Legacy luncheon brings RU alumni and their aspiring alumni together for Move-In Day respite

With the hard part of Move-In Day behind them, several families of RU alumni and their children who are starting out as freshman gathered for lunch in the Hurlburt Student Center Commons on Friday, Aug. 23.

"We are excited to see her have the opportunity to experience the things we did," said Dana Hanton '91 of Vienna, Va., who was helping her daughter, Katie, start her collegiate experience as an aspiring teacher.

The Hanton family was among more than 100 RU alumni and students who are "legacy" families at the luncheon.  President Penelope W. Kyle met with many of the multi-generation Highlander families to welcome them and ask after their well-being on the busy day.

For the Tomlin family, Move-In Day was an extended family reunion.  Katie Tomlin is a pre-major from Virginia Beach and cousin Tyler Holthoff is a pre-major from Suffolk, Va.  They also share an uncle and aunt who are RU graduates. Katie's folks, Jerry and Anne '87, were helping get the two settled.

"It is strange see them follow us to Radford, but we are excited for them," said Anne, who noted a lot of changes since her arrival as a freshman. She recalled her surprise when she saw men in the rooms of Bolling Hall. It was an all-women's dorm during her tenure at Radford.

legacy picnic smiles

Ben Brumback, a transfer student from New River Community College, enjoys a respite from the rigors of Move-In Day with his mother Debbie Brumback '12 at the Legacy Family Picnic iin Hurlburt Hall on Friday, Aug. 23.

Tyler was appreciative of his family's Radford connections, saying, "The friendly atmosphere here today has been great and with so many family members who love Radford, it is very comforting as I start out here."

Sandra Bond, associate director of alumni relations, said, "There is a positive vibe here of families who are coming together, growing and showcasing their Highlander pride."

Amanda Joyce, a freshman from Radford who is going to work for a degree in sports medicine, has known Highlander pride all her life. She has four family members - parents and step-parents - with RU degrees.  Two, Todd '99 and Dana MBA '02, were on-hand for the legacy luncheon.

"It is time for me to break away and be free, but I will be a little nervous tonight when I sleep in a new bed in a new place," she said. Amanda also acknowledged that she is going to miss Otis, her cat, and maybe the dishwasher.

"I look forward to her meeting new friends and carrying on the Highlander pride I feel," said Todd, who added, "I got a great education here and I know she will too."

Learn more about Radford University at www.radford.edu.

Aug 27, 2013
Don Bowman
(540) 831-7523
dbowman@radford.edu