August 2011 News for Radford University Alumni and Friends

News for Radford University Alumni and Friends
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Snapshot of the Month

soccer field
Cupp Stadium is home to both men's and women's soccer games. The men's team will host Big South rival High Point during the 2011 Fall Homecoming and Reunion Weekend.

This Month in RU History

August 1936: Hattie Mae Partlow was the first student to receive the Bachelor of Arts degree.

Campus Highlights


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 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 email 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.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@radford.edu or 1-888-4RUGRAD.



In the News

Fall Homecoming and Reunion Weekend: The Excitement is Building!

homecoming 2011 Come join the celebration as you stroll down memory lane, rekindle old friendships, make new friends, reminisce about your days at Radford University and see what's new on campus. Call your friends and tell them to meet you here! We are less than two months away and the campus is gearing up for your arrival with plenty of activities for you and your family to enjoy.

There is also still time to make your class the Class Gift Challenge winner. Congratulations to the current class leader: the Class of 1961. The class winner will have a private reception with President Kyle and will be announced prior to homecoming. Your donation of any size will count – the key is to be among those taking part in the Class Gift Challenge. When you make your contribution in honor of your class, you will show your alumni pride as well as your commitment to Radford University.

We look forward to seeing you in Oct. 14-15!

Browse the yearbooks of the classes celebrating a reunion: 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996 and 2001. The 2006 yearbook is available by DVD in the McConnell Library.

Let us know how excited you are to come back to campus. Post your comments and share your excitement with others on Facebook today!
 

Exceed the Challenge Update

class challenge

We are one month into "Exceed the Challenge." Radford University is challenging our alumni to exceed the record for the number of alumni giving back in a single year. From July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2011, we had 3,585 alumni who gave back. Let's strive to beat that record for this fiscal year! Please give before June 30, 2012, to help us "Exceed the Challenge."

As of Aug. 4, we have 179 alumni who have met the challenge! Each gift is important to the university and the students we serve. Thank you for your support.

To stay up-to-date on the challenge, visit us on Facebook.

Give Now

  • Pledge online
  • Mail in pledge card
  • Give by check - Make your check payable to Radford University Foundation and mail to P.O. Box 6893, 801 East Main Street, Radford, VA 24142 with your gift designation indicated on the memo line.

Radford University: A Family Legacy

Sigma Phi Epsilon letters
The Smart Family (L to R): Brian Smart '04, Krystle Smart '11, Debbie Waugh Smart '78, Woody (Perry) Smart '78, Bradley Smart and Hattie Barber Smart at the Radford University 2011 Spring Commencement Ceremony.

The children and grandchildren of alumni practically have Radford University in their DNA. They grew up hearing stories of your college years and may be thinking about Radford for themselves.

The university is proud to have two- and even three-generation families -- yours could be among them! Below are some of the many options for helping your children and grandchildren find the best college fit.

What our legacy alumni are saying…

Krystle Smart '11, Chesterfield, Va., said, "I didn't want to choose Radford just because my family attended and loved their experience. I wanted to make sure it was the right school for me and as it turns out, it was! There are four other members in my family and all but one attended Radford (father, Woody Smart '78; mother, Debbie Waugh Smart '78; and brother Brian Smart '04 – brother Bradley Smart attended Christopher Newport University). I am VERY proud to say I graduated this past May and never once second guessed my college choice. I discovered Radford was similar to my high school, quaint, personable and aesthetically beautiful. I chose Radford not because of my family, but because of the amazing learning environment Radford fosters and the clearly bright future it holds."

Susi Niedbalski '03, Boulder, Colo., is a member of just one of many legacy families at Radford University. Susi said that after she and her family moved her sister, Jennifer '01, into her residence hall, that's all it took. That day Susi decided that Radford was the place for her.

Anthony Smith '98, Radford, Va., is proud that his mother, Delores Anne Smith Nester '67, '70, and godmother, Richie Wade '44, are graduates of Radford. Anthony grew up hearing stories of their college experiences. "When it came time to make my decision, I was able to use their experiences along with my view of RU, which was an institution that continued to move forward, yet remained committed to the core values on which it was based. Looking at the campus today compared to when I was there, it is obvious this still holds true."

Do you have a family legacy story to tell? Tell us about it at alumni@radford.edu, and we may feature it in one of our next publications.
 

Time to Prepare for Fall Homecoming and Reunion Weekend with Highlander Spirit Attire

So, you have made plans to attend Fall Homecoming and Reunion Weekend but need to update your spirit attire? No problem! The Radford University Bookstore offers many options for you and your family to enjoy. Browse the vast selection of all things Radford and show your spirit today!
 
Radford University Alumni t-shirt - $12.95 each
To order and for details.
Radford Alumni: Radford University Sweatshirt - $26.00 each
To order and for details.

To view other Highlander spirit items, visit the Radford University Bookstore online today or feel free to call at (540) 831-5144.