WHEREAS, Radford University was chartered March 10, 1910, by the Commonwealth of Virginia as the State Normal and Industrial School for Women at Radford to prepare teachers who could educate the citizens of an emerging nation; and,
WHEREAS, Radford University will celebrate its 100th year of teaching, research and service during the 2010 calendar year, which presents a unique and appropriate opportunity for the entire university community and public at large to join together commemorating the manifold ways in which this institution of higher education has enriched the world; and,
WHEREAS, over the decades, Radford University has grown substantially in scope and quality, and was renamed the Radford State Teachers College in 1924, the Women’s Division of Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1944, discontinued its relationship with VPI and became Radford College in 1964, and ultimately was named Radford University in 1979; and,
WHEREAS, since its founding, scores of thousands of citizens have been provided with the benefits of a Radford education and gone forward from the university to make meaningful and lasting contributions to society through their service in education, the sciences, business, health and human services, government, the arts and humanities, and other endeavors; and,
WHEREAS, Radford University today is a productive and vital academic community for thousands of students who approach university life with an enthusiasm for learning and personal development, a brilliant faculty that is committed to the highest ideals of academic scholarship and the advancement of society, and devoted administrators and staff-members who strive to foster an environment that supports the noble work of the university; and,
WHEREAS, the occasion of an institution’s Centennial is a propitious and appropriate time for faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends to unite and recognize the pride of past achievements and to consider ways in which they might collaborate to create an even more successful university during the century ahead; and,
WHEREAS, in order to develop a Centennial plan commensurate with the magnitude of the opportunity at hand, President Penelope W. Kyle appointed a volunteer leadership structure composed of faculty, staff, students, retirees, alumni, representatives of community organizations, elected officials, and other friends of the University under the heading of a Centennial Steering Committee and a Centennial Advisory Committee, led by Co-chairs: Dr. Gary D. Ellerman, Radford University Professor Emeritus and Ms. Barbara-lyn Belcher Morris, Radford University alumna, and supported by appropriate staff liaisons; and
WHEREAS, with great creativity, foresight and dedication, the above named leadership structure along with many sub-committees has created a year-long plan centered upon the theme of “Celebrating the Century, Forging the Future,” and initiated programming under three “Pillars of the Centennial”:
I. Academic Excellence and Faculty/Student Research, with the signature event being Centennial Charter Day, March 24, 2010, along with academic programs, arts and cultural events, and other programs throughout the year; and
II. Enhanced Culture of Service, with a “Centennial Service Challenge” which invites every member of the campus and extended university community and friends of the University to engage and document community service in honor of the University’s Centennial; and
III. Community-Building Celebrations, with annual University events showcasing the RU Centennial Spirit and special occasions to include events with local, regional, and state-wide community citizens as well as former members of the Board of Visitors, retired faculty and staff, and members of the Virginia General Assembly; and
WHEREAS, the intent of the Centennial planning efforts has been guided by the goal of directing public attention toward the many wonderful ways in which this institution since its founding has served the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation and the world, the year-long plan aims above all to underscore the distinctiveness of this institution of higher education; now is the time to endorse this plan intended to celebrate the century and honor the university’s new level of excellence; now is the time to look to the future and engage all constituencies; now is the time to recognize that Radford University is poised for its second century of excellence and service; then,
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that the Board of Visitors of Radford University, does on this day, Thursday, the 12th of November in the year 2009, through the consideration and approval of this document, hereby recognize, endorse and applaud the plan for the Centennial of our great university, commend the co-chairs and entire volunteer Centennial committee structure and all staff involved for creating what promises to be a most fitting tribute, and enjoin the students, faculty, staff, retirees, alumni and friends of the institution to engage fully with the challenges and programs created in order to observe this momentous occasion.
