Special dinner held for out-of-state students

President Penelope W. Kyle hosted on April 14 a special dinner for Radford University's out-of-state students.

More than 40 students, representing a wide range of grade levels, majors and states, gathered at the Governor Tyler House where they were treated to a buffet-style meal and an opportunity to meet and greet other students, as well as President Kyle.

The event was organized by President Kyle and senior Hannah Gullickson, the student representative to the Radford University Board of Visitors.

Gullickson, of Georgia, suggested to the board that such an event would be valuable for students, faculty and staff.

"One of my big goals this year is to help promote Radford to out-of-state students," Gullickson explained. "I have heard of similar receptions at other schools and thought that having an out-of-state student event would be a great opportunity for President Kyle to thank these students for choosing Radford."

Before dinner, President Kyle suggested ways students could help draw more out-of-state students to Radford.

"We encourage you to go back and visit your high schools, ask if you can talk to students who are applying to college and talk to them about Radford," Kyle said. "Take advantage of those opportunities and spread the word in your hometowns and home states about Radford University because we would love to have more out-of-state students."

Sophomore Jordan Dishong, of Kentucky, and Amanda Hermann, of Ohio, met each other for the first time at the dinner. Dishong learned about Radford and its Criminal Justice department at a college fair.

"I love Radford," Dishong said. "I came from a small high school, and Radford's campus reminds me of that same, close-knit community."

Hermann, a health education/health promotion major, found her connection to campus through the Greek Life community.  A member of Phi Sigma Sigma, Herman has also enjoyed exploring the area's many outdoor opportunities.

"It's so beautiful here," Hermann said. "I've hiked the Cascades and up to McAfee's Knob."

Out-of-state students represent 6 percent of the student body at Radford University. There are currently 518 undergraduate and 130 graduate out-of-state students enrolled.

The majority of these students come from Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York.