RADFORD – Radford University’s 2009-10 academic year begins Thursday as President Penelope W. Kyle and other campus leaders welcome faculty and staff back to campus during convocation. The event is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Pridemore Playhouse in Porterfield Hall.

At convocation, President Kyle will outline her vision for the upcoming academic year. In addition, other university leaders will speak to the campus community about RU’s strategies for success in the year ahead.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the reopening of the newly-renovated Young Hall will follow convocation. The facility is fully equipped with technologically-sophisticated classrooms that will establish it as RU’s flagship classroom building.

Guided tours of Young Hall will be offered following the ribbon-cutting, and the convocation reception will be held on the first floor of Young Hall and on the new patio behind Young.

“Fall Convocation offers a starting point for us to begin our collaborative work to address our challenges, embrace our opportunities, celebrate our successes, and move Radford University toward a shared vision,” Kyle said. “This promises to be an exciting and historic year as we prepare to celebrate 100 years of excellence and pride in our University.”