Grand Opening of the Obama Presidential Center begins June 18
Bonnie,
On Saturday, President Obama announced that the Grand Opening of the Obama Presidential Center begins June 18, and we can’t wait for you to be a part of it!Learn moreEleven years ago this month, President Obama honored the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches with his “You are America” address—an excerpt of which is memorialized on the side of the Museum Building, welcoming visitors and reminding us of the power of collective action. This is the spirit we’re bringing to the Center, starting with our Grand Opening.
Join a livestream of the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening Ceremony. Tune in for legendary performances by global icons and powerful remarks from today’s most prominent voices.June 19ama Presidential Center Museum opens to the public! Timed tickets are required and will go on sale this May.June 20-2n-house style weekend celebration with live performances, family-friendly activities, food, art, and storytelling across campus.Learn moreStay tuned for more information about Museum ticket sales and our plans for Grand Opening Weekend. We can’t wait to celebrate with you soon!
–The Obama FoundationEmpower the next generation of changemakers.
VCU researchers developed Lyme vaccine for dogs — and now are working on one for humans
Apr 1
The Speaker:
Dr. Richard T. Marconi is a professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and a nationally recognized leader in Lyme disease research.
For more than three decades, he has studied the biology of tick-borne infections, focusing on how these pathogens evade the immune system and how that knowledge can be translated into better prevention and treatment.
Marconi played a central role in developing the first widely used canine Lyme disease vaccine. His laboratory now is working to advance a safe and effective human Lyme disease vaccine.
He has lectured worldwide, published research articles, holds numerous national and international patents, and has been continuously funded since 1990. He has served on more than 120 national and international advisory panels and was a charter member of the National Institutes of Health’s Vaccines for Microbial Diseases study section.
He also is the co-founder of the startup Chimeritope DX.
He earned his doctorate at the University of Montana, where he studied microbiology and biochemistry. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology and a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors.
Have a dog? Dr. Richard Marconi’s invention might be inside your canine.
And it might be coming soon to you, too.
Join us on Wednesday April 1 at noon for a free webinar to learn more about Marconi, a researcher at Virginia Commonwealth University who is one of the nation’s leading experts in Lyme disease. He is the inventor behind the leading canine Lyme disease vaccine, which has helped protect millions of dogs across North America.
Building on that success, his downtown Richmond laboratory is developing a safe and effective human vaccine, applying decades of research to prevent tick-borne disease before it starts.
Marconi is one of VCU’s leading innovators, and his work illustrates how VCU and Central Virginia play an increasingly critical role in translating research from the lab into the real world.
His research also contributes to improved diagnostic tools and a deeper understanding of persistent symptoms associated with tick-borne illness.
Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the United States, and, if left untreated, can lead to serious long-term health problems, including nervous system issues, heart problems, and joint pain.
Lyme disease cases are increasing as ticks expand into new regions. The disease affects public health, healthcare costs, and workforce productivity — making prevention, research, and early detection especially important.
Marconi will share his story and how he has attracted federal funding, built his team, and formed partnerships locally and beyond to bring his vision to life. You’ll also get a basic science lesson in how his vaccines work — including learning the definition of “Chimeritope.”
Attendees will gain insight into how universities like VCU function as engines of growth, talent development, and problem-solving — and how civic and business leaders play a critical role in sustaining that ecosystem.NextDigital Transformation: ODU’s AI ecosystem is powered by Google
Artist in Residence: GALLIM @ the Jepson Theater, Modlin Center, University of Richmond
Founded in 2007, GALLIM is a Brooklyn–based contemporary dance company performing original work by Andrea Miller. Miller’s work is known for its use of Gaga, a style characterized by its central use of somatic sensations to guide dancers’ movements. The result is visceral, distinctive choreography that invites exploration of one’s own physicality.
GALLIM, Bodies of Matter
Friday, March 20 | 7:30 PM
Alice Jepson Theatre
On March 20, GALLIM performs Bodies of Matter, a mixed program celebrating Andrea Miller’s daring and visionary choreography. Renowned for blending movement with visual art, film, fashion, and sound, GALLIM creates fully immersive emotional landscapes that put the body at the center of the experience.
Bodies of Matter presents six distinct works, each exploring the body as a vessel for memory, emotion, and transcendence. From classical to pop to electronic, the eclectic soundtrack underscores a performance that is both visceral and deeply human.
Free Movement Workshop with GALLIM
Wednesday, March 18 | 6-7:30 PM
Frederick Rehearsal Hall, Modlin Center for the Arts
In this free workshop led by company dancer Donterreo Culp, movers of all levels and abilities are invited to experience GALLIM’s signature contemporary movement approach and engage in the company’s artistic process. Participants are led through guided improvisation that engages the body and the imagination through dynamic and nuanced movement. Come prepared to move, express your unique self, and have fun dancing with others.
No dance training or experience is necessary, and all levels (ages 12 and up) are welcome! Register in advance due to space limitations. Walk-ups will be accommodated as space allows.
You’re Invited! March 26 All Henrico Reads with Walter Mosley
Join us Thursday, March 26 at 7 p.m. for an evening of community and conversation. This year’s All Henrico Reads is a rare chance to meet one of our nation’s top mystery writers, Walter Mosley. Learn about his latest best-selling book, Gray Dawn, and how he crafts thrilling stories that keep readers wanting more. The event is FREE and open to the public; no registration required. The evening includes prize drawings and a book-signing after the event. Sponsored by the Friends of Henrico County Public Library. Henrico Sports & Events Center, 1 All Star Boulevard, Glen Allen, VA 23059. henricolibrary.org/ahr
This event is supported by the Friends of Henrico County Public Library.https://www.waltermosley.com/
The 2026 Williamsburg Black Film Festival presents ‘Black Excellence; Past, Present, & Future’
The Virginia Black Film Festival celebrates its third year as a partnership with Visit Williamsburg. The theme of the event, Feb. 19-22, is “Black Excellence; Past, Present, & Future” part of the city’s celebration of Black History Month and VA250. 2026 is the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding and Virginia is the center of it all! Exceptional films will be showcased and awarded in multiple categories, including special subcategories for international films, student films, and historically significant films! VBFF is a star-studded event with multiple educational and networking opportunities for independent filmmakers, cinephiles, students, and industry professionals. Previous celebrity guests include Clifton Powell, Tim Reid, BK Fulton, Jesse Vaughan, and Kemba Smith. Panel discussions and masterclasses will cover distribution, filming in Virginia, entertainment law, and acting for film.
2026 Lifetime Achievement Awardee is Daphne Maxwell Reid!
For more details, visit: https://virginiablackfilmfestival.com/
BND Institute of Media & Culture 