Entrepreneurs, Researchers, and Heroes among University of Richmond's Class of 2026; Fall Semester Classes Begin Aug. 22

August 12, 2022

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — The more than 860 first-year students who make up the incoming first-year class of 2026 stand out in many ways. One student speaks five languages. Another student received a Boy Scouts of America Medal of Merit for saving a life in Alaska. Another climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.

“Our students are incredibly accomplished,” said Stephanie Dupaul, vice president for Enrollment Management. “When reviewing applications, we consider everything we can learn about a student to understand better who they are, the choices they have made, and how they might impact our community. To be competitive for admission, students need both rigorous curriculum and top grades – but our entering students hit those marks, and even more.”

Many students have already completed advanced research. One student’s faculty-mentored research focused on Lyme disease while another developed models to determine how socioeconomic background may impact susceptibility to endometrial cancer.

Several students are entrepreneurs. One created a business helping high school seniors celebrate decision day with college-themed cupcakes. Another created Puzzles for Patients, delivering custom puzzles to hospitalized children. Another student raised $3.5 million for cancer research by selling bracelets.

First-year students enroll in seminars that provide opportunities to explore these and other interests in small class settings. More than 40 seminar topics are offered each semester, providing options that are as varied as students’ interests. Among this year’s topics are global studies and public policy, civic journalism and social justice, and understanding contemporary art.

New this year is a seminar taught by UR President Kevin F. Hallock. His “Pay” course is designed to help students understand compensation. Among the topics he’ll cover are wage inequality, the gender wage gap, executive compensation, compensation and nonprofits, and superstar compensation.

The Class of 2026 includes:

  • 12% first-generation students,
  • 26% students of color,
  • Students from 38 states and the District of Columbia,
  • 10% international students from 27 countries, including Albania, Canada, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

Classes for all students begin Aug. 22.

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Note: The data in this release is current as of Aug. 10. Official information will be available after the University’s census date, Oct. 1, via the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.