By Amelia Heymann

The PACME program recognizes VCU individuals and groups for making significant contributions to promote civility, build community, establish cross-cultural initiatives, advocate equity and nurture a welcoming environment. Gary is among four PACME honorees this year, and the Riese-Melton Award is the program’s capstone honor.

VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., praised this year’s honorees for modeling the best of VCU.

“You embody the values of this institution, of our entire community, and you welcome all who come,” he said.

Chelsea Gary: Staff Award (and Riese-Melton Award)

In the College of Health Professions, Gary manages student recruitment, orientation, student leadership and graduation. Gary has developed and coordinated summer pathway programs, such as the Allied Health Career Exploration Program and the Occupational Therapy Academy. She also designed and implemented VCU Bridge, an initiative that supports community college students from Southwest Virginia in their transition to the College of Health Professions.

“Gary is a dedicated mentor and advocate who maintains an open-door policy for all students, ensuring that each individual, regardless of background, feels seen, heard and valued,” said Alena C. Hampton, Ph.D., associate dean for academic affairs and student success and an associate professor with the Department of Rehabilitation Counseling, who nominated Gary.

VCU P.R.I.M.E.: Academic and Administrative Leadership Award

VCU P.R.I.M.E. – Professional Health and Related Interests Mentoring Experiences – supports underrepresented and first-generation students pursuing careers in health care.

P.R.I.M.E.’s initiatives include a flagship event that connects students with graduate and professional programs from across the country, an event series that provides hands-on preparation for professional school interviews, and summer research programs.

The award was accepted by P.R.I.M.E. co-presidents Jumana Meri and Noor Chouman.

“P.R.I.M.E. has been a space where purpose meets action, and where students from all backgrounds can come together to uplift one another, challenge inequities and reimagine the future of health care,” Meri said.

Judith Crenshaw: Faculty Award

Crenshaw, an assistant professor with the Richard T. Robertson School of Communication in the College of Humanities and Sciences, was recognized for her work with the Robertson School, including creating a toolkit that supports faculty in development of course syllabi, assignments and accessibility. 

“She inspires change not only through her leadership but through the culture of inclusion and empathy she cultivates every day,” said Peyton Rowe, professor and director of the Robertson School, who nominated Crenshaw.

Tobi Ojo: Student Award

Ojo is majoring in health services – she is a student advisor in the program – as well as sociology, with an expected graduation in 2026. She is an intern in the Emerging Leaders Program and is a protégé of Riese-Melton recipient Gary through the Mentoring Circle, a program sponsored by the Black Alumni Council.

Ojo, an Honors College student, also works in the Health Humanities Lab, focusing on a project that explores the history of medical racism as well as maternal health.

“Students have the power to change the world,” Ojo said, “and for us to recognize it, we have to look at each other and we have to uplift each other.”