LIVES OF PURPOSE
How the South Pacific helped a Spider alum find new direction
An all-women research voyage to study plastics polluting the ocean became a catalyst for personal possibility for 2012 alum Lauren Hokenson.
Alumni Stories
International Education
Romanian alum’s Robins business education put her ‘light years ahead’ of her colleagues
A scholarship brought Anca “Dolly” Chiriac, ’05, to Richmond. The university gave her a notable advantage that distinguished her from her peers, she says.
Perspective
‘You are enough’ NFL star and Richmond Spider Kobie Turner tells graduates
The 2022 graduate returned to campus in May to give the commencement address for 2026 graduates. Here's a bit of what he said, plus video of his full address.
Business
Have you played padel yet?
Padel is a fast-growing global racket sport thanks in part to Richmond alumni Bill Ridenour, R’79, and Gary Bigler, ’08, whose business builds padel courts.
Back Then
The alum inside the 1990s “Spidey” mascot suit
Once Spidey, always Spidey: a Richmond dad relives sweaty mascot glory days dodging overzealous rivals, and passes the weird, wonderful hype-man torch to his son.
Reunion Weekend
‘Crazy things’
Fifty years later, Richmond’s Class of 1976 recounts its legendary pranks and campus exploits at a reunion filled with laughter, nostalgia, and gin and tonics.
Entrepreneurship
Spider-run B&B has the Loch Ness monster as a neighbor
Near Loch Ness, Peggy Dykhuizen Robertson, B’84, trades retirement for running a cozy Scottish B&B, welcoming global travelers during her lively second act.
Spider Questionnaire
What's one thing you've learned not to worry about?
Seven Spiders offer their hard-won advice for focusing on what's really important with their answers to one question on the Spider Questionnaire.
Music
Richmond faculty guided him to his accomplished sound design career
Vincent Olivieri, ’98, found his calling in sound design with faculty support. He recently designed sound for a world premiere by the Crown Troupe of Africa in Nigeria.
Leadership
He drafts legislation — and installs air conditioners
“I think it is valuable to move around and do different jobs and take on different challenges,” says Virginia Delegate John McAuliff, ’14. “You need to have scope. You can’t do [politics] well if it’s all you’ve ever done.”
Theater
‘Theater is a community, a family,’ and this actor and Spider knows it.
From math major to acclaimed actor, Nancy Boykin, W’72, built a life in theater bringing bold stories to stage and nurturing new playwrights behind the scenes.
Technology
The Spider making health records more accessible and understandable
Physician Gabe Hillegass, ’03, is reimagining medical records with AI-powered tools that make healthcare more accessible, human, and connected through a startup rooted in Richmond relationships.