ABOUT PACE
The Pace Center is an inclusive, multicultural, interfaith VCU student center at VCU. Pace is a place where students feel their unique stories and gifts are valued. As a queer-affirming campus ministry, we believe all are created to live in relationships with one another, not in isolation. Pace is a partnership between these denominations: English Lutheran (ELCA), Episcopalian, Presbyterian Church (USA), United Church of Christ, and United Methodist.
Our Mission
to equip and empower servant leaders
Our Vision
A Christ-shaped body where students help build community by discovering their purpose, others' purposes, and by establishing a life rhythm that enables that purpose to thrive.
Our Values
As a ministry of the United Methodist Church, Pace believes The Kingdom of God is a reality to be experienced by all. It facilitates this with an emphasis on the following values:
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Every individual is created with infinite value and lives more fully in the Kingdom when they are empowered to use their gifts to help their communities thrive.
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All are created to live in deep relationships with one another, not in isolation.
How do we build community?
Pace uses an Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) strategy to develop communities at VCU where people’s gifts are valued. ABCD builds on the assets that are already found in the student community and mobilizes individuals to come together to build on their assets instead of concentrating on what students need. VCU students do this by first identifying the assets of their community through a series of listening interviews. Once they discover the assets and passions of their diverse community, individuals are matched with people or groups who have an interest or passion in that asset. For example, many students love cooking and cuisine. A group of students who enjoy cooking might come together to make a weekly meal. The key is to use the gifts that VCU students possess to create student-led programming and build a stronger, deeper VCU community where students hold the power.
here's how pace students describe ABCD:
fLAGSHIP pROGRAMS
fELLOWSHIP
Pace’s semester-long Fellowship program is designed to foster community leaders. Pace Fellows devote 6-10 hours/week to the program and receive training in strengths-based community development practices, learning how to uplift the strengths of others. Through listening surveys, Fellows discover the dreams, passions, and gifts of other VCU students. They work with interested students to develop programs that bring those strengths to life, including open-mic night, mindful art projects, serving at food pantries, Community Cafe, and many other projects.
By leading student teams, Fellows learn communication skills, problem-solving, project management, how to delegate based on strengths, time management, and working with people from diverse backgrounds. Pace’s Fellows are primed to enter the professional workforce and have the tools necessary to build community in Richmond and beyond.
MENTOR PROGRAM
Pace’s Mentorship Program helps students explore their desired career path, by connecting with professionals in the Richmond community. Pace mentors help guide students' professional and civic aspirations and enhance their networks. In 2020, more than 30% of VCU students were the first in their families to attend college and 32% qualified for Pell Grant funding. Low-income and first-generation college students obtain strong first jobs and enter graduate school at much lower rates than other students. Research shows building social capital is a key element in helping students make the most of their college education.
The Mentorship Program relies on partnerships with local churches, Rotary clubs, and other community groups to provide mentors who have experience and networks throughout Richmond. Mentors help students access networks that might otherwise be unreachable to Pace’s significant population of first-generation and low-income students.
STUDENT CIRCLES
Student Circles provide an intentional space for holistic care and an opportunity for students to develop a relationship with a non-student adult who they can rely upon for guidance and support as they navigate college life. Student Circles enlists the help of qualified adult volunteers who have prior training in working with students and diverse populations. These Circle leaders meet for one hour each week with a small group of dedicated students in the Pace community.
Many VCU students fail to develop a connection with a VCU professor or advisor that they can turn to for guidance. In 2020, more than 30% of VCU students were the first in their families to attend college. Academic and socioeconomic factors, exacerbated by the pandemic, can plague students from this demographic and lead to increased dropout rates. By introducing students to a welcoming, experienced adult and a supportive peer group, Pace provides an intentional community that can be used for help and advice.
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At the Pace Center we have always strived to be an open and affirming community for people of all religions, genders, cultures, sexualities, and backgrounds. It is our fundamental belief that God's grace and love is available to all and we affirm that all people are valued children of God with no exceptions.
OUr Staff
Rev. Katherine Gooch
Director
Rev. Katie B. Gooch (she/her) is the Director and Campus Minister of The Pace Center. She is an ordained pastor in the United Methodist Church and has a passion for setting the stage for relationships and community to thrive. Prior to Pace, Katie B. served as the Executive Pastor of Reveille United Methodist Church. During seminary, she served as a hospital chaplain at Duke University and as a pastor in both Durham and Mamers, North Carolina. In an earlier life, Katie B. was a communications consultant in Washington D.C. and a Division I field hockey player. She is originally from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma but has grown to love Richmond!
Jean Linnell
Associate Director
Jean Linnell (she/her) is the Associate Director at Pace, working in the background to ensure everything runs smoothly. Jean has a degree in Environmental Studies from VCU and is interested in farming, food, and community. She is constantly amazed by people’s ability to unite and create. Jean currently serves on the board fo the Friends of the James River Park - a nonprofit dedicated to protecting, conserving, and enhancing the James River Park system in Richmond.
Rev. Russ Kerr
Student Engagement Coordinator
Russ Kerr (last name, “car”) (he/him) serves as the Student Development and Engagement Coordinator. He is an ordained P.C.(USA) teaching elder (minister). He has served congregations in North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. He is a graduate of Emory & Henry College and Union Presbyterian Seminary. His first degree (and love) was theatre. He is passionate about community building, storytelling, and unlocking creativity. On the weekends you can find him somewhere outdoors and/or with a good book in his hand.
Shannon O'Neill
Administrative Assistant
Shannon O’Neill (she/her) is the part-time administrative assistant at Pace, helping the staff keep things organized, managing general operations and helping with events. Shannon earned her MFA in Fiction at VCU, an MA in Film Studies from the University College Dublin, Ireland and a BA in English from the University of Michigan. Along the way, she uncovered a talent for organizing people who are passionate about their creative endeavors. Always appreciative of the impact community organizations have on those who find themselves in need of connection, there are few things she enjoys more than learning about others, and helping them feel less alone. She is also a grief educator and the director of Richmond Story House, a nonprofit rooted in the belief that we all have stories to tell, and our individual and collective
stories matter.
Our Board
Selma Ait-Bella
(she/her)
VCU Student
Rev. Matt Bates
(he/him)
Personnel Committee (Chair)
Centenary United Methodist Church, Senior Pastor
Bailey Blake
(she/her)
VCU Student
Page Bradford
(he/him)
Property Committee
Trinity United Methodist Church (Richmond)
Erin-Marie Brown
(she/her)
Strategic Planning and Evaluation Committee
Kevin Bruny
(he/him)
Nominations and
Governance Committee,
Strategic Planning and Evaluation Committee
Reveille United Methodist Church
Carolyn Center
(she/her)
Fundraising Committee (Chair)
Susan Custer
(she/her)
District Superintendent
Representative
Woodlake United Methodist Church
John Fuller
(he/him)
Board Treasurer,
Finance Committee (Chair)
Good Shepherd United Methodist Church
Maria Haines
(she/her)
VCU Alumni
D'Arcy Mays
(he/him)
Board Chair,
Personnel and Finance Committee
St. Andrew's United Methodist Church
Tobi Ojo
(she/her)
VCU Student
Lynn Pelco
(she/her)
Strategic Planning and Evaluation
(Chair)
Elizabeth Roderick
(she/her)
Property Committee (Chair),
Nominations and Governance Committee
Leigh Anne Ross
(she/her)
Fundraising Committee
Reveille United Methodist Church
Rachel Zahradka
(she/her)
VCU Student,
Strategic Planning and Evaluation Committee
Tabernacle Baptist Church
PARKING
Franklin Street: free parking (3 hr max)
Pine Street: metered parking (Mon-Sat 8 am - 8 pm) $2/ hr (3 hr max)
West Main Street Parking Deck: $2/ hr ($16 max)
QQ Lot: $2/ hr ($16 max)
Yellow Lines indicate streets to park on
contact
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
700 West Franklin Street
Richmond, VA 23220
MAILING ADDRESS
PO Box 5161
Richmond, VA 23220
FIND US
We are located across from Monroe Park, next door to Brandt and Rhoads Halls.
CALL US
Tel: 804-658-4064