RU holds 2013 Winter Commencement
President Kyle with Laken Cooper, Radford University's first student to earn a degree with Scholar-Citizen distinction
Radford University celebrated the accomplishments of its newest graduates with commencement ceremonies Dec. 13 and 14 in the Bondurant Auditorium.
During the 2013 Winter Commencement undergraduate ceremonies on Dec. 14, RU President Penelope W. Kyle conferred degrees on 359 students. Undergraduates degrees included 239 Bachelors of Science, 55 Bachelors of Business Administration, 38 Bachelors of Science in Nursing, 8 Bachelors of Arts, 15 Bachelor of Fine Arts and nine Bachelors of Music. Five students received dual degrees.
"I am confident that you will do well because of the educational opportunities and experiences you had while at RU," Kyle said. "You will make positive contributions to our communities and to our nation in so many diverse and exciting ways."
Associate Professor Laura Jacobsen, president of the RU Faculty Senate and faculty representative to the Radford University Board of Visitors, addressed the graduating undergraduate students on behalf of the faculty. "As grand and sometimes impossible as it seems to think that one person can change the world," Jacobsen said, speaking to the future of the assembled students, "I stand before you today to suggest to you that you not only can change it, but indeed you will change it."
Zach McCoy, president of the RU Student Government Association, addressed the undergraduates, families and friends gathered at the ceremonies, reminding the graduates of their enduring connection to RU and the joys and responsibilities ahead of them. "You have worked so hard throughout your collegiate career to get where you are. Now capitalize on that work, by using the skills and expertise you developed to go out there and conquer the world," he said.
President Kyle with James Jordan of the Men's soccer team
Students from the College of Education and Human Development and the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences were honored in a 10 a.m. ceremony in the Bondurant Auditorium, Preston Hall. Graduates 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 1 p.m. in the auditorium.
On Friday, Dec. 13, the university held the 2013 Winter Graduation and Hooding Ceremony for students in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Graduate degrees awarded included 35 Masters of Science, 20 Masters of Business Administration, 13 Masters of Occupational Therapy, 15 Masters of Social Work, four Doctors of Nursing Practice, four Masters of Fine Arts and three Masters of Arts.
William Kennan, vice provost for academic affairs, offered remarks to the graduate and doctoral students in attendance. "Graduates, you are among the most highly educated men and women on the planet. Your degree prepares you to be a leader. Thank you for allowing Radford University to play a role in your lives, and best wishes in all future endeavors."
Also on Friday, the School of Nursing and the Department of Occupational Therapy each held pinning ceremonies for their newest graduates. The 38 Bachelor of Science in Nursing and 13 Master of Occupational Therapy received their RU pins, which are a traditional way of showing where healthcare workers received training.
For more looks at the 2013 Winter Commencement ceremonies visit the commencement photo album on Facebook or catch up with a video recording of the event.