Homecoming 2026 brings Highlanders together for a weekend of celebration and connection

Radford University alumni, families and friends returned to campus Oct. 22–24 for Homecoming 2026, a three-day celebration filled with opportunities to reconnect, reminisce, celebrate accomplishments and show their Highlander pride. From longtime traditions and alumni recognition to campus updates and a lively Homecoming Village, the weekend brought together generations of Highlanders to celebrate their shared connection to Radford.

Homecoming festivities kicked off Thursday, Oct. 22, at Long Way Brewing in downtown Radford, where alumni and friends gathered to catch up and get the weekend underway. That evening, members of the Class of 1976 returned for their 50th reunion, joining the Golden Reunion Society during a special celebration honoring five decades of memories and lifelong friendships. For many, it was an opportunity to reconnect with classmates and revisit the experiences that first brought them to Radford.

Esports center — Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations Penny Helms White (left) and Landon Hinton ’13 (right), president of the university’s alumni association, hosting this year's Tartan Brews and Presidential News gathering.

Friday, Oct. 23, offered a full schedule of opportunities to celebrate Radford's people, progress and traditions. Alumni gathered in the University's new Esports Center for Tartan Brews and Presidential News, hosted by Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Relations Penny Helms White ’85, MBA ’87 and Alumni Association President Landon Hinton ’13. Guests heard updates on University initiatives, recent accomplishments and campus developments before taking part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony officially opening the new Esports Center.

The afternoon continued with the Alumni Volunteer Leadership Lunch and Awards, hosted by the Radford University Alumni Association. The annual gathering recognized alumni whose professional achievements, service and generosity exemplify the impact of Radford graduates. The University's four 2026 Outstanding Alumni Award recipients were:

Outstanding Young Alumnus: Spencer Horowitz '22
Outstanding Alumni Service: Kevin Connolly '89
Outstanding Alumni Philanthropist: Palma Clark '73, M.S. '77
Outstanding Alumnus: Shep Roeper '08

Outstanding alumni recipient Palma Clark '73, M.S. '77, with Radford University President Bret Danilowicz

Friday also featured opportunities for the University's colleges to recognize distinguished graduates. The College of Education and Human Development celebrated its alumni award recipients during an evening ceremony at Bee & Butter, the rooftop restaurant at The Highlander at Radford hotel. The College recognized Jason Lucas, M.S. '13, with its Distinguished Alumni Award and Jessica Rothe O'Conner '18 with its Rising Impact Award.

The College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences also honored its Distinguished Alumnus, Ron Peterson Jr. '88, during a ceremony on campus.

The evening concluded with the Radford Athletics Hall of Fame dinner, celebrating the achievements and lasting contributions of four new inductees: Frederic Rondeau '92 (men's soccer), Chelsea Kelley '11 (softball), Teresa Williamson '15 (women's cross country and track and field) and Matt Hillsinger '12 (baseball).

On Saturday, Oct. 24, Highlanders had even more opportunities to connect with the University and one another. Coffee with the Coaches welcomed fans for informal conversations with Director of Athletics Robert Lineburg and members of the Radford Athletics coaching staff, offering a chance to hear updates and connect with the people leading Highlander athletics.

The Women of Radford Luncheon, an annual get-together designed for reflection on the school’s history and as a salute to its female students and alums. In addition to displaying their celebratory outfits of vivid red and tartan, the women in attendance also enjoyed a fashion show featuring designs created and modeled by the Department of Design, along with remarks from Rachel Williams, Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts. The luncheon offered another opportunity for Highlanders to connect across generations and share their Radford experiences.

Radford women's luncheon — The Women of Radford Luncheon was held Saturday, Oct. 24 and drew a crowd that included Radford First Lady Kay Danilowicz.

The entire weekend was peppered with opportunities to do just that.

The Davis College of Business and Economics hosted a meet-and-greet for current and former participants of the Student Managed Investment Portfolio Organization (SMIPO); current professor and senior professional pickleball player Carter Turner led a clinic on the popular sport; and the owners of River City Distillery, Anthony Smith ’98 and Charlie Cosmato ’93, M.S. ’95, offered a tutorial session for tasting and understanding spirits.

The weekend culminated with Homecoming Village in the courtyard of the University's new Artis Center for Adaptive Innovation and Creativity, home to the College of Visual and Performing Arts. With beautiful fall weather setting the scene, alumni, students, families and friends filled the courtyard for an afternoon of music, food, activities and conversation. College and student organizations welcomed guests, giveaways added to the festivities, and concessions provided plenty of opportunities to gather and mingle. The Under the Kilt beverage tent featured the new collaboration between Radford Athletics and alumni-owned Kindred Spirit Brewing, the Exit 109 lager. The live sounds of Camel City Yacht Club brought the crowd together for an afternoon of music, dancing and celebration.

From longtime friends reuniting after decades apart to recent graduates reconnecting with classmates and the University, Homecoming 2026 was a reminder that the Highlander community extends well beyond campus. Whether returning to celebrate a milestone, recognize fellow alumni, volunteer, support Radford Athletics or simply enjoy time with friends, Highlanders made the weekend a celebration of the connections that continue to bring them together.

See the recap video of Homecoming Weekend.

The opportunity to stay connected doesn't end with Homecoming. The Radford University Alumni Association invites alumni and friends to return for the 11th Annual Volunteer Summit on Feb. 6, 2027. Designed for those interested in getting involved or continuing their service to the University, the summit will offer opportunities to connect with fellow volunteers, explore leadership opportunities and discover new ways to make an impact on Radford. The Highlander spirit is built on connection, and there are always more ways to be part of it.