On Wednesday night inside the Dedmon Center, the halftime music at the Radford men’s basketball game sounded a little different.
Instead of what’s typically heard, the crowd rose to its feet to listen to something brand new: “Rise, Highlanders, Rise!”, Radford University’s new official spirit song, written by Associate Professor of Mathematics and Statistics Miodrag Lovrić.
As the opening line “From the mountains to the valley” rang out, fans, students, alumni and employees got their first listen to the song that will echo through Radford athletic events and campus celebrations for years to come. The debut marked the finale of the university’s first-ever Spirit Song Competition, which invited students, employees and alumni to submit original songs that capture Highlander pride.
Lovrić’s entry was selected from submissions across the Radford community by a judging committee that included representatives from university administration, music faculty, students, alumni and athletics. The competition offered a $1,000 prize and the chance to make a lasting mark on Radford history.
For Lovrić, who spends his days helping students work through proofs and probability, writing a spirit song was a different kind of challenge, but one that came straight from the heart.
“I am truly honored and deeply grateful that my Spirit Song was selected, especially knowing that so many people across our community submitted their work. It means more to me than I can express,” Lovrić said. “I am very proud to contribute something meaningful to Radford University.”
In his artist statement, he shared that “Rise, Highlanders, Rise!” was inspired by Radford’s unique blend of tradition and innovation, strength and inclusiveness, pride and unity. He drew on the imagery of the Highlander spirit, resilient, determined and always moving toward a brighter future, The chorus was written to be easily remembered, fun to sing and energizing for a crowd of Highlanders of all ages.
The song’s verses highlight Radford’s journey of growth and learning, while the chorus turns into a rallying cry: “Rise, Highlanders, rise!” is a line Lovrić describes as both a cheer and a promise that the Radford spirit will be carried forward by students, alumni, faculty and supporters for generations.
The Spirit Song Competition launched earlier this fall. Entries were judged on musical quality, lyrical spirit, originality and crowd appeal, with the winning song intended for performances at athletic events, convocations and other university celebrations.
Members of the selection committee said Lovrić’s song quickly rose to the top for its clear Highlander imagery, strong, crowd-friendly chorus and the way it weaves Radford’s values directly into the lyrics.
“The addition of a spirit song is a new tradition that will further foster community and create renewed energy across a range of events, like Quest and RadWelcome,” said Susan Trageser, vice president for student affairs. “I appreciate the selection committee for their work and Dr. Lovric for his creativity and commitment to the Highlander community. I can’t wait to hear shouts of Rise, Highlanders Rise! across campus!”
With its premiere at halftime, “Rise, Highlanders, Rise!” joins the university’s existing musical traditions and becomes a new soundtrack for Highlander pride, whether it’s sung courtside, on the Moffett Lawn, at Homecoming or at future commencement ceremonies.
Justin Ward for Radford University
