Virginia Commonwealth University

History

Though officially created with the merger of the Richmond Professional Institute (RPI) and Medical College of Virginia (MCV) in 1968, VCU's history stretches back to 1838, when MCV first opened its doors as the medical department of Hampden-Sydney College. VCU recognizes the latter date on its official seal and promotional materials. RPI traces its roots back to 1917, when it began as the Richmond School of Social Work.

Related Topics:
Richmond Professional Institute - Medical College of Virginia - Hampden-Sydney College

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Timeline

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• 1838 - The Medical Department of Hampden-Sydney College opens in Richmond
• 1844 - The Medical Department moves into its first permanent home, the Egyptian Building
• 1854 - The Medical Department of Hampden-Sydney College receives an independent charter from the Virginia General Assembly and becomes the Medical College of Virginia (MCV)
• 1860 - In return for a $30,000 appropriation MCV conveys all its property to the Commonwealth of Virginia and becomes a state institution
• 1893 - College of Physicians and Surgeons, later University College of Medicine, was established by Dr. Hunter Holmes McGuire just three blocks away from MCV
• 1912 - McGuire Hall opens as the new home of the University College of Medicine
• 1913 - MCV and UCM merged through the efforts of Dr. George Ben Johnston and Dr. Stuart McGuire. MCV acquired the Memorial Hospital as a result of the merger
• 1917 - Richmond School of Social Work and Public Health established
• 1925 - Richmond School of Social Work and Public Health becomes the Richmond division of the College of William and Mary
• 1939 - Richmond division of William and Mary becomes the "Richmond Professional Institute of the College of William and Mary" (RPI)
• 1947 - MCV Foundation is incorporated.
• 1962 - RPI separates from William and Mary to become an independent state institution.
• 1968 - The first heart transplant at the Medical College of Virginia is performed by Dr. Richard R. Lower. This was only the 9th such operation performed in the United States, and the 16th in the world.
• 1968 - State legislation merges MCV and RPI to become Virginia Commonwealth University. MCV retains the right to use its name.
• 2000 - VCU Health System authority is established
• 2004 - The name VCU Medical Center is adopted to refer to MCV Hospitals and VCU's medical schools