Celebrating the Century - Forging the Future
A Letter from the Centennial Co-chairs

Dear Radford Campus Community, Alumni, and Friends of the University,

Honored to serve Radford University as co-chairs of its Centennial, we view ourselves as the ladder reaching high and leaning on the strong support you and a dynamic planning team provide. 2010 is the year for remembering and celebrating the March 10, 1910, signing of the Charter that created the State Normal and Industrial school for Woman at Radford. Through the decades, our name and student body have changed in dramatic ways. Consistently, we have remained an institution of higher education that values academic excellence and service to others above all else.

In commemoration of the University’s 100 years of service, we invite you to Experience The Power of 100 by joining us in accepting the Centennial Service Challenge. RU is asking you-as an alumnus, student, faculty, staff, or friend-to dedicate a contribution of time and effort to mark RU’s Centennial. You may serve as an individual or member of a group to make your community and the world a better place in honor of RU100.

As RU moves into its second century of service, we want to forge an even broader awareness of service by telling the story of RU spirit and commitment. Capture your contribution of time, sweat, knowledge, and RU spirit in a photo or video and, along with a brief report, submit it to Radford University Centennial. The record of your service will be posted to a global interactive map on the RU Centennial website. We invite you to watch this Web site for details concerning a year-long series of programs and activities celebrating RU100.

Turn to the FAQ for details of what and how to Experience The Power of 100. The critical point to remember is that a culture of service will continue to envelope the RU community near and far long after 2010.

We share with you great Highlander Pride in this institution founded a century ago near the banks of the New River. Its far-reaching influence has just begun!

With warmest regards as we work together Forging the Future,

Dr. Gary D. Ellerman, Professor Emeritus
Ms. Barbara-lyn B. Morris, ‘65