Richmond is a place where national and international voices are part of our everyday conversations. Our most recent example — a visit from U.S. Senator and former faculty member Tim Kaine. Though he spends much of his time in Washington, D.C., serving Virginia in Congress, Kaine’s love of teaching is still strong, and that shows whenever he visits campus.

Kaine has a longstanding relationship with UR, first serving as an adjunct professor of legal ethics beginning in 1993 and later as a distinguished lecturer in the Jepson School of Leadership Studies and University of Richmond Law School from 2010–2013. This week, he spoke to a small class in the law school before delivering a lecture on the stress and resilience of the Constitution.

Kaine highlighted the ways in which the system of checks and balances are proof that the Constitution is thriving and working — both in government and outside of it. “We’re seeing the civic institutions that were put in place really come to life in amazing ways,” he said. 

Taking questions from the audience, it was clear that Kaine still values his role as a teacher, interacting with students and engaging in thoughtful dialogue. Of course, we all know that a Spider’s intellectual curiosity doesn’t really ever end.

“I have very fond memories of UR,” Kaine said. “Every time I turn in the parking lot, I feel good to be back with friends.”