Kiplinger's Personal Finance ranks University of Richmond No. 11 on its 2012-13 list of 200 best value private universities. Richmond ranked 12th on the magazine’s 2011-12 list.

University of Richmond’s new $5 million student activities complex, a set of nine buildings and a courtyard that will provide space for activities of student organizations and sororities, will open Oct. 26, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. and an open house from 4 – 6 p.m.

A discussion commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, moderated by University of Richmond president Edward Ayers, will air at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., Oct. 27, and 11 a.m., Oct. 28 on C-SPAN3.

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded a $513,000 grant to Con Beausang, professor and chair of the physics department at the University of Richmond. The grant will allow Beausang to continue his work in nuclear stewardship science.

University of Richmond’s Office of Alumni and Career Services has hired Bonnie Graham as project manager of career and recruitment events and Lynn Busby McMullin as assistant director for regional initiatives, focused on alumni events.

Author and Black culture expert Tricia Rose will speak about “Hip Hop and Racial Storytelling in the Age of Obama” Oct. 18, 6 p.m., at the University of Richmond.

The University of Richmond School of Law will host a forum on “Religion and the 2012 Election: What is Freedom of Religion?” Oct. 18, 6 p.m., at Queally Hall, Ukrop Auditorium. 

Comeback America’s $10 Million a Minute bus tour will stop Oct. 8, 3-7 p.m. the University of Richmond. David Walker, Comeback America’s CEO and founder, will speak about economic problems and solutions at 4:30 p.m. in the Alice Haynes Room of Tyler Haynes Commons.

The University of Richmond will host UR Comes Out events throughout October to celebrate LGBTQ History Month.

The University of Richmond continues its fall International Film Series in October and November with five films, including “Elena,” a special jury prize winner at the Cannes Film Festival.