Alumni Volunteer Summit provides knowledge and opportunity
Close to 70 alumni gathered in Kyle Hall during the inaugural Alumni Volunteer Summit on Feb. 17 from noon to 5 p.m. to learn more about the university. Alumni also learned how they can help the university through regional alumni chapters, career services and admissions.
The summit included welcome remarks from Kevin Rogers ’87, Board of Directors President for the Radford University Alumni Association and speeches from Radford University President Brian O. Hemphill and Interim Provost Joseph Scartelli.
During the event, Mary Waugh Campbell ’71, M.S. ’71 was recognized for her service to the university in her roles on the Board of Visitors, Presidential Search Committee and Radford University Alumni Association Board of Directors and as an exemplary alumni leader and generous supporter.
Upon conclusion of the informational remarks by university leaders, the alumni attended workshops about the university’s admissions process, the role of career services in student success and the role of regional alumni chapters in supporting the university.
Michele Messner ’88, a member of the Radford Alumni Association Board of Directors, attended the admissions workshop lead by Vice President for Enrollment Management Kitty McCarthy and Dean of Admissions James Pennix ’01.
“I wanted to learn more about the admissions process. I have many friends who have children looking at colleges, and they come to me for information about Radford University,” Messner said. “It’s also fun to be able to show prospective students and parents around campus. I have a flexible schedule and live only 15 minutes away from campus. Volunteering is a great way to reconnect with alumni and meet new people.”
Radford University Alumni talk with James Pennix, Dean of Admissions and Enrollment Management, and Katherine McCarthy, Vice President for Enrollment Management, about ways they can help with student recruitment during this year's Volunteer Summit.
Rodney Crowe ’89 was a finance major at Radford University and attended the Career Center workshop led by Executive Director of the Career Center Angela Joyner. He says that he attended the summit because he wants to give back to Radford. He works in the finance area of federal contracting and has ideas for classes that would better prepare students to work in his area business.
“I see a need and I see how Radford can help fill it,” said Crowe, who is also interested in providing internship opportunities for Radford University students.
Rick Sparks ’99, M.S. ’03 attended the regional chapters workshop lead by Office of Alumni Relations staff member Vanessa Quesenberry. He said that he attended the summit to learn how to become more involved as an alumnus.
“There’s new energy and new direction at Radford University,” Sparks said. “The timing felt right.”
To learn more about how you can become an alumni volunteer, call 540-831-5248.