On May 1, 2025, more than 50 faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of VCU School of Education came together at Brambly Park, united by a shared sense of community, for the annual Dinner and Discourse event. A vibrant celebration of doctoral student accomplishments, supported by generous donors and the VCU Alumni Relations Office, highlighted the impactful work of Ph.D. and Ed.D. students during the 2024-25 academic year.

Organized in part by LaunchPAD, a VCU graduate student organization, the event showcased a catalog of student achievements, including presentations, posters, publications, teaching, and service activities. The annual Dinner & Discourse Scholar Showcase program features over 150 doctoral student-submitted works, offering a glimpse into the wide-ranging contributions of SOE doctoral candidates.

Kelli Feldman, Ph.D., dean of the School of Education, joined the event and congratulated SOE’s doctoral students. Rachel Levy, Ph.D., a School of Education alum and senior legislative aide to Virginia Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg (SD-16), shared insights from her educational leadership and policy career. Sharon Zumbrunn, Ph.D., professor and director of SOE Ph.D. programs in the Department of Foundations of Education, also honored the students, emphasizing the value of academic and professional growth.

Cammie Justis-Smith, Ph.D., a Department of Foundations of Education alum and co-president of LaunchPAD, encouraged current students to engage in extracurricular opportunities. Dannita Trice, SOE alum engagement officer, represented the VCU Office of Alumni Relations and played a leading role in the event’s success.

“Rachel and Sharon’s words were inspiring, and the support from everyone made this event unforgettable,” said Jose G. Alcaine, Ph.D., LaunchPAD faculty advisor. Following the remarks, attendees enjoyed food, refreshments, and networking in the relaxed Brambly Park setting in RVA’s Scott’s Addition.

Planning for the 2026 Dinner and Discourse is already underway, with incoming LaunchPAD leaders Tzu-Wei (Tab) Wang (president), Georgia Heyward (vice president), and Cammie Justis-Smith (treasurer) set to continue the tradition. 

“Brambly Park was the perfect venue to celebrate our students and connect with our community,” Alcaine said. “We can’t wait for next year!”

The School of Education thanks the SOE Development Office and VCU Office of Alumni Relations for their ongoing support of this and other gatherings and events for students and alums.