Wednesday, September 23rd, 2026

‘Worthy of Importance’ Stories help fill gaps in Virginia’s Latino History

September 23, 2026

Ellie Waltman, Managing Editor Maddy Thurber, Staff Writer The Latino Virginia Oral History Project presented 70 interviews with Latino Virginians at the Hispanic Heritage celebration at the Sacred Heart Center on Sept. 16. The expansive oral history project captures the experiences of Latinos in Virginia and was conducted by VCU professors and undergraduate and graduate students, according to VCUnews. The event featured opening remarks from Catherine Ingrassia, the dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences, both professors who co-led the project and students who helped conduct the interviews.  Virginia’s Latino population continues to be a significant percentage of the state’s population, with over 8.8 million in the entire state. Richmond’s population of people self-identifying as Hispanic or Latino is 226,522, or 10.7%, according to census.gov. Daniel Morales, an associate professor of history at VCU, said that despite the growing number of Latinos in Virginia and their status as the largest minority in the U.S., academic research and projects on the population are often overlooked.  “What we’re trying to show is that this is something that’s worthy of study and importance,” Morales said. “One in five Americans is Latino, they have the fastest-growing population in Virginia. It’s generally not considered

VCUarts dean steps down, university on search for replacement

September 23, 2026

Harshini Kanala, Contributing Writer  VCU School of Arts Dean Carmenita Higginbotham announced she will be stepping down from her position as dean at the end of the 2026-2027 academic year. The university will conduct a national search for Higginbotham’s successor throughout the academic year, according to VCU News. Higginbotham plans to return to VCU as faculty to focus on her research and scholarship after taking a brief leave. During Higginbotham’s tenure, VCUarts ranked No. 1 in public fine arts for graduate programs and No. 2 overall in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. VCUarts received funding for the CoStar Center for Arts and Innovation and integrated the Institute for Contemporary Art into the School of the Arts. VCU approved the consolidation of several arts departments during her tenure, according to a previous report by the CT. During Higginbotham’s tenure in 2025, the school’s decision to discontinue a standalone fall commencement ceremony prompted student backlash and a petition calling for its reinstatement, according to a previous report by the CT. In March, faculty members publicly raised concerns about faculty departures, alleged racially motivated faculty termination, tenure policies and low morale within the school, with some alleging a lack

Culture is not a seasonal product: When does celebrating a culture become selling a culture?

September 23, 2026

Catherine Colombo, Contributing Writer Hispanic Heritage Month is supposed to be a celebration of culture, history and identity. However, when September rolls around, that celebration becomes increasingly difficult to separate from commercialization. Brands release limited-edition products and create themed advertisements.  Companies often turn cultural identity into something that can be packaged, marketed and sold. There is a fine line between celebrating a culture and using it as a marketing tool.  Culture should not become something people consume for a month.  Every September, the shift is noticeable. Social media feeds, advertisements and grocery shelves begin reflecting Hispanic Heritage Month. Suddenly, products are decorated with Spanish phrases, brands highlight Hispanic-inspired collections and companies launch campaigns centered around Hispanic consumers.  Although these efforts can seem positive, the question becomes whether these campaigns are actually celebrating Hispanic culture or simply finding another way to sell to Hispanic consumers. If these companies truly want to celebrate Hispanic culture, that celebration should extend beyond the checkout counter. Big brands and corporations could dedicate a portion of those sales to Hispanic-owned businesses, organizations and nonprofits. This would turn Hispanic Heritage Month from a marketing opportunity into an opportunity to invest in the communities being celebrated.  But commercialization

Physical media has to evolve past nostalgia

September 23, 2026

Tori Baker, Contributing Writer Physical media rules. You know this. I know this. It is a fantastic way to take control of your media outside the hands of corporate-run streaming. However, I have a lot of issues with the way people talk about it, because more than anything, I want physical media to survive. You cannot build a future off of used media alone. I love used media and I understand the simple appeal of walking into Goodwill and getting four discs for eight bucks, but I see people purchasing used media and saying they are fighting back against streaming, especially on TikTok. I enjoy that as an artistic-political stance, but that is simply not what is happening. For one, DVDs really are not that much cheaper than Blu-rays — you are just comparing used prices to new prices. The average new DVD is $20 to Blu-ray’s $23. Don’t believe me? Go and check your local Walmart. Used Blu-rays hover at around only $2 more than their DVD counterparts. Second off, in the fight against the streaming standard, new art is just as important as the classics. Yet new art is being ignored under a deluge of nostalgia posting for

To beet or not to beet at 22nd annual VegFest in RVA

September 23, 2026

Ariel Lebow, Contributing Writer Richmond will hold the 22nd annual VegFest on Sept. 26 at Byrd Park, offering a free community event for vegans, vegetarians and anyone interested in learning about plant-based diets. The festival will feature educational talks, live music, cooking demonstrations and more than 120 vendors offering prepared and fresh foods as well as non-food items.  Amanda Trenchard, lead coordinator of VegFest, found the festival while looking for ways to connect with the vegan community after her move to Richmond in 2019.  “You don’t have to just be vegan or vegetarian to go and enjoy vegan food or listen to music, have a good time with your friends on the weekend,” Trenchard said. While some vendors are fully vegan, many businesses are attending to highlight their plant-based options. The vegucation tent, a booth for education provided by registered nurses on vegan lifestyles and nutritional advice, will include seven different musical performances, according to Lynn Klanchar, entertainment coordinator for VegFest.  Klanchar has volunteered at VegFest for over five years, organizing its music and performances. “We want to have something for everybody, like Mary Moore and Høly River, two bands that are aligned with environmental issues,” Klanchar said. The event’s

Return to Renaissance: Virago Alley celebrates pre-industrial society

September 23, 2026

Wilder Rodriguez, Contributing Writer Virago Alley, the nonprofit responsible for Richmond’s first ever full-scale multicultural Renaissance faire, opened the doors to its first physical location on Sept. 4. The location is situated in Richmond’s arts district at 200 W. Marshall St. in Jackson Ward.  Regularly scheduled weekly classes offered include saber and longsword lessons on Saturdays and Renaissance Era fencing on Thursdays.  Beginning in October, Virago Alley will offer a wide variety of workshops including magic hat making on Oct. 18, book binding on Nov. 15 and Shaolin martial arts on Nov. 22.  Amanda Robinson, founder and artistic director of Virago Alley, said the original idea for a physical location came about to provide indoor space for historic martial arts groups, but quickly expanded into a broader celebration of pre-industrial society. She said the Renaissance faire acted as the main fundraising mechanism for the goals of the organization. Robinson said that the organization’s top priority is representing lost mediums. “Given this AI generated landscape, it’s very important to us to get back into working with our hands and remembering these tangible mediums,” Robinson said.  Robinson said that Virago Alley seeks to deconstruct the Eurocentric confines that many similar organizers of

Hispanic trailblazers of VCU Athletics

September 23, 2026

Devynn Alston, Staff Writer Hispanic Heritage Month, spanning from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, offers a chance to look back at Hispanic athletes who built significant careers at VCU and went on to professional careers. Among them are Andres Rodriguez, Vimael Machín and Gonzalo Segares.  From Machín being drafted by the Chicago Cubs and working his way through the minor leagues to Oakland’s MLB team, to Segares’ decorated career as a soccer player and coach, and Rodriguez’s beginning his professional career, each of these Rams has a story that extends beyond their time at VCU.  Andres Rodriguez, a Virginia native, is the most recent graduate of the group, graduating in 2025. During his time at VCU, Rodriguez became a regular presence on the pitch. As a midfielder, he recorded 5,300 minutes, played in 65 games and finished his career as a Ram with three goals and eight assists. He was also a part of VCU’s 2023 Atlantic 10 Championship team.  Post-VCU, he has begun competing professionally, playing with Sarasota Paradise since December 23, 2025.  Rodriguez’s Hispanic heritage has also influenced his connection to the sport. Rodriguez looked to Mexico’s national team, El Tri, as inspiration while growing up, according to

Inside the world of VCU soccer recruiting

September 23, 2026

Bri McAllister, Contributing Writer For some VCU soccer players, the road to Richmond begins just a few miles from campus. For others, it begins thousands of miles away.  VCU’s soccer programs recruit players from across the United States and around the world, bringing together athletes from different backgrounds, playing styles, and experiences. For international players, the process can mean leaving behind their family, friends and familiar surroundings to pursue both an education and a soccer career.  For men’s soccer head coach Dave Giffard, recruiting means getting personal, taking it slow and identifying players who can contribute to the program while fitting into the culture of the team.  “I’m looking for players that have characteristics, ideally more than one, but at least one that could translate to at least one level beyond us, ideally, multiple levels beyond us,” Giffard said. “Maybe it’s not the guy that’s the safest bet and most sought out after by all these other places. It’s a guy who has tools that could potentially develop over the course of a 3.5-to 4.5-year period, being something much more than what they are now.” The men’s soccer 2026 incoming class includes international talent from Costa Rica, Spain, the Bahamas,

Los pioneros hispanos de VCU Athletics

September 23, 2026

Devynn Alston, Staff Writer El mes de la Herencia Hispana empieza el 15 de septiembre y termina el 15 de octubre. Este mes se da la oportunidad de evaluar atletas hispanos quienes empezaron sus carreras en VCU y los convirtieron en carreras profesionales. Entre estos atletas están Andres Rodriguez, Vimael Machin y Gonzalo Segares.  Empezando por Machín siendo elegido por los Chicago Cubs y trabajando con las ligas menores al equipo de béisbol de Oakland, a la carrera única de Segares como futbolista y entrenador, y Rodriguez empezando su carrera profesional, todos estos Rams tienen una historia que va más allá que su tiempo en VCU. Andres Rodriguez, un nativo de Virginia, es el más recién graduado de los tres atletas, y se graduó en el 2025. En su tiempo con VCU, Rodriguez fue una presencia común en la cancha. Como centrocampista, jugó 5,3000 minutos en 65 partidos y terminó su carrera como Ram con 3 goles y ocho asistencias. También formó parte del equipo del Atlantic 10 en 2023. Después de VCU, empezó a competir profesionalmente, jugando con Sarasota Paradise desde Diciembre del 2025.  Las raíces de Rodriguez también han influido su conexión al deporte, según VCU Athletics. Rodriguez

VCU Men’s Soccer finishes non-conference matchups losing to ODU 2-1

September 16, 2026

Benney Koch, Staff Writer On Monday VCU men’s soccer went up against Old Dominion University in its final non-conference matchup of the season. Despite an energized effort in the second half, VCU lost to ODU 2-1. ODU scored within the first five minutes of the match. VCU responded with second-year defender Parker Simkins capitalizing on a Monarch turnover, scoring the first official goal for the Rams in the history of the VCU Athletic Village. The score would remain tied until the final minutes of the first half, when ODU headed in a go-ahead goal. The Monarchs entered halftime with a 2-1 lead. VCU controlled much of the second half offensively, finishing with 17 shots compared to ODU’s nine. The Rams were able to keep ODU on the defensive and controlled 62% of possession in the match, according to statbroadcast. Despite 11 shots on goal and hitting the crossbar twice, VCU was unable to save the tying goal. Simkins said the team’s inability to capitalize on their chances to score was ultimately what kept them from being able to make a comeback in the second half. “I think that we really controlled the game very well. We just couldn’t find that

VCU women’s tennis: United internationally

September 16, 2026

Benney Koch, Staff Writer For the VCU women’s tennis team, the road to Richmond begins thousands of miles away. Since the late 1990s, VCU women’s tennis has been prominently shaped by international recruits.  Beginning with tennis legends Martina Nedelkova and Andrea Ondrisova, VCU women’s tennis established a vision to elevate its level of tennis through international recruiting. When Paul Kostin took over as head coach in 2001, international recruiting became an established part of the program. The strategy has continued to this day. Under the current head coach, Rifanti Kahfiani, the women’s tennis roster is entirely international, with players representing Ecuador, Egypt, Slovakia, Venezuela, Australia, the Czech Republic and Indonesia. “My philosophy is very simple,” Kahfiani said. “We recruit the best player that will fit our program, culture and our standard.”  Kahfiani said she has tried to recruit American players, but many choose other programs. VCU has continued to find talented international players who fit the culture she wants to build – one that values the hunger to uplift one’s self and one another. “I think first and foremost, work ethic is number one, wanting to compete and love tennis,” Kahfiani said. “The skills can be elevated, but something that

‘Worthy of Importance’ Stories help fill gaps in Virginia’s Latino History

September 23, 2026

Ellie Waltman, Managing Editor Maddy Thurber, Staff Writer The Latino Virginia Oral History Project presented 70 interviews with Latino Virginians at the Hispanic Heritage celebration at the Sacred Heart Center on Sept. 16. The expansive oral history project captures the experiences of Latinos in Virginia and was conducted by VCU professors and undergraduate and graduate students, according to VCUnews. The event featured opening remarks from Catherine Ingrassia, the dean of the College of Humanities and Sciences, both professors who co-led the project and students who helped conduct the interviews.  Virginia’s Latino population continues to be a significant percentage of the state’s population, with over 8.8 million in the entire state. Richmond’s population of people self-identifying as Hispanic or Latino is 226,522, or 10.7%, according to census.gov. Daniel Morales, an associate professor of history at VCU, said that despite the growing number of Latinos in Virginia and their status as the largest minority in the U.S., academic research and projects on the population are often overlooked.  “What we’re trying to show is that this is something that’s worthy of study and importance,” Morales said. “One in five Americans is Latino, they have the fastest-growing population in Virginia. It’s generally not considered

VCUarts dean steps down, university on search for replacement

September 23, 2026

Harshini Kanala, Contributing Writer  VCU School of Arts Dean Carmenita Higginbotham announced she will be stepping down from her position as dean at the end of the 2026-2027 academic year. The university will conduct a national search for Higginbotham’s successor throughout the academic year, according to VCU News. Higginbotham plans to return to VCU as faculty to focus on her research and scholarship after taking a brief leave. During Higginbotham’s tenure, VCUarts ranked No. 1 in public fine arts for graduate programs and No. 2 overall in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. VCUarts received funding for the CoStar Center for Arts and Innovation and integrated the Institute for Contemporary Art into the School of the Arts. VCU approved the consolidation of several arts departments during her tenure, according to a previous report by the CT. During Higginbotham’s tenure in 2025, the school’s decision to discontinue a standalone fall commencement ceremony prompted student backlash and a petition calling for its reinstatement, according to a previous report by the CT. In March, faculty members publicly raised concerns about faculty departures, alleged racially motivated faculty termination, tenure policies and low morale within the school, with some alleging a lack

Opinion

Culture is not a seasonal product: When does celebrating a culture become selling a culture?

September 23, 2026

Catherine Colombo, Contributing Writer Hispanic Heritage Month is supposed to be a celebration of culture, history and identity. However, when September rolls around, that celebration becomes increasingly difficult to separate from commercialization. Brands release limited-edition products and create themed advertisements.  Companies often turn cultural identity into something that can be packaged, marketed and sold. There is a fine line between celebrating a culture and using it as a marketing tool.  Culture should not become something people consume for a month.  Every September, the shift is noticeable. Social media feeds, advertisements and grocery shelves begin reflecting Hispanic Heritage Month. Suddenly, products are decorated with Spanish phrases, brands highlight Hispanic-inspired collections and companies launch campaigns centered around Hispanic consumers.  Although these efforts can seem positive, the question becomes whether these campaigns are actually celebrating Hispanic culture or simply finding another way to sell to Hispanic consumers. If these companies truly want to celebrate Hispanic culture, that celebration should extend beyond the checkout counter. Big brands and corporations could dedicate a portion of those sales to Hispanic-owned businesses, organizations and nonprofits. This would turn Hispanic Heritage Month from a marketing opportunity into an opportunity to invest in the communities being celebrated.  But commercialization

Physical media has to evolve past nostalgia

September 23, 2026

Tori Baker, Contributing Writer Physical media rules. You know this. I know this. It is a fantastic way to take control of your media outside the hands of corporate-run streaming. However, I have a lot of issues with the way people talk about it, because more than anything, I want physical media to survive. You cannot build a future off of used media alone. I love used media and I understand the simple appeal of walking into Goodwill and getting four discs for eight bucks, but I see people purchasing used media and saying they are fighting back against streaming, especially on TikTok. I enjoy that as an artistic-political stance, but that is simply not what is happening. For one, DVDs really are not that much cheaper than Blu-rays — you are just comparing used prices to new prices. The average new DVD is $20 to Blu-ray’s $23. Don’t believe me? Go and check your local Walmart. Used Blu-rays hover at around only $2 more than their DVD counterparts. Second off, in the fight against the streaming standard, new art is just as important as the classics. Yet new art is being ignored under a deluge of nostalgia posting for

The Rundown

Spectrum

To beet or not to beet at 22nd annual VegFest in RVA

September 23, 2026

Ariel Lebow, Contributing Writer Richmond will hold the 22nd annual VegFest on Sept. 26 at Byrd Park, offering a free community event for vegans, vegetarians and anyone interested in learning about plant-based diets. The festival will feature educational talks, live music, cooking demonstrations and more than 120 vendors offering prepared and fresh foods as well as non-food items.  Amanda Trenchard, lead coordinator of VegFest, found the festival while looking for ways to connect with the vegan community after her move to Richmond in 2019.  “You don’t have to just be vegan or vegetarian to go and enjoy vegan food or listen to music, have a good time with your friends on the weekend,” Trenchard said. While some vendors are fully vegan, many businesses are attending to highlight their plant-based options. The vegucation tent, a booth for education provided by registered nurses on vegan lifestyles and nutritional advice, will include seven different musical performances, according to Lynn Klanchar, entertainment coordinator for VegFest.  Klanchar has volunteered at VegFest for over five years, organizing its music and performances. “We want to have something for everybody, like Mary Moore and Høly River, two bands that are aligned with environmental issues,” Klanchar said. The event’s

Return to Renaissance: Virago Alley celebrates pre-industrial society

September 23, 2026

Wilder Rodriguez, Contributing Writer Virago Alley, the nonprofit responsible for Richmond’s first ever full-scale multicultural Renaissance faire, opened the doors to its first physical location on Sept. 4. The location is situated in Richmond’s arts district at 200 W. Marshall St. in Jackson Ward.  Regularly scheduled weekly classes offered include saber and longsword lessons on Saturdays and Renaissance Era fencing on Thursdays.  Beginning in October, Virago Alley will offer a wide variety of workshops including magic hat making on Oct. 18, book binding on Nov. 15 and Shaolin martial arts on Nov. 22.  Amanda Robinson, founder and artistic director of Virago Alley, said the original idea for a physical location came about to provide indoor space for historic martial arts groups, but quickly expanded into a broader celebration of pre-industrial society. She said the Renaissance faire acted as the main fundraising mechanism for the goals of the organization. Robinson said that the organization’s top priority is representing lost mediums. “Given this AI generated landscape, it’s very important to us to get back into working with our hands and remembering these tangible mediums,” Robinson said.  Robinson said that Virago Alley seeks to deconstruct the Eurocentric confines that many similar organizers of

Sports

Hispanic trailblazers of VCU Athletics

September 23, 2026

Devynn Alston, Staff Writer Hispanic Heritage Month, spanning from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, offers a chance to look back at Hispanic athletes who built significant careers at VCU and went on to professional careers. Among them are Andres Rodriguez, Vimael Machín and Gonzalo Segares.  From Machín being drafted by the Chicago Cubs and working his way through the minor leagues to Oakland’s MLB team, to Segares’ decorated career as a soccer player and coach, and Rodriguez’s beginning his professional career, each of these Rams has a story that extends beyond their time at VCU.  Andres Rodriguez, a Virginia native, is the most recent graduate of the group, graduating in 2025. During his time at VCU, Rodriguez became a regular presence on the pitch. As a midfielder, he recorded 5,300 minutes, played in 65 games and finished his career as a Ram with three goals and eight assists. He was also a part of VCU’s 2023 Atlantic 10 Championship team.  Post-VCU, he has begun competing professionally, playing with Sarasota Paradise since December 23, 2025.  Rodriguez’s Hispanic heritage has also influenced his connection to the sport. Rodriguez looked to Mexico’s national team, El Tri, as inspiration while growing up, according to

Inside the world of VCU soccer recruiting

September 23, 2026

Bri McAllister, Contributing Writer For some VCU soccer players, the road to Richmond begins just a few miles from campus. For others, it begins thousands of miles away.  VCU’s soccer programs recruit players from across the United States and around the world, bringing together athletes from different backgrounds, playing styles, and experiences. For international players, the process can mean leaving behind their family, friends and familiar surroundings to pursue both an education and a soccer career.  For men’s soccer head coach Dave Giffard, recruiting means getting personal, taking it slow and identifying players who can contribute to the program while fitting into the culture of the team.  “I’m looking for players that have characteristics, ideally more than one, but at least one that could translate to at least one level beyond us, ideally, multiple levels beyond us,” Giffard said. “Maybe it’s not the guy that’s the safest bet and most sought out after by all these other places. It’s a guy who has tools that could potentially develop over the course of a 3.5-to 4.5-year period, being something much more than what they are now.” The men’s soccer 2026 incoming class includes international talent from Costa Rica, Spain, the Bahamas,

Los pioneros hispanos de VCU Athletics

September 23, 2026

Devynn Alston, Staff Writer El mes de la Herencia Hispana empieza el 15 de septiembre y termina el 15 de octubre. Este mes se da la oportunidad de evaluar atletas hispanos quienes empezaron sus carreras en VCU y los convirtieron en carreras profesionales. Entre estos atletas están Andres Rodriguez, Vimael Machin y Gonzalo Segares.  Empezando por Machín siendo elegido por los Chicago Cubs y trabajando con las ligas menores al equipo de béisbol de Oakland, a la carrera única de Segares como futbolista y entrenador, y Rodriguez empezando su carrera profesional, todos estos Rams tienen una historia que va más allá que su tiempo en VCU. Andres Rodriguez, un nativo de Virginia, es el más recién graduado de los tres atletas, y se graduó en el 2025. En su tiempo con VCU, Rodriguez fue una presencia común en la cancha. Como centrocampista, jugó 5,3000 minutos en 65 partidos y terminó su carrera como Ram con 3 goles y ocho asistencias. También formó parte del equipo del Atlantic 10 en 2023. Después de VCU, empezó a competir profesionalmente, jugando con Sarasota Paradise desde Diciembre del 2025.  Las raíces de Rodriguez también han influido su conexión al deporte, según VCU Athletics. Rodriguez

VCU Men’s Soccer finishes non-conference matchups losing to ODU 2-1

September 16, 2026

Benney Koch, Staff Writer On Monday VCU men’s soccer went up against Old Dominion University in its final non-conference matchup of the season. Despite an energized effort in the second half, VCU lost to ODU 2-1. ODU scored within the first five minutes of the match. VCU responded with second-year defender Parker Simkins capitalizing on a Monarch turnover, scoring the first official goal for the Rams in the history of the VCU Athletic Village. The score would remain tied until the final minutes of the first half, when ODU headed in a go-ahead goal. The Monarchs entered halftime with a 2-1 lead. VCU controlled much of the second half offensively, finishing with 17 shots compared to ODU’s nine. The Rams were able to keep ODU on the defensive and controlled 62% of possession in the match, according to statbroadcast. Despite 11 shots on goal and hitting the crossbar twice, VCU was unable to save the tying goal. Simkins said the team’s inability to capitalize on their chances to score was ultimately what kept them from being able to make a comeback in the second half. “I think that we really controlled the game very well. We just couldn’t find that

VCU women’s tennis: United internationally

September 16, 2026

Benney Koch, Staff Writer For the VCU women’s tennis team, the road to Richmond begins thousands of miles away. Since the late 1990s, VCU women’s tennis has been prominently shaped by international recruits.  Beginning with tennis legends Martina Nedelkova and Andrea Ondrisova, VCU women’s tennis established a vision to elevate its level of tennis through international recruiting. When Paul Kostin took over as head coach in 2001, international recruiting became an established part of the program. The strategy has continued to this day. Under the current head coach, Rifanti Kahfiani, the women’s tennis roster is entirely international, with players representing Ecuador, Egypt, Slovakia, Venezuela, Australia, the Czech Republic and Indonesia. “My philosophy is very simple,” Kahfiani said. “We recruit the best player that will fit our program, culture and our standard.”  Kahfiani said she has tried to recruit American players, but many choose other programs. VCU has continued to find talented international players who fit the culture she wants to build – one that values the hunger to uplift one’s self and one another. “I think first and foremost, work ethic is number one, wanting to compete and love tennis,” Kahfiani said. “The skills can be elevated, but something that

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