More than a dozen Westhampton students posing together in black graduation robes and holding flowers in front of Cannon Chapel following Proclamation 2026

Cherished traditions of Proclamation and Investiture continue at University of Richmond

Student Experience

Here’s a look at some of 2026’s best photos from the annual rituals that mark the start of the fall semester.

September 2, 2026

Photos by Jamie Betts, university photographer

In keeping with longstanding tradition, students celebrated Investiture and Proclamation at the start of the fall semester.

At Investiture Aug. 23, first-year Spiders in Richmond College signed the honor pledge, received the class coin, and saw their class flag for the first time. At Proclamation Aug. 30, first-year Westhampton students wrote letters to their future selves, and senior Spiders reminisced after receiving theirs from three years ago.

“I still have my letter 51 years later,” 1979 Westhampton graduate Pat Corcoran wrote when the university posted some of these images on the @urichmond Instagram account.

Richmond College students in slacks and polo shirts entering Cannon Memorial Chapel for Investiture 2026

Four Westhampton College students in dresses and graduation robes carrying a flowery garland through Cannon Memorial Chapel

Two Richmond College students in blue suits and red ties carrying flags down the center aisle of Cannon Memorial Chapel

Center aisle of Cannon Memorial Chapel looking toward podium during Investiture 2026

Looking from the back of Cannon Memorial Chapel toward the front during Proclamation 2026, with the backs of students wearing dresses in the foreground

Two Westhampton College students reading notes and smiling during Proclamation 2026

Richmond College student in Cannon Memorial Chapel reading aloud from a sheet of paper

Richmond College student shaking administrator's hand at front of Cannon Memorial Chapel

Westhampton College student speaks at podium and another stands nearby

Row of Richmond College students in red and blue polo shirts reciting honor pledge

Looking over a shoulder at a copy of honor pledge in a student's hands

First-year Westhampton College student in a white dress writes a letter to her future self

Student in blue jeans and white top sitting cross-legged in grass reading letter from her younger self

Richmond College student holds college coin up to the camera

A Westhampton College student holding a pen with a salmon-colored daisy-like flower attached to the top

Two smiling Westhampton College students walk confidently through Cannon Memorial Chapel. One wears a black graduation robe. The other has her robe slung across her arm.

Row of six smiling Richmond College students wearing button-up shirts and sitting on a pew in Cannon Memorial Chapel while looking at the camera. Several give thumbs up.

Westhampton College students in colorful dresses leaving Cannon Memorial Chapel after Proclamation 2026