RADFORD – Amid handshakes, pats on the back, tears and laughter, family members and friends gathered Saturday in Radford University’s Preston Hall when President Penelope W. Kyle conferred degrees on 473 students as part of the university’s Winter Commencement Ceremony.

“We are honored that you chose Radford University to advance these graduates’ careers,” Kyle told the assembly of friends and family present at the ceremony. “We are honored because we find ourselves in a world that – despite your ambition and desire – makes this diploma the ticket you need to fully enter into, and engage with, life. This is the Radford University story – taking that desire that lies in an individual’s heart and giving it a destiny.”

Juliann Abercombie, senior class president offered a moment of reflection and Steve Owen, president of the Faculty Senate, gave congratulatory greetings. RU Provost Wil Stanton presented the candidates for graduation.

Among the most popular of the 401 undergraduate degrees conferred were: Interdisciplinary Studies (58); Nursing (40); Management (30); Exercise, Sport and Health Education (27); Criminal Justice (24); Media Studies (22); Communications (18); Art (15); Marketing (14); and Biology (12).

Among the most popular of the 72 graduate degrees conferred: Educational Leadership (22); Special Education (5); Reading (4); Fine Arts (4); and Criminal Justice (3).

(IN THE PHOTO: RU graduate Terri Campbell of Salem hugs one of her classmates following Saturday's commencement ceremony. Please go to 2008 RU Winter Commencement for more photos.)

The day featured two separate ceremonies inside Preston Hall: a 10 a.m. joint commencement for the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences and College of Education and Human Development, and a 2 p.m. joint commencement for the College of Business and Economics, College of Science and Technology, College of Visual and Performing Arts, and Waldron College of Health and Human Services.

Spring Commencement at RU is Saturday, May 9, 2009.