VCU turns 40

The university’s “Fortieth and Forward”-themed anniversary commenced this past weekend with a landmark dedication at the Siegel Center. On Saturday, the Monroe Park Festival drew a crowd, despite the threat of rain.

The celebration began Friday with the dedication of landmarks commemorating important contributions of the MCV campus to the medical community. Daphne Rankin, director of student engagement and human sexuality professor, attended the event.

“It’s great to see so many faculty, administration, students and parents come out to celebrate the past 40 years, but also the future of our university,” Rankin said. “A lot of people have worked hard to organize the Monroe Park Festival.”

Two of the dedicated landmarks were the “Birthplace of Cardiac Transplantation,” commemorating research that laid the basis for successful transplantations, and “St. Philip’s School of Nursing,” commemorating the nursing school founded by MCV for African-American women. The MCV School of Nursing admitted its first African-American students in 1957.

Rain may have kept some people from attending the Monroe Park Festival Saturday, but the event still attracted a crowd.

“I think the . . . festival is going quite well-even with the rain,” forensic science major Lynndsey Simon said. “The department of forensic sciences table has been very successful.”

During the festival, tents housed local vendors, food and university departments. There was also a kids’ section with games such as “Pin the Horn on the Ram.”

The Taters, Unheard Concept, Becky Taylor, Earthtone and Antero performed at the festival.

“I wish it hadn’t rained, but I still really enjoyed the anniversary celebration,” psychology major Danielle Timpano said. “The fall festival was definitely my favorite event, especially all the different types of bands. It was well worth going out.”