Richmond Times-Dispatch, Va., Bob Rayner column.

Byline: Bob Rayner

Nov. 20--VCU PROJECTS PROVIDED SPARK FOR DOWNTOWN: Seventeen years ago, I started a journey that led, via a winding path, to my job here at The Times-Dispatch.

In 1988, I decided to pursue a career in journalism. My first stop was Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Mass Communications, where I began work on a master's degree.

At VCU, I discovered some truly fabulous teachers. I also found myself wandering a campus that, while pleasingly urban and crowded with diversity, also was a bit sterile, a little disjointed, rough around the edges.

Sure, the school owned some gorgeous turn-of-the century buildings along …