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...

As the child of a military family, Olivia attended ten different schools before arriving at VCU, often navigating new spaces from the sidelines. “I’ve done my share of sitting in a corner, waiting for a chance encounter,” she reflected. Drawn by a desire for connection, Olivia sought a community that encouraged exploration and openness. “There’s such a wide assortment of people at Pace,” she said. “It pushes me to connect beyond what’s familiar.” That spirit of experimentation inspired...

Emma is a junior at VCU majoring in urban studies and homeland security. She was first introduced to Pace through Highland Support Project (HSP), a nonprofit that shares space with Pace. HSP offers service-learning trips for students centered on cultural exchange and community-building in the Highlands of Guatemala. “My first time at Pace,” Emma recalls, “was to attend an HSP trip meeting.” But Pace’s open, adaptable, and genuinely welcoming community kept her coming back. In other student...