Doug Gardner
Facilities Management

I give to the Staff Senate and Facilities Management Scholarships because I recognize the importance of education and the need students have for assistance. These two scholarships specifically were set up to aid the children of my co-worker and exist today because of the generous gifts of these same employees. The students inspire me, and having the opportunity to help them financially is very important to me.

This year, I celebrate 35 years of service to Radford University.  I started in 1974 in Facilities Management as a store room supervisor.  Today, I’m the Building and Trade Manager and manage the contractual services used by Facilities Management.

During my career at RU, I’ve seen a lot of growth in terms of new buildings being built and renovated. To me, the Dedmon Center construction in 1981 changed the entire structure of the university. I’ve also witnessed a growth in the student population, increasing from 2,000 to more than 9,000.   

Radford University is such an integral part of Radford, the New River Valley and supporting areas. I’m proud to have had two children graduate from RU.”

Doug was selected in a random drawing from a group of individuals who had contributed to the Faculty and Staff Campaign during last year’s fundraising drive, to win a reserve parking space on campus for the 2008-09 academic year. The Office of University Advancement works in conjunction with Parking Services to offer the prize each year to one lucky winner. 

Each year, the Faculty and Staff Campaign raises thousands of dollars toward the funding of student scholarships and programs, library resources and building and technology enhancements. 

"Employee participation gives a strong message of internal support to those outside of our university,” said Penny Helms White, Director of Annual Giving.