Richmond Class of 2029 will soon arrive on campus
University News
The University of Richmond is ready to welcome the Class of 2029, an accomplished group of more than 860 traditional undergraduate students from 39 states and 25 countries. Their academic journey at UR officially begins on Aug. 25, the first day of classes for the fall 2025 semester.
“These new Spiders are smart and impressively involved. They have published research, won awards for service, and received national and international academic, artistic, and athletic accolades,” said Stephanie Dupaul, vice president for enrollment management.
The class includes 40 class/student body presidents, 33 yearbook editors, and 310 sports team captains. Seventeen students achieved Eagle Scout or Girl Scout Gold status. They've studied or speak 29 different languages other than English.
One is a firefighter, another a national level gymnast. There is a surf instructor and a student who competed on a Season 4 episode of Chopped Junior.
Many play instruments, including the yangqin, a Chinese hammered dulcimer. One student performed at Carnegie Hall, while another assisted sea turtles in an ocean conservation program in Brazil. Several are entrepreneurs, including one who resells designer neckties. Another led the top fundraising chapter of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life charity walk.
“Perhaps most importantly to me, as we bring these students together to build a new class community, they have been valued members of the high school communities they are leaving,” Dupaul said. “They are described as the glue that holds friend groups together, the siblings who look out for each other, and the students who inspire their teachers.”
When reading their applications, Dupaul said she was struck by how many are connected in ways they might not even realize. She wondered if the student from Pennsylvania who worked at Duck Donuts knows that there is a student from North Carolina who has also worked for the donut franchise? Or if the students from Virginia, Massachusetts, and New Jersey met when they all attended the same New York Times summer program?
“When they finally meet face to face, the new students may discover unexpected ways that they are already connected across the Spider network,” Dupaul said. “I’m so excited for them, and for the moments of finding something familiar that will be interspersed with all of the newness of coming to Richmond!”
About 260 additional students will also begin their journey at UR next week as undergraduate transfers, in the law school, graduate business, or continuing studies.
Meet three new Spiders!
Charlie Lanning
Columbus, Ohio
Why did you choose UR?
I know it is a place that would push me to become not only a better student — allowing me to pursue a variety of my passions across disciplines — but a person supported by a vibrant cohort of peers and driven, dedicated faculty. I have seen this through meeting people on campus and through researching the amazing work done inside and outside of the classrooms at Richmond.
What will you major in?
Being a part of the SMART Endeavor program, I plan to have a major in the STEM field, most likely biology or biochemistry and molecular biology. I also plan to major in business administration.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I really love photography and bring my cameras with me on all my travels. For me, it's a blend of exploration, artistic expression, and technical mastery. My goal is to photograph all seven continents (I've already done three of seven!)
What are you looking forward to at UR?
I am really excited to get on campus and explore all the amazing opportunities available — clubs, research projects, internships, intramural sports, study abroad. I also cannot wait to meet the rest of the Class of 2029!
Olivia Napolitano
Springfield, New Jersey
Why UR?
I chose Richmond because of its amazing course options, along with the opportunities and resources that I will have access to. Compared to other schools that I looked at, UR has a perfect balance of academics and school spirit.
At the Admitted Student Campus Visit event, I was able to take a leadership ethics class, which I found very interesting.
I look forward to participating in research projects with professors, potentially studying abroad, and joining clubs around campus.
What will your major be?
I plan to double major in finance and philosophy, politics, economics, and law and minor in dance.
What would you like the Class of 2029 to know about you?
I have been a competitive dancer for 11 years. I trained in ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, and hip-hop. My team and I have traveled across the country for different competitions and performances.
How do you feeling about coming to UR?
I am so excited to meet new people and create long-lasting friendships, experience the beautiful campus and all that it has to offer, and immerse myself in the programs and courses that I am interested in.
Saanvi Gandham
Glen Allen, Virginia
Why did you decide to attend UR?
For so many reasons: the strong undergraduate focus, tight-knit community, incredible faculty, the vast opportunities for research and global learning, the gorgeous campus (of course), and just because I love the Richmond area in general.
What will be your major?
Right now, I’m planning to major in cognitive science on the pre-med track, and possibly minor in something like data science or leadership studies. I’m not sure yet. I’ve always been drawn to interdisciplinary learning. I also love thinking about the brain, behavior, and what makes us human from different angles like biology, psychology, and philosophy.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I’ve been learning Kuchipudi, a classical South Indian dance form, for almost 13 years now. It’s a huge part of who I am! Though I probably won’t formally study dance, I hope to stay involved in the arts community at UR.
What are you looking forward to?
I’m definitely looking forward to research, connecting with students and faculty, making new friends, joining clubs, small class sizes, studying abroad...honestly, all of it!