The first quarter 2016 CEO Economic Outlook survey by the University of Richmond’s Robins School of Business and the Virginia Council of CEOs (VACEOs) reflects increased optimism among chief executives in central Virginia. The survey’s index, which measures executives’ views on projected hiring, capital spending and sales over the next six months, increased sharply from its Q4 2015 level to reach the highest level ever recorded. The survey has been administered quarterly since 2010.

Three University of Richmond students won the top prize at the Robins School of Business “Business Pitch” competition with a predictive polling application that inspires competition between groups of people for relevant cultural events. The win secured the trio $3,500 and the opportunity to pitch the product to local investors who might help them make their idea a reality.

Hannah Maddy, daughter of David and Crystal Maddy of Williamsport, Pa., won a national field school award from the Classical Association of the Midwest and the South to support her summer research project studying ancient graffiti in Italy.

Eleventh Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, Jane Chu, will give a lecture at the University of Richmond titled “The Transformational Power of the Arts” on April 14, 7-8 p.m. in Jepson Hall, Room 120.

University of Richmond has been selected as one of MONEY and ESSENCE’s 50 Best Colleges for African-Americans.

The Chronicle of Higher Education has named University of Richmond’s American Panorama project as one of its nine tech innovators for 2016.  

The Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation awarded the University of Richmond a prestigious three-year Beckman Scholars grant for faculty-mentored student research.

University of Richmond’s Robins School of Business has named Scott Hetzer, retired Dominion senior vice president and treasurer, as its Executive of the Year.

Edwin Cameron, who serves as a justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa, will give a lecture at the University of Richmond School of Law titled “Queer and African: Constitutional Protection for LGBTI Persons in South Africa’s Constitution,” on April 19, 4 p.m. in the Law School’s Moot Court Room.

The University of Richmond is announcing the speakers who will address graduates during commencement weekend May 7-8.