The Jepson Update

The Jepson Update

A newsletter for alumni and friends of the Jepson School • Spring 2021

From the Dean

Sandra Peart

A peaceful quiet has settled over campus following our joyful, in-person Commencement on May 9. This temporary pause has given me the chance to reflect on an extraordinary year. Most surprising for me has been the realization of the many positives that came out of a year in which our School, University, nation, and world grappled with a global pandemic. 

One such positive was the way in which 80 alumni—one of our highest participation rates to date—pivoted to deliver a virtual Jepson EDGE Institute, our annual professional development program for juniors. Our faculty adapted deftly to a hybrid-teaching model, while continuing to research, publish, and present virtually at conferences and summits. Our campus-wide discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion gave me confidence that our University will be a more inclusive community in the future. 

Perhaps most impressive were our students. Their leadership was on full display during Commencement: Alec Greven, the recipient of the Mace Award given to the University’s most outstanding graduating senior, led the Commencement procession and recession. India Henderson, the recipient of the James MacGregor Burns Award, the Jepson School’s highest honor, carried the School’s banner. Ana Paula Alvarado delivered the student Commencement address. Ken Anderson, a 2017 Jepson alumnus and 2020 Richmond Law alumnus, gave the greetings to the new alumni. I could not have been prouder.  

Please enjoy this issue of the Jepson Update, which features stories of our accomplished alumni and students, an opportunity to support the School during UR Here Giving Day, and a 2021 Commencement slideshow. It is a testament to the triumph of leadership in a year of adversity. Together we did it!

With gratitude,

Sandra J. Peart
Dean and E. Claiborne Robins Distinguished Professor in Leadership Studies
President, Jepson Scholars Foundation

Alison Mangiero speaking at the 2019 TQuorum Global Summit

Alison Mangiero, ’05, drives social, economic innovation through tech startup

Alison Smith Mangiero, ’05, jumped into the emerging world of blockchain technology when she founded and became president of the tech startup TQ.

David Shimp, ’01, leads hospital during pandemic

For Del Sol Medical Center CEO David Shimp, ’01, adapting to rapid change was key to leading during a crisis. 

Entrepreneur Charlotte Denoyer, ’15, launches chocolate business

Charlotte Denoyer, ’15, shares her love of chocolate through delicious treats she lovingly crafts for Cupped Desserts, the business she co-founded with her sister. 

2021 Jepson Scholars Alec Greven, Keeley Harris, and Kexin Li

Three Jepson Scholars receive Oxford scholarships

The Jepson School named Alec Greven, Keeley Harris, and Kexin Li Jepson Scholars. Through the Jepson Scholars Program, the three members of the Class of 2021 will receive all-expenses-paid scholarships to pursue master’s degrees at the University of Oxford. 

Grace Miller and Alec Greven with UR Here pins

Support the Jepson School during UR Here Giving Day

Get ready for the University’s annual UR Here Giving Day on May 25-26! Members of the Jepson Executive Board of Advisors and an anonymous Class of ’96 alumna will match gifts up to $52,000, so please give to Jepson during UR Here. Become a Jepson ambassador by using the #URHere social media toolkit and encouraging your fellow alumni to join in the fun!

UR weather vane surrounded by lightbulbs

Preparing the next generation of entrepreneurs

In recent years, the University has worked to integrate entrepreneurial thinking across disciplines, including a push to encourage leadership studies and liberal arts students to pursue their creative passions and build their entrepreneurial knowledge and skills.

Student Stories

Richmond Scholar India Henderson portrays the Moon in the play
May 5, 2021
India Henderson, '21
Richmond Scholar explores race, class, and power through theatre and leadership studies
Casey Friedman by window in Jepson Hall
May 4, 2021
Casey Friedman, '21
Science leadership scholar researches the ethics of crafting technology policy
Keeley Harris, '21, hikes with her co-researcher and their guide to a sacred cave in Cambodian holy mountain Phnom Kulen.
April 20, 2021
Keeley Harris, '21
Jepson Scholar will continue her exploration of the connection between leadership and religion in a master's program at Oxford
April 6, 2021
Grace Miller, '21
Asking big questions and seeking solutions drive Richmond Scholar’s academic and career choices.
February 25, 2021
Kexin Li, '21
Richmond Scholar raises awareness of sexual violence through research and performance art
2021 Commencement
  • 2021 Commencement
    Student Commencement speaker Ana Paula Alvarado, Dean Sandra Peart, James MacGregor Burns Award recipient India Henderson, President Ronald Crutcher, and University of Richmond Mace Award recipient Alec Greven prepare to process.
  • Mace Award recipient Alec Greven
    The Mace Award is given annually to the University's most outstanding graduating senior.
  • Burns Award recipient India Henderson
    The James MacGregor Burns Award, the Jepson School's highest honor, is presented annually to a graduating senior.
  • President Ronald Crutcher gives the welcoming remarks
  • Ally Maner
  • Is that Claire Conslato hiding behind that mask?
  • Student Commencement speaker Ana Paula Alvarado
  • Julia Feron
  • Allie Margolis flashes a smile
  • Delta Air Lines CEO Edward Bastian gives the Commencement address
  • Midora Middleton
  • Casey Friedman
  • Jepson alumnus Ken Anderson, '17, greeted the new alumni
    Anderson graduated from the Jepson School in 2017 and from the Richmond Law School in 2020.
  • Drs. Kristen Bezio (far left) and Crystal Hoyt (adjacent) at Commencement
  • We did it!
  • Three proud Jepson grads
    Fiona Carter-Tod, Camille Edwards, and India Henderson
  • Kevin Villagomez
  • Jepson grads and Bonner Scholars
    Will Walker and Taneha Fincher
  • Friends for life
    Omar Ibrahim (second from left) and TJ Tann (far right)
  • Flashing the Jepson J! Congratulations, Class of 2021!
    Grace Miller, Claire Conslato, Kat Szeluga

Contact Us

Jepson School of Leadership Studies
221 Richmond Way
University of Richmond, VA 23173

General Information:

Phone: (804) 289-8008
Fax: (804) 287-6062
Email: jepson@richmond.edu