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2022 was one for the record books at the University of Richmond. A community celebration marked the inauguration of the University’s 11th president. The men’s basketball team punched their ticket to March Madness. And a Spider alum, in a welcome return to in-person commencement, provided reasons for optimism as our newest grads began the next step in their journey. Check out these and other special moments from an unforgettable calendar year.
Let’s dance
During March Madness, the men’s basketball team topped No. 1 seeded Davidson to win the Atlantic 10 Championship and advance to the NCAA Tournament. The Spiders went on to knock out the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first round of the Big Dance and became a Cinderella story across the nation.
Kevin F. Hallock inaugurated as University of Richmond’s president
A series of events in April accompanied the inauguration of President Kevin F. Hallock, bringing Spiders together on campus, with a community festival, music, conversation, and academic events, culminating in fireworks over the Well-Being Center. In his inauguration ceremony, Hallock introduced five areas of opportunity, which he called guiding lights — access and affordability, belonging, well-being, academic excellence, and community engagement — and said our best days are ahead.
2022 commencement: Bestselling author and PBS host offers grads 67 reasons for optimism
The University welcomed New York Times bestselling author and 1989 grad Kelly Corrigan back to campus to deliver the commencement address in May. She reminded the audience that despite the world around them, the new grads are a reason for optimism.
“You. Clever, gritty, ready, open, flexible, you,” she said. “Armed with this education and this network, you will be enough. It’s an epic journey, which means tragedy and periods of hopelessness, peril, cruelty, stupidity, and missed chances. But also, astonishing achievement, love, and beauty. It’s there, I promise. Look for it. Study it. And make more of it.”
By the Numbers: Meet the Class of 2026
With the highest academic performance in University history, the 860 first-year students in the Class of 2026 represent 38 states and the District of Columbia, along with international students from 27 countries. The newest Spiders conducted advanced research, started their own businesses, and raised millions for charity, among other achievements.
A big bite: Renovated D-Hall modernizes food choices
In August, Heilman Dining Center unveiled its first major upgrades since 2006 in an effort to meet student’s evolving needs and changing tastes.
Dining services upgraded and added stations to include more Mediterranean foods, global cuisine, and vegetarian dishes, as well as custom meals for students with special dietary needs. Other upgrades included new lighting, counter tops, and video menu boards, which display the menu items on offer, along with icons that can also help students navigate food allergies.
Richmond a U.S. News top 20 pick for the first time
U.S. News & World Report ranked Richmond at No. 18 among national liberal arts colleges, its highest placement yet. The University moved up four spots in the publication’s 2022–23 Best Colleges guide, up from No. 22 in both 2021–22 and 2020–21. UR was ranked No. 32 in 2016.
“The University of Richmond’s swift ascent in U.S. News rankings affirms the great work happening in every corner of campus and the incredible pride and dedication among our Spider community,” said President Hallock. “I am confident that we are on a trajectory to be known, unquestionably, as the best small university in the world.”
A campus celebration of New Zealand
This year’s International Education Week, celebrating New Zealand (in Maori, Aotearoa), brought to campus a visit from the country’s ambassador and more than 100 Richmond community members with Kiwi connections.
“This annual tradition has been a valuable way of promoting deeper connection to cultures in the classroom and beyond. UR’s ‘meeting with’ another country during International Education Week emphasizes our commitment to global engagement, dialogue, and cultural exchange,” said International Education Dean Martha Merritt.