We’re constantly reminded of the powerful things that happen when you combine the type of people who choose Richmond with the opportunities the University fosters.  

Just look at Walker Brown, ’16. Inspired by a semester abroad in South Africa, he and a fellow exchange student from Vanderbilt University, Charlie Brain, founded Lubanzi Wines to share the food and culture of South Africa with Americans. 

They also wanted to give back to the community of artisans and farmers they met there. So as part of its business model, Lubanzi donates 50 percent of its proceeds to an NGO, the Pebbles Project, which provides health care and education to the families working on the company’s wine farm.

“It’s all about pushing forward this notion of a more complete and equitable supply chain,” Brown says. “The idea is that when a consumer buys a bottle of wine here in America, a portion of the proceeds ends up directly back in the hands of the real community working and laboring on the very farm that produces our wines.”

Brown’s socially conscious business model is already taking root. This year, Lubanzi sponsored a year of medical coverage for 94 children living on South Africa’s wine farms.

Cheers, Walker! Thanks for showing the world the drive and character of Richmond Spiders.