle Peace, said the doctoral student's tenacity, passion and positive energy have helped “make the magic happen” in the Laboratory for Forensic Toxicology Research.

In 2023, students and alumni were named recipients for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, the Critical Language Scholarship, the Goldwater Scholarship, the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program, the Gilman Scholarship and the Public Policy and International Affairs Program Junior Summer Institute. (File photo)

Year-end review: A look at the VCU students and alums who earned prestigious domestic and international scholarships in 2023 through the National Scholarship Office

Nov. 29, 2023

The recipients represent the university’s academic excellence and stand out for their accomplishments and potential in highly competitive international and domestic applicant pools.

“It’s quite fascinating to see what parts of history people are inclined to absorb and to think about, because we all have different interests,” said VCU alum Meika Downey. (Contributed photo)

Alum Meika Downey brings Virginia’s rich history to life

Nov. 1, 2023

One of the first to earn VCU’s public history graduate certificate, Downey works as the education manager for Preservation Virginia.

The class Sustainable Community Development, part of the Master of Urban and Regional Planning program in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at VCU, developed story maps in partnership with descendant and community groups associated with Barton Heights and Woodland cemeteries. (Contributed photo)

VCU students’ online story maps highlight the history of Richmond’s Barton Heights and Woodland cemeteries

Oct. 10, 2023

The project was developed in close partnership with groups of descendants and volunteers associated with the two historic African American cemeteries in Richmond.

Diana DiGangi, author of “Last Chance Chicago,” is an alum of the Robertson School of Media and Culture. Her debut novel is about insider trading and a protagonist who “who makes complicated decisions but has growing to do.” (Bywater Books)

With mystery novel, VCU grad Diana DiGangi puts investigative journalism skills to work

Oct. 5, 2023

“Last Chance Chicago,” the debut novel for the Robertson School of Media and Culture alum, explores the world of insider trading.

VCU Alumni 10 Under 10 award recipients to be honored for noteworthy achievements

Sept. 27, 2023

Distinguished graduates from throughout the university will be recognized at a private ceremony Oct. 21.

Kevin Powers, who has published a book of poetry and three novels, enjoys “the room that fiction gives me to explore.” (Contributed photo)

VCU alum Kevin Powers takes on murder mystery in new book ‘A Line in the Sand’

Sept. 20, 2023

The National Book Award finalist, who earned an English degree in 2008, reflects on his writing journey, the legacy of war and advice for VCU writers.