Sunday, April 19th, 2026

Year: 2021

VCU begins efforts to reduce plastic waste in dining locations

Emma Carlson, Contributing Writer The university has begun efforts to reduce plastic waste around campus by offering reusable, recyclable or compostable alternatives to single-use plastics, notably at VCUDine locations, such as Bleecker St. Gov. Ralph Northam signed Executive Order 77 on March 23 to reduce waste caused by single-use plastics in Virginia. Non-medical single-use plastic […]

VCU holds 9/11 commemoration, community reflects on 20th anniversary impact

Jiana Smith, Contributing Writer There were no clouds in the sky as students, faculty and guests dressed in military and first responder uniforms gathered in the Ram courtyard outside the University Student Commons on Friday, Sept. 10 — one day to the 20-year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.  “It was a beautiful […]

Spectrum editor’s list of films to watch for Sept. 15

“Freedom Writers” (2007) Based on the 1999 novel, an English teacher gets hired to teach at-risk students in California. After seeing the immense trauma the high school students routinely endure, the teacher, played by Hilary Swank, asks them to keep personal diaries about the terrors they experience. Over time, the students grow and become more […]

University faces dramatic increase in academic misconduct over the pandemic

Davina Efetie, Contributing Writer VCU experienced a dramatic increase in the number of academic misconducts reported during the 2020-21 academic year, according to an NPR article. Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity Karen Belanger said in an interview that VCU reported 364 cases of academic misconduct in the 2019-20 year and 1,077 in the […]

VMFA celebrates Latino culture with Puerto Rico Family Day

Zahra Ndirangu, Contributing Writer Onlookers cheer as a young girl dances to traditional Puerto Rican music as she delightedly waves a small Puerto Rican flag in her hand. Her mother looks on with pride as she takes a video, memorializing the moment.  “It makes me really excited to see how much she loves it,” said […]

Strong Start: Men’s soccer keeping up with nationally ranked teams as season begins

Arrick Wilson, Contributing Writer Last season, the VCU men’s soccer program struggled for success with a record of four wins, three losses, and three ties. Now, the Rams have been stepping up to the challenge of playing against some of the top-ranked teams in the nation. “I think past success doesn’t determine current or future […]

Robert E. Lee statue removed from Monument Avenue, community members celebrate

Katrina Lee, Contributing Writer A large crowd cheered along Monument Avenue on Wednesday as the Robert E. Lee statue was lifted from its pedestal and taken down. Gov. Ralph Northam’s order for the statue to be removed was carried out at approximately 8:55 a.m. on Wednesday after more than a year of legal challenges. The […]

Familiar faces in new volleyball coaching staff 

Kaitlyn Fulmore, Contributing Writer The volleyball coaching staff has been revamped once again for a second straight season — this time, with familiar faces to the program. Former VCU setter Cecilia Blanchard (née Aragao) has returned as a graduate assistant, a position previously held by newly appointed assistant coach Aaron Gordon. Head coach Jody Rogers […]

Inside VCU student-athletes’ name, image, likeness deals

Noah Fleischman, Contributing Writer When the NCAA approved the name, image, likeness policy over the summer, VCU freshman forward Jalen DeLoach said he immediately knew the first person he wanted to work with — Migos rapper, Quavo. DeLoach said the partnership was a mutual feeling, as he was the first student-athlete contacted to promote Legends, […]