Quest 2017 welcomes transfer students to campus

Two Transfer Quest sessions launched the university's new student orientation on June 8-9. About 370 students and their guests participated in the one-day campus life experience.

Organized each year by New Student Programs staff, Quest is a campuswide effort to acclimate students with classes, residence and dining halls, faculty and staff and additional services and amenities before they return to campus in the fall.  

At the June 8 session - designed specifically for community college transfers - students were greeted by Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Joseph Scartelli during a welcome ceremony in Porterfield Hall. Scartelli congratulated students on continuing their education.

"This is one of the best investments you will ever make in your lifetime," Scartelli told students.

He also encouraged them to look beyond the classroom for enriching activities and experiences that will take their college experience to the next level.

"It's not about just filling out a transcript," he explained. "It's about filling up a resume."

Transfer student Jordan Bell of Roanoke said he plans to get involved as soon as he arrives on campus this fall.

"I really want to be involved in some type of organization here," Bell said. "I'll be looking at different fraternities and other opportunities.

Bell said he knew of several alumni who enjoyed their Radford University experience, calling the university "a great school that is close to home."

Friends Emma Pearman and Aaliyah Gray are transferring to Radford from Virginia Western Community College. Pearman, who plans to major in political science, said she found similarities between Radford and her former place of study.

"It's a small campus, but there's still a lot of diversity here," Pearman said. "I also really like that class sizes are small. It will be easy to adjust."

Gray, who plans to study political science, said she was excited to explore the campus, meet new people and, with all of the university's club offerings, "do my own thing."

Having just finished lunch – which is offered to all Quest participants - both students said they were already impressed with the university's dining services. 

"The food is really good here," Pearman said.

Hayley Clifton of Tazewell is transferring from Southwest Community College. She has already earned an associate's degree and plans to study elementary education at Radford. Having lived at home the past two years while traveling back and forth to Southwest, Clifton said she's excited to finally experience campus life.

"Community college was a great bridge for her, and now Hayley's just really eager to get the whole college experience," said Hayley's mother, Taffy Clifton. "We have all been so impressed with Radford University. The campus is just gorgeous."

Also attending Quest with the Cliftons were Hayley's grandparents,  Bob and Debbie Brewster.

"We’re a close-knit clan, and we're looking forward to seeing where our granddaughter will spend the next several years," said Debbie Brewster. "Now, we know where to find her."

Quest continues Monday, June 12 with the first session for incoming Radford University freshmen.

Students interested in transferring to Radford University can find out more information on the university's Admissions homepage.