First-year Spiders arrive at University of Richmond; new students are diverse and highly accomplished

The 827 first-year students arriving to University of Richmond’s campus tomorrow (Aug. 20) comprise one of the most highly qualified classes in the university’s history, admitted from a pool of more than 9,900 applicants.

The Class of 2018 is one of Richmond’s most diverse:

• 28 percent of the class are U.S. students of color and an additional six percent are international students of color
• 14 percent of the class are first-generation college students
• 15 percent of the class grew up speaking a language other than English
• International citizens comprise eight percent of the class
• Freshmen represent 44 states and U.S. territories
• Virginia residents make up 17 percent of the class, the largest number of any state
• Students are coming from 32 countries – from Venezuela to Ethiopia and Pakistan to Singapore

The new group of Spiders is highly accomplished:

• 331 were national honor society members
• 36 were class presidents or presidents of their student government
• 266 were athletic team captains
• 24 served as editors of their school newspapers or yearbooks
• 25 are Eagle Scout or Girl Scout Gold Award winners

One student has performed in 34 local theater productions; another was an Intel International Science and Engineering Fair finalist. Some students are entrepreneurs who have founded businesses ranging from a men’s clothing line to a catering company. One is a robotics champion; another student from Greece mentored Lakota youth in South Dakota; and four are All-American athletes.

Classes begin Aug. 25.

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