VCU, SOE commencements signal end of semester
Events mark the university’s and the school’s first in-person graduation ceremonies since December 2019
At the Virginia Commonwealth University December commencement ceremony on December 11 at the Stuart C. Siegel Center, Anna Lou and Bob Schaberg received the Edward A. Wayne Medal, which is given to individuals who have made outstanding contributions and provided exemplary service to VCU.
The couple’s generosity helped establish the Anna Lou Schaberg Professor of Practice in Education, a distinguished professorship in the VCU School of Education. They are supporters of the proposed Child Development Center and an innovative mentoring program for teaching graduates working in urban schools. Anna Lou Schaberg is an alumna of the School of Education.
“The Edward A. Wayne Medal is a high honor bestowed by the university for extraordinary generosity and service to VCU and the community,” said Daire. “No one is more deserving of this award than Anna Lou and Bob Schaberg, who in addition to their generous contributions to the School of Education, have also provided outstanding support to the School of Business, the College of Humanities and Sciences, and the Massey Cancer Center.”
The VCU School of Education December commencement ceremony was also held on December 11 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. At that ceremony, faculty, staff, family and friends celebrated the accomplishments of 79 students who now head out in diverse communities across the commonwealth and the country to serve as teachers, counselors, school administrators, higher education faculty and other professionals committed to high needs learning environments.
“Thanks to your hard work and commitment during your time here at the VCU School of Education, you head out into the world ready to make a significant impact in the community,” said Luciana C. de Oliveira, Ph.D., associate dean for academic affairs and graduate studies. “We congratulate you and your families and share in your joy at this important accomplishment.”
Genevieve Siegel-Hawley, Ph.D., was presented with The Charles P. Ruch Award for Excellence in Teaching. Siegel-Hawley, an associate professor in the Department of Educational Leadership, is highly regarded by SOE faculty, staff and students and is known as an excellent teacher, mentor, scholar and advisor whose knowledge, expertise and humanistic approach are an inspiration to her students.
Amanda Hall, Ph.D., who received her Ph.D. in Education, Concentration in Curriculum, Culture and Change and is a member of the VCU SOE Education Alumni Council, reminded graduates of the value of staying connected with each other.
“You are not leaving VCU behind but are taking the first of many steps in your bright futures as members of the VCU School of Education alumni community,” said Hall. “Our fellow alumni are connecting with current students, serving our local community, educating our neighbors, and thriving in a network of supportive peers.”
“Congratulations to the class of 2021 and best wishes for your continued success,” she said.
View the Flickr Album of photos from the VCU Fall 2021 Graduation Ceremony
View the Flickr Album of photos from the SOE Fall 2021 Graduation Ceremony