Radford University Celebrates Alumni at the 6th Annual Volunteer Summit

February is for Highlanders was a month-long celebration held in 2021 to highlight volunteering, alumni relations, and mentoring and recruiting; many of the events being held virtually. Since the theme was so successful, Radford has continued its celebrations with the 6th annual Volunteer Summit that was held on February 5, held in-person since COVID-19 struck our community.

The Volunteer Summit welcomes Radford University alumni and friends to campus each year for a day of learning, fellowship, and appreciation for the work they do in supporting Radford and its students. More than 100 alumni and volunteers spent Saturday morning learning about the opportunities and progress at the University and the numerous ways that volunteers can support the departments, colleges, and other programs.

The alumni resources at Radford University are in-expendable, providing students the support by connecting with prospective students through a variety of outreach initiatives. This year’s summit group sessions focused on recruitment for future highlanders, mentors for diverse students, preparing highlander professionals, and more.

President Carolyn Lepre and Laura Turk, the Executive Director of Alumni Relations spoke on the progress and successes of the university. “We have connected ambassadors with thousands of students, we have raised money for scholarships, and donated professional clothing to the career closet, allowing us to connect with families and students,” said Turk.

We just have to keep showing up for our students and the things we stand for here at Radford University. Students are the heart and soul of every decision we make.” Lepre noted. Dr. Matthew Smith, the Dean of the College of Humanities and Behavioral Science expressed, “It is great to see students here at an event like this, because alumni do a lot of behind the scenes work and students don’t really get to see that.”

Tammy Walton, the president of the Radford University Black Alumni Networking group, and Sierra Hairston taught a session about providing mentors for diverse students. “We have a commitment in efforts to help provide advocacy to our diverse students. It is very important for our students to have mentors,” Walton says. The biggest take-away from the session, from Hairston, as alumni mentors is “don’t write the story for the student, ask them what they see for themselves in the future and what is going on in their life right now.”

Eighty-seven percent of graduates from Radford University are employed in a position related to their career. These students had help from the Center for Career and Talent Development. Jayson Clayton, the Director for Career and Talent Development said “It is our mission to help students discover their unique talents and chart their own unique path. The key is learning about it ourselves, to help teach others about the things that make them successful.” Clayton spoke on the topic during his session on Partnering to Prepare Highlander Professionals.

The Volunteer Summit was a great opportunity for friends and alumni of Radford to come together, learn, and network. The sessions were highly educational not only to alumni to the students that attended as well. Whether you are a dedicated volunteer, or looking for networking opportunities, this is the place to be. Look out for next year’s registration and come enjoy the knowledge these amazing people have to offer.