Sep 1, 2026
College of Health Professions’ newest students connect and share excitement during New Student Day
Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Health Professions recently welcomed new undergraduate and graduate students during New Student Day, a celebration that not only marks the welcome of a new class of students entering CHP but also signals the start of classes across all departments.
“For more than 50 years, we have been leaders in training the next generation of impactful, high-quality, excited, evidence-based, innovative leaders in health care and we know that all of you are going to continue that,” Amy Darragh, Ph.D., dean of the VCU College of Health Professions, said in her welcome remarks. “Each one of you will have a profound impact on the individuals, the communities, and the populations that you serve while you're here.
The students participated in several team-building activities along with informational sessions. The day goes beyond students meeting one another and their professors. It introduces students to the vibrant culture that CHP offers and helps them adjust to a new academic environment.
Students were eager to experience CHP and all it has to offer as they begin the next step in their academic careers.
“Everybody is very welcoming, and the faculty is very sweet,” said Briana Hernandez de las Casas, an undergraduate student in the Radiation Sciences program. “The students in my program and upperclassmen above me are always down to answer questions regarding any aspect of the program.”
Syasia Anderson recognized the level of engagement at CHP and is excited to expand her education as a graduate student in the MHA program.
“All the faculty are very present in the moment, and it really gives a lot of experience to us, the students - the learners, to see there are people in the faculty showing up just as much as we are,” Anderson said.
“Our surrounding community has felt our impact as have other parts of the world, in which our students, faculty and staff have touched,” said Darragh. “As your presence will become part of the College’s history, I am excited that your influence will also help shape our future.”
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