Spider Insider

Announcements

December 23, 2025

Registration for the Spider Dash 5K is now open to all UR students, staff, and faculty — and their dependent children and a spouse or guest.

Spider Dash 5K
Saturday, Feb. 21, 8 a.m.

Staff and faculty $30 | Students $20 | Kids 3–9 $15 | Kids 2 and under free

Registration opens to retirees and alumni on Jan. 9. Spaces are limited, so register early to guarantee your spot.


December 15, 2025

SpiderBytes will not be reviewed/approved during winter break. SpiderBytes submitted after 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 23, will be reviewed/approved on Monday, Jan. 5.



Campus Highlights


Kudos

  • December 4, 2025
    Landscape Services Team

    Kudos to the landscape services team for the outstanding enhancements at the Modlin Center entrance. The new plantings of shrubs and trees have transformed the space, and the thoughtful selection of sustainable varieties shows excellent planning for long-term maintenance and environmental stewardship. The new hardscape features add both visual appeal and structure, creating a more inviting entrance for students, faculty, and visitors. Removing the shrubs in front of the first-floor windows was also a smart choice, likely making a significant difference for those working inside by increasing natural light and improving sight lines. These upgrades reflect the team's commitment to creating beautiful and functional outdoor spaces that enrich our campus experience. Thank you for your excellent work!

    —Katreena Clark, University Museums

    December 4, 2025
    Gordana Siposov

    Shout out to Gordana Siposov for her exceptional performance and outstanding work ethic as a member of our housekeeping team at the Jepson Alumni Center. Her dedication, professionalism, and genuine pride in her work make her an invaluable asset. Gordana consistently goes above and beyond in every aspect of her responsibilities. Whether she is vacuuming our outdoor areas or ensuring that our bathrooms are spotless and welcoming, she approaches each task with the same level of care, precision, and commitment to excellence. Her meticulous attention to detail is evident in the cleanliness of every space she touches. Gordana clearly takes great pride in her work, and it shows not only in the appearance of our facility, but in the improved experience of our staff and guests. Her willingness to step in wherever needed, combined with her calm, professional demeanor, makes her a pleasure to work with and a role model for others. We are grateful for the consistent quality she delivers every day.

    —Dana Andalis, Alumni Engagement

  • October 24, 2025
    Bryn Taylor and the Weinstein-Rosenthal Forum Team

    A huge shout out to Bryn Taylor for an incredible Weinstein-Rosenthal Forum. There is so much behind the scenes work for this event, and you, as always, knocked it out of the park! Thanks for keeping us in the loop and apprised of our roles day of. Bonus shout out to Modlin, Campus Police, Events, and Catering for all they contribute to making this event so successful.
    Olivia Rosenblum, Chaplaincy

    September 19, 2025
    Modlin Center Staff

    The Jepson School extends our sincere thanks to Modlin Center staff members Chris O’Neil, Sean Farrell, Kevin Willoughby, and Bri Conley for ensuring the recent Jepson Leadership Forum event featuring football legend Desmond Howard went off without a hitch. The packed event was a big success thanks to their seamless behind-the-scenes work. We are grateful — as always — for their professionalism and can-do attitudes. Working with them is a joy, and we look forward to doing so again soon. THANK YOU!
    Shannon Best, Jepson School Dean’s Office

  • September 9, 2025
    Jaime Rung

    I would like to recognize Jaime Rung [academic administrative coordinator] for her exceptional contributions to the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. Jaime was instrumental in the success of two major department events — the Faculty Retreat and the Open House for students — through her grace, elegance, and intelligence. She is such an essential part of our department’s success: creative, resourceful, and full of initiative, while also being deeply generous and collaborative. Jaime brings people together, anticipates needs, and makes every event feel seamless and welcoming. Her work reflects not only her remarkable professionalism but also her kindness and dedication. We are so fortunate to have Jaime as a cornerstone of the department.
    Lidia Radi, Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

    September 4, 2025
    Philip Knight

    As I was selecting food for lunch recently, I noticed some flat bread out at a station I never visit, so I figured I'd try a piece. Phil (special diets lead cook in the Heilman Dining Center) quickly moved it out of my reach and told me that it was reserved for students with special diets. He went on to say that if I — or anyone else who isn't gloved — touches it, then that food cannot be served to the students with allergies. I really appreciate that he took the time to explain why I couldn't have any, but more than that, I was impressed with his obvious dedication to keeping food safe for our campus.
    Jean Creamer, Registrar’s Office

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Did you know…

8:1

Undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio

Accomplishments

  • December 22, 2025

    LaRee Sugg, deputy director of athletics for policy and sports management, was named to the Chesterfield Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026 in recognition of her decades-long impact as a golfer, coach, and athletics administrator.

    December 17, 2025

    Maribel Street, director of emergency management, received the International Association of Emergency Managers Presidential Citation for her contributions to the emergency management field for 2024–25.

  • December 16, 2025

    Derek Miller, associate director of community-engaged research, scholarship, and relationships in the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement, presented “Developing a Community of Care: Interdisciplinary Enagagement with East End Cemetery” with musician Leyla McCalla at the 2025 Place Based Justice Network Annual Symposium in New Orleans.

    December 16, 2025

    Sylvia Gale, executive director of the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement; Nicole Maurantonio, associate provost of academic affairs and professor of rhetoric and communications; and Derek Miller, associate director of community-engaged research, scholarship, and relationships, presented “Supporting Early Career Community-Engaged Faculty and Their Evaluators” at the 2025 Engagement Scholarship Consortium in Roanoke, Virginia.

  • December 15, 2025

    John Craft, director of information security, presented “Staying Secure in Today’s Digital World” for the Commonwealth Women’s Club.

    December 10, 2025

    Patrick Martin, assistant professor of computer science, received the Claude C. Gravatt and Ann S. Gravatt Faculty Fellowship for "Live Coding Language for Real-Time Coordination of Human-Robot Teams." The fellowship, awarded by the University of Richmond, supports faculty research in STEM fields in the School of Arts & Sciences.

    December 10, 2025

    Margaret Tait, assistant professor of health studies, received the Anders Andren Faculty Fellowship for “Health and Hype: Exploring the Spread of Health-Related Misinformation Through Multi-Level Marketing Programs.” The fellowship, awarded by the University of Richmond, supports outstanding faculty members performing innovative teaching, scholarship, research, or creative work in the School of Arts & Sciences.

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facilities staff hang wreaths on Boatwright Tower

It takes a facilities and landscaping team of more than 30 to prep, deliver, and raise the three wreaths — each 14-feet wide and weighing 100 pounds — on Boatwright Tower every year.

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