Letters from readers

In our last issue, senior editor Matthew Stoss asked VCU psychology professor Jeff Green, Ph.D., about nostalgia (“Nostalgia: It’s good for you!”), and we learned that, among other things, people used to think it could be cured by bloodletting. That’s a clot to think about.

At Magazine HQ, we have no interest in curing nostalgia, so here’s some more of it. Writing to us in this issue are friends of the magazine Ed, Jim and Grace. — VCU MAGAZINE

The architecture of Memory Lane

I just finished perusing the current issue of VCU Magazine, with a focus on “Architecturally Speaking” (Winter 2026).

I entered VCU (RPI) in the fall of 1961. (Yes, there are a few of us left!) Even though I was a day student, I spent many afterhours in and around the campus area. In that period, I would describe the neighborhood/campus as a funky but loveable place. Many of the classrooms were in old mansions and the admin building.

The Hibbs building was the most modern at the time. Grace Street from Shafer to Harrison was an integral part of students’ campus life, with the Village Inn on one end and Rick’s bar on the other. The drama department put on plays at the Shafer Street theater (no charge). One could easily find a bridge game in the student lounge.

The school being part of the Fan area adds so much to its ambiance. I left school in 1964 but came back in 1968 to complete my degree program. I couldn’t see going to any other school. I left Richmond in 1979 but have come back many times over the years. True, the campus has grown and expanded beyond my wildest imagination, but for the better. I always take time to visit the area and reminisce about my time there. I am so pleased that the school has become what it deserved to be without losing its inherent charm.

— Ed “Sonny” Livesay (B.S.’78), Denver

A shadow box of history

Writing from Richmond, Grace Silverstein (B.S.’99), a registered nurse, sends us this handsome shadowbox, which she made to commemorate her more than 30 years at VCU. The pins and patches recognize her graduation, certifications, awards and Virginia Nursing Association membership, as well as the history of the Medical College of Virginia.

A distinguished mug

In the fall of 1981, I began graduate social work school at VCU, where my sister, Kathy, was an undergraduate social work student. Our friendship deepened during our time together at VCU, and we often had dinner at each other’s apartments.

During the great snowstorm of 1983, we met up at the Village Cafe and partied through the night. For my graduation in 1983, she gave me this beer mug. I’m sure it originally had some writing, but it’s been a working mug for over 40 years and survived countless washings. It brings back many fond memories of my time at VCU with my sister.

I retired from a career in social work in 2022. Kathy has had a career in public education and is currently a special education teacher in Boise, Idaho. Go Rams!

— Jim Gillespie (M.S.W.’83), Fairfax, Virginia