Ongoing impact For Elizabeth, who started her journey at Pace as a non-traditional graduate student, Pace offered what she had been missing elsewhere at VCU: a true sense of belonging. “I was very lonely,” she recalls. “You know, VCU tries, but I often eel like there's not enough effort given to making sure students feel a sense of community and belonging. I was older than everybody. I lived at home. I felt like I had more in common with the professors than the students sometimes.” Elizabeth...

Growing up in Côte d’Ivoire shaped how Fatim, a biology major on the pre-med track, understood community. “A lot of African countries are 100% Muslim or 100% Christian. Côte d’Ivoire is really a melting pot - 50/50 Muslim and Christian,” Fatim explained. “There’s this cohabitation. We celebrate Eid together and we celebrate Lent together.” Even though many ethnicities and religions are represented at VCU, to Fatim, who was raised Muslim, VCU didn’t feel very diverse. “Before I started coming...

Mason, who recently graduated from VCU with a degree in chemistry, is preparing for his next chapter in medical school. But much of what has shaped his path has happened outside the lab. Mason has grown into a leader who is deeply committed to service and community-building. Mason first encountered Pace as a freshman through programs like Stories & Lunch, where he helped prepare meals and experienced what he describes as a strong sense of community. “It can be a really great landing spot,” he...