A rising junior, Rachael Hardesty, has been named the recipient of The Verlander Scholarship from Radford University for the second year in a row.  Rachael is a fashion design major in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

The Verlander Scholarship provides financial support to deserving Lancaster County students who are attending RU.  Rachel transferred to RU, after earning an Associate Degree in Arts and Sciences from Rappahannock Community College.  "To be chosen to receive this scholarship is a true honor. I am equally proud to represent my hometown in accepting this recognition of my achievements," Hardesty said.

To be selected for The Verlander Scholarship, students must be a full-time undergraduate maintaining a minimum 2.5 GPA and from Lancaster County. Preference is given to a student who possesses leadership qualities or who is active in extracurricular activities aimed at community betterment.

Hardesty will also give a public presentation to Lancaster County elementary or high school students based on her college experiences and the benefits she has received from the Verlander Scholarship.  “All of the professors in the Interior Design and Fashion department have been very helpful and encouraging. The design program definitely requires dedication, perseverance, and a serious passion for the work you do.  The standards are set high, and the professors accept and encourage nothing but excellence.  So, although, this major proves stressful and constantly challenging, I know that the ID&F faculty truly wants us to succeed. "I am excited and grateful to accept The Verlander Scholarship," Hardesty said.

Incoming freshman Carol Balderson, class of 2012, from Kilmarnock also received a Verlander Scholarship.

The scholarship was endowed by the George W. Verlander and Cornelia M. Verlander Memorial Foundation.

H. Scott Neal ’95 and Murrell McLeod attended the annual Partners reception to meet the Verlander Scholarship recipients. Neal and McLeod are in the above photo with Hardesty.