Tennis freshman’s hard-hitting attitude earns conference recognition
Joe Dodson, Staff Writer Growing up in Timișoara, Romania, freshman tennis player Alessia Ciuca was inspired by the Grand Slam tournament athletes she watched on television. “I’d stand right in front of the TV,” Ciuca said. “I was trying to hit like them.” Ciuca has made an instant impact with the Rams, earning three Atlantic […]
Another one: George looks to continue family tradition of athletes
Yanni Kouiroukidis, Contributing Writer Being one of five sisters in a house full of athletes is a unique environment, but for sophomore lacrosse athlete Juliana George, it’s all she’s ever known. George, who plays in the attack position, said her introduction to the sport mostly started at a young age, influenced by her father and […]
Men’s track and field works toward championship title
Kaitlyn Fulmore, Contributing Writer “Get good sleep, hydrate, focus.” These self-care tasks, repeated by track and field assistant coach Thomas Sage, are guiding the men’s team on their path toward the Atlantic 10 championship. “You can do everything right at practice,” graduate student hurdler Ian Davis said. “But at the end of the day, if […]
‘I’m coming back’: Viral TikTok rapper reflects on budding career while incarcerated
Ebonique Little, Spectrum Editor Richmond rapper FNF Chop, known for his breakout single “Walk Down,” said he used to sleep at the studio to finish recording songs. Now, from his cell in the Richmond City Justice Center, he writes lyrics to his beats over the phone. Chop, who was born Deonte Gaines, was arrested last […]
Virtual gallery seeks to reimagine Richmond’s Confederate history
Claire Darcy, Contributing Writer When Richmond became the capital of the Confederacy in 1861, it became known for its ties to separatist beliefs that relegated Black people to slavery. The legacy has carried through time, but a new exhibition at Gallery5 seeks to reframe the city’s image. “It was something that was a thing that […]
Student group bends time, gender identity through on-campus drag shows
Ebonique Little, Spectrum Editor Now much more than a pass-through to get to the other side of campus, Monroe Park has become a safe haven for “kings, queens and everything in-betweens.” John Carmel, a freshman film major, and Harris Erickson, a freshman theatre major, started Time Warp, a drag performance group, last October. Seven students […]
Artist residency program provides artistic, mental health resources to Richmond youth
Grace McOmber, Contributing Writer Two loudspeakers crossed out with a pair of black lines sit atop large graphic text that reads “silence is the most powerful scream.” The image, created by former Richmond Public Schools student and Art 180 participant Edward Robinson, serves as the poster for the organization’s newest program named in his honor, […]
Spectrum editor’s list of films to watch for April 7
“Untouchable” (2019) In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, viewers can hear the stories of Hollywood actresses and colleagues who accused film producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual abuse. In 2017, Weinstein’s sex offenses sparked a turning point in the #MeToo movement. Available on Hulu | 87% Rotten Tomatoes “The Blood is at the Doorstep” (2017) […]
UPDATE: Richmond police investigating possible link between Gilmer Street shooting deaths of VCU student, teen
Katharine DeRosa, News Editor The Richmond Police Department is investigating a possible connection between the deaths of a 17-year-old and a VCU student who were shot and killed in the 400 block of Gilmer Street within 26 hours of each other. The person shot on Monday has been identified by Richmond Police as Cody Woodson, […]
A month after Adam Oakes’ death, VCU grapples with misconduct in Greek life
Sahara Sriraman, Contributing Writer Although sophomore bioinformatics major Disha Trivedi had a positive experience during her first year with Kappa Phi Gamma, a South Asian interest sorority at VCU, she said she knows that’s not common for all Greek life members. Trivedi, who is also the president of Kappa Phi Gamma, said she’s heard of […]