Commencement Day!

Radford University conferred degrees on 1,887 undergraduate and graduate students at its spring commencement ceremonies May 4-5, culminating with the undergraduate ceremony on Moffett Lawn.

“It’s been a really great four years at Radford University, and coming here was the best decision of my life,” said Lauren Gallops as she waited for the main ceremony to begin on a cool and occasionally rainy Saturday morning.

“I’ve really been able to connect with professors, and I’ve made so many lifelong friends here,” said the public relations major from Roanoke. “I’m going to be leaving a piece of myself here and taking a piece of Radford with me as well.”

Radford alumnus and retired Virginia Tech football coach Frank M. Beamer, M.S. ’72 served as keynote speaker. Beamer received his Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling from Radford College in 1972.

“I’m proud of my degree and as I look around today, I can see that the class of 2017 has greatly enhanced my degree,” Beamer said. “So, thank you to all my fellow alumni.”

Beamer spoke of overcoming adversity and preparing for success, citing his mother Herma Beamer, a 1936 Radford graduate, as an uplifting example.

“As you embark on your career, as you put your degree from Radford University to work, each of you are going to face adversity. It’s going to happen, so prepare for it each day,” Beamer said. “But more importantly, prepare each day for how you will react to the situation. You may not be able to control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond. My mother taught me that at an early age.”

Beamer asked the graduates to draw inspiration from a famous speech from a basketball coach, the late Jim Valvano, and from a song by one of his favorite country music artists, Tim McGraw.

“As you begin your life after college, there will be times when it seems like there’s a mountain to climb. You’re going to face adversity, but you can climb it,” he said. “You can make it to the peak by preparing each day for how you will handle adversity. Dream big and remember: laugh, think, cry. But more than anything, always stay humble and kind.”

Beamer was awarded an honorary doctoral degree following his commencement address.

Beamer encouraged the graduates to be thankful to people who helped them toward their goal of graduating.

“There are a great number of people who have helped you get here today,” he said. “Many have given you guidance, support and direction. Make sure you thank them today. Make sure you tell them you love them today.”

Following his address, Beamer was awarded an honorary doctoral degree “in recognition of the invaluable lifetime achievements created through unyielding commitment, dedication, leadership and unwavering compassion,” said Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Joe Scartelli.

Presenting the honor was Radford University President Brain O. Hemphill.

“Coach Beamer, by the authority invested in me by the Radford University Board of Visitors, as president I hereby formally confirm upon you the honorary doctorate of public service degree,” Hemphill said. “Dr. Beamer, you are now a double alumnus of Radford University. Thank you for your many contributions to the Radford family and the New River Valley.”

Later in the ceremony, Hemphill awarded local business owner and pillar of the Radford community George M. Harvey Sr. an honorary Bachelor’s in Business Administration.

Presiding over his first spring commencement, President Hemphill told the graduates that a Radford education “prepares you for a life of service, not only to your family, but to those in need. I am confident that you will take your Radford education with you on the journey ahead. I urge you to continue to make education a lifelong pursuit.”

The majority of this year’s graduates — 95 percent — were Virginia residents. Graduates came to Radford from 112 Virginia localities, which accounted for 84 percent of the Commonwealth. The remaining graduates came to Radford from 17 other states, including Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Graduates also represented 19 foreign countries, including Ethiopia, Ghana, Canada, Honduras, India and the United Kingdom.

The number of first-generation graduates totaled 596, 36 percent of the graduating class.

A couple of unique statistics of the Class of 2017: graduates ranged in age from 19 to 57, and eight graduates celebrated birthdays on commencement day. ■