VCU Communications Hall of Fame Inducts Robert A. Dementi of Dementi Studio
We are honored to have VCU induct former Dementi Studio photographer Robert A. Dementi into the VCU Communications Hall of Fame.
Robert is the son of Dementi Studio’s founder Anthony L. Dementi, who started the studio in 1924. Robert began working at Dementi Studio when he was 14-years-old while he was a student at Thomas Jefferson High School. During weekends and summers, Robert apprenticed as a news photographer with the Richmond News Leader. He attended Washington & Lee University in Lexington, VA. While studying there, he helped to pay for his college tuition by photographing sports and other events at the university. Robert took over the studio in the 1970’s when his father’s health began deteriorating. He managed the studio with his wife Betty Dementi until he passed in 1988. The studio continues to be family-owned and is currently owned by Robert’s daughter, Margit Dementi Rankin.
Known for his cheerful demeanor, RObert is quoted as saying, “I try to smile most of the time. That’s an essential part of life.”
There are 14 inductees in all, each will be honored this Thursday in a ceremony which marks the 25th anniversary of the Hall of Fame.
You can view VCU’s press release here: VCU News Center
Tickets are $100 each and can be reserved by calling Lauren Stewart at VCU’s School of Mass Communications. (804) 827 3761.
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