UR alums and longtime generous benefactors Carole and Marcus Weinstein will donate $25 million to the University of Richmond to support a center focused on student learning. This is the second-largest single gift in the University’s history. The Carole and Marcus Weinstein Learning Center will be located in Boatwright Memorial Library.

This gift will enable the University to create a collaborative, state-of-the-art center that co-locates, integrates, and expands services that support academic achievement for students, including effective speaking, writing, and peer tutoring. The new center will also include advanced quantitative support and other resources for students in every stage of their educational journey.

“We are excited by the way the University’s Boatwright Library will accommodate the next generation of students,” said Carole and Marcus Weinstein. “We remember spending hours poring over the library’s card catalog to do further research for papers we were writing. The new Learning Center will use the library’s centralized space to offer cutting-edge practices and support new skills students need now and into the future.”

Among numerous contributions to campus, the Weinstein family’s gifts have supported scholarships, faculty chairs, international education, well-being, and chaplaincy programs, as well as the creation of the Carole Weinstein International Center, the Weinstein Center for Recreation, and Weinstein Hall. Marcus Weinstein recently received the Paragon Medal, the University’s highest honor, in recognition of his decades of support for students and the University’s academic mission.

“We are deeply grateful to the Weinsteins for their steadfast support,” said University of Richmond President Kevin F. Hallock. “They continually lead by example in showing the transformative power of philanthropy at UR.”

“Our family and faith have encouraged us to make the world a better place,” the Weinsteins said. “We hope others will be inspired by our example to make a difference in whatever way they can. The happy surprise is that not only will they do good, but it will also make them feel good.”

“The commitment and dedication of generations of Spiders have helped to make UR what it is today,” said Martha E. Callaghan, vice president for Advancement. “This important milestone in our upward trajectory amplifies our academic excellence and helps ensure our students thrive in and outside of the classroom.”

The planning process for this new center is underway.

Fans of the popular Sanrio character Hello Kitty are in for a treat as the Hello Kitty Cafe Truck rolls back into Richmond this Saturday, March 18th, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The truck will be stationed at the main entrance of the Short Pump Town Center by Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn, providing enthusiasts with an opportunity to indulge in a variety of exclusive goodies and limited-edition collectibles.

The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck, famous for delicious treats and adorable collectibles, announced that they have added new items to their menu for the Richmond event, including a Hello Kitty Cafe Cup Plush, a Hello Kitty Cafe Coin Bank, a Glass Mug with Sprinkle Handle, a Hello Kitty Cafe Lunchbox, a Hello Kitty Cafe Lavender T-Shirt, a Hello Kitty Cafe Canvas Tote, and a Hello Kitty Cafe Rainbow Thermos. Fans can also grab hand-decorated cookie sets, enamel pin sets, and Madeleine cookie sets.

Visitors to the truck can look forward to the best-selling Hello Kitty Cafe Plush Toys and Giant Hello Kitty Cafe Chef Cookies as well. The truck makes yearly stops in different cities and has been a big hit with fans since it was introduced in 2014.

This Saturday’s pop-up event at Short Pump Town Center is the perfect opportunity for fans to check out the new exclusive collectibles and see the iconic vehicle up close.

Henrico 4-H Youth Development will hold a free community celebration of agriculture with the second annual Farm Graze event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 25 at Deep Run Park, 9900 Ridgefield Parkway.

Coordinated with National Agriculture Day (March 21), Farm Graze will feature live animals, including chicks, goats, rabbits and bees; resources for families; a pet costume contest; crafts; and other activities. Youth will be able to complete a passport book by visiting the various exhibitors, with prizes awarded for the first 100 turned in.

Farm Graze also will collect donated items for the Henrico Animal Shelter, including used towels and blankets; Kongs and treats for dogs; toys for cats; and dry kibble and formula for kittens. All activities will take place in the recreation center or on the event field.

Henrico 4-H will showcase its programs and opportunities. Other exhibitors will include Henrico Extension, Master Gardeners, Henrico County Public Library, Henrico Recreation and Parks, Henricopolis Soil & Water Conservation District, Keep Virginia Beautiful, Keep Henrico Beautiful, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences, Virginia State University Small Ruminant Farm, Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom, West End Farmers Market and RVA City Bees.

For more information, call (804) 501-5160 or go to henrico.us/extension.