Researchers and Record Holders Among Class of 2027

University of Richmond’s Fall Semester Classes Begin Aug. 28
August 10, 2023

Pictured above: Incoming first-year students Andrew Borchert, Ebony Jordan, and Abby Ioannou.

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND ─ The 830+ first-year students who make up the incoming class of 2027 stand out in many ways. One started a nonprofit that raised more than $20K and provided 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies for students in Texas and Zambia. One was among the first female members of the Boy Scouts of America. One held a Guinness Book of World Records title for world's largest slime.

“Our incoming class is comprised of students who have achieved both academically and personally,” said Stephanie Dupaul, vice president for Enrollment Management. “In addition to their academic excellence, they have interesting hobbies and extracurricular activities that bring diverse perspectives and a lot of energy to our campus. These new Spiders, who are archers, artists, chefs, entrepreneurs, figure skaters, fencers, musicians, and much more, will use their experiences to enhance their academic careers.”

The Class of 2027 includes:

  • 15% first-generation students,
  • 27% students of color, and
  • 11% international students from 35 countries, including Brazil, Canada, India, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

Many incoming students have already completed advanced research. One spent more than two years researching C. difficile germ infections and helped develop a wipe that makes C. diff spores visible under ultraviolet light. Others researched prison systems and solitary confinement, the impacts of the Holocaust on the mental health of the children and grandchildren of survivors, and the effect of a lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet on dance injuries.

Classes for all students begin Aug. 28.

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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.