Student-leaders recognized at special dinner

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Radford University men's basketball center Brandon Holcomb with President Kyle at the Student Leaders Dinner.

A diverse group of students gathered on Sept. 24 in recognition of their role as leaders of Radford University's student body.

President Penelope W. Kyle hosted 72 student-leaders at the Governor Tyler House for a Student Leaders Dinner, the special event she organizes each semester.  Also in attendance was Vice President for Student Affairs Mark Shanley, Dean of Student Irvin Clark and Associate Vice President for Student Affairs/Student Activities Kenneth Bonk.

"A school, and especially a student body, is only as good as its leaders," President Kyle said. "We appreciate you giving of your personal time to volunteer in these activities and to rise to the level of being leaders."

The dedicated students represented many of Radford's more than 260 student clubs and organizations as well as athletic programs.

Men's basketball center Brandon Holcomb, a senior from Murrieta, California, said he was honored to attend the special event.

"I wanted to be here tonight to represent our team," Holcomb said. "Being a leader and representing Highlander Athletics and the university is a big deal."

Junior transfer student Katlynn Ketchum said getting involved was important to her success at Radford. She is the president of the university's chapter of Pi Sigma Epsilon, a national co-ed fraternity for sales, marketing and management.

"When I transferred to Radford, I signed up for everything I could," said Ketchum, of Virginia Beach. "Being a part of this organization has helped me find friends and connect with faculty. I feel like I'm a part of RU now."

Senior Samuel Rogers, a criminal justice major, also credited involvement for his personal growth. In high school, Rogers said, "I wasn't big on being social."

Rogers has come a long way since. He is now president of Radford University's chapter of the criminal justice association Lambda Alpha Epsilon. The chapter hosted a career fair, where he met with representatives from the United States Secret Service. He later traveled with chapter members to Secret Service headquarters, and he applying for a position with the agency.

Men of Standards President BJ Keen, a junior social work major, understands that as a student-leader, his peers look up to him. Leading by example is what his organization is all about, he explained.

"We are inspired to build leaders," said Keen, of Martinsville. "We want young men to know how to carry themselves in a professional manner."

Keen and his fellow peers now have the experience and skills needed to succeed when they graduate and explore careers.

"It's important to be a student-leader in college because it helps you prepare for the real world," he said.

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Radford University student-leaders with President Kyle at the Governor Tyler House.

Oct 6, 2015