When we started Spider Pride, we knew we couldn’t possibly be alone in our immense love for this place, and we were curious to see what other untapped enthusiasm we’d find among the Spider family.

Turns out, a lot of people were eager to share what makes them proud to be Spiders. After our first email message, we received a number of lovely responses, including some good leads on stories we can’t wait to celebrate.

We also did some quick interviews around campus to see what’s making people proud and happy to be Spiders.

Keep it coming! You can watch above what folks said, and below are some of the alumni notes that made us smile. And remember to share with us when you hear something good about the Spiders in your neck of the woods.

“I'm happy to see the well-organized growth of the university. The campus has remained beautiful! I was a member of the '60/'61 baseball team coached by the never-to-be-forgotten Mac Pitt & I married Westhamptonite Shirley Satterfield in ‘59. I have been moved about the country by work and the Army. While I’m never close enough for other than brief visits, I sure miss those pines of Richmond hills! Hope to get up there in June! GO SPIDERS!” — Les Flynn, R'61

“My Spider Pride comes from the amazing experience I had as a student: summer opportunities, faculty support and interest, staff who were always willing to try to make our experience better, and the number of opportunities for students to become involved in various aspects of life on campus and in the Greater Richmond Area. Today, I'm not as connected to the marvelous activities of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni, but the treasury of pride from the past will carry me through for many years.” — Tom Lawrence, '02

“I always enjoy road trips to root on the Spiders! We had a great time watching the Spiders and hanging out with some fellow Alumni during the A-10 basketball tournament in Pittsburgh, followed by an awesome trip to Chapel Hill to watch the lacrosse team knock off UNC.” — Dave Franklin, R'89

“UR laid the foundation for a lifetime of leadership and influence. I'm so grateful for my time there as it shaped my views about life, purpose, the world and helped me mature as a man and a leader. Today, I'm serving hundreds of student-athletes and coaches, and have had the opportunity to impact thousands of lives that would not have been possible had UR not provided the launching pad for me as a student-athlete.” – Sterling Brown, '94