Did you ever notice how things seem to get prettier in the spring season here at RU? How about right in the fall, on that first weekend of classes? Ever take note of the calendar on those particular days when the flowers are in bloom, the grass on campus is neatly trimmed, the food at Dalton is delicious, and the gum and dog droppings are off the sidewalk? If you pay close attention, you'll find one thing in common: Parents.

Radford University is well known for its beauty and magnificence in appearance. Colleges around the state know RU to be a beautiful place to be. But when those parents come to town, it doesn't get more immaculate. The food that normally drives students to krusties and pizza is replaced by chefs who personally slice your choice of roast beef au jus, ham with pineapple, or basted turkey with dressing.

My beef with the University (if you'll pardon the pun) is not that they take pride in their beauty. It's not that I mind walking around in a Southwestern Virginia paradise. Why though, does it only get that gorgeous when the parents come down?

Heth's Tartan Plaza is currently shredded. The ground is torn, ditches are dug, and mounds of earth are piled by the sidewalk. The Waldron building is under construction now, chain-link fences surrounding the half-built building. I don't even need to ask when grass is expected in the earth beneath the monstrosity. I already know. It'll be here for the parents.

I suppose the extreme was in the spring of 1998, when the trees leading to the fountain from Heth hall were actually lifted from the ground and relocated to make the graduation area by Moffett Hall more attractive- again, for the parents.

I love RU. I'm a big fan, and I'm sure I'll be a very active alum. I think it's worth mentioning though, that the campus, its professors and faculty and its administration should focus on putting on a good light all the time. There should be nothing artificial about a great school like RU.

Name: nsitler
Year: nah
Major: media studies
Comments:
When are they gonna work on one of the governor's quad halls? I don't think one of the elevators work in any of them.

Name: jeff
Comments:
Why does Walker Hall smell like horseradish at 8 a.m.?

Comments:
They have been spending a lot of time doing work on the library, Whitt hall, and other places around campus, but have they even looked at Walker lately? Looks like it hasn't had a paint job in decades.

Name: Dave Shifflett
Comments:
You know, everyone talks about how horrible the food is in Dalton and Muse, however as I can speak from experience, when you can hardly afford to feed yourself, it's amazing how good it tastes.

Comments:

Dr. Covington: Now God, I don't want any kind of rain.
GOD: Doug, I assure you, there will be no rain during commencement.
Dr. Covington: I mean it, Buddy. I don't want the parents to know how murky this place looks when the weather gets bad.
GOD: You have my assurances, my child.
Dr. Covington: You had better be right, God. I mean it.