Supporting a Community of Care

Rasheeda D. Chambers, ’03, was so certain of her decision to attend the University of Richmond that she didn’t apply anywhere else. “People look at me like I have three heads when I say that, but it's true,” she said. “I always knew I wanted to be at Richmond.” 
 
The passionate Spider alumna – an accounting graduate who is now assistant director of internal audit with Atlantic Union Bank – has stayed connected through years of philanthropic support and volunteer service. She was inspired to get involved by her mentor Dr. Tina Cade, who retired from UR in 2022 after 35 years of service, including her most recent post as associate vice president for student development and director of the Student Center for Equity and Inclusion.
 
“Dr. Cade asked me to revive and lead URBAN (the UR Black Alumni Network),” she said. “I created programs and planned events that offered a community for alumni of color.” 
 
In 2019, Rasheeda joined the UR Alumni Association (URAA) Board of Directors. She has remained deeply involved, leading to her election as president from 2025 to 2027.
 
“I’m excited to serve on a board with 20+ alumni who are each amazing in their own right,” she said. “I look forward to helping the URAA continue to serve as a conduit of information between the University and the alumni community and build lasting connections.” 
 
During her work with URBAN, Rasheeda became reacquainted with André Chambers, ’00, a fellow member of the Oliver Hill Scholars program (now the Richmond Scholars Program) during their time on campus. The pair married in 2023. As Robins Circle members, they loyally give to UR each year in support of access and affordability and student belonging initiatives. 
 
“When you’re a student, Richmond plants a seed of what it means to be part of a community that’s totally supportive,” said André, a computer science graduate who co-founded and serves as COO of software company Evans & Chambers Technology. “You leave with that seed planted, and then you realize that you have a responsibility to maintain that same environment for future students.” 
 
“If I did not have a scholarship, I would not have been able to come to Richmond,” Rasheeda said. “So, for me, maintaining scholarships for students going forward is very important. I believe our charge as alumni is to show that our hearts are still there and we still care.”