May 2011 News for Radford University Alumni and Friends

News for Radford University Alumni and Friends
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Upcoming Events:

Alumni, family and friends of the university are invited to all alumni events. To view a detailed list of alumni events and to register, please visit us online.

Want to volunteer? If you are interested in giving time to our chapter program or your reunion committee, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@radford.edu or call 1-888-4RUGRAD.


RU Athletics

May 17
Baseball vs. James Madison
6 p.m.

May 19
Baseball at Liberty
7 p.m.

May 20
Baseball at Liberty
7 p.m.

May 20-22
Softball
NCAA Regionals
Time, TBA

May 21
Baseball at Liberty
2 p.m.

May 24
Baseball at Big South Play-in Game
Time, TBA

May 25-28
Baseball at Big South Conference Tournament
Time, TBA

May 26-28
Men's and Women's
Track and Field
NCAA Outdoor Regionals
Time, TBA

May 27-29
Softball
NCAA Super Regionals
Time, TBA

For more on these and other Highlander highlights, visit RU Athletics.

In the News

A Celebration of Memories at Fall Homecoming and Reunion October 14-15, 2011


campus fireworks celebrationAll alumni are invited to join us as we celebrate our Highlander spirit, catch up with old friends and make new ones at Radford University's Fall Homecoming and Reunion.

You can explore our growing campus with tours and open houses, relive your student days with Radford University faculty in Classes Without Quizzes, enjoy the Highlander soccer match or play a round of golf. And you won't want to miss your class reception and dinner. This year we are celebrating the classes of '56, '61, '66, '71, '76, '81, '86, '91, '96, '01, '06 and also hosting special affinity reunions.

To learn more about the Fall Homecoming and Reunion celebration, visit www.radford.edu/alumni.

Graduating classes celebrating their reunions this year:

View classmates in your class RU Yearbook:
1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996 and 2001.

The 2006 yearbook is available on DVD in the McConnell Library.

Join your class year on Facebook:
1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006.

Did you know….. the Radford University Alumni Association welcomed almost 2,000 new graduates to the alumni family in May?
click for video Radford University celebrated its 2011 Spring Commencement on Saturday, May 7, with President Penelope W. Kyle conferring degrees on 1,651 undergraduate and 321 graduate students who wore "eco-friendly" gowns for the first time in school history.

"What a glorious day it is," said Kyle, addressing thousands of sun-soaked graduates and their family and friends on Moffett Lawn. "We are so very proud of you. We have loved having you here with us, but we look forward to welcoming you to the ranks of Radford University alumni."

Carilion Clinic Chief Operating Officer/Executive Vice President Nancy Howell Agee, a Roanoke Valley leader who has come to know Radford University well as a member of the Board of Visitors since 2003, delivered inspiring remarks as the commencement speaker. Read more or click on the video link above.

12th Annual McGlothlin Awards Go to Teachers in Southwest Virginia Schools
 2011 McGlothlin AwardsA second grade teacher in Montgomery County and a middle school teacher in Washington County were awarded $25,000 each as winners of the 12th annual McGlothlin Excellence in Teaching Award. The April 12 ceremony in Radford University's Bondurant Auditorium drew 750 guests and featured best-selling novelist and Appalachian icon Homer Hickam Jr. as keynote speaker.

Winner Lisa Taylor, who received a master's degree from Radford University in 2005, teaches at Belview Elementary School in the Montgomery County Public Schools. Winner Liz Phillips teaches at Wallace Middle School in the Washington County Public Schools.

"This event gets bigger and better every year," Radford University President Penelope W. Kyle said in her welcoming remarks, noting that Radford's origin more than a century ago as a teacher's college makes it the perfect venue for the program, one of the nation's largest teaching awards. Read more.


Give now
Become part of the excellence and make a gift today!

Gifts to the Annual Fund from alumni, family and friends of the university have a direct and immediate impact on the quality of a Radford University education. The Annual Fund is critical in maintaining the tradition of excellence we have come to expect from our university. The Annual Fund provides operating resources for all areas of the university and better positions us to seek and obtain outside funding, as many grants and corporate contributions made to higher education are based on the Annual Fund participation rate. Your contribution is important to help us reach our $5 million goal by June 30, 2011. By making a gift, you join a prestigious list of donors who recognize the value of investing in Radford University.

This Month in RU History
May 1919: The first May Day Festival was conducted. Mamie Lush of Burkeville, Va., was the first May Day Queen.


RU connected?
There's a special connection alumni and friends have with Radford University and with each other. Help us keep you connected by updating your information today. You can change your home, work or e-mail addresses, and let us know what you have been doing since graduation for inclusion in the class notes section of The MAGAZINE of Radford University by completing our online form today! By updating your information, you will receive the Alumni e-News each month as well as The MAGAZINE of Radford University. If you have any questions, please contact the Radford University Alumni Association at alumni@radford.edu or 1-888-4RUGRAD.