February 11, 2019
VCU Globe celebrates its fourth cohort of graduates
Contact: Nicol Tinsley
Global Education Office
(804) 828-6463
nctinsley@vcu.edu
Richmond, VA (February 11, 2019) — VCU Globe, Virginia Commonwealth University’s largest living-learning program, celebrated its fourth graduation ceremony on Friday, Feb. 1. The graduating class of 99 students received certificates for the completion of requirements that included courses beyond their academic study, service hours and cultural immersion. Of the students graduating, 64 earned the Peace Corps Prep certificate, signifying they are prepared to apply to the Peace Corps.
Kamyar Sharifi, a senior majoring in biology in the College of Humanities and Sciences, was chosen by his fellow graduates to reflect on his time during the program. Sharifi spoke about how taking risks has resulted in their many successes.
“I am sure that all of us have great success and many experiences both in and outside of school,” he said. “However, these successes came because of the risks that we were willing to take. The success came by exchange of thoughts, friendship, and willingness to try new things.”
Sharifi encouraged the students to continue to engage in activities that will increase personal growth as they transition to the world outside of VCU.
“I challenge you to push a step further, get to know more people, try a new dance, learn more about different cultures, food, and diversity,” he said.
“I challenge you to nurture a love for our world even with all its faults; I challenge you to get to know people better and listen to them. These are things we need in today’s society,” he explained.
Dawn Michele Whitehead, senior director for Global Learning and Curricular Change at the Association of American Colleges and Universities, presented the keynote address during the event.
Whitehead gave an overview of her extensive global and intercultural experiences from elementary school to the professional workforce.
She detailed how these experiences prepared her “at each stage of development as a global citizen and someone who went into the field of a global career.”
In her final thoughts, Whitehead expressed to the students her strong faith in their accomplishments and in the VCU Globe program.
“I may not have been as intentional as some of you are as in terms of doing things in order,” she said. “But there was a sense of order and the thread came together quite well. So, I just say to you I’m not sure what’s coming next, but I’m certain you’ll be ready for anything because of your experience in VCU Globe.”