The University of Richmond Class of 2030 is here
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
One runs 60 to 70 miles a week. Another built an AI-powered trading bot that outperformed the S&P 500. There are dancers and choreographers, sailors, skiers, a U.S. Figure Skating Team member, and the No. 23 archer in the U.S. One has a book contract to tell their story of growing up amid conflict in Azerbaijan, while another canoed in the Arctic Circle alongside beluga whales. And there’s a fencing banjo player from Tennessee who also competes with aerial drones.
These students — some of the more than 870 traditional undergraduates from 40 states and 28 countries — make up the University of Richmond Class of 2030. Fifty-six percent of first-year students receive university-funded grant or scholarship aid, including 61 traditional undergraduate students who benefit from Richmond’s Promise to Virginia. An additional 276 transfer, law, graduate business, and continuing studies students joined them for the first day of classes on Aug. 24.
“Every year, I think the entering class is the best the University of Richmond has ever seen, yet every year it just gets better,” Stephanie Dupaul, vice president for enrollment management, said. “What strikes me most, however, are the unique combinations of talents and interests our students bring. I’m not sure there is another place where you’ll find a student with exceptional academic credentials who also works as a princess at children’s birthday parties. Or a student writing a book on Norse mythology who is simultaneously an accomplished swordsperson at Renaissance fairs.”
While these students took distinct paths to the university, they also have plenty of shared experiences. Thirty-two were class or student body presidents, 291 were sports team captains, and 15 were Eagle Scouts and Girl Scout Gold Award recipients. Nearly 670 reported involvement in community service, and 265 showed an interest in the visual or performing arts.
Now, they all share the distinction of being a Richmond Spider.
“Our newest Spiders are smart, engaged, creative, and deeply invested in their communities,” Dupaul said. “They bring remarkable accomplishments and experiences that captured the attention of our admission committee during one of the most selective admission cycles in the university’s history.”
Meet three new Spiders!
CATE AUERSWALD
Greenwich, Connecticut
Why did you choose UR?
I am excited about UR’s focus on undergraduate programs, unique School of Leadership Studies, as well as the opportunity to create meaningful connections with faculty members.
What do you plan or hope to study?
My current plan is to double major in economics and leadership studies, but I am definitely open to change if I feel pulled in a different direction. I'm looking forward to exploring a bunch of different areas of study and seeing what I am most interested in!
Is there anything you're excited to get involved with or try?
I did a lot of sports photography for my high school teams and am excited to continue this at UR and work with teams at the D1 level. In a different direction, I've heard that there is good whitewater rafting on the James River and am looking forward to hopefully giving it another go.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I've competed three times in the Westminster Kennel Club dog show.
What are you most looking forward to?
I'm most looking forward to meeting new people and being a part of something larger than myself with the UR community.
LUKE LONGO
Raleigh, North Carolina
Why did you choose UR?
The internship opportunities and academic/career advising network, coupled with the school’s size, stood out to me on tours and online. I was looking for the resources and reach of a university, with a size that would allow for in-depth conversation with peers and teachers. The campus reminded me of some of my favorite nature spots in my home state, making UR an even stronger fit.
What do you plan to study?
I am currently exploring a chemistry major, with a potential focus on pre-health studies. I hope to further expand this by minoring in business and other programs that will add a degree of versatility.
Is there anything you're excited to get involved with or try?
I am excited to explore hands-on applications of classroom learning through jobs, labs, and other programs on the campus and in the city. I hope to discover different traditions and points of interest in the area. I certainly would like to go on the James River at some point.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I enjoy collecting small trinkets and other items from the places I visit. I have a running collection of jacket pins, books, and postcards that I am always looking to add to.
What are you most looking forward to?
I want to learn as much as possible about different areas of culture, history, and literature through real-life experiences.
VALERIE CARVAJAL RODRIGUEZ
Bristow, Virginia
Why did you choose UR?
The first time I visited, I was welcomed by some of the sweetest people. Everyone made me feel so at home and gave me a sense that I truly belonged at UR. After sitting in on a class and talking to current students, I knew I couldn’t pass up the welcoming community, amazing research/mentorship opportunities, and of course the gorgeous campus.
What do you plan to study?
I’m planning to major in biochemistry and molecular biology. I’d love to take some classes in Health Studies as well.
Is there anything you’re excited to get involved with or try?
I’m excited to get involved with clubs on campus. One is Ritmo Latino. It’s a group where students practice/perform dances from different parts of Latin America. Coming from a Colombian background, I’m excited to practice my salsa and merengue moves and become more immersed in my culture while meeting other students with similar backgrounds.
What is a fun fact about you?
I love to travel. I’ve been to 10 countries so far, but I hope to continue traveling and maybe even study abroad.
What are you most looking forward to?
I’m really looking forward to connecting with students and faculty, pursuing research, and getting involved in both the UR community and the greater Richmond community.