2013

Alumni Stars

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V I R G I N I A C O M M O N W E A L T H U N I V E R S I T Y
 Emcee
Aaron R. Gilchrist Jr. (B.S. ’03/MC),
morning news anchor, NBC4, Washington, D.C.

Cocktails and dinner buffet

Musical Performance
Theatre VCU

Remarks
2013

Stars
Alumni
Michael Rao, Ph.D., president of VCU and the VCU Health System
W. Baxter Perkinson Jr., D.D.S. (D.D.S. ’70/D), president of VCU Alumni

2013 Alumni Stars

in order of appearance

Sainath R. Iyer Stephen W. Harms

School of World Studies School of Social Work

Recognizing alumni success S. Dallas Dance Raymond A. Dionne

School of Education School of Medicine
Throughout the worlds of art, business, education, service
and health care, Virginia Commonwealth University alumni
reflect the brilliance of the university. Their knowledge and Susan M. Learned Jane G. Watkins
School of Pharmacy School of Business
experience shine in all areas of human endeavor, illumi-
nating problems, creating solutions and strengthening the
Joseph F. Damico Oscar L. Martin Jr.
quality of our lives.
L. Douglas Wilder School of Government School of Engineering
and Public Affairs
VCU Alumni invites you to join us in recognizing these
Josephine L. Hargis
alumni for their achievements and the infinite possibilities
Julian C. Metts Jr. School of Nursing
they bring to the future. School of Dentistry
Tonya S. Mallory
Angela T. Bacskocky College of Humanities and Sciences
School of the Arts
Jesse Vaughan
Arthur W. Layne School of Mass Communications
School of Allied Health Professions
 Sainath R. Iyer S. Dallas Dance, Ph.D.
2012 Bachelor of Science
School of Mass Communications 2002 Master of Education • 2007 Doctor of Philosophy
2012 Bachelor of Arts School of Education
School of World Studies

Sainath R. Iyer arrived in Richmond from Fairfax, Va., in When Baltimore County Public Schools hired S. Dallas Dance as
August 2008, with a suitcase and a plan to help then-presi- superintendent, the district hadn’t tapped a person his age for the
dential nominee Barack Obama win the presidency. He left the position in half a century. At 30, Dance was only five years removed
city with a stint as an intern at the White House, experience as a from earning his doctorate focused on educational leadership from
national co-chair of Obama’s 2012 campaign and two bachelor’s Virginia Commonwealth University, which led some to question
degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University. whether he had the experience to lead the 26th-largest school dis-
The 23-year-old son of Indian immigrants graduated in 2012 trict in the country. But it didn’t take long to put those questions
with degrees in mass communications and international studies. to rest.
His passion for public service took him to Detroit, where he serves Under Dance’s leadership, team BCPS has taken significant steps
in the Teach for America corps as an instructor at a chronically forward. Frequent, open and transparent dialogue has become a
low-achieving high school. hallmark of his administration and contributed greatly to the devel-
Iyer credits VCU for cultivating his interest in helping others. opment of Blueprint 2.0, the school system’s newly created five-year
“My education at VCU was not just academic in nature but strategic plan. The plan is based on the new Theory of Action,
was an education of the whole student,” he says. “I learned a great which Dance shared at the inaugural State of the Schools event
deal but, more importantly, through experience, challenges and in May 2013. The Theory of Action states that, to achieve the school
relationships, became a better person committed to improving system’s goal of ensuring that all students graduate globally com-
the welfare of others, particularly those who are most vulnerable petitive, BCPS must create equitable, effective digital-learning
in our society.” environments and provide all students with opportunities to develop
The path wasn’t without obstacles for Iyer, who says that two of proficiency in a second language.
his most influential experiences at VCU were actually failures — Of course, communication has never been a problem for Dance.
“My education at VCU first, a 2.5 GPA his first semester that spurred him to improve to By using social media and keeping a constant eye on his email, he “Once they made me

a 3.85 GPA by the time he graduated. Second, a pre-law adviser responds to faculty and staff, as well as the community, quickly and assistant principal, I never
was not just academic in who told him that his first-semester transcript would make it effectively, all of which frees him up from behind his desk to visit
nature, but was an difficult for him to land at a top law school. classrooms and meet with students and teachers. In fact, he even looked back. It was always
Iyer vowed to prove his adviser wrong. He improved his aca- teaches a series of high school English classes at BCPS, which was
education of the whole demic performance, served in leadership roles within several something he started doing right out of college as a member of the about making a bigger
student.” student organizations, volunteered in the community and bolstered Highland Springs High School faculty in Henrico County, Va. impact on young people.”
his language proficiency to include Arabic, Tamil and Spanish. From there, he moved up the ranks to assistant principal at the
The fall of his senior year, Iyer netted an internship in the high school and then principal at Brookland Middle School in the
White House’s Office of Management and Administration. Later, same county before moving on to become assistant superintendent
he became the only person younger than 30 tapped to serve as for Louisa County Public Schools. After working for Chesterfield
one of 35 national co-chairs on Obama’s campaign. His fellow County Public Schools as the director of school improvement and
co-chairs were mostly governors, Obama friends and Hollywood instructional support, Dance became chief school officer in the
celebrities. Houston Independent School District before accepting his current
Iyer still has dreams to follow and major goals to tackle including position, and each stop, he says, has contributed to the vision
those he was told might be difficult to achieve. This fall, he is he brings to BCPS as its new superintendent.
applying to a dual-degree Master of Public Policy/Juris Doctor “Once they made me assistant principal, I never looked back,”
program at a top law and graduate school. He is also a candidate Dance told Baltimore magazine in July 2013. “As a teacher, I worked
for a Fulbright scholarship and a Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship. with 150 kids. As an assistant principal, I worked with about 600
“I think my experience at VCU has been critical to my success,” kids. As a principal, I worked with 1,200 kids. It was always about
he says. “It has been significant in orienting my trajectory toward making a bigger impact on young people.”
caring about public service.”

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 Susan M. Learned, Pharm.D., Ph.D., M.D. Joseph F. Damico
1997 Master of Public Administration
1997 Doctor of Pharmacy • 1997 Doctor of Philosophy L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs
School of Pharmacy
2000 Master of Science in Health Administration
School of Allied Health Professions

While studying to earn her Doctor of Pharmacy degree and Joseph F. Damico always realized what continuing his education
Ph.D. at Virginia Commonwealth University, Susan M. Learned could do for his career. The key rested in finding the university
remembers thinking she’d never finish the course work required that could take him where he wanted to go.
before she could really dig into her research. That’s because stu- “I made a strategic decision early in my career to select
dents focusing on clinical pharmacology had to take not only all Virginia Commonwealth University as the institution to help
of the mandatory courses for the Department of Pharmacy and me achieve my career goals,” Damico says. “I believe the pro-
Pharmaceutics but also those required for the Department of grams I’ve graduated from, coupled with VCU’s outstanding
Pharmacology and Toxicology in the School of Medicine. academic reputation, have significantly influenced my success.”
She soon realized, however, thanks to her adviser, Jurgen Before enrolling in the Master of Public Administration program
Venitz, M.D., Ph.D., professor and vice chairman of the Department in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutics, that the extra training would Affairs, Damico worked as a purchasing manager in what is
benefit her in the long run. She calls choosing Venitz as her now called the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and
graduate student adviser the smartest choice she made in her Developmental Services. After earning his M.P.A. and, later, his
career. Master of Science in Health Administration from the VCU School
“The education and mentorship I received under Jurgen’s of Allied Health Professions, Damico found opportunities to
direction was by far the most influential in providing for me embrace more responsibility.
the professional and leadership opportunities I have subsequently Now, as deputy director of the state’s Department of General
benefited from,” Learned says. Services, he oversees budget development and procurement
At the first position she accepted out of graduate school as a services, manages department resources and even serves as a
clinical pharmacokineticist at what is now GlaxoSmithKline, liaison for members of the General Assembly and legislative
“The education and Learned found she could immediately contribute outside of her committees. “I believe the programs
area of expertise. “As soon as I completed my M.P.A., I was immediately selected
mentorship I received under “I could actively engage in development discussions, formula- for a senior management position within my organization, which
I’ve graduated from,
Jurgen [Venitz]’s direction tion design and challenges, clinical development, and toxicology,” then led to the executive-level position I hold today. I’m confident coupled with VCU’s
she says. “It is because of this breadth of education and experi- the M.P.A. degree enabled me to compete for and be successful
was by far the most ence that I was soon given opportunities to lead multidisciplinary in filling an executive-level position,” Damico says. “And, more outstanding academic
influential in providing project teams.” importantly, I believe the value of my degree was exponentially
Those experiences exposed her work to senior stakeholders elevated because it was earned at VCU.”
reputation, have
for me the professional and and soon opened opportunities to lead clinical divisions within But for Damico, the benefits of an education earned at VCU don’t significantly influenced
the company. Throughout her career, Learned has headed teams rest solely with credentials. By participating in the Commonwealth
leadership opportunities devoted to discovery and development of pharmaceuticals for a Management Institute and the Virginia Executive Institute, both my success.”
I have subsequently range of treatments in the fields of neurosciences, oncology and coordinated through VCU, Damico was able to network with other
dermatology. She has also worked as head of scientific licensing senior and executive managers in the public sector. Similarly,
benefited from.” as part of GSK’s worldwide business development organization. by staying active as chair of the M.P.A. program’s advisory
In 2010, Learned accepted an assignment to spearhead and grow council, Damico says he can further network with public- and
a clinical development arm of GSK in Shanghai. private-sector leaders as well as identify students and recent
With each opportunity she’s had to lead, Learned says she’s graduates who might be good fits for his department.
tried to instill not only a love for the work, but a culture con- Above all, he says, what he’s developed through each of these
ducive to professional growth and success. In fact, many of her roles, and particularly through his education at VCU, is a per-
staff, as well as the students she has mentored, have gone on to sonal approach to his work that exudes energy and positivity
lead their own teams. Still, she adds, it’s just as important to without sacrificing expectation, enjoyment or gratitude.
take the time to have fun and celebrate with colleagues — some-
thing she’s valued since her time at VCU.
“I’m someone who strongly believes that celebrating success
(both small and large) brings teams together and helps to ‘gel’
people who may not otherwise find common ground,” she says.
“By taking time to celebrate small successes, we keep motivation
elevated and ensure a highly functional team atmosphere.”

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 Julian C. Metts Jr., D.D.S. Angela T. Bacskocky
1963 Doctor of Dental Surgery • 1965 Residency in Orthodontics 2009 Bachelor of Fine Arts
School of Dentistry School of the Arts

As a young man, Julian C. Metts Jr. prayed that he would find Just four years into her career as a fashion designer, Angela
a job that would allow him to make a difference. After graduating T. Bacskocky has followed a global path to fruition and notori-
from Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Dentistry, ety. Her fashions have ventured from displays and shows in her
he found that opportunity in a private practice, located in hometown of Richmond, Va., to France, London and Australia as
Bon Air and then Midlothian, Va., where he served the needs well as onto newsstands and TV screens worldwide.
of adults and children for more than 40 years. But in 1991, fol- In 2011, Bacskocky launched an eponymous fashion business
lowing a trip to Guyana, his prayers were answered on an even including a full line of apparel and accessories that appears on
grander scale. runways and retail racks. Her designs have gained notice from
As a dedicated member of the South Richmond Rotary Club, authorities such as Refinery 29 and Martha Stewart and have
Metts traveled to Guyana as part of a five-member fact-finding appeared in publications ranging from local magazines to Teen
mission aimed at assessing the country’s health care system. Vogue and Entertainment Weekly. In 2013, she joined “Project
During its journey, the group discovered innumerable ill or dying Runway” as a cast member for season 12.
children desperate for medical attention. On the trip home, Metts It comes as no surprise that her work draws international
remembers being deeply disturbed by what he had witnessed. attention, as it culminates from education and experiences gleaned
“I caught myself praying, ‘Lord, please do not bring me back worldwide. Bacskocky’s skills cover all aspects of fashion design —
here again,’” he says. from trendspotting, research and styling to draping, pattern-
But once home, Metts became consumed by thoughts of those making, couture garment construction and tailoring as well as
countless children. Helping them became his life’s focus. technical design and illustration.
Over the next eight years, Metts worked as part of an effort While studying at Virginia Commonwealth University,
that brought a few children per year back to Richmond, Va., Bacskocky enjoyed the breadth of classes available, allowing her
“We felt we had established where they received medical attention. He then helped to create talents to develop and expand. “There’s an innate fear of
a travelling dental practice out of a passenger bus that was shipped “The departments, especially in the arts, encourage cross-
a track record … to create a to Guyana, where it provided dental care. disciplinary studies,” she says, “and if you’re eager to learn as not being able to make
hospital dedicated to the care For Metts, these efforts simply weren’t enough to satisfy his many different skills as you can, they’ve got the world to offer a living in the arts, or
conscience. In 1999, he founded the International Hospital for you.”
of these children, those com- Children, a “virtual hospital” that provides medical and surgical She also capitalized on every opportunity to travel and study having to sacrifice your
pletely innocent and treatment through a network of volunteers throughout the region. at other institutions abroad. In 2006, she crossed the globe
greater vision in order
“We felt we had established a track record and, most impor- to England, where she participated in an Artists and Writers
at great risk for any hope tantly for me personally, that the Lord clearly was speaking to Workshop at Glasgow School of Art. In 2007-08, she visited La to be profitable. I feel
me to press forward, in business parlance ‘to take it to the next Rochelle, France, where she immersed herself in an intensive
of normal lives.” level,’” he says, “to create a hospital dedicated to the care of these language program at Institut d’Etudes Françaises, and visited like I’m accomplishing
children, those completely innocent and at great risk for any Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London,
hope of normal lives.” where she studied menswear fashion design. Amid her travels,
both — delivering a
Metts teamed up with friend and local pediatrician, Frederick she held internships at Felder Felder, as a design assistant, and marketable product
Rahal, M.D. (B.S. ‘53/P; M.D. ‘59/M; H.S. ‘62/M), to raise more Alexander McQueen, where she produced designs that later
than $200,000 for adding executive leadership to IHC’s efforts. appeared at Paris Fashion Week. To paraphrase Tim Gunn, and uncompromised
While continuing his private practice, Metts spent every spare fashion mentor from “Project Runway,” Bacskocky is making artistic expression.”
moment advancing the organization’s support and agenda. Today it work.
the organization, known as the World Pediatric Project, contin- “There’s an innate fear of not being able to make a living in
ues to serve children throughout Central and South America, the arts, or having to sacrifice your greater vision in order to
as well as in the Eastern Caribbean. In the past decade, the be profitable,” she says. “I feel like I’m accomplishing both —
project has grown from impacting several hundred to several delivering a marketable product and uncompromised artistic
thousand children per year, totaling more than 50,000, with expression.”
5,000 surgeries, since its inception. One such success story was
the landmark 2011 surgery of conjoined twins, Maria and Teresa
Tapia of the Dominican Republic, who were born connected at
the chest and abdomen. The twins were separated successfully
at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU and were given
a clean bill of health in 2012.

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 Arthur W. Layne Stephen W. Harms
1972 Bachelor of Science
College of Humanities and Sciences 1982 Master of Social Work
1976 Master of Health Administration School of Social Work
School of Allied Health Professions

Arthur W. Layne sat in his office in the A.D. Williams Memorial The career of Stephen W. Harms exemplifies the limitless pos-
Clinic Building on the MCV Campus when he found out he’d been sibilities for macro-level social work. Beginning with the first
accepted into the Master of Health Administration program in master’s-level position with the Virginia General Assembly’s
the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Allied Health Joint Audit and Legislative Review Commission, to deputy posi-
Professions. And even though he was already working in a hospital tions for two state governors and a deputy chief administrative
setting and had developed a base of knowledge, he says his heart officer position for the city of Richmond, Va., his successes affect
started to race. change through social policy and administration.
“I knew then that my life and career would be changed forever, “His career serves as a paramount example for anyone enter-
and it was,” he says. ing social work with the goal of making the largest possible
Layne immediately distinguished himself in the program, impact,” says Robert Schneider, Ph.D., emeritus faculty member
being elected class president and earning the Charles P. Caldwell in the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work.
Leadership Award in 1976. And, like most students in the M.H.A. Prior to earning his M.S.W., Harms served as a family case
program can attest, Layne says the hands-on experience he worker, counselor and psychiatric aide. It was at that time that
gained as a student (and in his professional work before enroll- two of his professors, Schneider and Charles Bernard “Bernie”
ing) truly left an indelible mark. Scotch, Ph.D., recommended he make an impact through policy
“That foundation and my administrative residency taught me and administration. The two propelled Harms into a position
that every individual can impact patient care and satisfaction,” with Virginia’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission,
he says. ultimately leading to a 30-year career in macro-level work.
After leaving Richmond, Va., Layne went on to work as an “VCU’s School of Social Work launched my career in public
administrator at hospitals in North Carolina, South Carolina, service,” Harms says. “The vision and mentoring of two extraor-
“I learned many years ago Texas and Arizona, where he now works as president of Intellimed dinary professors, Drs. Scotch and Schneider, opened the door for “VCU’s School of Social Work
International Corp. The company provides strategic planning data me to serve as a social worker in nontraditional settings.”
that my health care legacy and marketing solutions to help health care providers better under- As an analyst, Harms proved his eye for detail by evaluating
launched my career in public
would be the people who
stand their service area and competitors. When asked what he agency programs and identifying methods for improving ser- service.”
does at work, Layne replies that he “mostly gets paid to go visit vices and efficiencies to reduce costs. The results of his efforts
I mentored. Helping others his friends.” Layne provides students and faculty in the School netted him a position as a legislative fiscal analyst for the Senate
of Allied Health Professions access to Intellimed data to use in Finance Committee of the Virginia General Assembly, where he
reach their potential is class projects, dissertations and scholarly publications. helped to establish state budget priorities and policy goals. Then,
He also spends one week each year mentoring students and in 2002, he signed on with the office of the governor, serving
a special kind of reward.” working with faculty in the M.H.A. program as an Executive in first as deputy secretary of health and human resources, then as
Residence. Throughout the year, he is contacted by students and deputy secretary of finance and finally as deputy chief of staff,
alumni when they need access to data, a market analysis or help advising the governor and secretaries on policies and budgets in
in a job search. human services and finance, and overseeing agency and program
It’s this connection to his alma mater that remains the high- administration.
light of his job, he says, because he gets to share his experiences In January 2013, Mayor Dwight C. Jones called upon Harms
with those who will go out and make a difference of their own. to serve as interim deputy chief administrative officer for the
“I learned many years ago that my health care legacy would be human services division of the city of Richmond. He accepted
the people who I mentored,” he says. “Helping others reach their and currently assists the mayor and chief administrative officer
potential is a special kind of reward.” in overseeing the operation of city departments providing human
services.
Ultimately, Harms credits his mother, Alice Harms, who
served as a local elected official, for inspiring his career in public
service, and his wife and children for their patience and support.

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 Raymond A. Dionne, D.D.S., Ph.D. Jane G. Watkins
1980 Doctor of Philosophy 1975 Bachelor of Science
School of Medicine School of Business

A unique program and a strong professional network drew Twice in her life, Jane G. Watkins found inspiration and a
Raymond A. Dionne to Virginia Commonwealth University. new sense of direction in places bearing the initials VCU. From
Previously enrolled in a pharmacology program at Georgetown her days as a Virginia Commonwealth University freshman to
University, his research involved evaluating new anticonvulsants her current post as CEO for the Virginia Credit Union, Watkins
and analgesic drugs in rodent models. Unfortunately, progress blazed a trail for businesswomen, as an accountant to an
proved slow and the link to critical care seemed remote. Dionne, executive leader, at a time when she says women were not as
who also worked part time as a dentist, considered giving up welcome in her chosen field as they are today.
his research career. “In the 1970s, there weren’t very many women in accounting
“I was having trouble finding the right balance between doing and virtually no female executives,” Watkins says. “When one
research that was intellectually fulfilling and relevant to clinical of my professors pulled me aside and encouraged me to pursue
practice,” he says. accounting, honestly, it had never even crossed my mind as an
His clinical experiences demonstrated just how many patients option. That one conversation changed my life.”
were afraid to go to a dentist. Dionne hoped to develop a scien- Following graduation, Watkins landed a position as a staff
tific basis for safely using drugs for pain and anxiety in dentistry auditor with an area firm, then went on to become a financial
by conducting clinical pharmacology studies. There was just one analyst and an accounting manager. As a child, she learned the
problem. basis of great leadership and humility from her father, William
“I could not find anyone in my small circle of dental and phar- J. Gouldin Sr., who owned the Richmond, Va.-based flower shop
macology colleagues who appreciated this need or knew of anyone Strange’s Florist. In busy times — despite his position as owner —
doing such research,” he says. Gouldin swept floors, delivered lunches and did whatever it
Enter VCU and its far-reaching connections. Dionne read took to employ the same sense of service toward his employees
“I will always be very in Science magazine about a new training program at VCU. He that his business provided for its customers. In 1982, just seven “When one of my professors
brought this to the attention of his mentor, Joanne Nuite, Ph.D. years into her career, Watkins says she found a similar work
grateful for the opportunity “She said that she would ‘call Bill and get some more infor- environment at the Virginia Credit Union. Her discovery led to
pulled me aside and
that the faculty and VCU mation,’” Dionne says. “Imagine my surprise that she knew Dr. her finding a home there for more than 30 years. encouraged me to pursue
William Dewey [VCU faculty member] from their days at UNC.” Between 1982 and 2000, Watkins climbed the ranks from
provided for me that led Dionne enrolled in a postdoctoral fellowship program at VCU, accounting manager to president and CEO at the Virginia accounting, honestly, it
to a fulfilling career as which led to entry into the Ph.D. program in the Department of Credit Union. Along the way, she built a network of professional had never even crossed
Pharmacology and Toxicology. There, he benefited from the guid- affiliations spanning from board memberships in local groups
a clinical pharmacologist.” ance of Dewey, now the department chair, and faculty members and societies, to leadership roles among national committees my mind as an option.
Robert L. Balster, Ph.D., and Louis S. Harris, Ph.D. and organizations. Her efforts have garnered a number of awards,
“The support and wisdom of Drs. Dewey, Balster and Harris including the YWCA Outstanding Women award for business That one conversation
at that pivotal point in my career was essential for the opportu- in 2009, Virginia Credit Union League’s Eugene H. Farley Jr. changed my life.”
nity to pursue the scientific road less-traveled and sustain my Award of Excellence in 2010 and Virginia Council on Economic
enthusiasm for translating unmet therapeutic needs into scien- Education’s J. Curtis Hall Award in 2011. In 2013, she was
tific inquiry that eventually informs and often results in changes inducted into the Virginia Career and Technical Education Hall
in clinical practice,” Dionne says. of Fame.
After receiving his degree, Dionne joined the National Institutes Watkins, current president of the VCU Foundation and member
of Health, where he conducted clinical and translational studies as of the VCU Real Estate Foundation, cites her husband of 25 years,
a tenured investigator in the Intramural Research Program Tscharner, and her two sons, Ried and Mason, for keeping
for 34 years. He now teaches at East Carolina University’s her grounded throughout her success and for their ongoing support
Brody School of Medicine and School of Dental Medicine. of her career.
“I will always be very grateful for the opportunity that the
faculty and VCU provided for me that led to a fulfilling career as
a clinical pharmacologist,” Dionne says. “I attribute this largely
to the professional judgment and character of Drs. Dewey, Balster
and Harris in taking a gamble on a naïve but well-intentioned
young professional.”

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 Oscar L. Martin Jr., Ph.D. Josephine L. Hargis
2009 Doctor of Philosophy 1955 Bachelor of Science
School of Engineering School of Nursing

When he was named one of Style Weekly’s “Top 40 Under 40” When Josephine L. Hargis was 8 years old, she created a scrap-
in 2012, Oscar L. Martin Jr. said he always wanted to be a college book that documented her experiences serving and helping people
professor. It just took a little while to find a way to fit teaching in need. More than 70 years later, she could fill volumes.
into his life and job at DuPont Teijin Films, where he leads an Throughout her life and career, Hargis has distinguished herself
organization that develops innovative film products for compa- as a scholar and as a tireless advocate for the betterment of nursing
nies such as 3M Co., Sara Lee Corp. and H.J. Heinz Co. and patient care. Her numerous degrees and 40-year career as a
About the time he was finishing his Ph.D. degree at the nurse and director stand as an example established through
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering, Martin steadfastness and a deep sense of purpose.
started teaching through online instruction, as it was something Hargis attended Virginia Union University from 1949-1951.
he could fit into his schedule and do from home. She then completed a B.S. in Nursing degree from the St. Philip
From there, he launched his own Web-based education company, School of Nursing at the Medical College of Virginia in 1955
[Link], which has grown from a modest three-course and went on to earn an M.A. in Guidance and Counseling from
offering at its founding in 2009 to nearly 300 courses and webinars Hampton Institute, an M.S. in Adult Psychiatric Nursing from
today focusing on subjects such as polymer science, quality control, the University of Maryland and two certificates in nursing admin-
supply chain management, water treatment and innovation, with istration from the American Nurses Association.
programs in business management, information technology, fun- From 1954 to her retirement in 1994, Hargis’ career included
damental science and engineering, and quality and regulatory positions from staff nurse to instructor to supervisor. She
affairs. was the first African-American clinical nurse specialist at the
Courses are geared to accommodate science and engineering Virginia Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation.
professionals, which Martin was when he started the site, looking Her 20-plus years at Eastern State Hospital in Williamsburg, Va.,
“My VCU education was to self-educate at their own pace and advance their careers. Martin stand among her most notable accomplishments. There, as the “My career in nursing
has also used the site to launch a scholarship program for minority first minority director of nursing, she is credited with transform-
top-notch and exposed me to a students interested in pursuing careers in technology and ing patient care for geriatric and adult psychiatric patients from
grew over 40 years
diverse set of classmates, engineering. a mode of containment to holistic care. According to her peers, of diligent, dedicated
“For me, I wanted to help the next generation of scientists Hargis did so by spearheading a complete reorganization, improv-
professors and research and engineers reach their education goals,” he says. ing hiring practices and providing ongoing staff education. practice and advanced
professionals. It also exposed Martin’s start in engineering came as a student at the University
of Alabama and then at the University of Tennessee, after which
“My career in nursing grew over 40 years of diligent, dedicated
practice and advanced education,” she says. “I have consistently
education.”
me to cutting-edge research, he went to work in the field for many years before continuing his shared my knowledge in the clinical area and in my community to
education at VCU. help others to improve their skills and/or their health in general.”
laboratory facilities and Now, as chief innovation officer for DuPont Teijin Films, Martin Committed to her profession, Hargis held memberships as well
technical writing. I’m very oversees new product and market development for the U.S., and as committee and board positions with numerous organizations
his team recently was awarded the American Chemical Society over the years, including as a board member for American Nurses
proud of my VCU experience.” Team Innovation Award for its launch of the Mylar COOK Association’s Virginia Nurses Association District 10, on the advi-
ovenable pouch. He is also the current president of the VCU sory council for American Journal of Nursing and on the board of
School of Engineering Alumni Board. directors for American Cancer Society’s Williamsburg unit.
“My VCU education was top-notch and exposed me to a diverse Hargis credits her mother with teaching her the importance
set of classmates, professors and research professionals,” Martin of serving others, an aunt who drew her into nursing and her
says. “It also exposed me to cutting-edge research, laboratory facil- immense faith for inspiring her career. In her retirement, she con-
ities and technical writing. I’m very proud of my VCU experience.” tinues to serve through volunteer work.

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 Tonya S. Mallory Jesse Vaughan
1988 Bachelor of Science • 1989 Master of Science 1980 Bachelor of Science
College of Humanities and Sciences School of Mass Communications

Under Tonya S. Mallory’s entrepreneurial guidance, what Jesse Vaughan’s career as an award-winning director spans
was once a small startup company with 11 employees in down- back to his freshman year at Virginia Commonwealth University,
town Richmond, Va., has expanded to more than 750 employees when he landed a position as a part-time cameraman for a local
today and stands at the forefront of diagnostic care. TV station. Under the mentorship of Ted White, professor in the
Mallory, a two-time Virginia Commonwealth University gradu- School of Mass Communications, Vaughan then directed a local
ate, launched Health Diagnostic Laboratory Inc. in 2008, in the news production and his first TV show at the age of 19, before
Virginia BioTechnology Research Park. The disease-manage- launching a string of career accomplishments that culminated in
ment company began serving patients in November 2009 and 21 Emmy Awards stemming from 36 nominations.
provides diagnostic testing and services that help physicians “The School of Mass Communications instilled within me the
improve their patients’ treatment though a personalized health idea that knowledge can never be taken away from you and, with
plan. The company’s tests provide early detection of risk factors that knowledge, you have the foundation to succeed,” he says.
in the areas of cardiovascular disease, heart failure, stroke, dia- Following his graduation from VCU in 1980 — and with nine
betes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and fatty liver disease. nationally syndicated educational documentaries under his belt —
As an undergraduate in the VCU College of Humanities and NBC picked up on Vaughan in 1981. The network quickly signed
Sciences, Mallory fully intended to attend medical school after the director to a decade-long commitment to work on programs
graduating, but “made a decision to change that idea the spring including “The Jesse Jackson Show,” the “Today Show,” “Meet
of my senior year,” she says. the Press” and President Ronald Reagan’s State of the Union
Instead, she earned a master’s degree in forensic science in addresses.
1989. Mallory attended classes from noon to 10 p.m. (Financing While directing NBC Sports’ coverage of the Summer Olympics
college herself, she worked from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.) She went on in Barcelona, Spain, and the IAAF World Championships in
“The desire to be helpful to a career in diagnostic laboratory science that spanned more Athletics in Tokyo, Vaughan collaborated with premier artists “The School of Mass
than 20 years. including Elton John, Tina Turner, Will Smith, Anita Baker
in the field of medicine Before co-founding HDL and becoming its president and and Rod Stewart. Following his tenure at NBC, he directed
Communications instilled
has been influential CEO, Mallory worked for in vitro device manufacturer Wako season five of the sketch comedy series “In Living Color,” with within me the idea that
Diagnostics and gained extensive proficiency as a health care talents such as Jim Carrey and Jamie Foxx, before shifting his
on most of my life.” regulatory consultant for domestic and international compa- efforts toward the realm of music documentaries and videos. knowledge can never be
nies. It is through watching changes in the laboratory and the Amid an eight-year stint as a freelancer, he directed videos taken away from you
general health care industry that she realized that good out- for MTV Networks, including groups and artists such as ’N Sync,
comes come from participatory, personalized and preventive Eric Benet, Master P and SWV. In 2002, he directed his first and, with that knowledge,
medicine. Her knowledge and experience translated into HDL feature film, “Juwanna Mann,” for Warner Bros./Morgan Creek
and cemented the company’s mission to provide early detection of Productions.
you have the foundation
risk factors for various diseases. Known as a passionate creator who possesses a strong work to succeed.”
“The desire to be helpful in the field of medicine has been influ- ethic and a willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job
ential on most of my life,” she says. done right, Vaughan credits Martin Luther King Jr.’s “What is
Mallory, the recipient of numerous accolades and awards — Your Life’s Blueprint” speech and his mother, Rachel Vaughan,
including the Ernst & Young 2012 National Entrepreneur of the who stressed the importance of higher education, for inspiring
Year — extends that help beyond the health care field and to her his lifelong successes. He donated his time to film and direct
alma mater. She has served on the boards of the School of Business the VCU “Invest in Me” spot for his alma mater, winning a
Foundation and the MCV Foundation. And in March 2013, HDL regional Emmy Award in 2013 for his efforts. Vaughan is
agreed to a $4 million partnership to support the VCU Department currently directing the motion picture “The Last Punch,” a
of Intercollegiate Athletics and its future capital projects, including film about Muhammad Ali’s last fight, and serves as special
the HDL Inc. Athletic Village. assistant to the president of Virginia State University in
“The HDL and VCU partnership goes beyond just the funding of Petersburg, Va.
a premier athletic facility,” Mallory says. “By the promotion of our
company within VCU, it is our hope that we keep math and science
jobs in Virginia — and hopefully here in Richmond at HDL.”

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 Alumni Stars  Alumni Stars 
1989-1994 1995-2001

1989 Peggy C. Adams 1992 Richard D. Barnes, D.D.S. 1995 Anne C. Adams, D.D.S. 1999 Ralph L. Anderson, D.D.S.
Wyndham Blanton Jr., M.D.* Maurice Beane John O. Beckner Susan M. Carlton, Ph.D.
William C. Bosher Jr., Ed.D. Don Beville David Lee Cochran, Ph.D. Melissa A. Davis
Sarah Cooke* James W. Bynum, Ed.D. Regan L. Crump, Ph.D. Carl F. Emswiller Jr.*
Altamont Dickerson Jr., [Link]. Gary D.V. Hankins, M.D. Robert J. Grey Jr. John J. Nagelhout, Ph.D.
Paul A. Gross S. Chris Jones Bruce E. Jarrell, M.D. Cathy N. Pond
John Hasty J.C. McWilliams Jr. M. Kenneth Magill, Ph.D. Richard T. Robertson
Mattie S. Jones* Susan A. Minasian Catherine E. Nash* Patricia A. Rowell, Ph.D.
Fitzhugh Mayo, M.D. James A. Rothrock Robert A. Pratt, Ph.D. Alice M. Schreiner
French H. Moore Jr., D.D.S. John Seibert Joseph A. Runk* Thomas G. Snead Jr.
Tom Robbins Beth A. Sharp, Ph.D. David W. Singley Jr. Jeffrey K. Taubenberger, M.D.
Dana Ward Donald M. Stablein, Ph.D. Roberta Williamson Susan M. Trulove
George Woltz Denise Williams
1997 Sheryl D. Baldwin, Ph.D. 2000 Elnora Allen
1990 Ronald C. Abernathy 1993 Virginia “Penny” H. Anderson Edward B. Barber David Baldacci, J.D.
D. Ware Branch, M.D. Charles Ben Bissell, Ph.D. Susan I. Brandt Gregory Enas, Ph.D.
Phyllis Cothran James N. Boyd Catherine S. Casey, M.D. Earl R. Fox, M.D.*
Deborah D’Allesandro Anthony G. Cokes Eugenio A. Cefali, Ph.D. William M. Ginther
Ginna Dalton John C. Doswell II, D.D.S. Teresita Fernandez Victor Goines
Kathy Kaplan, Ph.D. James D. Fox R. Reese Harris Jane Moncure
Suzanne Laychock, Ph.D. Woody B. Hanes Richard C. Kraus* Carmen Nazario
Elizabeth A. Mason Richard W. Leatherman, Ph.D. Jeffrey Levin, D.D.S. Rita Pickler, Ph.D.
Michael McMunn, D.D.S. Diana J. McGinn, Ph.D. Carol A. McCoy Rebecca Parker Snead
Martha Moon, Ph.D. Thomas L. Mountcastle Marilyn B. Tavenner William J. Viglione, D.D.S.
Teresa Mullin Richard P. Phipps, Ph.D. Linda R. Watkins, Ph.D.
Kenneth F. Smith Marie A. Smith, Pharm.D. 2001 Jo Lynne DeMary, Ed.D.
Kathy Snowden Keith N. Van Arsdalen, M.D. 1998 John D. Bower, M.D. Rex Ellis, Ph.D.
Sheila Crowley, Ph.D. Milton Ende, M.D.*
1991 Thomas W. Blekicki 1994 Lou Oliver Brooks Bevill M. Dean and Norman Ende, M.D.
Stephanie Ferguson, Ph.D. Barry L. Carter, Pharm.D. Nancy K. Durrett Cynthia Garris
Bill Gaines* Claire Faith Collins Charlotte G. Fischer L. Preston Hale
Fred Karnas, Ph.D. Jeremy Conway Jay F. Fitzgerald Daniel Jarboe, Ph.D.
Lynda Mandell, Ph.D. Richard C. Davis Jr., M.D. Russell W. Heath Jr. Rodney J. Klima, D.D.S.
Karl E. Peace, Ph.D. William D. Dietrich III, Ph.D. James H. Revere Jr., D.D.S. James Lester
Robert Rigsby Michael A. Evans Sheri A. Reynolds Janice Meck
James Schroeder, D.D.S. David Hunt Mark A. Szalwinski Susan Morales
Jay T. Thompson III Michelle B. Mitchell Tracey S. Welborn Katharine Webb
Thelma Bland Watson, Ph.D. Dana Moriconi Sandra P. Welch, Ph.D.
Adyce Waymack* A. Carole Pratt, D.D.S.
Sandra Wiltshire Joan F. Rexinger
Sydney Sherrod, Ph.D.
*Deceased *Deceased

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 Alumni Stars 
2003-2011

2003 Christopher C. Colenda, M.D. 2008 Golden H. Bethune-Hill

Donna M. Dalton Mark A. Crabtree, D.D.S.
Edward L. Flippen, J.D. John Cragin
Starrene Foster Donwan T. Harrell
Ray C. Goodwin Sheila Hill-Christian
Daniel A. Herbert* Steven Offenbacher, Ph.D.
Kevin L. Holmes, Ph.D. Mary Perkinson
Brian K. Jackson Jonathan B. Perlin, Ph.D.
Robert B. Lantz* Mark Raper
Bennie L. Marshall, R.N., Ed.D. Cathy Saunders
James O. Munn Tom Silvestri
Christopher C. Thurston Patricia W. Slattum,
and William H. Chapman Pharm.D., Ph.D.
James D. Watkins, D.D.S. Robert J. Wittman, Ph.D.
Patricia Wright, Ed.D.
2005 Ira C. Colby, D.S.W.
Bradford A. Crosby 2011 Edmond F. Bowden, Ph.D.
Nancy C. Everett Glenn A. Davis
Judith W. Godwin Tara Donovan
Stephanie L. Holt Dale C. Kalkofen, Ed.D.
Colleen K. Jackson-Cook, Ph.D. Panelpha “Penny” L. Kyler,
Anita M. Josey-Herring, J.D. Sc.D., OTR/L
Hugh D. Keogh Debra E. Lyon, Ph.D.
Thomas M. Krummel, M.D. Paul D. McWhinney
Margaret Gallagher Lewis Jonathan C. Roberts
Bruce D. McWhinney, Pharm.D. Jason T. Roe
Rebecca Perdue Ronald L. Tankersley, D.D.S.
Leah T. Robinson, Ph.D.* Tadataka “Tachi” Yamada, M.D. As the official insurance provider of VCU Alumni,
Roger E. Wood, D.D.S. Nationwide Insurance* is proud to sponsor
*Deceased the 2013 Alumni Stars and congratulates
the award recipients.

Award design
The Alumni Stars program began in November 1989 and has
recognized 201 alumni since then. The glass star award was
To find out more about the partnership
created by the late Kent Ipsen, a professor of craft and material studies
in the School of the Arts. His daughter, Lisa French (B.S. ’94/H&S), between Nationwide and VCU Alumni
continues the tradition by creating these beautiful works of art. visit [Link]

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 Special thanks to our event sponsor

A VCU University Relations publication

an equal opportunity/affirmative action university 130618-05

Cover details: Fireplace surround from the McAdams House (top)

and decorative grille from the Egyptian Building