Arts: Students find inspiration in the mundane

You might be surprised when stepping off the elevator on the fourth floor of James Branch Cabell Library. But don’t worry, that’s not a piece of driftwood you’re looking at. It’s a bookshelf. Read more.

True grit

Getting a college degree isn’t easy for anyone. Exams, essays, research projects, impossible assignments, demanding teachers, late nights and occasional bouts with self doubt confront everyone. Perseverance is a prerequisite. Read more.

Alumni give thanks for VCU professors

Alumni responded enthusiastically to a post on Facebook in the spirit of Thanksgiving. VCU Alumni asked, “Is there a VCU professor you are thankful for?” Read more.

VCU recognized as a top military-friendly campus

Virginia Commonwealth University has ranked in the nation’s top 20 percent of military-friendly campuses among colleges, universities and trade schools. Read more.

Education: $1.25M grant to address special education teacher shortage

The United States Department of Education has awarded Virginia Commonwealth University a $1.25 million grant to address a critical shortage of high-quality educators for infants, toddlers and preschool-age children with disabilities from high-need communities. Read more.

Medicine: Grandis family makes $2.1 gift

The Harry and Harriet Grandis Family Foundation announced a $2.1 million gift this month that will endow a full-tuition scholarship in the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and an endowed chair to support lung cancer research. Read more.

‘Do not pass go’ until you play Ram-opoly

In Durham, N.C., people play Dukeopoly, and in College Park, Md., the game is called Terpopoly. From Aggieopoly to Wisconsinopoly, there are dozens of Monopoly-inspired board games customized to reflect college campuses across the country. Read more.

“The Nutcracker”7-10 p.m. Dec. 19-20

VCU vs. Virginia Tech pregame social3:30-5:30 p.m. Dec. 21

VCU vs. Boston College pregame social in Brooklyn5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 28

RVA GOLD watch party series: Boston College7:30-9:30 p.m. Dec. 28

“Jersey Boys”7-8:30 p.m. Jan. 7-19