Class Notes

Maria James (M.S.’09/MC) was promoted from junior communications specialist with the Magellan Federal to communications nanager for Magellan Health.

Jon Cook (M.F.A.’90/A) retired Dec. 31, 2018, after 10 years as the founding executive director of the Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington, Ohio.  

Harvey Chambers** (B.S.’82/MC) was appointed to the Virginia SenateCommonwealth Council on Aging in July 2020. He is a board member of Housing Families First.

Lisa Ellis, M.D. (M.D.’01/M; H.S.’04/M) writes, “I continue to see my wonderful panel of patients as a women’s health physician. Seventy-five percent of my new role is leading wellness via development of well-being strategy, regular environmental assessments of wellness and engagement, determining priorities given the needs of the organization that facilitate the ability to change culture and implementing sustainable programs for a full system approach to culture changes.”

The Rev. Frank Bersch (M.F.A.’76/A) celebrated his 39th anniversary of preaching the “Sermon on the Mount” on Sept.13, 2020. The first time was in Hollywood, Calif., as an actor and Christian layman. Her earned an M.A. in Christian leadership in 1997 and an M.Div. in evangelism/missions in 2001. He is a minister to adults in special education at First Baptist Church in Dallas and has played roles such as Patrick Henry and biblical figures such as Peter, Paul and Jesus. “Over the years, the skills and discipline from the foundational development made while at VCU have been essential in all that has been accomplished,” he writes, “in the usefulness of the gifts and talents God has graced me with. I feel very grateful for the opportunities given me in being accepted and nurtured here at VCU.” 

Linda Wright (B.A.’93/H&S) has been living in Germany since 1996 except for two years earning an M.A. in linguistics at George Mason University. More information at linkedin.com/in/lindawright2004.

Benjamin Cherian (B.S.’19/H&S) writes, “Hello! I was a part of the VCU chemistry department Class of 2019. Two years after graduating, I am proud to announce that I have just finished my second year at VCU School of Pharmacy. I am deeply appreciative to all the faculty in the Department of Chemistry for investing in me and in my future.”

Melissa Rees Sandley, Pharm.D. (Cert.’08/H&S; Pharm.D.’12/P) married Eric Sandley on Oct. 17, 2020.

Jacob Saunders-Devol (B.M.’16/A) is married to Catesby Saunders of South Boston, Va.

Amy Muir (M.S.W.’98/SW) worked at Richmond BehavioralHealth full time 1998-2007 and has worked at the VA Hospital full time since 2007.