June 2012 News for Radford University Alumni and Friends

News for Radford University Alumni and Friends
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Snapshots of the Month

Radford letters
"Radford" spelled with various items seen around campus.

Katie Katz
Katie Katz '09 submitted this photo of her little Highlander, Emily Redden Katz.

To submit a photo from your days at RU, email alumni@radford.edu.

This Month in RU History

June 8, 1972: Legislation passed authorizing Radford College as a coeducational institution.

Campus News


Event Highlights

July 28
Master of Social Work Alumni Gathering
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Grand Hall
Roanoke, Va.
7:30 – 9:15 p.m.
All alumni graduating from the Abingdon campus of the Radford University MSW program are invited to attend. Please contact Rana Duncan-Daston to RSVP and for more information at rduncan-@radford.edu.

Sept. 22
Baptist Student Union 70s Era Reunion
RU Campus and Radford City
Please contact Dee Currier to RSVP and for more information at deelight55@aol.com.

For a complete list of events with details, visit our online calendar.

In Memory

Radford University would like to honor our fellow classmates and friends who have passed away this month. We remember…

The Rev. Robin N. Parker '96
May 11

Kathryn Parks '45
May 25

John Signorello '89
May 25

To view a complete "in memory of" list, please visit us online.

No matter your graduation year, your relationship with Radford University can stay strong. Stay connected, Stay involved!
  • Update your contact information - RU is well aware that alumni are often on the move. We would love to keep in touch with you, and many of your classmates are looking to do the same!
    I would like to update my information.
     
  • Share alumni news - We are always looking to celebrate what our alumni are up to, so let us know what’s new with you.
    I would like to let you know my latest news.
     
  • Network with other alumni - You can participate in Career Services’ “HighlanderConnect” program, which links students with alumni, or “HireAHighlander” where you can post your resume and job search.
     
  • Follow radford_alumni on Twitter - Follow us on Twitter for immediate RU updates!
     
  • “Like us” at radforduniversityalumni on Facebook - Why not join the Radford University Alumni Facebook page to keep your connection strong with fellow classmates and RU?

Show your support

Make a gift to the university.

Return for homecoming and reunion weekend!

Purchase an RU license plate for your car.

Display your diploma in your workspace.

Shop online at the Radford University Bookstore.

Continue your education with a graduate degree!




In the News

Board of Visitors Extends President Kyle's Contract

President KyleThe Radford University Board of Visitors has extended President Penelope W. Kyle's contract for five years, the board announced June 7.

Stephen A. Musselwhite, rector of the Board of Visitors, said in a statement, "The board has been and continues to be extremely pleased with the growing list of substantial achievements and accomplishments that have occurred at Radford University since President Kyle became president in 2005."

Musselwhite added, "During her tenure, RU has grown in stature and distinction and has become an even more favored destination for the Commonwealth's graduating high school seniors and for transfer students from Virginia's community colleges."

The rector noted that RU is on track to achieve a total enrollment of 10,000 students within the next few years for the first time in the university's history.


 

Alumna Leaves the Lab to Lead National Fraternal Group

Chris CovingtonChris Covington '90 was involved in Greek Life as an Alpha Sigma Tau member while also devoting time and her talents to the American Chemical Society, Panhellenic Council, "The Beehive" yearbook, Campus Activities Board, intramural athletics and more. "RU just offers so many opportunities to excel. You have to grab them," Covington said. A native of Virginia's Tidewater region, Chris lives in San Francisco and is the national president of Alpha Sigma Tau. She oversees the 100-year-old organization's strategic plan, budgets, investments, policies, staffing and facilities.

"My RU education was not just about learning to solve the problems academia challenges us with, it was about learning to be a leader filled with passion for life and compassion for others," she said. "You only get that through intense interaction with like-minded students, driven faculty and dedicated administrators. When those three components come together in education, amazing things happen."

Pictured above: Chris Covington (left) with an inductee at a chapter installation at Indiana University.
 

3 Highlanders Tapped in MLB Draft

Eddie Butler, Matt Hillsinger, and Jeff KempThree RU baseball standouts were chosen in the 2012 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft, the most Highlander picks in 15 years.

Junior right-handed starting pitcher Eddie Butler was selected 46th overall in the first compensatory round by the Colorado Rockies, making him the highest draft pick in Radford University history. He is also the first player in Big South Conference history to be selected in the first compensatory round of draft picks.

Senior outfielder Matt Hillsinger was tapped by the Oakland Athletics in the 22nd round, and redshirt junior shortstop Jeff Kemp became the third member of Radford's 2012 MLB draft class, selected in the 31st round by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Previously the university's largest draft class comprised Jason Anderson, Kelly Dampeer and Tim Manwiller, selected in 1997. Read more Highlander Baseball news.


 

Women's Basketball Head Coach Tajama Ngongba and Men's Basketball Head Coach Mike Jones announce Camp and Clinic Dates

Coach Ngongba and Coach Jones

Tajama Ngongba

Team Camp
June 29-30
Radford University Dedmon Center
JV and varsity high school teams

Mike Jones

Team Camp
June 22 and 23
Radford University Dedmon Center
JV and varsity high school teams

Day Camp
August 6-9
Radford Recreation Center
Grades 1-8

Day Camp
June 25-28
Radford University Dedmon Center
Grades 1-6

College Prep Camp
August 25
Radford University Dedmon Center
Varsity experience required

Individual Skill Camp
August 4
Radford University Dedmon
Center
Grades 7-12

To view more Tajama Ngongba camp details, visit us online.

To view more Mike Jones camp details, visit us online.


2012 Fall Homecoming and Reunion Extravaganza: Honor the past, celebrate the future - Oct. 5-6

McConnell Library, past and present

Fall Homecoming and Reunion weekend will be here before you know it! This is the largest gathering of the year for alumni and friends, and you can be part of this special weekend of fun and reminiscing. Each fall, alumni and friends come together for BBQ tailgating, soccer games, alumni receptions, special milestone class reunions, affinity reunions and much more. During this weekend, we will be celebrating the Fall Homecoming and Reunion Extravaganza and Family Weekend at the same time, so the entire RU community can enjoy coming together .

  • Honor the past, celebrate the future. Classes celebrating a reunion this weekend include 1962, 1972, 1982 and 1992. Although the campus has grown, it's still the RU you know and love, so be part of this important tradition. You can also show your pride, by giving to the Radford Fund or other area of importance to you on behalf of your class at www.giveto.radford.edu. You don't have to celebrate a reunion this fall to give a gift of support.
     
  • Calling all class reunion volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering to help with your special milestone reunion, please contact Sandra Bond, Associate Director of Alumni Relations, at alumni@radford.edu or 1-888-4RUGRAD.
     

Stay current on all the weekend activities by visiting the alumni website often.