As Spiders Do

Jamin Hoyle, '99 took a winding road: he dropped out of RISD, transferred to VCU, then transferred again to University of Richmond. In this episode of As Spiders Do, Jamin reflects on why detours aren't failures. He talks about returning to painting after years away and the healing that came with it, and about how his definition of success has changed over time. You can see his work at jaminhoyle.art and on Instagram.Editing by Maggie Johnson Apostolov, '18, Associate Director, Regional & Young Grad Engagement. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing [email protected].

On this episode of As Spiders Do, Lauren Oblak, '06 traces her journey from Richmond student to higher-ed professional, marketer, and founder of Veri Cheri. She shares how becoming a mom and turning 40 inspired her to build a community-centered brand that helps girls ages 8–14 develop self-worth, confidence, and self-expression through playful, meaningful experiences.Editing by Maggie Johnson Apostolov, '18, Associate Director, Regional & Young Grad Engagement. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing [email protected].

On this episode of As Spiders Do, Amaya Jones, Assistant Director of Alumni Networks, speaks with Diana McKenney, '16 (née Reighart), who shares how campus helped shape their understanding of gender, identity, and community. Diana reflects on discovering they were non-binary, advocating for gender-inclusive housing, and what it means to live proudly and authentically every day. Their story is a powerful reminder that self-acceptance and community care can create lasting change.Editing by Amaya Jones, Assistant Director, Alumni Networks and Maggie Johnson Apostolov, '18, Associate Director, Regional & Young Grad Engagement. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing [email protected].

On this episode of As Spiders Do, Vincent Olivieri, '98 shares how a Richmond education shaped a lifelong creative path from math major to sound designer and composer. He reflects on the unexpected lessons that stuck with him, the role of empathy and “the next right thing” in a nonlinear career, and how U of R’s curiosity-driven community helped launch a life of making, teaching, and exploring new ideas.Editing by Maggie Johnson, '18, Associate Director, Regional & Young Grad Engagement. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing [email protected].

On this episode of As Spiders Do, Amaya Jones, Assistant Director of Alumni Networks, speaks with Greg Morley, R'88 about his journey from University of Richmond to a 25-year international career, and how curiosity, optimism, and lived experience shaped his work in human resources, inclusion, and belonging. He also shares how those lessons led him to write about resilience, identity, and the importance of building community that lasts beyond a single moment.Learn more about Greg's books and work at https://gregmorley.com/. Editing by Maggie Johnson Apostolov, '18, Associate Director, Regional & Young Grad Engagement. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing [email protected].

On this episode of As Spiders Do, Mike Gray, '06 and Andrew Ryan, '06, reflect on how their friendship grew from campus volunteer work into a long-running professional partnership built on trust, service, and shared values. They also share how their college experience shaped their careers and how their new podcast, The Midlife Guys, uses humor and honesty to explore the challenges and rewards of midlife while staying grounded in community and human connection.Editing by Stephanie Moki, '26, Alumni Engagement Student Assistant. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing [email protected].

On this episode of As Spiders Do, Christine Keeley, W'85 discusses how her path from economics and corporate healthcare into photography, brand strategy, and storytelling was anything but linear. She shares how family, community, and collaboration shaped her journey, and how she now blends creativity and technology to help brands tell more meaningful stories.Editing by Stephanie Moki, '26, Alumni Engagement Student Assistant. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing [email protected].

On this episode of As Spiders Do, Matt Scoletti, '06 explores how his University of Richmond experience shaped his growth, from finding community on campus to learning the power of asking for help. He also shares the life-changing moments that pushed him toward sobriety, endurance racing, and a purpose-driven life centered on helping others challenge themselves and reach their full potential.Check out Matt's podcast, Challenges Build Champions, wherever you found this podcast.Editing by Stephanie Moki, '26, Alumni Engagement Student Assistant. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing [email protected].

Reunion Weekend is a favorite alumni tradition. But did you know that students are integral to making the weekend happen? In this episode, Clayvon Grimes, ’25 share about his experience as a Reunion Student Ambassador (RSA). Get an inside look at Reunion Weekend as Clayvon discusses the responsibilities, memorable moments, and the unique activities that make the RSA program a cornerstone of Reunion.Learn more about Reunion Weekend at reunion.richmond.edu.Editing by Stephanie Moki, '26, Alumni Engagement Student Assistant. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing [email protected].

In this episode of As Spiders Do, join Amaya Jones, Assistant Director of Alumni Networks as she discusses the power of community with Jocelyn Blizzard, ’05. Jocelyn’s journey, which spans politics, philanthropy, and higher education, reveals how strategic partnership and unwavering advocacy can transform isolated efforts into powerful, lifelong connections. Jocelyn’s story is a masterclass in advocacy, adaptability, and the transformative strength of belonging.Editing by Stephanie Moki, '26, Alumni Engagement Student Assistant. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing [email protected].