Team lead: Amy Gray Beck, Ph.D. (Ph.D.’19), executive director, Affinity Engagement and Philanthropy

• Affinity Engagement and Philanthropy jointly reports to Alumni Engagement and Primary Giving. 

How does this team fulfill the DAR mission?

• AEP Mission: “Creates deep and meaningful engagement and volunteer opportunities to foster belonging among VCU communities, while connecting them with philanthropic opportunities, individual and collective, to transform lives.”
• AEP Purpose: Drives affinity-led philanthropy practices throughout DAR, to help modernize giving at VCU by offering new, additive avenues to support the institution Specifically, AEP’s contributions extend DAR’s core values to “champion inclusivity” and “demonstrate tenacity,” by providing collective means to change how constituents see themselves as VCU supporters.

What does this team do?

• Combines data, feedback from  alumni and donors, and national research to inform modern stewardship practices.
• Supports and manages volunteer-led advisory organizations (e.g. VCU’s Women’s Impact Network)
• Provides training and resources on affinity-based alumni engagement and philanthropy best practices.
• Serves as DAR’s internal Appreciative Inquiry practitioners, offering guidance on strategically crafted community-driven work (e.g. focus groups, listening session, learning opportunities).

When should you contact this team?

• If you need assistance developing constituency-based programs or scholarships, or want guidance on implementing the Appreciative Inquiry methodological process.
• If you think you have a constituent interested in joining the VCU Black Alumni Council, VCU Military Veterans Alumni Association, Rams For Pride, the VCU Family Leadership Circle, or the VCU Women’s Impact Network
• If you have affinity engagement or philanthropy best practices to share.

Team lead: Latisha Smart, senior director, Alumni Career and Personal Development

How does this team fulfill the DAR mission?

• The Alumni Career and Personal Development team fulfills the mission of the Office of Development and Alumni Relations by creating meaningful connections that strengthen alumni engagement and foster lifelong relationships with VCU. Through initiatives like mentoring, career networking, and providing professional and personal development, the team supports alumni in their professional growth while deepening their connection to the university.

What does this team do?

• Engage alumni at every stage of their career journey by providing career-related resources, tools and personalized support for both professional and personal development.
  
• Plan and host career and personal development events that help alumni feel supported, empowered and connected to the university long after graduation.
  
• Oversee recruitment, outreach and management of VCU Link, the university’s online networking and mentoring platform, which features tools like alumni search, messaging, Ask Anything, an exclusive job board, and formal mentorship programs between alumni and students or peers.
  
• Serve as staff liaison for the Black Alumni Council Mentoring Circle, a yearlong mentorship initiative connecting students with alumni through VCU Link. Responsibilities include recruitment, outreach, mentor/mentee matching, platform oversight and support for the group’s events and programming.
  
• Manage VCU Alumni’s Virtual Book Club, which supports lifelong learning and personal growth through curated book selections and online discussions that foster connection and community among alumni.
  
• Oversee the Alumni-owned Business Directory, promoting entrepreneurship and VCU pride by helping alumni business owners showcase their ventures and connect with the broader community.
  
• Serve as the alumni team’s liaison to VCU Career Services, ensuring alignment in support and resources between alumni and student-facing career initiatives.
  
• Lead the recruitment and database management of alumni career coaches, expanding opportunities for alumni-to-alumni career guidance and support.
  
• Manage alumni access to Online Journals, providing limited access to select academic and business publications to support professional growth and lifelong learning.

When should you contact this team?

• If you’re planning programs that would benefit from alumni career expertise, mentorship or professional development support.
  
• If you’re seeking ways to incorporate guest speakers into your career-related events or initiatives.
  
• If you’re promoting career resources and want to introduce alumni or students to VCU Link.
  
• If you’re interested in collaborating on programs related to personal or professional growth, such as webinars, workshops or book club discussions.
  
• If you’re looking to support alumni entrepreneurs or highlight alumni-owned businesses in your programming.

Team lead: Ashley Burton, (M.S.’23) executive director, DAR Signature Events

• DAR Signature Events jointly reports to Alumni Engagement and Strategic Marketing and Engagement. 

How does this team fulfill the DAR mission?

• Using constituent data and industry best practices, this team creates and implements strategic, meaningful in-person and virtual experiences for VCU constituencies that result in increased engagement and giving and foster an ongoing culture of philanthropy.
• Reports jointly to the AVP, Strategic Marketing and Engagement, and the AVP, Alumni Relations.

What does this team do?

• Sets a strategic vision and oversees, plans and measures events, including reunions, homecoming, alumni recognition programs, universitywide stewardship events and more.
• Produces events that showcase the achievements of alumni, donors, students, patients and employees; elevate the university’s national and international prominence; and inspire engagement and giving.

When should you contact this team?

• If you need advice, vision or assistance for major universitywide events or recognition programs.
• If you need assistance planning reunion, alumni award, investiture or scholarship events.

Team lead: Sara Ramkey (B.S.‘23), director, alumni and student engagement

How does this team fulfill the DAR mission?

The Volunteer, Alumni and Student Engagement team advances the mission of the Office of Development and Alumni Relations by creating inclusive, meaningful experiences that inspire lifelong relationships with VCU. Through staff-driven programming and a volunteer-centric constituent organization model, the team empowers alumni, students, families and regional communities to engage deeply at every stage of their connection to the university. Initiatives include volunteer alumni programs, regional alumni engagement, student engagement, student-to-alumni transitions, recent graduate engagement, and family and general programs.

By fostering authentic relationships and encouraging student philanthropy, the team builds a strong foundation for future support and strengthens the bridge between VCU and its stakeholders. In partnership with colleges, schools and programs across the university, the team contributes to a vibrant culture of engagement rooted in collaboration, community and shared purpose.

What does this team do?

• Engage students early in their VCU journey to build awareness of alumni resources and foster a strong culture of giving through student philanthropy initiatives.
• Host events and plan initiatives that engage graduating students before they leave VCU, introducing them to alumni resources and helping them begin their lifelong connection to the alumni community.
• Provide targeted engagement opportunities for recent graduates through dedicated programs and the support of a Recent Graduate Council that offers volunteer opportunities and program development.
• Offer meaningful alumni volunteer opportunities that align with individual interests and passions, fostering deeper connections between alumni and the areas of the university that matter most to them.
• Provide opportunities to engage alumni locally and regionally in experiences and events to increase affinity, connection and engagement back to VCU regardless of their geographical location.
• Support and guide the VCU Alumni Council in its efforts to expand alumni engagement and volunteer opportunities, working closely with DAR staff, campus partners and alumni leaders to enhance the value and visibility of alumni services.
• Plan inclusive alumni events open to all graduates, along with tailored family programs designed to engage alumni who are parents or caregivers and strengthen their connection to the VCU community.

When should you contact this team?

• If you’re planning programs that would benefit from student or alumni involvement and want to explore collaborative engagement opportunities.
• If you’re seeking ways to include alumni volunteers in your programs, events or advisory efforts.
• If you’re engaging recent graduates and want to connect them to the Recent Graduate Council or other tailored initiatives.
• If you’re organizing regionally based or identity- and interest-driven programming and want to collaborate with alumni chapters or constituent organizations.
• If you would like to connect with the VCU Alumni Council.
• If you would like to offer family-friendly programming or broaden access to general alumni events.