Connect With Your Community
A former Spiders football player, Ron felt a disconnect between athletes and other students on campus. He was looking for a way to bridge the gap and bring students together toward a common goal. The CCE pointed him in the direction of Build It—the office's holistic, neighborhood-based program—and Ron saw his opportunity. Along with several other students, he founded Future American Men of Excellence (FAME) to bring strong role models to boys at Henderson Middle School. Each week, members of FAME lead activities that teach life skills, talk about what it takes to go to college, and help students with their homework, all leading up to a visit to UR's campus at the end of the semester.
The experience is proving just as beneficial to his team of mentors, who are becoming active citizens in the community.
More About Ron
- A member of the class of 2013, Ron is majoring in sociology and hopes to one day work in public policy or politics.
- In addition to FAME, he is a residential assistant and an SGA senator, and works for the Richmond College dean's office and the Cellar. Other student organizations also look for Ron when they need an M.C. for their events.
- The Martinsville, Va.-native was first drawn to UR when he met former Spiders football coach Mike London, but he knew the school's reputation off the field would also give him a good academic base.
- What's the best thing about moving from a small town to a larger city? Ron says the comedy clubs, plays at the Landmark, concerts, and the restaurants—Mama J's Kitchen is a favorite.