Written by Shatryce Thomas
Carver has strong ties to Virginia Union University (VUU).
The late Mr. Richard Fuller Sr., the former long-time Executive Director of Carver, and his son, Richard Fuller Jr., are both alumni of VUU.
Former Carver students Kadeem Roberts and Tiara Hinton are both juniors here today.
Tiara is sweet, shy and proud to be a former Carver student. Tiara grew up involved at the Carver Center and loves to stop in and share her experience with current Carver kids whenever she returns home to Norwalk.
Kadeem, majoring in education, is full of energy and all smiles as he shares his experiences with us during our visit to the campus. Kadeem was recently named Mr. Virginia Union. He is the face and student voice of the University’s communications. It was clear from the high fives and hugs he received from passersby even when he was greeting our group that is loved by all here. Kadeem has come a long way since first participating in Carver's programs as a struggling middle school student. Carver worked closely with Kadeem through the years and helped him in applying to VUU. I wil remember Kadeem as being the "Mayor of VUU."
VUU is a premier HBCU (Historically Black College and University) of higher education offering “the promise of a limitless future.” This is the motto they live by and they make a commitment to provide the support needed so that their students can graduate in four years – it’s a lasting commitment made between each student and the university.
Admission requirements includes a minimum 2.2 GPA, however a higher GPA could earn you a scholarship of up to $11,000 per year. The out-of-state tuition is $22,000 per year. Students are expected to dress-up each Wednesday and VUU is home to a nationally renowned choir.
One of VUU most famous graduates is the former Governor of Virginia, Lawrence Douglas Wilder, who was the first African American to be elected Lieutenant Governor in 1985. He made history again in 1990 when he was the elected as the first African American Governor in U.S. history.
I am a junior at Brien McMahon High School and Virginia Union is definitely on my list of prospective schools.
