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Rural Rams Roundup- September Newsletter

Sara Rafuse - Thursday, September 4, 2025
 General   Events 
rURAL RAMS ROUNDUP  SEPTEMBER, 2025
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Hey there, Rural Rams... 

This fall we are excited to welcome over 600 rural first-year students to the VCU campus. The class of 2029 is full of Rural Rams, yet starting college in a large urban environment like Richmond can feel like a big transition. That’s why we’re working to build a community where students from rural places can connect, share experiences, and support one another.

Within our monthly newsletter we look forward to sharing events and gatherings (like our Friday co-working meet-ups in Cabell), highlights from our rural community and allies, and resources for support. Speaking of support, did you know that the Campus Learning Center (CLC) offers 1-on-1 Academic Coaching? Coaching can cover anything from study strategies and time management to adjusting to urban life and navigating the hidden curriculum of college.

The Rural Rams community is all about belonging, resilience, and connection. You’re not alone here — more than 1,700 students at VCU graduated from rural high schools, and this community is here to help you thrive! 

\"Rooted

EVENT

Rooted & Ready: Rural Rams Co-Working Hour

\"Clock\" Friday, September 5
1:00pm - 2:00pm
\"Location Private Location (sign in to display)
Link
\"Calendar\" Add to Google Cal,Outlook,Yahoo,iCal

Looking for a space to connect with other rural students while also staying on top of your coursework? Join us for Rural Rams Co-Working Hour in the library!

This is a casual, drop-in time where you can get homework done before the weekend begins, meet and network with other students who share a rural background and build community and support with peers who “get it.”

You don’t have to come with a group — just bring your laptop, your to-do list, and yourself. All friends, allies, and supporters of the rural student community are welcome.
RSVP
\"Hollywood

EVENT

Hollywood Cemetery- Spooky Walk- Rural Rams

\"Clock\" Thursday, October 30
10:00am - 12:00pm
\"Location Private Location (sign in to display)
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Join us, if you dare, for a guided walk to and through Hollywood Cemetery! Fun attire welcome. We will depart from cabell library steps at 10am.
RSVP
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Undergraduate Student Spotlight: Emma Martinez

In my rural part of Virginia, we didn’t have many resources, and I had to figure out a good majority of college on my own. I was homeschooled, which left me somewhat isolated. Since we can’t walk to each other’s homes, it was hard to hang out with friends. Between working and school, having a social life was almost impossible. Unless you were already in school with people, it was difficult to connect.

Going into college with those challenges put a lot of stress on me until I finally acclimated. Living on campus was a complete 360 from what I was used to. I could see friends more often despite working, and I could walk everywhere. Over time, I grew to love the change!


Want to share YOUR rural story? Email: rafusese@vcu.edu to be featured in an upcoming newsletter! 

Rural Food for Thought:

📉 Just 1 in 4 young adults in rural America holds a bachelor’s degree.
Compare that to 44% in urban areas. 

The Condition of Education 2024 (NCES, 2024) report confirms what we’ve seen firsthand:

📍Rural students face unique barriers, including limited access to advanced coursework, broadband, advising, transportation, and economic opportunities.

📍And yet, they bring unparalleled resilience, strong community ties, and leadership potential that too often goes untapped. How can we connect you with opportunities to shine at VCU? Reach out rafusese@vcu.edu and/or join one of our upcoming events! 

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Our Pick of the Thrifts: The Clothes Rack! 

Our September pick of the thrifts is The Clothes Rack, a second-hand shop that uses its sales to support Junior League of Richmond community programming. Founded in 1947, The Clothes Rack sells men's and women's clothing, accessories, household items, furnishings, and more that are donated from the community. 

Hours: Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Location: 2618 West Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23220

Instagram: @theclothesrackva & @therollingrackva, TikTok: @theclothesrackva

More Events That Caught our Eye

Thursday, September 4
Start End   Event         Location
3:00pm 4:00pm Undeclared Commuter Connections Private Location (sign in to display)
Monday, September 8
6:00pm 7:35pm You First Trivia Night Private Location (sign in to display)
Monday, September 15
11:30am 1:00pm Come volunteer at Ram Pantry! Private Location (sign in to display)
Friday, September 19
10:00am 12:00pm Fall into New Routines: A Focus on Time Management with the Campus Learning Center Private Location (sign in to display)
Wednesday, September 24
12:00pm 3:00pm 2025 Majors & Minors Fair Private Location (sign in to display)
6:30pm 7:30pm You First @ VCU Student Org GBM! Private Location (sign in to display)
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Campus Blood Drive

Rrual Rams love to give back! Volunteer opportunities are the most requested activities we are asked to provide.

Karen L. Kirby, M.D., Senior Staff Physician at University Student Health Services (and fierce rural ally!) would like to share with the Rural Rams community that Student Health is sponsoring a Blood Drive on October 7 in the Siegel Center Lobby.

See the flyer for more detials. 

Thanks for making it to the end! If there's something rural-related you'd like us to share in the next newsletter, or if you'd like to share your own rural experience/background, please reach out: rafusese@vcu.edu