Steve Frey
The City of Radford will be doubling in size in the next few days! Yes, Radford University students are returning for the fall semester.
For first-year students—welcome to your new home! For returning students—welcome back home!
Radford City and the university are united together by more than just the physical boundaries of the city.
The students and faculty become a part of the fabric of the community. They are an integral part of the lifeblood of the city.
People often think of the economic advantages of having a university in a small city first, and there are undoubtedly many, but there is so much more than that.
There are many different elements that all add up to making a huge difference in all of our lives.
First, there is simply the diversity of the people you meet. Students and faculty from all over the state and, indeed, across the globe come to RU and bring with them their unique talents, personalities and abilities. They all have the same hopes, dreams and plans for the future that we in Radford have, but they may have a different religion, color, national status—whatever—and it’s all good.
They have seen something in Radford they love. They have left their homes and loving families and friends to come to our welcoming city.
Diversity is what has made America great, and whether you’re Latino, Muslim, African or any of a myriad of possible combinations, the city is better off that you are here.
If America is a “melting pot,” a university town is a smaller scale melting pot, and there is a place at the Radford table for everyone!
The university provides jobs for thousands of people in Radford. Yes, some professors and administrators come from different areas, but they make Radford their home.
Many Radfordians become professors, university police, maintenance workers, administrators, counselors, nurses, well, you get the picture—every job under the sun—at the university.
Families in Radford grow up with children making careers at the university, too, following in the footsteps of their parents.
The university provides a livelihood for all of those families. Radford City and the university are united as one large family—living together, working together and growing together.
The city benefits from the expertise of the university staff. Whether it is a professor or students participating on a sustainability committee or helping with a community play, they share skills that enrich and improve the lives of everyone.
It would be kind of foolish, if your neighbor were an expert in something, to not ask them for advice.
Fortunately, the city and university are continually pulling together as good neighbors, as family, all working in a united fashion for the betterment of the community.
Radford residents benefit from the university in other ways, too. They can take advantage of the beautiful music and drama programs, the art shows or the planetarium.
We love our Bobcats, but we also share some love with our Highlanders and take our families to basketball, soccer or lacrosse games.
The university has so many incredible cultural and social events that make our city a better place to live. We should take advantage of them all!
President John F. Kennedy once said, “My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
Radford University students, this could be changed to, “ask not what Radford City can do for you, ask what you can do for Radford City.”
There’s a lot!
Many of you are already involved. You help out with the Bobcat Backpack program or feeding people through Daily Bread. Some of you get involved with Renew the New, and some help out with festivals and special events.
Think about a contribution you can make to the city. If you are studying a foreign language, did you ever think about volunteering to provide after or before school Spanish classes to elementary students for an enrichment program?
Did you ever think about helping to tutor a student in reading, math, science, writing or other subjects? There are students, elementary through high school, who could use a hand with a subject in school, and you could make a huge difference in a young person’s life (you’ll feel pretty good about it, too).
How about playing a musical instrument or singing at a nursing home? If you are interested in science or medicine, maybe you would like to volunteer at the hospital or a clinic.
How about providing an enrichment program at the library or just being a Big Brother or Big Sister to a child who is shy or lonely?
Yes, you would have to make a commitment with a little time, but I bet you have some openings in your schedule where you can fit something in here or there. Just consider it.
Students come into college as post-high school students (Radford’s fortunate—our students come in as responsible, considerate young adults), and they leave ready to get jobs as contributing members of a community.
Consider becoming a member of the Radford community. We’d love to have you stay and become a part of that fabric of our community forever.
We’d love to have you continue to make a contribution to the people and families you have shared time and experiences with for four or more years. Remember, whether it’s our community or life in general, we’re all in this together!
A great community is simply a group of good, hard-working, caring people who come together for their families and each other. People like you!
Get to know and love Radford. It will love you back, and you can make a meaningful life for yourself right here in Virginia’s River City.
But everyone has to take a first step. Whether you’re a Radford resident going to a soccer game or a Radford student volunteering for a tutoring program at Belle Heth—get involved!
Once again—welcome home, Highlander!
Steve Frey is a writer and CEO of Ascendant Educational Services based in Radford.