The sound of silence

We’ve all noticed the profusion of cell phones here on campus. There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t see someone with one attached to their ear as they head to or from class, stand in line at Hibbs, or oddly enough, even while in the restroom. It’s such a commonplace occurrence that for the most part, we don’t give them a second look.

Psychology 101 teaches stereotypes

“What’s going on here? Am I taking Psychology 101 or How to Be a Racist 101?” These thoughts race through my head as I engage in my psychology lab module on the computer on the fourth floor of the Hibbs building. We are studying psychological disorders like anxiety, schizophrenia, alcoholism and multiple personalities.

Castro’s daughter discusses book, life in Cuba

“She was totally the opposite of what I expected. I found her to be very calm, at peace, nice, funny – just very friendly and approachable. Very down to earth, and I didn’t expect that at all.”

Those words describe LaToya Gray’s impression of Alina Fernandez, Fidel Castro’s daughter, who recently spoke on campus to the VCU community.

PETA activist discusses veganism, animal injustice

“I want everybody to think about the rights and freedoms human beings have been afforded over the last 150 years,” said Gary Yourofsky about events such as the abolition of slavery and women’s suffrage. Yourofsky, a national speaker funded by PETA, spoke recently on campus to about 30 students and faculty.

Another Hussein official captured

No. 18 on U.S. Central Command’s list of the most-wanted members of Saddam Hussein’s regime has been captured. Hazmaq al-Zubaydi is Iraq’s former prime minister.

Coalition troops have secured the eastern section of Baghdad, said Maj. Gen. Buford Blount, the U.

School of the Arts ranks sixth in nation in latest U.S. News and World Report

VCU’s School of the Arts’ sixth-place ranking in U.S. News and World Report’s “America’s Best Graduate Schools 2004” establishes the VCU name across the country, said Richard Toscan, dean of the school.In 1996, he said, the arts school ranked 25th, and VCU’s Board of Visitors set the goal of putting the school in the top five.

African-American studies to become major next semester

It has been almost six years since VCU’s administrators learned they could not offer students a major in African-American studies. That is no longer the case. Beginning fall semester, African-American studies officially becomes a major.

“Students who come to VCU looking for cultural and world studies might be interested in African-American studies,” said Roderick McDavis, provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Earth Day

Officially celebrated April 22, the first Earth day took place in 1970. Approximately 20 million people participated in various events around the world and eventually lead to the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Clean Air Act, the National Environmental Policy Act and the establishment of the president’s Council on the Environmental Quality.

School of Business to build new home

Within the next five years, VCU’s School of Business could have a new home. A planning committee is examining the preliminary aspects of a new building, such as location, size and funding.

“It is a challenge, but it is exciting,” said Edwin Blanks, vice provost for academic administration.