Debbie Sherman-Lee ’73, receives the Outstanding Service Award from Radford University President Bret Danilowicz earlier this year.
RADFORD – Radford University’s Division of Advancement and Alumni Relations (formerly University Advancement) closed fiscal year 2025 with record giving and impact.
The Radford community raised $9.3 million in support of students, faculty and programs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. A total of 3,203 donors contributed, including 1,295 first-time supporters, underscoring growing momentum and commitment to the university’s future.
Young alumni – graduates of the past decade under age 35 – gave a combined $12,387 in FY 2025. The university received 4,697 individual gifts of $100 or less, averaging $38.53 each, for a combined impact of $180,953 benefiting Radford students and programs.
Radford also received future commitments of more than $3.7 million through planned gifts and estate pledges. While these gifts will be realized after the donor’s lifetime, they represent legacies of trust, vision and lasting impact.
“Our alumni, friends, students and partners continue to demonstrate extraordinary Highlander pride,” said Radford University President Bret Danilowicz. “Their generosity is shaping lives through scholarships, investing in cutting-edge facilities and driving forward the mission of Radford University.”
That generosity has created more than 1,000 scholarships, many endowed in perpetuity, that support Highlander students. In collaboration with the Radford University Foundation and numerous campus partners, more than 1,299 scholarships totaling $3.3 million were awarded to 1,032 students in academic year 2024-25, ensuring that a Radford education remains accessible and transformative for the next generation of leaders. In total, 333 programs, funds and scholarships received philanthropic dollars.
Highlanders also rallied during the university’s two annual giving campaigns.
Highlander Giving Day supports academic programs, scholarships and other initiatives tied to Radford’s brand pillars “Centered on Those We Serve” and “Active Learning. Active Doing.” In late 2024, aligned with Giving Tuesday, the university raised $52,519 from 332 donors.
RAD48, the 48-hour fundraising campaign for Radford Athletics, set a new benchmark, raising $156,077 from 1,251 donors to enhance the student-athlete experience.
Alumni engagement, service and the path to philanthropy
Highlanders give back in many ways, and engagement and service often pave the way for philanthropy. In FY 2025, the Alumni Association hosted 91 chapter and engagement events with more than 13,000 participants. The events included signature on-campus traditions such as Homecoming and the Volunteer Summit, as well as regional gatherings like Radford Night at Nationals Park and golf tournaments across Virginia.
More than 1,600 alumni also volunteered their time and expertise across 210 unique roles, from admissions ambassadors to classroom speakers and event leaders.
“We are incredibly grateful for our alumni volunteers and event participants who span more than eight decades,” said Laura Turk ’87, M.S. ’90, executive director for alumni relations. “Their service shows both current and future Highlanders that engagement is the first step in a lifelong culture of Highlanders giving back.”
The university also celebrated alumni leadership during the annual Alumni Volunteer Leadership Business Lunch and Awards. The 2024 Alumni Association Awards winners are:
Wyatt Toehlke ’18, Outstanding Young Alumnus Award
Debbie Sherman-Lee ’73, Outstanding Service Award
Denny Van Pelt ’94, Outstanding Alumni Philanthropist Award
Sean Peay ’91, Outstanding Alumni Award
In addition, the following alumni were recognized by their respective colleges:
Devika E. Davis ’01, College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences Outstanding Alumni Award
Nancy Adams ’84, Davis College of Business and Economics Alumni of the Year
Kim Rygas ’07, M.S. ’08, M.S. ’16, Ed.D. ’24, College of Education and Human Development Distinguished Alumni Award
New beginnings and campaign milestone
FY25 also marked the opening of the Artis Center for Adaptive Innovation and Creativity, a 178,000-square-foot facility that supports interdisciplinary learning and collaboration across fields. Shortly after its opening, the Artis Center hosted a gala announcing the conclusion of TOGETHER: The Campaign for Radford University, which raised more than $106 million – the most ambitious fundraising initiative in university history. The campaign united thousands of donors, volunteers and advocates to advance academic excellence, scholarships, capital projects, student success and faculty research.
A legacy of impact
The accomplishments and celebrations of FY 2025 reflect the Highlander spirit of generosity, leadership and community.
“These numbers tell a story of generosity, but even more, they tell the story of impact,” said Penny Helms White ’85, MBA ’87, vice president for Advancement and Alumni Relations. “‘Highlanders Give Back’ isn’t just a tagline – it’s what we do! Our alumni, faculty and staff, friends and fans support us financially as well as with their time, talent and leadership. Their contributions ensure Radford University will continue to thrive for generations to come.”
Formerly University Advancement, the division underwent a name change to Advancement and Alumni Relations in FY 2025 to reflect how the division builds support for Radford University through communications, outreach, fundraising and alumni engagement. The division leads centralized fundraising and donor engagement while managing events, communications, stewardship, prospect development, gift management and database operations.
Several division employees were also recognized for their contributions in FY 2025. Star Award recipients include: Hannah Jennelle ’18, donor relations and stewardship coordinator (Classified Staff) and Janice Linkous ’83, assistant director of Advancement Services (AP Faculty). The Star Awards acknowledge, celebrate and reward employees who have accepted all challenges that have come their way and risen to conquer each one while consistently providing outstanding service.
In addition, Sharon Ratcliffe received the Highlander Spirit Award. Ratcliffe serves as the executive administrative assistant for the division and was recognized as an individual whose tireless work reflects the true spirit of Radford – tenacity, humility and heart.
