When devastating storms lashed Virginia in early July, Radford University's grounds crew responded immediately, working late into the night to remove fallen trees and other hazards from campus.

A large oak tree toppled in front of Muse Hall, said Jorge Coartney, director of the Department of Facilities Management. Another tree fell on a car in one of the campus parking lots, banners were shredded at the Dedmon Center, and the Cupp Stadium fence was damaged by a flying high jump mat, he said. Across campus, trees were split and branches were brought down by the high winds.

"The first storm blew through on Friday night, and our electricians were on the job immediately to check on the life safety systems and electrical outages," Coartney said. "Cleanup crews came in at 6 a.m. Saturday."

Coartney said some of his staff had damage and power loss at their own homes, but they reported for work on the weekend to deal with the campus situation. "We appreciate their dedication and all their hard work," he said.

He also expressed gratitude to the City of Radford Electric Department for responding quickly to restore power on campus.

Other damage included torn banners across campus, downed limbs on the Washington Hall fence near Tyler Avenue and in several parking lots, and dozens of broken limbs dangling from trees. Crews worked through the Fourth of July holiday and the weekend of July 7-8, finishing the cleanup by Monday.