University of Richmond begins the 2008-09 academic year with completed renovations, anticipated groundbreakings and a strong first-year class
August 22, 2008
Two renovated residence halls, anticipated groundbreakings for the Westhampton Center, Carole Weinstein International Center and an on-campus football stadium, and 790 outstanding first-year students highlight the new academic year at the University of Richmond.
Two residence halls were renovated during the summer. Freeman Hall was reconfigured from a traditional residence hall with bathrooms at the end of the halls to a suite-style design, with a shared bathroom between two double-bedrooms. Renovations to bedrooms and the entrance of Gray Court also have been completed.
Groundbreakings for the Westhampton Center and the Carole Weinstein International Center are scheduled for the fall semester, and in spring 2009, a kick-off for the expansion of First Market Stadium will be held.
The university received 7,970 applications--a university record--and accepted 2,522 students (32 percent). Of students admitted, 790 enrolled (31 percent). Among first-year students, more than half who submitted high school class rank were in the top 10 percent.
The Class of 2012 is a dynamic group of students who have dedicated themselves to humanitarian relief, wildlife preservation and serving in the U.S. Army. Some also have overcome tremendous odds, such as fleeing Afghanistan to escape the Taliban. Others assumed leadership roles in their high schools and communities and demonstrated extraordinary academic achievement. The first-year class includes 19 valedictorians, 68 student government and class presidents, 53 members of state champion athletic teams, 52 editors of school publications and 16 Eagle and Girl Scout Award winners.
In addition to an Army veteran, the first-year class includes: a student who worked as a translator for the German Embassy in Kabul and later worked with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); a student who worked as a Congressional intern; and a student who served as the president of a group for Hispanic girls.
The university’s first-year students come from 42 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 34 countries. Forty percent hail from the Mid-Atlantic, with 16 percent from Virginia. Seven percent are from outside of the United States. Domestic students of color make up 12 percent of the first-year class, and 15 percent are first-generation college students.
Classes begin Aug. 25 with a total of 4,240 degree-seeking students expected, including 3,428 undergraduates and 812 master’s and professional students.