Richmond, VA – Virginia Union University held its first ‘Zoom with a Boom’ for the scholarship recipients from Richmond Public Schools. The “VUU is RVA” initiative began in November 2018 with the intention on Virginia Union becoming more intertwined with businesses and partnerships throughout the city of Richmond. As part of that initiative, Virginia Union offered 50 full tuition scholarships to students from Richmond Public Schools with the intention on beginning a pipeline between the two education systems.
“We’re extremely excited to have the opportunity to see these students face to face for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic”, said Dr. Hakim Lucas, President and CEO of Virginia Union University. “Hosting Zoom with a Boom gave each of these students the opportunity to see what’s in store for them as they prepare to join our family here at Virginia Union”.
“Zoom with a Boom” was a zoom call hosted by faculty and staff members at VUU. Students got the opportunity to hear from university representatives and watch a short film on all that VUU has to offer them from now until they arrive on campus.
Led by Dr. Michelle K. McQueen-Williams, Executive Director of P-12 Experiences and Educational Initiatives at Virginia Union University, she along with a number of RPS staff were able to come together for an exciting day surrounding VUU.
The event featured speakers such as President Lucas and RPS Superintendent Jason Kamras. With a number of guest including, Band Director Fayesha Cousins and Athletic Director Felicia Johnson. A number of School Board Members were also in attendance such as Ms. Cheryl Burke (Chair), Ms. Nicole Jones, 9th District, and Major Mariah White, 2nd District. Along with 50 RPS students, their parents, along with faculty and staff from VUU and RPS.
Prior to the event each student received a post card keepsake from VUU serving as an invitation to the event. VUU staff members also met students at various locations to drop off “swag bags” equipped with T-shirts, key chains, decals, and lots of other VUU collectables.
In addition to the scholarships, students will have a VUU mentor, access to VUU labs and classrooms, and advisement from professors. The students also have the opportunity to attend the Lucille Brown Youth Bowl and other campus events intended for incoming students.
Virginia Union looks forward to making ‘Zoom with a Boom” an annual event with plans for the next cohort already in place.