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.
# # #