From the Nominator

Like many public research universities, Virginia Commonwealth University strives to achieve distinction in education, research, service, and patient care. We cultivate discovery, creativity, and talent. We foster collaboration to advance learning, entrepreneurship, and inquiry. But at VCU, access is as important as excellence. Students come to VCU from every walk of life to achieve their dreams, making our student body the most diverse of any Virginia university. But many students need help to make the most of their time at VCU.

College is expensive. Tuition and fees—not to mention the cost of books, supplies, and other necessities—continue to outpace the rate of inflation. State support for higher education continues to decrease, as does the amount parents can contribute to help, and student debt is a major concern among a majority of college students. 

 

These issues are magnified at VCU because of our diversity. Many students don’t have the financial or emotional support at home that students at other universities often have. Institutionally, VCU has fewer scholarship dollars to award than many other Virginia universities.

The Invest in Me campaign launched in October 2019 to raise funds to help make an accessible, enriching education possible for all VCU students. The Office of Strategic Marketing and Engagement in Development and Alumni Relations was tasked with educating constituents about the need for scholarship funding, and creating and sharing content that entertained, invited interaction, and inspired giving. The team also executed annual giving, digital engagement, and stewardship associated with Invest in Me.