Collaboration, innovation and progress
were praised Wednesday at VCU’s
unveiling of Snead Hall, VCU’s new
School of Business, and East Hall, the
second building for VCU’s School of
Engineering.
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, Mayor L.
Douglas Wilder and Virginia Sen. Donald
McEachin – as well as VCU donors,
school officials and students – were
among those who attended the event.
The speakers at the unveiling of the
new business-and-engineering building,
which has been in use since January,
noted the open atmosphere of the
design. They said the design’s intent is
to promote off-the-cuff conversation and
ideas among business and engineering
students as well as among students and
teachers.
Kaine, who was one of the first to
speak, said this collaborative behavior
will result in innovation and economic
progress.
“We conclude the construction phase
only to usher in a new approach to
instructing our students in business and
engineering,” Kaine said.
The new approach will result in
rewards beyond the classroom, Kaine
said.
“I’m here to tell you this is an economic
development,” he said. ” Because
the most precious commodity in the
world today is talent-it’s not oil.”
Wilder echoed Kaine, saying the new buildings
will lead to financial gains that will benefit
Richmond.
“I can’t tell you how pleased I am to see the
growth,” Wilder said. “I can tell you what it
means to those of us who love this city to see
so many people commit their resources to make
sure this continues.”
Wilder said he is proud VCU is the largest
public university in the commonwealth, and the
growth of the school helps the community.
“What you do, you do for Richmond,” he
said. “The taller you stand, the taller Richmond
stands. The taller Richmond stands, the taller
Virginia stands, because Richmond is the capital
of Virginia.”
VCU President Eugene P. Trani reiterated
the impact VCU’s growth will have. He said
student enrollment has increased significantly
in recent years.
“Many of the students will stay and live their
lives here, and we will be enriched for that,”
Trani said.
McEachin announced the General Assembly
voted to honor the 40th anniversary of the
university in a resolution, which also named
July 1 “VCU Day.”
“This university has not only changed the
landscape of the city of Richmond,” McEachin
said, “It has also changed its pulse.”