Radford University welcomes new members of the Highlander family during Quest 2019
Blue skies, big smiles and a sense of satisfaction marked the end of the first Quest session of summer 2019 at Radford University.
On June 11, Bryana Lackey sat in front of the campus’s iconic red clocks, waiting for her daughter and future Highlander, Josey, to meet her. Both mother and daughter, of Botetourt, Virginia, were wrapping up their Quest journey, one that began with heavy downpours, but ended with abundant sunshine.
“We have had the best time,” Bryana Lackey said about the orientation experience. “I am impressed with everything. Everyone has been so informative and so accommodating.”
Josey Lackey plans to study nursing. She visited several different institutions during her college search, “but Radford just fit everything we were looking for,” her mother explained.
“She loved everything about it. From the size of the campus to the warm and friendly faculty, everything just fit,” Bryana Lackey said.
Josey Lackey’s excitement about Radford University grew at Quest. She said she enjoyed scheduling her classes for the fall semester and meeting new people, especially School of Nursing faculty and staff.
“I’ve always appreciated having close relationships with my teachers, and I look forward to having those same relationships with professors here,” Josey Lackey said.
The Lackeys ended their last day of Quest at the Academic and Student Life Fair in Peters Hall, where new student Damien Geris also reflected on the past two days.
“I enjoyed staying in the dorms and meeting new people,” Geris said. “The campus is really nice. That’s one of the reasons I decided to come to Radford. I’m from Manassas – Northern Virginia – and was looking forward to getting out of the city and finding a smaller, more traditional campus setting.”
Geris plans to major in a program related to sports management or sports training. He is also excited to try out for the Highlander baseball team.
Interacting with the Radford family and experiencing the campus culture are important elements of Quest, Radford University’s signature new student and transfer orientation program, which is organized by the Office of New Student and Family Programs. Quest is offered each summer through either a one-day, two-day or transfer student format. A total of 10 Quest sessions, including the June 10-11 program, will run through mid-July.
Quest provides a comprehensive Highlander experience for both students and their families. Participants are offered the option of staying in the residence halls for a night, in addition to dining on campus. Students register for classes, receive their ONE card, the University's student ID and access card, learn about student clubs and organizations and engage with each other through interactive activities, social gatherings and a special performance by Quest Assistants (QAs). QAs are enthusiastic and energetic Radford University students who guide new students and their families through the orientation process.
Families are provided with a customized set of sessions and programs related to financial aid, academic advising, campus resources and student support.
About 250 students and families attended the first Quest session of 2019, which kicked off the morning of June 10 with an opening welcome in Bondurant Auditorium by Radford University President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
“Radford is truly a place where students find their passion and bring their dreams to life, whatever they may be,” President Hemphill said. “Remember that this is just the beginning. Today’s orientation is an important part of that beginning. It is a rite of passage that inducts you as a member of the University community, but more importantly, as a member of this family.”
Attendees also heard from Quest Student Director Veronica Hyman, who shared her Highlander experience and offered advice and encouragement.
“Students, you are beginning your journey here at Radford and opening the door to new experiences, opportunities and friendships,” Hyman said. “In my three years here at Radford, those new experiences have taught me lessons that have shaped me into the person that I am today. Those new opportunities opened doors that I never knew could be opened. And, those new friendships turned into lifelong bonds that I will never forget.”
Following the presentations, the QAs entertained the audience with a lively “mash-up” of songs and dances before leading students on their Quest adventure.
“We are so excited for students to finally be here,” said QA Chase Arrington. “We have worked really hard this year to make this a fun summer for our new students and their families. I can’t wait to see what is to come throughout these next two months.”
Are you a member of the Class of 2023 or becoming a Highlander as a transfer student? Register for your Quest session to get the best start to your Radford experience.