Magic

Rachel - a 2025 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, who majored in Philosophy and African American Studies - is a deep thinker and a passionate learner. She finds joy in woodworking, sewing, quilting, and singing. “I did a lot of extracurriculars in high school," Rachel recalled, “and I knew that I wanted to be involved on VCU’s campus.”

“When I told my pastor that I was going to VCU,” Rachel said, “he insisted that I connect with Rev. Katie Gooch at the Pace Center. It was my senior year of high school and, because of COVID, everything happened remotely.” Katie reached out to Rachel to schedule a meeting. “When Katie explained Pace to me, I felt like she reached into my brain and was like, ‘Here are all the values that you have, and here are all the ways we live out those values at the Pace Center.’” Katie invited Rachel to join Pace’s online Bible study for the remainder of the spring semester. “I got to meet some of the other students and felt like I was already part of VCU.”

Unlike other faith-based campus groups that can feel rigid and exclusive, Rachel described the Pace Center as a place of reflection where students are encouraged to ask questions, engage in deep discussions, and grow together. “You can walk in and say, ‘Hey, I'm interested in learning. Is anybody else interested in learning with me?’ And you shape things and explore things and process everything together, spiritually.”

For Rachel, the Pace Center is a truly unique space on campus—filled with warmth, depth, and an energy that invites students to feel both supported and challenged. “There's a magic to this place,” she explained. “There’s a comfort and depth that I don’t see other places on campus. But not in a way that keeps you stagnant. There’s a spirit of exploration and learning and sharing.”

This season, as Rachel graduates and prepares to take the next steps in her journey, we invite you to help future students to experience the same transformative faith experience Rachel found at the Pace Center. Your support creates spaces where students can grow in faith, become leaders, and discover their unique gifts.