Wednesday, September 30th, 2026

VCU President Michael Rao’s base salary increases to $1 million per year

September 30, 2026

Bryer Haywood, Staff Writer On Sept. 11, the VCU Board of Visitors voted to increase President Michael Rao’s base salary to $1 million per year beginning in fiscal year 2027.  The raise comes as the board voted in April to increase tuition by 3.9% for the 2026-2027 school year, according to a previous report by the CT.  In 2025, the Board of Visitors voted to increase Rao’s base salary to $895,618, a 9% increase from the previous year, according to a previous report by the CT.  “One of our Board’s most important responsibilities is to evaluate the performance of the president and ensure that the university has the leadership it needs for the future,” Rector Steven DeLuca said at the BOV meeting on Sept. 11.  Rector Steven DeLuca said at the BOV meeting on Sept. 11 that the boards most important responsibility is to assess the performance of the president and make sure the university “has the leadership it needs for the future.” In addition to increasing Rao’s salary, the board also voted to extend his contract into 2032. It included a bonus opportunity for Rao of up to 25% of his base salary. The average salary for VCU staff

VCU Rice Rivers Center aids in Atlantic sturgeon population recovery

September 30, 2026

Hazel Lair, Contributing Writer The Atlantic sturgeon, a federally endangered species of fish, has made its return to the James River for breeding season, despite worries regarding the population’s dwindling numbers. Now, the number of sturgeon is back in the thousands. VCU’s Rice Rivers Center, also known as “VCU’s river campus,” has worked to tag and track the fish in order to protect the species.  In 2007, scientists believed that the James River had only 300 sturgeon left, according to Smithsonian Magazine. As of last year, Rice Rivers has tagged over 2,500 separate sturgeon, confirming that the species still has hope for recovery. The Rice Rivers center has worked alongside the James River Association, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric The Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe to restore the sturgeon population, according to a previous report by the CT.  Researchers assist state and federal agencies on determining which habitats in the river are most important for “critical spawning, nursery and migration activities, as well as the importance of threats like collisions with large vessels and habitat loss,” according to  the VCU Rice Rivers Center website. Each year, as sturgeon sense the temperature drop in the fall, they

The government wants to strip your college funding and they are not hiding it

September 30, 2026

Marcus Beavers, Contributing Writer On Sept. 3, the House of Representatives passed the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026 (H.R. 4795) by a vote of 237–169. Introduced by Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., the bill would prohibit higher education institutions that participate in federal student-aid programs from engaging in commercial boycotts of Israel that are not based on a legitimate business or economic reason.  Additionally, any higher education institutions receiving federal funding for foreign language or international education programs must annually certify that students and faculty may participate in programs located in Israel, according to the Congress Legislature. Simply put, the bill could put VCU’s eligibility for federal education funding at risk if the university were to participate in an institutional boycott of Israel.  Phillip L. Swagel, the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, said that institutions who violate program agreements may lose the ability to be involved in federal student aid programs, which include Pell grants and student loans. The bill was approved by the House but still requires Senate and presidential approval before it can become law. VCU has already experienced major controversy surrounding pro-Palestinian protests, making this bill especially relevant to Richmond — and possibly to

Sydney Sweeney’s Novig ad perfectly exemplifies the insidiousness of choice feminism

September 30, 2026

Kylie Grunsfeld, Opinions & Humor Editor From a marketing standpoint, it is undoubtedly genius. How do you set your product apart from  hundreds of others selling the exact same thing? Strip an already controversial celebrity down to her skin, have her speak provocatively to the camera and earn your otherwise irrelevant sports trading app hordes of new users.  Predictably, everyone is pissed. Both Novig, a sports-betting and prediction market app, and Sydney Sweeney knew this would be the response, and really, nobody loses — Sweeney gets to walk away with a fat check and Novig gets publicity.  Well actually, somebody does lose: women.  By posing sexually in an ad despite competing calls for women to behave modestly from one side and to not objectify themselves from the other, Sydney Sweeney is exemplifying choice feminism. Choice feminism dictates that a woman’s choice is inherently feminist solely because she made it. By the logic of choice feminism, Sweeney’s decision to tongue-in-cheekly sexualize herself to convince men to gamble their savings away is a feminist act.  Except, I do not find it a feminist act at all. Even though America is a society that promotes hyper-individualism, there is no such thing as a

More than a market: Celebrating Latino culture in Midlothian

September 30, 2026

Deborah Aguilera, Contributing Writer Music and food fill the Latino farmers market at 13900 Hull Street Road every Saturday from April 4 to Oct. 31 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vendors sell a variety of handmade products, foods and other goods, giving local businesses a chance to share what they offer with the community and meet new customers. RVA Bakehouse, founded by Kim Buehler in 2023, has been selling their goods at the farmers market and opened their store front in Libbie Mill last October. Stephanie Maranon-Estrada, a VCU alumna, represented RVA Bakehouse at the market on Saturday. Maranon-Estrada said she enjoyed the atmosphere of the market and the different activities happening throughout the event because there was something for everyone, regardless of age.  The market offers activities such as painting, games and a moon bounce, giving families and younger visitors something to do while they browse the market. Snyder Family Farm, a family-owned business based in Keysville, attends the market weekly. The farm raises cattle, pork, chicken and turkey. Heidi Snyder and Jeremy Snyder co-founded the business together.  Heidi Snyder said they started their business because they wanted better and safer food options for their family. “It’s more

Let the good times bark at Woofstock

September 30, 2026

Elle Cota, Spectrum Editor Peace, love and plenty of paws took over 4951 Lake Brook Drive on Sept. 26 as Richmond Animal League hosted its 16th annual Woofstock festival. The event brought together animal lovers, pets, rescue organizations and potential adopters while giving RAL and its partners an opportunity to showcase animals in need of homes and raise money for the organization.  Woofstock, a play on Woodstock, the music festival of the late 1960s, ran from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and featured a dog parade, agility course, live music, vendors and adoption areas. Dogs in strollers and costumes moved through the event as attendees stopped for food and pup cups.  Steve Bardy, deputy director of development at RAL, said the fundraiser money supported general operations, including animal care, clinics, foster care and work with community cats through trap-neuter-vaccinate-return programs.  This was Bardy’s first Woofstock, but not his first dog festival. Before joining RAL, he was executive director at Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, where he worked with a similar event called Paws in the Park.  Bardy has been involved with animal welfare for years, fostering over 60 puppies and a handful of kittens. He said that one of the

Women’s soccer drops hardfought game to Duquesne

September 29, 2026

Ben Martindale, Sports Editor Drew Clements, Contributing Writer VCU women’s soccer attempted to win their second consecutive game against Duquesne University Sunday afternoon at City Stadium, but fell short 2-1. The Dukes started the game aggressively and attempted their first shot on goal, which was saved by the Rams fourth-year goalkeeper Mia Pongratz at the 3:37 mark of the first half. “The beginning of our season was a little tough, but we’ve had a huge mindset switch on the team,” Pongratz said. “I think we’re all really taking initiative on changing the game for ourselves.” Over the next 10 minutes, VCU started to gain momentum, attempting three shots, but was unable to capitalize. As the game progressed, neither team was able to consistently impose their will on the other. At the 28:26 mark of the first half, the Dukes scored to take a 1-0 lead. VCU battled back and stayed aggressive, attempting five more shots over the remainder of the half, but was unable to convert. Duquesne entered halftime holding a 1-0 lead. In the second half, VCU continued to apply pressure and began to force Duquesne onto the back foot more frequently. The Rams attempted four shots to Duquesne’s

VCU men’s soccer falls to Fordham in A-10 home opener 2-1

September 29, 2026

Benney Koch, Staff Writer VCU men’s soccer fell to Fordham University 2-1 on Saturday at the VCU Athletic Village in its Atlantic-10 home opener. The loss drops the Rams to 0-2 in A-10 play. VCU controlled much of the possession throughout the match and outshot Fordham 11-10, but the Rams struggled to turn their control of possessions into goals. VCU had four corner kicks compared to Fordham’s one, but Fordham held the advantage in shots on goal, 3-2. Fordham opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a wind-aided shot made its way into the back corner of the net. Fordham struck again in the 68th minute to gain a 2-0 lead. Just 52 seconds later VCU responded when fourth-year defender Pedro Salmon scored his first goal as a Ram. Salmon headed in a corner kick from fourth-year midfielder Andrey Salmeron, his first assist of the season. Salmon had a strong performance beyond his goal, contributing defensively while also creating opportunities for his teammates. A group of supporters from Salmon’s home country of Spain attended to watch his first goal for VCU. “I didn’t know there were people from my country in this city,” Salmon said. “It’s nice to have

Ventimiglia shines in Rams victory

September 26, 2026

Ben Martindale, Sports Editor Drew Clements, Contributing Writer VCU field hockey beat Saint Louis University in a hard-fought game Friday at Cary Street Field. “They stuck to the game plan pretty well,” said VCU head coach Stacey Bean. “Regardless of what the score was, whether we were down like we were at the beginning, or as we kind of added to the lead. We just stuck with the outlet and the press that our gameplan called for. You know, it was just a matter of discipline.” The two teams battled back and forth in the opening quarter with neither team able to establish an advantage. At the 13:01 mark of the second quarter, first-year Maddie Croghan scored to put the Billikens on the board first. After the goal, the razor close competition resumed, with both teams pushing a fast pace. The two defenses were highlights of the first half, neither giving an inch to the opposing teams offense. With just 3 seconds remaining in the first half, VCU fourth-year Josefina Ventimiglia knotted up the score at one, scoring her third goal of the season. The third quarter played out much like the first, with both teams having their moments, but

Women’s soccer gets first win of the season

September 26, 2026

Devynn Alston, Staff Writer VCU’s women’s soccer team beat St. Bonaventure University 5-0 on Thursday to earn its first victory of the season.  The Rams controlled possession of the ball early and consistently put pressure on the Bonnies’ defense. Within the first 15 minutes of the match, VCU attempted multiple shots. VCU broke through during the 21st minute when fourth-year forward Jazmin Jackson scored via a penalty kick, giving the Rams a 1-0 lead. Four minutes later, third-year midfielder Shintaku scored to extend the lead, putting VCU up 2-0.  Throughout the first half, the Rams continued to generate opportunities, but St. Bonaventure goalkeeper Callie Turpin made several saves, keeping the Bonnies within two goals heading into the half.  “First clean sheet, first three points, scoring five goals,” VCU head coach Hutchinson said. “That’s a huge testament to everything.” Although the Bonnies had more possession of the ball during the second half than they did in the first, it never translated into scoring opportunities.  First-year forward Monique McEnhimer extended VCU’s lead during the 68th minute and then scored again four minutes later to give the Rams a 4-0 advantage.  “Just being able to score my first goals on this field was

Hispanic trailblazers of VCU Athletics

September 23, 2026

Devynn Alston, Staff Writer Hispanic Heritage Month, spanning from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, offers a chance to look back at Hispanic athletes who built significant careers at VCU and went on to professional careers. Among them are Andres Rodriguez, Vimael Machín and Gonzalo Segares.  From Machín being drafted by the Chicago Cubs and working his way through the minor leagues to Oakland’s MLB team, to Segares’ decorated career as a soccer player and coach, and Rodriguez’s beginning his professional career, each of these Rams has a story that extends beyond their time at VCU.  Andres Rodriguez, a Virginia native, is the most recent graduate of the group, graduating in 2025. During his time at VCU, Rodriguez became a regular presence on the pitch. As a midfielder, he recorded 5,300 minutes, played in 65 games and finished his career as a Ram with three goals and eight assists. He was also a part of VCU’s 2023 Atlantic 10 Championship team.  Post-VCU, he has begun competing professionally, playing with Sarasota Paradise since December 23, 2025.  Rodriguez’s Hispanic heritage has also influenced his connection to the sport. Rodriguez looked to Mexico’s national team, El Tri, as inspiration while growing up, according to

VCU President Michael Rao’s base salary increases to $1 million per year

September 30, 2026

Bryer Haywood, Staff Writer On Sept. 11, the VCU Board of Visitors voted to increase President Michael Rao’s base salary to $1 million per year beginning in fiscal year 2027.  The raise comes as the board voted in April to increase tuition by 3.9% for the 2026-2027 school year, according to a previous report by the CT.  In 2025, the Board of Visitors voted to increase Rao’s base salary to $895,618, a 9% increase from the previous year, according to a previous report by the CT.  “One of our Board’s most important responsibilities is to evaluate the performance of the president and ensure that the university has the leadership it needs for the future,” Rector Steven DeLuca said at the BOV meeting on Sept. 11.  Rector Steven DeLuca said at the BOV meeting on Sept. 11 that the boards most important responsibility is to assess the performance of the president and make sure the university “has the leadership it needs for the future.” In addition to increasing Rao’s salary, the board also voted to extend his contract into 2032. It included a bonus opportunity for Rao of up to 25% of his base salary. The average salary for VCU staff

VCU Rice Rivers Center aids in Atlantic sturgeon population recovery

September 30, 2026

Hazel Lair, Contributing Writer The Atlantic sturgeon, a federally endangered species of fish, has made its return to the James River for breeding season, despite worries regarding the population’s dwindling numbers. Now, the number of sturgeon is back in the thousands. VCU’s Rice Rivers Center, also known as “VCU’s river campus,” has worked to tag and track the fish in order to protect the species.  In 2007, scientists believed that the James River had only 300 sturgeon left, according to Smithsonian Magazine. As of last year, Rice Rivers has tagged over 2,500 separate sturgeon, confirming that the species still has hope for recovery. The Rice Rivers center has worked alongside the James River Association, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric The Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe and the Pamunkey Indian Tribe to restore the sturgeon population, according to a previous report by the CT.  Researchers assist state and federal agencies on determining which habitats in the river are most important for “critical spawning, nursery and migration activities, as well as the importance of threats like collisions with large vessels and habitat loss,” according to  the VCU Rice Rivers Center website. Each year, as sturgeon sense the temperature drop in the fall, they

Opinion

The government wants to strip your college funding and they are not hiding it

September 30, 2026

Marcus Beavers, Contributing Writer On Sept. 3, the House of Representatives passed the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026 (H.R. 4795) by a vote of 237–169. Introduced by Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., the bill would prohibit higher education institutions that participate in federal student-aid programs from engaging in commercial boycotts of Israel that are not based on a legitimate business or economic reason.  Additionally, any higher education institutions receiving federal funding for foreign language or international education programs must annually certify that students and faculty may participate in programs located in Israel, according to the Congress Legislature. Simply put, the bill could put VCU’s eligibility for federal education funding at risk if the university were to participate in an institutional boycott of Israel.  Phillip L. Swagel, the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, said that institutions who violate program agreements may lose the ability to be involved in federal student aid programs, which include Pell grants and student loans. The bill was approved by the House but still requires Senate and presidential approval before it can become law. VCU has already experienced major controversy surrounding pro-Palestinian protests, making this bill especially relevant to Richmond — and possibly to

Sydney Sweeney’s Novig ad perfectly exemplifies the insidiousness of choice feminism

September 30, 2026

Kylie Grunsfeld, Opinions & Humor Editor From a marketing standpoint, it is undoubtedly genius. How do you set your product apart from  hundreds of others selling the exact same thing? Strip an already controversial celebrity down to her skin, have her speak provocatively to the camera and earn your otherwise irrelevant sports trading app hordes of new users.  Predictably, everyone is pissed. Both Novig, a sports-betting and prediction market app, and Sydney Sweeney knew this would be the response, and really, nobody loses — Sweeney gets to walk away with a fat check and Novig gets publicity.  Well actually, somebody does lose: women.  By posing sexually in an ad despite competing calls for women to behave modestly from one side and to not objectify themselves from the other, Sydney Sweeney is exemplifying choice feminism. Choice feminism dictates that a woman’s choice is inherently feminist solely because she made it. By the logic of choice feminism, Sweeney’s decision to tongue-in-cheekly sexualize herself to convince men to gamble their savings away is a feminist act.  Except, I do not find it a feminist act at all. Even though America is a society that promotes hyper-individualism, there is no such thing as a

The Rundown

Spectrum

More than a market: Celebrating Latino culture in Midlothian

September 30, 2026

Deborah Aguilera, Contributing Writer Music and food fill the Latino farmers market at 13900 Hull Street Road every Saturday from April 4 to Oct. 31 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vendors sell a variety of handmade products, foods and other goods, giving local businesses a chance to share what they offer with the community and meet new customers. RVA Bakehouse, founded by Kim Buehler in 2023, has been selling their goods at the farmers market and opened their store front in Libbie Mill last October. Stephanie Maranon-Estrada, a VCU alumna, represented RVA Bakehouse at the market on Saturday. Maranon-Estrada said she enjoyed the atmosphere of the market and the different activities happening throughout the event because there was something for everyone, regardless of age.  The market offers activities such as painting, games and a moon bounce, giving families and younger visitors something to do while they browse the market. Snyder Family Farm, a family-owned business based in Keysville, attends the market weekly. The farm raises cattle, pork, chicken and turkey. Heidi Snyder and Jeremy Snyder co-founded the business together.  Heidi Snyder said they started their business because they wanted better and safer food options for their family. “It’s more

Let the good times bark at Woofstock

September 30, 2026

Elle Cota, Spectrum Editor Peace, love and plenty of paws took over 4951 Lake Brook Drive on Sept. 26 as Richmond Animal League hosted its 16th annual Woofstock festival. The event brought together animal lovers, pets, rescue organizations and potential adopters while giving RAL and its partners an opportunity to showcase animals in need of homes and raise money for the organization.  Woofstock, a play on Woodstock, the music festival of the late 1960s, ran from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and featured a dog parade, agility course, live music, vendors and adoption areas. Dogs in strollers and costumes moved through the event as attendees stopped for food and pup cups.  Steve Bardy, deputy director of development at RAL, said the fundraiser money supported general operations, including animal care, clinics, foster care and work with community cats through trap-neuter-vaccinate-return programs.  This was Bardy’s first Woofstock, but not his first dog festival. Before joining RAL, he was executive director at Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, where he worked with a similar event called Paws in the Park.  Bardy has been involved with animal welfare for years, fostering over 60 puppies and a handful of kittens. He said that one of the

Sports

Women’s soccer drops hardfought game to Duquesne

September 29, 2026

Ben Martindale, Sports Editor Drew Clements, Contributing Writer VCU women’s soccer attempted to win their second consecutive game against Duquesne University Sunday afternoon at City Stadium, but fell short 2-1. The Dukes started the game aggressively and attempted their first shot on goal, which was saved by the Rams fourth-year goalkeeper Mia Pongratz at the 3:37 mark of the first half. “The beginning of our season was a little tough, but we’ve had a huge mindset switch on the team,” Pongratz said. “I think we’re all really taking initiative on changing the game for ourselves.” Over the next 10 minutes, VCU started to gain momentum, attempting three shots, but was unable to capitalize. As the game progressed, neither team was able to consistently impose their will on the other. At the 28:26 mark of the first half, the Dukes scored to take a 1-0 lead. VCU battled back and stayed aggressive, attempting five more shots over the remainder of the half, but was unable to convert. Duquesne entered halftime holding a 1-0 lead. In the second half, VCU continued to apply pressure and began to force Duquesne onto the back foot more frequently. The Rams attempted four shots to Duquesne’s

VCU men’s soccer falls to Fordham in A-10 home opener 2-1

September 29, 2026

Benney Koch, Staff Writer VCU men’s soccer fell to Fordham University 2-1 on Saturday at the VCU Athletic Village in its Atlantic-10 home opener. The loss drops the Rams to 0-2 in A-10 play. VCU controlled much of the possession throughout the match and outshot Fordham 11-10, but the Rams struggled to turn their control of possessions into goals. VCU had four corner kicks compared to Fordham’s one, but Fordham held the advantage in shots on goal, 3-2. Fordham opened the scoring in the 17th minute when a wind-aided shot made its way into the back corner of the net. Fordham struck again in the 68th minute to gain a 2-0 lead. Just 52 seconds later VCU responded when fourth-year defender Pedro Salmon scored his first goal as a Ram. Salmon headed in a corner kick from fourth-year midfielder Andrey Salmeron, his first assist of the season. Salmon had a strong performance beyond his goal, contributing defensively while also creating opportunities for his teammates. A group of supporters from Salmon’s home country of Spain attended to watch his first goal for VCU. “I didn’t know there were people from my country in this city,” Salmon said. “It’s nice to have

Ventimiglia shines in Rams victory

September 26, 2026

Ben Martindale, Sports Editor Drew Clements, Contributing Writer VCU field hockey beat Saint Louis University in a hard-fought game Friday at Cary Street Field. “They stuck to the game plan pretty well,” said VCU head coach Stacey Bean. “Regardless of what the score was, whether we were down like we were at the beginning, or as we kind of added to the lead. We just stuck with the outlet and the press that our gameplan called for. You know, it was just a matter of discipline.” The two teams battled back and forth in the opening quarter with neither team able to establish an advantage. At the 13:01 mark of the second quarter, first-year Maddie Croghan scored to put the Billikens on the board first. After the goal, the razor close competition resumed, with both teams pushing a fast pace. The two defenses were highlights of the first half, neither giving an inch to the opposing teams offense. With just 3 seconds remaining in the first half, VCU fourth-year Josefina Ventimiglia knotted up the score at one, scoring her third goal of the season. The third quarter played out much like the first, with both teams having their moments, but

Women’s soccer gets first win of the season

September 26, 2026

Devynn Alston, Staff Writer VCU’s women’s soccer team beat St. Bonaventure University 5-0 on Thursday to earn its first victory of the season.  The Rams controlled possession of the ball early and consistently put pressure on the Bonnies’ defense. Within the first 15 minutes of the match, VCU attempted multiple shots. VCU broke through during the 21st minute when fourth-year forward Jazmin Jackson scored via a penalty kick, giving the Rams a 1-0 lead. Four minutes later, third-year midfielder Shintaku scored to extend the lead, putting VCU up 2-0.  Throughout the first half, the Rams continued to generate opportunities, but St. Bonaventure goalkeeper Callie Turpin made several saves, keeping the Bonnies within two goals heading into the half.  “First clean sheet, first three points, scoring five goals,” VCU head coach Hutchinson said. “That’s a huge testament to everything.” Although the Bonnies had more possession of the ball during the second half than they did in the first, it never translated into scoring opportunities.  First-year forward Monique McEnhimer extended VCU’s lead during the 68th minute and then scored again four minutes later to give the Rams a 4-0 advantage.  “Just being able to score my first goals on this field was

Hispanic trailblazers of VCU Athletics

September 23, 2026

Devynn Alston, Staff Writer Hispanic Heritage Month, spanning from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, offers a chance to look back at Hispanic athletes who built significant careers at VCU and went on to professional careers. Among them are Andres Rodriguez, Vimael Machín and Gonzalo Segares.  From Machín being drafted by the Chicago Cubs and working his way through the minor leagues to Oakland’s MLB team, to Segares’ decorated career as a soccer player and coach, and Rodriguez’s beginning his professional career, each of these Rams has a story that extends beyond their time at VCU.  Andres Rodriguez, a Virginia native, is the most recent graduate of the group, graduating in 2025. During his time at VCU, Rodriguez became a regular presence on the pitch. As a midfielder, he recorded 5,300 minutes, played in 65 games and finished his career as a Ram with three goals and eight assists. He was also a part of VCU’s 2023 Atlantic 10 Championship team.  Post-VCU, he has begun competing professionally, playing with Sarasota Paradise since December 23, 2025.  Rodriguez’s Hispanic heritage has also influenced his connection to the sport. Rodriguez looked to Mexico’s national team, El Tri, as inspiration while growing up, according to

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