At Radford University, Highlander pride is shared loud and clear, but until recently, something was missing. For years, as the Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams took to the court and volleyball players spiked their way to victory at the Dedmon Center, one essential element didn’t quite hit the mark – the sound system. Fans, including Radford alumna Faye Marcum ’71, often found themselves straining to hear the commentators. T-shirt giveaways boomed through the speakers, but crucial moments in the game seemed muffled.
Faye, a graduate of Radford College with a passion for education and a deep love for Radford Athletics, was not content to sit by. After attending several games and discussing the issue with friends, she decided something needed to be done. Conversations with Radford Athletic Director Robert Lineburg confirmed the need. From that moment, Faye knew this was a project she wanted to support.
“I started coming back to games and the sound system drove me nuts,” Faye shared. “You couldn’t hear the announcements, and it really impacted the experience. Our athletes deserve the best, and our fans do too.”
Her generosity made it possible to install a brand-new sound system in the Dedmon Center over the summer, just in time for fall sports. Faye's gift wasn't solely about addressing a technical problem – it was about enhancing the atmosphere for everyone. With her thoughtful contribution, athletes will compete in an environment they can be proud of, and fans can fully immerse themselves in the action.
Reflecting on her decision, Faye explained, "Radford was the foundation for so much in my life. It is where I met my husband and began my career in education. Supporting the university, especially the athletes, is my way of giving back and ensuring that future students have an even better experience."
Faye hopes her gift will spark further improvements. “It’s like when you start a home renovation – once you fix one thing, you start to see what else needs to be done. Maybe next we’ll look at seating or other enhancements. Ultimately, it’s about creating a space that reflects the pride we all have in Radford.”
Her philanthropic priority has always been education, and supporting student-athletes is a natural extension of her love for the university. “We want our athletes to feel proud of where they are competing. I hope this improvement inspires others to step forward and ask, ‘What else can we do?’”
When asked about the impact of this gift, Robert Lineburg shared, “We are incredibly grateful for the continued friendship and generosity of the Marcum family. Faye’s commitment has made it possible for us to enhance the experience for both our student-athletes and fans with a state-of-the art audio-visual system. These upgrades will bring the Dedmon Center to new heights, and we are thrilled for our teams to compete in such a great environment.”
With the new sound system now installed, Faye’s quiet leadership speaks volumes. She didn’t just hear the need (literally) – she answered it. In doing so, she serves as an important example of how one person’s vision can lead to lasting change. Radford’s Dedmon Center is ready for a new season, with clearer announcements, louder cheers and a deep sense of gratitude for those who make it all possible.
To learn more about supporting Radford Athletics, please contact Jon Zeitz at jzeitz@radford.edu or 540-831-5516.