Radford University Carilion introduced at festive JCHS Spirit Day
The Jefferson College of Health Sciences (JCHS) and Radford University communities united as one during a time of celebration and unveiled the newly named organization, Radford University Carilion (RUC), at a picnic on April 22.
The 1,200-strong JCHS student body, as well as faculty and staff, were joined by more than 50 members of the Radford University family for an afternoon of music, games and food. The event and logo unveiling were part of JCHS’ annual Spirit Day celebration, which takes place prior to final exams.
To open the Spirit Day festivities, held on Reid Lawn on the grounds of the future RUC educational site in Roanoke, Virginia, Radford University President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., welcomed JCHS students, faculty and staff to the Radford family. President Hemphill recognized the efforts of more than 100 campus and community leaders, who have worked tirelessly since January 2018 to oversee the merger process.
The leaders of both institutions, President Nathaniel L. Bishop, D. Min. and President Hemphill, were assisted by the two schools’ mascots, the Blue Healer and the Highlander, as they unveiled the red and blue logo for RUC. After the logo was revealed, students eagerly lined up to receive a T-shirt displaying the new RUC brand.
“Spirit Day was a lot of fun. Hearing President Hemphill recognize both the work of our graduating students and the work of the faculty and staff in supporting the merger felt meaningful and rewarding,” said Janel Beehner, JCHS admissions counselor. “I really like the new brand. It’s vibrant and it’s a perfect way to show both the strength of Carilion and the strength of Radford University moving forward together.”
JCHS President Nathaniel L. Bishop, D. Min, left, and Radford University President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., right, unveil the Radford University Carilion name and logo.
RUC will be a healthcare educational site, located in Roanoke Community Hospital, and be part of the expanding healthcare campus that includes the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. The RUC brand is reflective of the unique health sciences educational experience that Radford University provides to students and is founded upon an enduring and evolving 30-year partnership with Carilion Clinic.
“To meet the needs of the region and the Commonwealth, Radford University Carilion will grow from the sound foundation we celebrate today,” said President Hemphill. “The partnership is committed to educating healthcare professionals, who will care for the citizens of this region, the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond by providing them with important clinical experiences to prepare them for a challenging field that is as much a calling as it is a career.”
President Bishop echoed President Hemphill’s congratulations to the members of the Steering Committee and the six merger subcommittees as he looks forward to the contributions by future healthcare professionals, who will make RUC a strong partnership for healthcare education and workforce development.
The JCHS Spirit Day and logo unveiling provided a picturesque opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the legacy of JCHS and the traditions of compassion, excellence and service it represents, while also looking toward the future with excitement as RUC is finalized.