The VCU School of Education is grieving the loss of one of its most dedicated supporters, Anna Lou Schaberg, who passed away on July 31, 2025. Dean Kelli Feldman announced the news in a heartfelt message to the School of Education faculty and staff, highlighting Schaberg's profound impact as an alumna, educator, and philanthropist.

"It is with profound sorrow that I share the passing of Anna Lou Schaberg on July 31, 2025," said Dean Feldman. "Anna Lou was one of our most cherished benefactors and a devoted alumna, leaving behind her husband, Bob Schaberg, and an extraordinary legacy that has shaped our School of Education."

Schaberg's obituary, which details her life and accomplishments, is available here. 

A graduate of the Richmond Professional Institute with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and from VCU with a Master of Education in 1970, Schaberg devoted 29 years to Richmond Public Schools. From 1977 to 2000, she coordinated programs for gifted students, fostering educational excellence and innovation in the classroom.

Through the Bob and Anna Lou Schaberg Foundation, she and her husband provided transformative support to VCU's School of Education. Early contributions included funding for the Middle School Service Learning Partnership Project, which enabled VCU Master of Teaching students to lead community-engaged programs at local middle schools. The foundation also supported graduate assistants, allowing four students to complete their doctoral programs debt-free and embark on influential careers in education.

More recently, through a leadership gift that inspired other donors, the foundation supported the renovation of the School of Education’s Child Development Center. The foundation also funded the Anna Lou and Bob Schaberg Chair of Practice, held by Kim McKnight, Ph.D., to enhance the RTR Teacher Residency program; the Anna Lou Schaberg Professor of Practice in Education, held by Kendra D. Johnson, Ph.D., to advance pedagogical practices; the Schaberg New Teacher Support Program (NTSP), which mentors new teachers in Richmond Public Schools; and the Multilingual Learners in Schools (MLS) Research Lab, which improves educational practices for multilingual students. 

Just this summer, Schaberg furthered her commitment with a generous endowed gift from the foundation, reinforcing teacher preparation and student success across Virginia and beyond.

"These contributions have strengthened teacher preparation and student outcomes, leaving an indelible mark on education," Dean Feldman said. “Schaberg's legacy of generosity and dedication to education will continue to inspire future generations at VCU and in the broader community.”