This fall, the University of Richmond welcomed an extraordinary lineup of celebrated artists, writers, executives, and thought leaders, who shared their insights on creativity, leadership, and civic engagement with the campus community. From small-group conversations with Broadway talent to a workshop with a Marvel creator and dialogue with national pundits, the semester offered a range of voices shaping today’s culture and ideas.

One of those moments came when Phillipa Soo, the actress and singer who originated the role of Eliza Hamilton in the Broadway phenomenon Hamilton, visited campus in November. Soo met with students to share insights into her creative process and personal journey.

“We’ve had several major celebrities on campus since I’ve been here, and they’ve all met with students. My friends at other schools don’t have that experience,” said senior Tyler Morales, a double major in politics, philosophy, economics, and law, and Latin American, Latino, & Iberian studies.

Soo’s visit, organized by the Center for Student Involvement with support from several campus partners, including the Gottwald Speakers Fund, was one of many opportunities for students to engage directly with prominent guests.

Read Broadway star Phillipa Soo shares insights with University of Richmond community.

Marvel Comics writer Gabby Rivera also spent time at UR this fall. The author, known for creating stories that explore identity and justice, spoke to the campus community and led a hands-on Superhero Creation Lab for students. Rivera was recruited by Marvel to write the debut comic for America Chavez, a college student and superhero who can punch star-shaped portals through space and time. Her visit was part of Latinx Heritage Month programming hosted by the Hub for Student Inclusion and Community.

Read Spiders imagine a better world. 

The semester also featured well-known public thinkers. In October, The New York Times columnist David Brooks delivered the keynote address for the 38th annual Weinstein-Rosenthal Forum on Faith, Ethics, & Global Society. Brooks discussed his recent bestseller, How to Know a Person, emphasizing how genuine connection can counter the loneliness and fragmentation he sees in contemporary society. During the Q&A, he answered pre-submitted student questions, encouraging them to shift from asking what someone believes to understanding how their beliefs were formed.

Read David Brooks offers UR guidance on fostering genuine connections.

A similar theme emerged in November during Greg Lukianoff’s talk on “Free Speech & Academic Freedom in Higher Ed.” The president and CEO of FIRE — the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression — spoke as part of the Jepson School of Leadership Studies’ Gary L. McDowell Institute Lecture Series. After meeting with three classes earlier in the day, Lukianoff praised students’ thoughtful questions, noting that “all of the questions were top-notch.”

Other long-standing speaker series brought leaders in business and sports to UR. The Robins School of Business hosted multiple C-Suite Conversations, an unscripted interview series led by management professor Richard Coughlan. This fall’s guests included Hannah Pollack, founder and CEO of Nightingale Ice Cream, whose premium ice cream sandwiches have earned national recognition. A Richmond native and Marine Corps veteran, Pollack attributes her sharp attention to detail and discipline to her military background.

Also taking the C-Suite stage was Aaron Roussell, now in his seventh season as Richmond Women’s Basketball head coach. Since taking over in 2019, he’s led the Spiders in back-to-back Atlantic 10 regular season titles, the program’s first win in the NCAA Tournament (2025), and two straight A–10 Coach of the Year honors.

This year, the Jepson Leadership Forum, “Game Changers: Rethinking Leadership in Sports,” discussed the importance of sports in American life. Former professional football wide receiver Desmond Howard, now an ESPN College GameDay analyst, led a session on “Leadership and Values On and Off the Field.”