RU Sets Record for Degrees Awarded at Winter Commencement
More than 400 students received bachelor's degrees at RU's 2012 Winter Commencement.
Radford University celebrated the accomplishments of its newest alumni on Saturday, Dec. 15, at its 2012 Winter Commencement ceremonies. More students were awarded undergraduate degrees at this year's ceremonies than at any previous Winter Commencement, a total of 417.
President Kyle conferred the degrees, which included 288 Bachelor of Science, 53 Bachelor of Business Administration, 45 Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 15 Bachelor of Arts, eight Bachelor of Fine Arts and eight Bachelor of Music.
Associate Professor Laura Jacobsen, president of the RU Faculty Senate and faculty representative to the Radford University Board of Visitors, addressed the graduating students at both ceremonies on behalf of the faculty. "You have indeed done outstanding work, and you have made Radford University's faculty very proud of you and of our institution."
"May you live fearlessly and be inspired," Jacobsen said, "and by everything you do in the years ahead, may you make our faculty, our institution and everyone who loves you proud."
Students from the colleges of Business and Economics, Science and Technology, Visual and Performing Arts and the Waldron College of Health and Human Services received their degrees in a joint commencement at 10 a.m. in Bondurant Auditorium, Preston Hall. Graduates from the College of Education and Human Development and the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences were honored in a 1 p.m. ceremony in the auditorium.
Emily Redd, president of the RU Student Government Association, addressed the graduates, families and friends gathered at the ceremonies, reminding the graduates of their enduring connection to RU and the joys and responsibilities ahead of them.
"Radford University makes a promise to its students and itself to invest in your lifetime. RU not only strives to give you the best it can, every day in which you are here, but for every day afterward. We have not built your future for you but instead have merely handed the builders the tools to an extraordinary life," Redd said.
On Friday night, the university held a hooding and commencement ceremony for 83 graduate students, including its first three Doctor of Psychology recipients.