Order of exercise
Marshals and banner bearers
• LaKesha Bennett, B.S.W. marshal
• Deborah Darlington, banner bearer
• Zay Diamond-Tapper, banner bearer
• Kiara Faulks, Ph.D. marshal
• Kyleigh Hynes, M.S.W. marshal
• Kim King, banner bearer
• Amanda Long, banner bearer
• Abby Van Esselstyn, M.S.W. marshal
Processional
• Faculty and guests
• Ph.D. graduates
• M.S.W. graduates
• B.S.W. graduates
Welcome
• Gary S. Cuddeback, Ph.D., dean and professor
Commencement speaker
• Daryl Fraser, M.S.W.
Special student recognitions
• Madison Woodroof, M.S.W., assistant dean of student affairs
Recognition of Ph.D. graduates
• Traci Wike, Ph.D., director, Ph.D. Program
Ph.D. student speaker
• Reem Shawkat
Hooding of Ph.D. graduates
• Jamie Cage, Ph.D.
• Hyojin Im, Ph.D.
Awarding of Ph.D. diplomas
• Gary S. Cuddeback, Ph.D.
• Traci Wike, Ph.D.
Recognition of M.S.W. graduates
• Qasarah Bey Spencer, Ed.D., director, M.S.W. Program
M.S.W. student speaker
• Juli Zavala
Hooding of M.S.W. graduates
• Kimberly Compton, Ph.D.
• Nicole L. Lee, Ph.D.
• Yifan Lou, Ph.D.
• Ananda Newmark, Ph.D.
Awarding of M.S.W. diplomas
• Gary S. Cuddeback, Ph.D.
• Qasarah Bey Spencer, Ed.D.
Reading of M.S.W. graduate names
• Daryl Fraser, M.S.W.
• Lashawnda Singleton, M.P.A.
• Dannita Trice, M.Ed.
Recognition of B.S.W. graduates
• Stephanie G. Odera, Ed.D., director, B.S.W. Program
B.S.W. student speaker
• Autumn Matusiak
Awarding of B.S.W. diplomas
• Gary S. Cuddeback, Ph.D.
• Stephanie G. Odera, Ed.D.
Reading of B.S.W. graduate names
• Humberto E. Fabelo, Ph.D.
• Allison K. Ryals, M.S.W.
Closing remarks
• Gary S. Cuddeback, Ph.D.
Recessional
Acknowledgements
Thank you to all the administrative staff members in the School of Social Work for their contributions to the school, its students and faculty. Special thanks to all the student volunteers assisting with the ceremony.
Photography: Photo Specialties and Cindy Newmark; American Sign Language interpreters: Mosaic Interpreting Services; live streaming operations: Advanced Visual Productions
Alumni Happy Hour
Twin Hickory Tavern
1420 N. Parham Road, Henrico 5-7 p.m.
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Conversation & complimentary refreshments
Scan here for more information
See back cover for floor plan/seating details.
Commencement speaker
Daryl Fraser is an African-centered community healer, licensed mental health practitioner and devoted servant to the liberation, healing and restoration of the Black community. With over 20 years of experience in the Richmond metro area, his work lives at the intersection of clinical practice, cultural wisdom and collective healing. Daryl approaches his work not simply as a profession, but as a calling – guided by purpose, ancestral legacy and a deep commitment to the wellness of his people.
A long-standing member of the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) since 2003, Daryl has contributed his leadership and vision across local and national platforms. His service has included roles such as president of the VCU Association of Black Social Workers, national student coordinator, president of the Richmond Association of Black Social Workers and national member-at-large. Through these roles, he has remained rooted in advancing culturally grounded practices that honor the lived experiences and resilience of the African diaspora.
As a former associate professor at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Social Work (2012-2022), Daryl co-created transformative spaces for truth-telling, critical consciousness and healing. His work extended beyond the classroom into the cultivation of community-centered initiatives, including the University’s Building Inclusive Communities (BIC) program, the School of Social Work’s Radical Alliance for AntiRacism, Change, and Equity (RAACE), and the Black Lives Matter Student-Alumni-Staff-and-Faculty Collective. He also co-directed an international service-learning experience in the Dominican Republic, creating opportunities for students to engage with global perspectives on culture, identity and social work practice.
Daryl’s contributions have been recognized through multiple Social Justice Awards from VCU, and in 2020, he was called to serve as co-chair of the City of Richmond’s Task Force for Reimagining Public Safety. In this role, he helped guide community-centered visions of safety rooted in healing, accountability and collective care.
As the founder of Fraser & Associates Complete Therapeutic Services, Daryl leads a collective of healers committed to providing culturally responsive and holistic mental health care. The practice integrates clinical expertise with ancestral knowledge, recognizing that true healing involves the mind, body and spirit. Through this work, individuals and families are supported in not only addressing challenges, but in reclaiming their wholeness, reconnecting to their purpose and thriving within their communities.
Above all, Daryl honors his most sacred roles as a loving husband to his wife, April, and a devoted father to their four children: Kayla, Zayd, Nadia and Saafir. His life and work reflect a deep belief that healing begins within the family and extends outward into the community and future generations.
School Honors and Awards
David N. Saunders Legislative Internship Fund
M.S.W.
Kiersten Szymecki
Elaine Z. Rothenberg Memorial Scholarship Fund
M.S.W.
Jasmine Hudson
B.S.W.
Selena Davila
Phi Alpha National Honor Society for Social Work Students
M.S.W.
Caroline Allison
Laura Bollier
Kendra Bush
Bree Ellis
Jasmine Hudson
Kara Kaufman
Cody Rae Kedy
Sri Kodakalla
Kim Koger
Samantha Leaupepe
Joseph Mboya
Alleena McMillan
Mary Purvis
Robyn Ratzan
Tiffany Sersen
B.S.W.
Matthew Fuller
TyKasia Gaskins
Alaysia Judkins
Arionna Shaw
School of Social Work Service and Leadership Awards
M.S.W.
Jennifer Ezeh
B.S.W.
Laila McGlone
School of Social Work Social Justice Award
Ph.D.
Reem Shawkat
M.S.W.
Juli Zavala
B.S.W.
Elena Diaz
Student Field Impact Award
M.S.W.
Michael Verner
Juli Zavala
B.S.W. Honors in Social Work (Thesis)
Matthew Fuller
From Stress to Disconnection: Minority Stress, Relational-Cultural Theory and Suicidality
Among Queer Adolescents
Undergraduate, Graduate and Doctoral Support Scholars
Anne Fischer Scholarship Fund in the School of Social Work
M.S.W.
Jasmine Hudson
Isobel O’Hare
Bill and Sherry Peterson Scholarship
M.S.W.
Sara Cochran
Jasmine Hudson
Campbell Merit Scholarship in Social Work
B.S.W.
Leah Kaper-Dale
Don L. Bradley Endowed Scholarship
M.S.W.
Samantha Leaupepe
Dr. David P. Beverly Memorial Scholarship Fund
M.S.W.
Sara Messervey
Dr. Grace E. Harris Merit Scholarship
B.S.W.
Leah Kaper-Dale
Dr. Marilyn A. Biggerstaff Fund for Doctoral Student Research
Ph.D.
Reem Shawkat
Dr. Marjorie A. Stuckle Endowed Scholarship
M.S.W.
Alleena McMillan
Dr. Rosemary and David Farmer
Public Mental Health Scholarship
M.S.W.
Michael Verner
Economic Justice Scholarship
M.S.W.
Sara Messervey
Emmett W. Cocke, Jr. Scholarship
M.S.W.
Alleena McMillan
Fostering Success Scholarship
M.S.W.
Georgia Lanier
Frank and Patricia Baskind Scholarship
Ph.D.
Reem Shawkat
M.S.W.
Sara Messervey
B.S.W.
Andrea Martinez Alvarado
Gaye Shinall Jones Merit Scholarship in Social Work
B.S.W.
Leah Kaper-Dale
Hatcher Merit Scholarship in Social Work
B.S.W.
Leah Kaper-Dale
Hurtado Family Endowed Scholarship
M.S.W.
Kim Koger
Joanne Kerbs Caramanica Scholarship
M.S.W.
Laura A. Longhine
Sara Messervey
Isobel O’Hare
Lucille Shafer
Judy M. Thomas “Dr. T.” B.S.W. Scholarship
M.S.W.
Faith Arata
B.S.W.
Geovan Jackson-Knorr
Katharine McCardell Webb Merit
Scholarship
B.S.W.
Leah Kaper-Dale
Kimberly K. Giancaspro Scholarship
M.S.W.
Stephanie Morris
Mary Dotson and Charles Lane
Cartledge IV Endowed Scholarship
M.S.W.
Rocio Escobedo
Mental Health Initiative Scholarship
M.S.W.
Kim Koger
Pamela B. Nystrom Memorial Scholarship Fund
M.S.W.
Michael Verner
B.S.W.
Nathan Drewes
Aquoyah Robinson
Peace and Justice Scholarship
M.S.W.
Jasmine Hudson
Rachel Wilkerson Memorial Scholarship
M.S.W.
Victoria Franklin
Mallory Maycock
Rick and Brenda Faulkner Scholarship
M.S.W.
Kimberley Carter
Kim Koger
Georgia Lanier
Rosa Jimenez-Vazquez Adelante
Scholarship: Sirviendo La Comunidad
Hispana
B.S.W.
Sochitl Rodriguez Kaufmann
Swank-Divine Scholarship
M.S.W.
Tara Campanella
Keesa Robinson
Thomas Carlton Memorial Scholarship
M.S.W.
Isobel O’Hare
Virginia Council on Social Welfare Scholarship
B.S.W.
Ariyahna Cheeks
William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship for Social Workers in Aging
M.S.W.
Mallory Maycock
Michael Verner
Child Welfare Stipend Program
M.S.W.
-May 2026Laura Bollier
Angelinne Curi Cabrera
Shaniya Chiles
Sophia Conrow
Ruben Dardano
Mara-Jeanette (Mara) Deveneaux
Elizabeth (Ellie) Gaffney
Cait Parker
Corzet Staten
Phillina (Lina) Steiner
August 2026-
Ashley Eaton
Hope Solanke
-December 2025-
Victoria Kayode
Bret Vollmer
B.S.W.
-May 2026Lauren Childers
Danette Pelt
Project PIRR
M.S.W.
-May 2026Robyn Ratzan
Rian Sherod
Dual Degree, Certificate, Cooperative and Certification Program Recipients
Certificate in Aging Studies
M.S.W.
-May 2026Mallory Maycock
-August 2026Crissy Molinares
Certificate in Gender Violence Intervention
M.S.W.
-May 2026Carissa Temerson
-August 2026Leah Keith
Certificate in Nonprofit Management
M.S.W.
-May 2026Alma Dominguez
Lauren Slaughter
Kiersten Szymecki
Certification in School Social Work
M.S.W.
-May 2026Tamara Abahazy
Melissa Atemon
Ashlyn Breneman
Sadie Cox
Vivian Dinh
Maddy Ellison
Ky’Asia Evans
Olivia Grau
Aleisha Johnson
Jasmine Jones
Alix Lane
Stella Lane
Alleena McMillan
Tyiesha Muse
Maddie Nosse
Karina Padgett
Braylle Peterson
Veronica Salgado
Jacob Sheppard
Ikea Smith
Hannah VanDyke
Grace Willmore
Molly Wright
Rachel Zindler
-August 2026Rachel Heigaard
Audrey Johnson
Catherine Seaver
-December 2025-
Amna Babar
Tammi Coleman
Rocio Escobedo
Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling
M.S.W.
-May 2026-
Kim Koger
Ainsley Miller
Virginia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (VA-LEND)
M.S.W.
-May 2026-
Paxton O’Bryen
Katie Shaffer
B.S.W. Graduates
Barbee, ArTayssia
Bennett, Ruth
Boyd, Messiah
Branson, Troy ++
Brockwell, Ella Kate +++ ^^
Brooks, Miangel ^
Brown, Scott
Brown, Terreal
Burrell, Janaya
Cairns, Winter
Carpenter, Amber ++ ^
Cavanaugh, Ashley Jo ++ ^
Cheeks, Ariyahna ++ ^
Childers, Lauren
Cruz-Rojas, Carolina ++
Curtis, Kit
Davila, Selena +++ ^^
Dawson, Katherine ++ ^
Diaz, Elena +++ *
Dolan, Lindsey ++ ^
Dressner, Rebekah +++
Epps, Melanie ++
Etue, Aleah ^
Forstell, Elise +++
Fragosa, Brianna
Fuller, Matthew ++ ^
Gaskins, TyKasia
Genao, Savannah
Greene, Hayley +++ ^ Grove, Lily +++
Haque, Muskan + Harrison, Miracle ^
Hasley, Elizabeth +++ ^
Hayes, DeAndra ^ Hoffman, Bella
Jackson-Knorr, Geovan ++ Jackson, Indya ^
Douglas-Jemmott, Pilar ^
Josey, Spencer + ^
Judkins, Alaysia ++ ^
Kaper-Dale, Leah +++ ^
McBride, Madison
McGlone, Laila ++ ^
McKinnon, Julia + ^
Mcneeley, Nadia +
Meyer, Bjorn
Miles, Vivian + ^
Miller, Eliza
Moritz, Staley ++ ^
Nasser, Finn + ^
Page, Nathaniel
Parker, Claire
Pelt, Danette +
Pisigan, Maj ++ ^
Psarakis, Caroline ++ ^
Reeves, Eva ++ ^
Robinson, Aquoyah ^
Rodgers, Emma
Rodriguez, Sochitl * ^
Rodriguez, Vanessa ^
Ryan, McKenna ^^
Shaw, Arionna +++ ^
Sosnowski, Anna +
Stumpo, Nic ++ ^
Taylor, Emily ^^
Thomas, Jeshurun
Tuel, Everlie ^
Tyler, Darrius + ^
Welichko, Jessica ^
Wickham, Elliot
Wigand, Layla ++ ^
Zamora Lopez, Reina ++
August 2026 graduates
Boyd, Yakima
Creager, Kevin
Davis, Chloe
Drewes, Nathaniel
Popal, Zohra
Veurink, Anna
Williams, Asharee
December 2025 graduates
Berger, Sebastian + Nelson, Drew
Oulai, Nitany
King, Brandy + Kpankpala, Ma-Jassie ^ Litteral, Jada
Lok, Sonnita + Maday, Suado ^
Martinez Alvarado, Andrea + ^^ Matusiak, Autumn ++ ^
* Double Major
^ Minor
^^ Double Minor
+++ Summa cum laude (3.9-4.0 GPA)
++ Magna cum laude (3.6-3.89 GPA)
+ Cum laude (3.3-3.59 GPA)
Only undergraduate students are eligible for honors designations. Due to rigid time constraints, this program must be printed before the final list of degree candidates can be determined. The exclusion of the name of a student is not to be taken as an indication of official status as a non-graduate, nor is the inclusion of the name of a student to be taken as a certification of official status as a graduate.
Faculty
• Amy Adkins, Ph.D., scientific writer
• Adrienne Baldwin-White, Ph.D., assistant professor
• Daniel Baslock, Ph.D., assistant professor
• Qasarah Bey Spencer, Ed.D., assistant professor in teaching
• Matthew Bogenschutz, Ph.D., associate professor
• Denise Burnette, Ph.D., Samuel S. Wurtzel Endowed Faculty Chair in Social Work and professor
• Jamie L. Cage, Ph.D., associate professor
• Karen G. Chartier, Ph.D, professor
• Kimberly S. Compton, Ph.D., assistant professor in teaching
• Nicole A. Corley, Ph.D., associate professor
• Gary S. Cuddeback, Ph.D., professor
• Cassie Desena-Jacobs, D.S.W., LCSW, assistant professor in teaching
• Humberto E. Fabelo, Ph.D., LCSW, associate professor
• Larkin Francis, Ph.D., assistant professor
• Maurice N. Gattis, Ph.D., associate professor
• Jacob Goffnett, Ph.D., assistant professor
• McKenzie N. Green, Ph.D., assistant professor
• Christina Huerta, Ph.D., assistant professor
• Hyojin Im, Ph.D., associate professor
• Muthoni Imungi, Ph.D., associate professor in teaching
• Erica Jackson, M.S.W., LCSW, assistant professor in teaching
• Kyeongmo Kim, Ph.D., associate professor
• Youngmi Kim, Ph.D., professor
• Miriam Kuttikat, Ph.D., associate professor
• Nicole L. Lee, Ph.D., associate professor in teaching
• Yifan Lou, Ph.D., assistant professor
• Ananda Newmark, Ph.D., associate professor in teaching
• Stephanie G. Odera, Ed.D., associate professor in teaching
• Nicole L. O-Pries, M.S.W., LCSW, associate professor in teaching
• Jazmyn Porter, M.P.H., M.S.W., assistant professor in teaching
• Klara Prachar, M.S.W., LCSW, assistant professor in teaching
• Naomi Reddish, M.S.W., assistant professor
• Allison K. Ryals, M.S.W., LCSW, associate professor in teaching
• Rebecca Smith, Ph.D., instructor & program manager, undergraduate research
• Alex Wagaman, Ph.D., associate professor
• Traci L. Wike, Ph.D., associate professor
• Madison Woodroof, M.S.W., assistant professor
Administration and staff
• Yakaira Alexander-Ramos, M.A., senior program field coordinator
• Allison Bell, M.A., senior financial specialist
• LaKesha Bennett, B.A., senior recruitment specialist
• Qasarah Bey Spencer, Ed.D., director, M.S.W. Program
• Camryn-Rachele Bosko, M.S.W., student success advisor
• Sarah Burton-Everette, M.Ed., director, dual degrees, certificates, and credentialing; and assistant directoradministration, M.S.W. Program
• Lakeita Clarkson, M.S., student success advisor
• Gary S. Cuddeback, Ph.D., dean; associate dean, research; interim associate dean, faculty affairs
• Deborah Darlington, M.S.W., student success advisor
• Omobolaji David-Ojumu, Ed.D., student success advisor
• Zay Diamond-Tapper, B.A., academic coordinator, B.S.W. Program
• Kiara Faulks, M.A., academic coordinator, Ph.D. Program
• Liana Fino, B.S., senior research administrator
• Stephanie Hart, Ed.D., interim director, finance shared service
• Janina Holly, B.S., communications specialist
• Kristin A. Hopkins, M.A., assistant, M.S.W. admissions
• Kyleigh Hynes, M.S.W., program field coordinator
• Kimberly King, administrative coordinator, field education
• Geoff LoCicero, M.L.I.S., director, communications
• Amanda Long, M.S.W., coordinator, community engaged child and family well-being initiatives
• Jackie Maroney, fiscal services specialist
• Katy Martin-Poindexter, A.A.S., HR generalist
• Talaya Matthews, M.S.W., student success advisor
• Vanessa McCauley, B.S.W., HR generalist
• Dabney McDonald, M.S.W., student success advisor
• Mieko Michelle, MA.Ed., coordinator, M.S.W. Program
• Sterling Murray, B.S., senior administrative coordinator
• Bahiya Nasuuna, M.P.H., student success advisor
• Kellee Negussie, M.S.W., program field coordinator
• Bennett Newman, M.B.A., senior financial administrator
• Stephanie G. Odera, Ed.D., director, B.S.W. Program
• Kristal Parada, M.S., assistant director, undergraduate advising
• Robann Parsons, M.B.A., executive assistant to the dean
• Jazmyn Porter, M.P.H., M.S.W., director, field education
• Naomi Reddish, M.S.W., administrator, child/family initiatives
• Allison K. Ryals, M.S.W., LCSW, assistant director, B.S.W. Program
• Daniela Sanzetenea, M.S.W., coordinator, Child Welfare Stipend Program
• Mary Simpson, M.S.W., recruitment specialist, M.S.W. Program
• Leetah Stanley, M.Th., senior development coordinator
• Ashley Staton, M.S.W., field liaison specialist
• Dannita Trice, M.Ed., alumni engagement officer
• Abby Van Esselstyn, M.S.W., program field coordinator
• Annie Wade, M.B.A., HR business partner
• Stephanie Walker, M.A., Interim director of innovative pedagogy and learning design
• Micah Weedman, Ph.D., term prep designer
• Henrietta White, B.S., HR generalist
• Traci L. Wike, Ph.D., director, Ph.D. Program
• Madison Woodroof, M.S.W., assistant dean, student affairs
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work
Academic Learning Commons
1000 Floyd Avenue, Third Floor Box 842027
Richmond, Virginia 23284-2027
Phone: (804) 828-1030
Email: sswinfo@vcu.edu
Website: socialwork.vcu.edu
Siegel Center floor plan/seating details
