Senior nursing student Alexandria Atwater and senior English major Eliza Aidoo are the 2026-27 recipients of the Friends of VCU Libraries Scholarships. Both students expect to graduate in May 2027 and credit VCU Libraries with helping them grow academically and prepare for their future careers.

When Atwater returned to school as an adult learner, she struggled with changes to APA formatting and citation standards, which affected her grades and confidence. At the recommendation of a professor, she sought writing support and learned to use resources such as research guides and APA templates. The experience encouraged her to explore additional library resources, including webinars on scholarly databases and citation management tools.

“More importantly, the experience helped to restore my confidence in myself as a student and developing scholar,” Atwater said.

Atwater, who is pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in the family nurse practitioner track, said receiving the scholarship will help ease the financial burden of completing her doctoral education. The funds will also help cover expenses associated with graduation and transitioning into professional practice, including obtaining transcripts and applying for professional credentials.

After graduation, Atwater hopes to practice as a family nurse practitioner supporting underserved populations and communities that face barriers to health care. She said her experience with VCU Libraries has strengthened her ability to evaluate research, find reliable evidence and communicate effectively, skills she plans to carry into her career.

“I would especially encourage students not to hesitate to ask for help,” Atwater said. “Seeking support is not a reflection of your academic ability; it is an opportunity to develop new skills, gain confidence and strengthen your scholarly voice.”

For Aidoo, an English major with a minor in philosophy of law, VCU Libraries has provided opportunities to develop professional skills and build lasting relationships. As an out-of-state student, she found a sense of community through her three years working as a collections care intern.

Aidoo credits Nora Bloch, preservation librarian, and Liza Hazelwood, lead collections care technician, with helping shape her college experience. Through her internship, she has learned about book preservation, collections care and the work that goes into maintaining library materials. She has also developed an appreciation for bookmaking and publishing.

“I have learned so much from them, and I have created lifelong friendships working in collections care that I will take with me,” Aidoo said.

After graduation, Aidoo hopes to pursue a career in law, advocating for minorities in the business and medical fields. She also hopes to establish a private practice supporting female authors and smaller publishing companies that may lack the resources or connections to access legal services. Her experience at VCU Libraries has helped her explore these interests and identify resources for preparing for the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) and applying to law school in the future.

Aidoo said she encourages students to take advantage of the opportunities VCU Libraries offers, including internships, work-study positions, events and other resources.

“There are people in the libraries that are here to guide and support you,” she said. “I don't think I would be where I am without VCU, and I have met so many amazing people that have helped me with my college career even when times were very difficult.”

Established in 2018 through gifts from Friends of VCU Libraries board members and other supporters, the Friends of VCU Libraries Scholarship Endowment provides financial assistance to students on both the Monroe Park and MCV campuses. The scholarships support one eligible student from each campus. Funds can be applied to expenses related to enrollment at VCU, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, technology, housing, groceries and other living expenses.