Homecoming Wrap-Up

Highlander Hype

Homecoming featured a new Highlander Hype celebration on Oct. 4 that included appearances by Radford alumni, athletes, coaches, President Bret Danilowicz and the Highlander mascot. Head baseball coach Alex Guerra ’11 was recognized for his life-saving actions in the New River on Sept. 10, helping to bring senior Cody Duncan to safety after a fishing accident put his life at risk. Guerra was presented with the Highlander Hero award by Danilowicz and joined by Duncan to accept the honor.

Golden Reunion

The Class of 1974 celebrated 50 years as Radford graduates with a special reception at the annual Golden Reunion. Over dinner, many classmates connected for the first time since their graduation and shared fun and heartwarming stories and songs from their time on campus. Members of the class were inducted into the prestigious Golden Reunion Society and classmates were awarded medallions by President Bret Danilowicz during the ceremony. Attendees wore nametags with photos that included their signature look from 1974 and were able to view their class yearbook with photos from their time at Radford with classmates.

Women of Radford

Donning pearls and fancy hats, alumni gathered in Kyle Hall for the annual Women of Radford luncheon, swapping tales and sharing laughs all while hearing from a special speaker, First Lady Kay Danilowicz. As they celebrated women on campus today and those from years past, the gathering was treated to a mini fashion show put on by the Department of Design. The event was used as a collection point for gently used handbags and purses that were later donated to a local charity.

Volunteer Luncheon

Each year at Homecoming, alumni are invited to the Alumni Volunteer Leadership Business Lunch to learn more about how they can serve their alma mater. It’s a terrific time to reconnect and hear about all the excitement happening on campus with current students and faculty and to learn more about the impact alumni are making in their communities and around the world. A small group of those alumni are honored each year at the luncheon with the Radford University Alumni Association Awards. The 2024 awards were announced during the Oct. 4 luncheon. The winners included Wyatt Toehlke ’18, Outstanding Young Alumni Award; Debbie Sherman-Lee ’73, Outstanding Service Award; Denny Van Pelt ’94, Outstanding Alumni Philanthropist Award; and Sean Peay ’91, Outstanding Alumnus Award.

Alumni Village

One of the most anticipated moments of Homecoming is the Alumni Village. This year’s event came with The Worx. That’s the name of the party/cover band that cranked out tunes and played a free concert while revelers celebrated togetherness with fellow Highlanders. Plenty of activities were available to occupy villagers throughout the afternoon, including a performance from the popular Highlanders Pipes and Drums Band, a parade of tents, a food truck, Ultimate Frisbee and a Ferris wheel. There was fun for kids, too, with free face painting, activity bags, balloon art and yard games in the Highlander Kid Zone. And if Homecoming wasn’t enough to get excited about, the event also served as a celebration of the end of the successful TOGETHER campaign.