RADFORD -- Travis Byrd, a junior from Bassett majoring in media studies at Radford University, has reached a milestone that few students are able to claim. He has singlehandedly raised more than $100,000 for the university’s Annual Fund, a giving program that supports such ongoing projects as arts, athletics and academic scholarships.

Byrd (right) has raised that money as a member of the RU Telephone Outreach Program (TOP), an opportunity he discovered through a club fair he attended during his freshman year. He signed up as a way to get involved with the university. He has now been a member since the fall of 2006 and accepted the title as supervisor of the call center last fall.

“This gives me the chance to make a difference while making some money at the same time,” Byrd said. “Radford University helped me become a more independent person. It is my belief that RU is not only providing me with a great education, but the ability to mature as an individual.”

Through his work with TOP, Byrd has become one of many campus members working to promote the sustainability efforts of the university.

“TOP students communicate the university's efforts to go green by informing prospective donors about such initiatives as the use of bio-diesel fuel in the campus motor fleet and the ENERGY STAR® approved buildings on campus, including Norwood and Floyd halls [which received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star certification after installing infrared motion sensors, magnetic window contacts and other high-tech devices],” explained Byrd. “We also encourage our donors to contribute by credit card so we avoid paper waste.”

Prior to his work with TOP, Byrd developed his experience serving as a telemarketer at the Civic Development Group in Martinsville.

“That put me a step ahead going into the TOP program,” he said. “I definitely could not have raised more than $100,000 at RU without the excellent training and motivation I received from my supervisor Danica Mingee, assistant director of the RU Annual Fund.”

Byrd is also serving as co-chair of this semester’s senior class gift campaign, which is designed to encourage seniors to give at least $20.09 in honor of their class year. He is participating in the campaign as an intern with RU’s Assistant Director of Special and Annual Giving Cassandra Dove. Byrd will help organize events for seniors, including socials counting down to graduation in May.

Byrd’s involvement in these RU initiatives is more than just a resume builder; he is passionate about the work he does.

“I feel it is important to give back to the university because it reconfirms a commitment alumni made to this university when they walked across that stage at graduation,” he said. “Giving back helps the alumni by strengthening their degree.”

In fact, Byrd is so motivated by the work he does at RU that he is considering a job in the business after graduation. “I plan to pursue a career in sports broadcasting, but I could also see myself continuing with a career in annual giving with RU or another university.”