By Eric Blackstock and Ben Schafer
VCU InSight
RICHMOND, Va. — Former students from Virginia Commonwealth University began a new tour program in Richmond this year, which allows patrons to visit sites thought to be haunted.
The “Eerie Nights Ghost Tours” explore haunted areas around the Shockoe Bottom area of Richmond, including the Virginia Capitol building, governor’s mansion, canal walk, and the site of the Church Hill train tunnel collapse.
By Curtis Cobert and Chelse Greaux
VCU InSight
RICHMOND, Va–The gubernatorial election is fast approaching, but you wouldn’t know it on the state’s college campuses.
“I don’t even really know their names…I know DEEDS…right?” John Wassal said, a junior at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Democrat Creigh Deeds is running against Republican Bob McDonnell. Both candidates say they’ve visited numerous universities throughout Virginia, but that hasn’t appeared to increase student interest. Some faculty and students believe the candidates are to blame.
By Taylor Hall
VCU Insight
RICHMOND, Va. – The VCU Anderson Gallery just wrapped up the very popular exhibit “Richard Carlyon: A Retrospective.”
The exhibit featured a re-creation of Richard’s study as it appeared for more than 50 years on West Broad Street. Richard Carylon, a former VCU faculty member who passed away in 2006, was a pivotal figure in the Richmond art community, inspiring people with his paintings, drawings, and unique style in collages.
By Amy Via and Taylor Hall
VCU InSight
RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond and areas surrounding it are rich with history and diverse architecture. The city has numerous “Old and Historic” districts which have been preserved through historic preservation programs and initiatives.
Virginia Commonwealth University has a unique program within their Urban and Regional Studies department, in which students can earn a certificate in Historic Preservation Planning.
The certificate, which combines architectural history and urban planning, is unique to VCU.
“We’re the only ones who are doing historic preservation as a profession within the community development field,” said John Accordino, PhD, the certificate’s coordinator.
By Alonna Artis
VCU InSight
The Historic Richmond Foundation is the oldest non-profit organization in Richmond. Founded in 1935, the Historic Richmond Foundation preserves the historic assets that define Richmond’s unique character.
Katie Kelley, the foundation’s marketing manager, says that preserving Richmond’s history has real results.
“Sixteen years ago we saved The National Theater on Broad St. from demolition and if we had never done that, it would never have opened as a wonderful performance venue today,” said Kelley.
By Matt Doyon and Alonna Artis
VCU InSight
WASHINGTON, D.C. — At the Colonial Athletic Association’s recent Media Day in the nation’s capitol, the Virginia Commonwealth University men’s basketball team was projected to finish in third place.
Sports information directors and media professionals from around the CAA voted the Rams to finish behind Old Dominion and Northeastern in their annual gathering Oct. 20.
VCU won the conference regular-season crown the past three seasons, all under the former head coach Anthony Grant. Shaka Smart replaces the departed Grant. At 32 years old, Smart is the youngest coach in the CAA.
By Curtis Cobert and Jerome Foster
VCU Insight
Richmond, Va.– It seems that the fictional game of Quidditch is starting to take the real world by storm.
Two years ago, “Harry Potter” fans at Virginia Commonwealth University started a club dedicated to the game made famous by the book series by J.K. Rowling.
Without the help of flying brooms, the players have to use the next best thing–they run with a broom between their legs. The object of the game is to throw a ball through a series of hoops without getting getting hit by the other team. Randolph Park is their own personal Hogwarts.
By Curtis Cobert
VCU Insight
Richmond, Va.– The vampire frenzy that’s sweeping the nation has hit Virginia Commonwealth University. The university is offering a class through the Department of English that deals with “Vampire Literature.”
The class reads and sees films such as “Twilight,” “Interview with the Vampire,” and “Buffy, the Vampire Slayer.”
By Amy Via
VCU InSight
RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Commonwealth University’s Cary Street Gym on the Monroe Park Campus has been in construction for just under two years. The renovations will accommodate the university’s increasing volume of students.
Tom Diehl, Director of VCU Recreational Sports, hopes the new space will bring in up to 4,000 students per day.
“What we have is an all-in-one facility. Everything we could imagine is all in one building,” said Diehl.
By Iva Radman and Chelse Greaux
VCU InSight
Virginia Commonwealth University’s Market 810 at Shafer Court Dining Center on the Monroe Park campus has been named a Dining Hall of Distinction by University Business Magazine.
Market 810, operated by Aramark, was the winner in the Public Institution category. A total of 65 higher education institutions from around the country submitted applications for the award.
By Ben Schafer
VCU InSight
RICHMOND, Va.–The fifth annual Richmond Zombie Walk was held Saturday the 24th of October in historic Cary Town. The largest walk yet this year, the undead numbered close to 400 participants.
The walk has become a favorite Halloween tradition for some Richmond residents. It’s taken to charity over the past three years, raising money from participants for the American Cancer Society. This year raised more than $600.
