Last Thursday, Virginia Commonwealth University musicians were able to show off what semesters of training can do.

The Department of Music held its piano ensemble in front of an intimate crowd at the Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall in the W.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts.

There were seven performance, ranging from pianists paired with singers and violinists, to an impressive piano duet playing a classic Mozart sonata.

Dr. Dmitri Shteinberg, the Assistant Professor of Piano, has been working with these young musicians for several years.

“It starts in the classroom. As performing artists, we always remember that we perform for a crowd, even if we’re performing for one person,who’s our teacher,” says Shteinberg about the students holding their composure in front of a crowd.

The Department of Music hosts more than 200 concerts every year, so needless to say, for these students, practice makes perfect.

One year ago, America suffered the worst school shooting in its history.  At the Virginia Tech Richmond Center on April 16, hokies of all ages came together to reflect, and honor the victims.

At an outdoor vigil, thirty-two balloons were released after a moment of silence as mourners looked on.  Emotions ran high, and many alumni stayed after the vigil to watch a live satellite feed of the remembrance ceremonies in Blacksburg.

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Meanwhile, at the state capitol, gun-control supporters gathered to protest the gun-show loophole.  Dressed in black and sporting VT-colored ribbons, activists expressed their anger at the General Assembly’s decision to kill the bill that would have restricted sales at gun shows and required all purchasers to undergo background checks.  Protester Pam Carnahan says that’s unacceptable.

“A felon, a domestic abuser, or dangerously mentally ill person could walk into a gun show, purchase a gun, no questions asked.  We just want that to change.  We just want all gun sales to require a background check, just like you would if you went to a gun shop,” she said.

But when a background check was done on Cho Sueng-Hui, the Virginia Tech killer, by the online shop where he legally bought his guns, he was given the go-ahead to purchase.                                                                                                                                                

Delegate Brian Moran (D-Va.), says that while he supports the second amendment giving all Americans the right to bear arms, he does believe that it should be made much more difficult, especially for those with a history of psychiatric problems.

“I think there’s a renewed interest that those who are a danger to the community, like someone with a mental illness or someone with a felony conviction – a violent felony – they should not have access – or easy access - to a firearm,” he said.

But for those families who lost a loved one last year, reform is too late.  Thirty-two students and faculty were killed that day, impacting not only Virginia but the entire country, sparking renewed interest in gun reform and campus safety.

VCU also held remembrance ceremonies at the Monroe Park Campus.  A candlelight vigil carried on into the evening hours, as faculty and students quietly listened to a recording of Virginia Tech professor Nikki Giovanni’s famous poem, “We are Virginia Tech.”

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-Qx9dIr-68]

Cost? Location? Diversity? Popularity?

As an institution that was once looked at as a second choice for students, Virginia Commonwealth University is now the largest in the state, with a current enrollment of more than 31,000 students.

Pamela Lepley, a university spokesperson says more students are seeking VCU than ever. “When you have 17,000 freshman applications for less than 4,000 spots… we are a destination institution, not a back-up institution,” said Lepley.

Cynthia Schmidt, director of university marketing, agrees and adds that positive publicity has helped VCU grow in popularity. “I would be crazy if I don’t mention the fact that out successful basketball team has been a huge benefit when it comes to spreading name recognition,” said Schmidt.

VCU’s University College is a program that offers resources to help freshmen survive their first year. But ultimately, students have their own reasons for coming.

Tanner Braaten, a senior from Springfield, Va. said that VCU was the only school he applied to. “I sort of figured I would have gotten in,” said Braaten.

Channelle Green, a senior from Harlem, NY said that she decided to come to VCU because she had family and friends in the Richmond area.

Brandon Alexander, a sophomore from Northern Virginia said that his reason for coming to VCU was the diversity.

DIrector of VCU’s Brandcenter, Rick Boyko says that with so many different reasons for students attending, applications are up. “We have the school of the arts and I think that’s pretty well known,” said Boyko. “The MCV campus… has great recognition.”

Schmidt says there’s one main thing factor that is sure to keep students applying. “We’ll never be a school that’s so restrictive in our admissions policy to tune out a lot of people because we really believe in giving students opportunity,” said Schmidt.

Warren’s journey began when he received a criminal justice degree at North Carolina State. After graduation he served in the U.S Navy. Once he left the Navy he worked various security jobs. Then he worked for the department of corrections. He came to VCU to get his masters in public administration in the early 80′s. It was at this point that he decided he wanted to become a VCU officer.

“I saw a couple of VCU officers, asked them about the job and then applied,” Warren said.

Warren says job competition was pretty high in 1982.

“I think the second or third try, I actually got hired.”

So why did Warren choose being a campus cop over a city cop?

“Because of the convenice of being a student and being familar with the campus environment,” Warren said.

“The growth here, the opportunities here, the benefits are significant.”

Other reasons Warren choose to be a VCU officer were tuition waver, the training, and good relationships with co-workers.

“Becoming part of a family with the department, is apart of it, so once you’re in, your hooked”

Warren was born in Illinois, lived in chicago, and attended high school in New Jersey, so Warren is quite comfortable in an urban setting, which is another reason why Warren says VCU police department was a perfect fit for him.

Warren has faced rew risk in his 25 years on the force. But, he has faced people with knives and guns, and even had a fat lip two weeks before his wedding.

“When you deal with risk like that, you wonder if the law of averages is going to catch up with you, but I’ve been pretty fortunate”

Warren is currently in charge of directing the communications resources in the VCU police emergency communications center, investigations division, and education and training division of the VCU Police Academy. But he has another job as a full time husband and father. Married for 22 years with a teen-aged daughter, Warren says he loves his little girl.

“She’s my greatest joy, as my family’s always been.”

Watch our broadcast story on the risk and benefits of being a VCU officer.

Coming out of college with little or no debt is always a good way to start off your career.  One of the best ways to do this is through scholarships, or as some like to call it, ”free money.” 

Room and board, books, and the rising cost of tuition are all important financial considerations when it comes to furthering your education.  So why aren’t more students cashing in on this free money?

It could be the extent of the application process, the time it takes to go after some of the money and the response time to find out if you actually received it.  Some students prefer to take other routes altogether.  Virginia Commonwealth University Senior Michelle Ariza applied for several scholarships before joining the Army Reserve to help her pay for college.

“I joined mainly for college.  Getting out of high school, there was not very much financial opportunities, or would you say resources, to carry over to school.  So what I had to do was join the military for the school benefits.”

Although the military may be the choice of some, everyone is not a fan of taking this route.  The National Scholarship Office at 701 West Broad Street is a place where students can get help with applying for scholarships, get questions answered, and get that extra encouragement they may sometimes need.

Another common excuse for the low scholarship recipient rate is that some simply do not know where to find this “free money.”  VCU’s National Scholarship Coordinator, Jeff Wing, is trying to change that.

“I’m responsible for advertising and promoting the different scholarships and national scholarship programs and to identify potential candidates and encourage them to apply.  I do some recruiting and work with them if they decide to apply work on the application.”

Wing’s work paid off recently when four students won National Goldwater Scholarships, which recognizes students who are studying research in mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering.

One of the Goldwater recipients, Allison De Groot, says it wasn’t easy.

“I am glad and it was a lot of work.  I know there were times when I was saying this is too much and so confusing trying to write these essays and put yourself into it in a few paragraphs and try to explain your life goals and we are only 18 and 19.”

Along with the school’s scholarship programs and various websites, others are trying to pitch in to help in the effort to expand the scholarship recipient list.  More than 200 people came out on April 10th to donate to the 2008 Scholarship Walk-a-Thon to raise money to contribute to well-deserving students seeking money for school. 

Event coordinator Marquita Aguilar comments that the event was about more than just raising money.

“It let the community know that there are things that go on here and they are more than willing to come and help and get involved with a child continuing their education and furthering themselves and achieving that goal.  The community is all for that and our staff here that you see on a regular basis are here more than at home so we are like family.”

This event alone raked in a grand total of $11,600 to help finance some students in need of a little monetary assistance.

So what are some ways to build the encouragement of going for this money that is waiting to be given away?  Goldwater Scholarship recipient Mary Bird says to just stick with it.

“Don’t count yourself out and don’t automatically assume that you won’t get it.  It’s one of those things that comes with time if you put in the work and you are a good student and you really feel passionate about it.  That shows to the committee.”

Helpful Tips for “getting the green”: 

• Take initiative and apply for the scholarship you want
• Follow all deadlines set by the scholarship providers
• Always make copies of all your completed applications before submitting them

(Courtesy of: http://ezinearticles.com/?Tips-on-Getting-A-Scholarship&id=527279)

Top 5 sites to find scholarships:

1. Fastweb: http://www.fastweb.com

2. Scholarship Experts: http://www.scholarshipexperts.com

3. College Board: http://apps.collegeboard.com/cbsearch_ss/welcome.jsp

4. Next Student: http://www.nextstudent.com/scholarship_search/scholarship_search.asp

5. Free Scholarship Guide: http://www.freescholarshipguide.com/?af=CJ_newlink2

Larceny, or theft, is a weekly occurrence on VCU’s campus, according to Sargeant Nicole Dailey with the VCU Police. Books, bags, and bikes are among the most popular items stolen.

According to the 2007 VCU Annual Security Report, there were 217 reported cases of larceny in 2006, making larceny the number one crime on VCU’s campus.

The real estate market is turbulent and some may think that there is a spillover effect. Rental prices are on the rise, but those in the business have mixed views on why.

VCU Real Estate Professor Brent Smith says rental prices are increasing, “simply because there are not as much housing as they would like to see available… that coupled with the downturn in the housing market means we have a growing population of potential renters.”

Smith follows by explaining this issue through the concept of supply and demand.

Another perspective is offered by real estate developer Reid Pierce, “I was a licensed real estate broker for a long time so I know all about the retail market… the Fan market (in Richmond, VA), both on home sales and rental market has always been strong and it is still strong today… prices are fluxuating on the sales side and days on market has increased. But sales are still strong…”

Smith sees the supply and demand, but from his perspective it is attributed to the growing population at Virginia Commonwealth University.

“VCU has an enrollment of probably 35,000 kids and they have housing for about a tenth of that, so the housing market is good, has been good and will always been good… but I don’t really (end up renting) to students.”

One thing is for sure, advice from professionals will help in making a decision on where to live.

The clip below may offer some suggestions:

The USA Today is known for a variety of brand images and publisher and president,
Craig Moon stopped by the new Business Building on the Monroe Park campus at Virginia Commonwealth University to provide his unique perspective.

Moon, the Charles G. Thalhimer Family Executive-in-Residence at the VCU School of Business, addressed an audience of about 50 on his background (which is not in journalism), how he rose through the ranks to his current position as president of USA Today, and where he see his company heading in the future.

Moon was cool, calm and a presence in the room. He delivered his presentation on a level that was comprehensible for business majors and non-business majors alike.

The focus was on the staying power of newspapers in the media business even as they look to diversify their interests. Moon provided statistics that indicated readership of their paper increased during the past few years. He offered an analogy to help other brands determine their audience:

-If a brand had a party, what kind would it be?

Moon used this question to determine, of their competitors, who catered to what audience

During the remainder of the hour Moon showed how USA Today was taking its brand and moving toward other endeavors. International, Internet, and cross market opportunities are all ways that Moon sees USA Today gaining readers and notoriety.

His presentation was entertaining and insightful and showed, in some respects, how media outlets can survive in a rapidly changing marketplace and where they can expect to go in the future. USA Today hopes their dynamic business model will continue to work for years to come.

Bright Colors are sizzling hot this spring.  Photo: thebudgetfashionista.com.

By Brandon Shulleeta

5 FASHION DON’Ts: 

1. Skin-tight leopard: that’s out. 

2. Huge jacket, yet bare legs: Make up your mind! 

3. Cowgirl boots and a cowgirl hat: Not necessary for city living.  One or the other will do.

4. Lots of jewelry and swimsuits: don’t mix.

5. Sweats and heels: Ohhhh Noooo!

   (“Don’t” tips courtesy glamour.com)

CLICK “MORE” BELOW, FOR HOT SPRING TRENDS (FROM 3 FASHION EXPERTS)

EXPERT 1)  Christine de Haviland, of New York City, creative director of Body Wrappers (VCU fashion alumna):

1. Bright colors:  such as lemon-yellow, coral, aqua, lime and white.
2. Wide-leg sailor-style pants/jeans:  “Skinny jeans are starting to make their way out.”
3. Floral prints
4. Shirt Dressing:  “Think of an over-sized men’s dress shirt, nicely tailored to fit a woman, anchored with a complimentary belt.  Shirt dresses are either clean, crisp spring colors or small floral prints.”   
5. Dresses and skirts:  “Skirt lengths are all over the place, although most stores seem to be carrying full-circle, knee-length skirts.  These skirts can be paired with a very girly top and a constructed, slightly masculine jacket and big heels or flats.”

EXPERT 2)  Nancy Powell, VCU fashion student:

1. Be bold:  “Everything is pretty much to the ultimate extreme.”
2. Bright colors:  “This spring is all about the brightest of the bright colors: blue, salmon and green, in particular.”
3. “Nautical stripes and colors are the ‘it’ thing as well.  All the women up here [in New York] are making this look happen… by wearing red shoes, cool scarves, or nautical jewelry.”

EXPERT 3)  Amanda Mason, VCU fashion student. 

1. Bold floral prints and neon florals—with bigger, stronger and more striking colors this year. 
2. Flat sandals with detailing. 
3. Sun-washed prints.  And color schemes are sugary pinks, wine purples, and pale grays.  Sun-washed prints.    
4. Metallic footware.
5. “Skinny jeans are still in.”

Recyclemania has ended, but is that the end of reycling for VCU? Well, the green meeting held on March 17, 2008 suggests that it’s just the beginning. At the meeting, the Student Government Association voiced their concerns to Dr. Trani about VCU becoming more environmentally friendly. The “big green meeting” resulted in Dr. Trani agreeing to sign the President’s Climate Commitment, which asks that the administration commit to:

• Ensuring responsible building and growth     
• Fast track retrofitting
• Encouraging responsible transportation
• Doubling the amount of recycling done across the university

Dr. Trani is expected to sign the agreement this month at the next University Council meeting. After which, a committee will be formed, consisting of faculty, staff, and students. The committee will ensure that the goals of the President’s Climate Commitment are accomplished.

Recycling Coordinator of VCU, Steven Heinitz says he is definitely in favor of the commitment.

“I’m excited that the university is doing it,” Heinitz said. “I’m glad we’re saying VCU cares about the environment.”

But Heinitz is not the only one who is glad to go green, watch our exclusive interview with SGA President, Jessica Lee, to see what she has to say about the President’s Climate Commitment.

Tell me what you think about the President’s Climate Commitment. Do you think Dr. Trani should sign it? Why or why not?

If you want to do your part, but don’t know where to start, the Central Virgina Waste Management Authority (CVWMA) can be your green guide. Follow the link to find out how to recycle, what to recycle, pick up days, and much more.