Welcome to the Storage Scholars Spotlight series! Every week, we highlight a different school in our network of college storage locations. This week, we're talking about the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia. Read on to learn more about this picturesque institution and why it's the perfect place for your summer storage needs! 

About University of Richmond

University of Richmond is an esteemed private liberal arts university located in the dynamic city of Richmond, Virginia. Founded in 1830, University of Richmond has a long and storied history and is one of the nation's oldest private institutions. Housing a student population of approximately 3,000 students, University of Richmond blends the comforts of home with the convenience of contemporary college life. Commonly referred to as UR or U of R, the University offers over 60 majors and 30 minors and concentrations in various fields, including the arts, sciences, business, and law. The University's beautiful 350-acre campus, nestled in the heart of the historic city of Richmond, is renowned for its picturesque setting, state-of-the-art facilities, and vibrant student life.

What University of Richmond is Best Known For

With such a lengthy history, U of R has so many unique attributes. Students come from around the world to attend the University for its liberal arts programs and popular majors, including Schools of Business and Leadership, Arts and Sciences, and School of Law. The University's stunningly beautiful campus is also an attraction that draws in many students and has even been nationally ranked over the years. University of Richmond is also recognized for its athletics programs. It has earned its spot as an NCAA Division 1 School for football but is also known for its excellent basketball, cross country, and lacrosse programs. Go Spiders! Finally, University of Richmond is known for being highly committed to providing financial support to its students, especially Virginia residents, through exceptional financial aid packages.

History Of University of Richmond

The roots of U of R can be traced back to 1830 when a group of Baptist leaders gathered for a meeting of the Baptist General Association. While the idea of starting an institution of higher learning was discussed, funds were yet to be available. 

Nevertheless, the Association vice president, Reverend Edward Baptist, opened his home to young men who wanted to prepare for the ministry. This eventually led to Dunlora Academy, named after Baptist's plantation. Two years later, the society purchased a farm and renamed the institution Virginia Baptist Seminary, offering courses in Latin, Greek, and mathematics.

Interestingly, the seminary also included 3 hours of manual farm labor for students, which lasted only a short time. Over the next several years, the school grew and needed a new location. Funds were challenging to obtain, and as a result, it applied for a charter as a liberal arts school, was granted the charter in 1840, and was renamed Richmond College.

Richmond College was closed during the Civil war once the entire student body joined the confederate Army. Its buildings housed wounded soldiers and later became barracks for Union soldiers. It reopened shortly after, and in 1989, the college admitted women, too.

Dr. Frederic W. Boatwright was elected as the college president in 1894 and served for an astonishing 51 years. He was responsible for raising funds to relocate the college in 1914 to a new 350-acre campus in present-day Richmond. This relocation also gave rise to the establishment of Westhampton College for women.

In 1920, Richmond College was granted university status, a significant achievement at the time. The Jepson School of Leadership Studies also made history in 1989 as the first institution of its kind to open in the United States. And the University made yet another milestone in 2015 when it elected its first African-American president.

Famous Alumni

University of Richmond has produced several notable alums who have succeeded in their respective fields.

It's impossible to name all notable alums in one short blog. The University is proud that many academics, celebrities, politicians, lawyers, business people, athletes, and even an astronaut have graduated from the University and have done amazing things for the world. 

Three notable names that come to mind are Douglas S. Freeman (two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian ), Leland Melvin (astronaut), and Wesley Schultz (lead vocalist for the folk-rock band The Lumineers). These individuals have left a memorable mark on their respective industries, proving that the education/training offered at University of Richmond remains first-class.

Life On Campus

Living on campus at University of Richmond is a genuinely positive experience! There is something for everyone on campus, regardless of interest. In fact, there are over 170 different organizations from which to choose.

20% of all undergrad students participate in one of the 15 fraternities or sororities on campus, making Greek Life an integral part of the community.

Students regularly participate in many on-campus events ranging from academic, religious, political, social, cultural, and athletic. There is always something to do. U of R has been ranked nationally as students with the "best quality of life" or the "happiest" college students. That really goes to show you the kind of community that exists at U of R!

Life Off Campus

Whether you like the hustle and bustle of the city, or the serene escape of nature, Richmond, Virginia, has a little of everything. Thankfully, it's a short drive away to be able to explore this wonderful city. If you want to explore the nature side of Richmond, you can't miss seeing and experiencing the James River. Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, white water rafting, fishing, or relaxing are all favorite ways to enjoy the city's river. 

If city life is more your thing, Richmond has quite a bit of that too. Richmond is Virginia's capital and has many fantastic eateries, museums, culture, and art galleries. Its ideal and central location is only two hours from some popular destinations: the Atlantic Ocean, the Appalachian Trail, and Washington, DC.  

Favorite University of Richmond Traditions

It's no wonder that with such a rich history, U of R has some long-standing traditions that are beloved by students and alums year after year. Investiture and Proclamation Night is a ceremony for first-year students in which they envision and reflect on what the next four years will bring them. Spiderfest, a newer tradition, kicks off the year by showcasing many of the fantastic on-campus organizations and programs that students can be part of. Students can walk around to all the different tables while enjoying music and food all night. 

The Ring Dance is another treasured tradition, focusing on the junior class to celebrate their presence on campus (and in years past, to present them with their student ring). Finally, we can't mention traditions without talking about the Pig Roast, a rather large spring event that brings together students and alums with many events, including food and live music. 

Storage Scholars and University of Richmond

U of R has been partnered with Storage Scholars for a couple of years now. We are proud to have a strong campus presence again this year! Students and parents have entrusted us to pick up student belongings after final exams, keep them safe in storage for the summer, and then deliver everything back in the fall before the first day of class. We even provide all the boxes and packaging supplies, so students don't have to leave campus for anything. We're glad to be called upon year after year by U of R students and parents.

This year, the campus is run by Campus Co-founders Jean Paul Dorion, Dusan Vukcevic, and Zacharie Georges, alongside Marketing Manager Gwen Savidge, for a more tailored and personalized experience. We are excited to provide the high level of storage service that our families have come to expect. If you're new to campus or eager to learn about Storage Scholars and secure your spot for an upcoming campus move, visit www.StorageScholars.com.

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‍Sources:‍

https://www.princetonreview.com/college/university-richmond

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Richmond

https://www.richmond.edu/about/facts.html

https://www.britannica.com/topic/University-of-Richmond

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_University_of_Richmond_people