President Kyle hosts Student Leaders Dinner
More than 50 students gathered at the Governor Tyler House on April 13 for the spring Student Leaders Dinner.
Radford University President Penelope W. Kyle, who will retire this summer as the university's sixth president, has hosted the special recognition gatherings since October 2011.
Before students dined, President Kyle applauded and highlighted the importance of their efforts.
"We couldn't do this without you," Kyle said to the students. "This is an important part of your collegiate experience. It's not just something that you tuck away. When you're interviewing for internships and first jobs or applying to graduate schools, the fact that you have done other things in addition to class will be important to employers and graduate programs. They want to see leadership and teamwork on your resume."
President Kyle also reflected on her presidential tenure as students asked questions about her achievements, sought advice for future leaders and questioned what she will miss the most when she retires in June.
"I will miss you students the most," Kyle said, "because I will never work in an environment like this again." "You all have broadened my horizons far greater than I ever thought possible. It's been a wonderful learning experience for me."
Also reflective were many of the student leaders in attendance. For some, the event would be their last as they looked forward to graduating in May.
Senior Amanda Dixon is the president of the Honors Academy Student Organization (HASO), vice president for the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and the communications director for the Radford University Relay for Life Committee.
"I see the importance of giving back and doing more with your education," Dixon said, explaining her extensive campus involvement. "For me, getting a college education expands beyond the classroom."
Dixon, who is double-majoring in Spanish and psychology, is scheduled to graduate this spring and plans to attend graduate school.
"If I wasn't involved in something, I would feel incomplete," she added.
Sophomore Ben Ramsey and junior Zach Turk, members of the Student Athlete Advisory Council, reflected on the many activities in which they had participated on behalf of the organization this year.
The council is engaged in community service efforts, such as an upcoming Special Olympics track meet. They've also advocated for Project Life, a national bone marrow matching movement, and have become pen-pals with local elementary students.
"It has been a great opportunity to bring our student-athletes together and brainstorm ways to serve the community," Ramsey said.
Radford University offers more than 250 clubs and organizations in which students can get involved. For an extensive list of the clubs and organizations, visit the Student Activities website.
