Interdisciplinary Studies In The News

November 20, 2024

Class of 2024: Auto care shop owner Leslie Jarvis is driven by business, sustainability and parenthood

Leslie Jarvis is not afraid of a challenge. Running a small business, pursuing college as an adult learner, advocating for policy change – she does not shy away.

Leslie Jarvis waters yellow roses using captured rainwater

June 20, 2024

VCU basketball player, IDS grad Joe Bamisile offers a big assist for mental health

Joe Bamisile wants to take the future as it comes. He tries not to force things. But he remains dedicated to excellence in anything he pursues.

Joe Bamisile wearing a white hoodie stadning next to a VCU Athletics seal

May 14, 2024

IDS Graduates 64 Students at Spring '24 Commencement

University College’s Interdisciplinary Studies Program graduated 64 students Friday, May 10 for its spring 2024  graduation ceremony held at the Singleton Center for Performing Arts on Virginia Commonwealth University's Monroe Park campus. 

I D S director zach hilpert addresses the sprinf 2024 class of I D S graduates at the commencement ceremony

April 19, 2024

IDS Adviser Receives PACME Award

Christina Davis (center), an adviser in University College's , was awarded a PACME Award, one of VCU's highest honors for faculty and staff.

Christina Davis, I D S adviser, stands with other P A C M E recipients

April 15, 2024

Class of 2024: Joshua Tan renovated his vision for college by crafting a customized degree path

Joshua Tan comes from a family of builders, but his initial blueprint for college wasn’t a foundation for success.

“It was kind of a harrowing time,” he said of his early experience.

Joshua Tan standing under a tree in a forest.

April 1, 2024

Class of 2024: Steeled by the challenges of family and football, George Richardson changed his game plan

Amid the turmoil of his youth – the death of his parents, separation from his siblings – George Richardson had the steady comfort of sports. But the “identity crisis” he faced as a college athlete led to a reckoning – and led him to Virginia Commonwealth University, where his upcoming degree will help him pay forward the life lessons he has learned.

George Richardson works out in the V C U Cary St. gym

March 4, 2024

New IDS Minor Lets VCU Students Explore Mixed and Immersive Realities

A new minor that lets Virginia Commonwealth University students expand their understanding of mixed and immersive realities and technology’s role in life and work will be available starting in the fall semester.

A student sits at a desk with a virtual reality headset on

December 11, 2023

IDS Graduates 59 at Fall '23 Ceremony

University College’s Interdisciplinary Studies Program graduated 59 students Friday, December 8 at its Fall 2023 graduation ceremony held at the Singleton Center for Performing Arts on Virginia Commonwealth University's Monroe Park campus. 

Students celebrate graduation as black and gold baloons are released into the air.

May 15, 2023

IDS Graduates Largest Class Ever at Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony

University College’s Interdisciplinary Studies Program graduated its largest class–92 students– to date Friday, Mat 12 at the Singleton Center for Performing Arts on Virginia Commonwealth University’s Monroe Park Campus.

I D S graduates sit on stage at the Signleton Center as the alum speaker addresses them

April 26, 2023

Class of 2023: Frustrated on the traditional college path, Kian Thornton pivoted in a direction all his own

Kian Thornton nearly dropped out of Virginia Commonwealth University, but a conversation with faculty members turned everything around.

A picture of Kian Thornton stadning in Monroe Park wearing a blue suit jacket, a light blue shirt and a dark blue tie

April 14, 2023

Class of 2023: IDS Student finds path to medical school and a community she can count on at VCU

When Akhila Kunuthuru first came to Virginia Commonwealth University to tour it as a prospective student, the university and the city of Richmond made a strong impression on her. She found a place that was vibrant and exciting, diverse and community oriented.

A woman with black hair and gold necklace stands in front of Cabell Library on V C U's Monroe Park campus

April 11, 2023

Class of 2023: IDS Student Finds Her footing with an Interdisciplinary Approach and a New Interest in Research

In the end, things have a way of working out – that’s one adage that Emma Geisler, a Virginia Commonwealth University Honors College student who will graduate this spring with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from University College, knows from experience.

A woman wearing a white top and brown pants stands in front of Cabell Library on V C U's Monroe Park campus

December 12, 2022

IDS Program Confers 64 Degrees at Fall Commencement Ceremony

The Virginia Commonwealth University Interdisciplinary Studies program, which is under the VCU University College, conferred 64 Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (B.I.S.) degrees at the Fall 2022 IDS commencement ceremony, which took place Saturday, December 10 at the Singleton Center for Performing Arts on VCU’s Monroe Park campus. 

Students sit at a VCU commencement ceremony

November 18, 2022

IDS Veteran Couple Embrace Campus Life After Years in Military 

Virginia Commonwealth University juniors Corinne Rapp and Joe Cambria call it kismet that they were stationed at the same U. S. Army base in Germany when they first met via the dating app Tinder.

An IDS Student veteran couple walks through V C U's Compass

April 27, 2022

Interdisciplinary Studies Program Helps Student Create Her Own Path

It has always made the most sense to Haya Hamid to find a way to merge her interests and passions — despite their differences — to achieve her goals and help those around her.

Haya Hamid standing in front of a dogwood tree wearing a yellow and gray patterned dress

December 13, 2021

IDS Program Confers 67 Degrees at Fall Commencement Ceremony

University College’s Interdisciplinary Studies program conferred 67 Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (B.I.S.) degrees at the Fall 2021 IDS commencement ceremony, which took place Saturday, December 11 in the Harris Hall Auditorium.

Graduates of the IDS program sit in Harris Hall during the fall 2021 commencement ceremony

October 26, 2021

IDS Helps Student Find a Path To Graduation: 'It's Shown Me a Whole New Way of Thinking'

Imanee Martin was exhausted. Every major she tried did not feel like the right fit. She had changed majors six times—going from pre-med her first year to fashion merchandising to creative advertising with others in between. Nothing seemed to gel and she was close to dropping out. 

A woman sits in a hammock

September 29, 2021

New IDS Faculty Member Q&A: Vineeta Singh, Ph.D.

Vineeta Singh, Ph.D. talks about why she is excited to join the IDS program and the VCU community. 

A woman smiling wearing a green blouse with glasses.

July 26, 2023

Starting with just a blog during freshman year, IDS alum Ilias Anwar has built a thriving creative agency

Ilias Anwar’s enthusiasm is palpable. In the first half of 2023 alone, his media company, TCC Entertainment, has tackled projects that have included covering the NFL Super Bowl weekend, teaming up with the Project Iftar charity to feed over 15,000 Ramadan meals in the Middle East and collaborating with the Atlanta-based Trap Music Museum, which documents hip hop culture.

A man wearing a shark gray suot jacket with a white buttn up shirt