Every two weeks, Highlander Highlights shares with readers some of the extraordinary research and accomplishments happening on and off campus through the tireless work and curiosity of our students and faculty. 

With the quick snip of scissors, a purple ribbon split and gently fell to the floor. Thus began the grand opening of the Lavender Lounge, a new resource space for Radford University’s LBGTQ+ community.

A runaway pingpong ball back in 2020 led to a chance meeting between freshmen Rachel Garrison and Patrick Keplinger. As their relationship blossomed, their academic focus turned to business. Today, on the cusp of their commencements, the pair has evolved into something of a power couple, Davis College-style. 

Radford’s animal therapy program welcomed three new canine graduates and their handlers, all of whom undertook extended training courses to join the group.

The inspiration Rorrer drew during her time on campus led to an extensive internship and a raft of awards for her designs and artwork.

This week in Highlanders in the News: Graduate student Genevieve Weaver is already earning accolades for her teaching; Geoffrey Preudhomme ’19 reports to the president; lighting designer Rebecca Montero ’05 gets a curtain call; and country music sensation Morgan Wade, a 2017 graduate of what is now Radford University Carilion, is headed back to The Harvester.

Fresh out of high school, Julia Buccola didn’t know what to expect from her upcoming college experience at Radford University. Reflecting back on those anxious feelings now four years later, right before she is set to graduate from Radford, the senior physics major from Roanoke, Virginia, knows now her time here was all about the experience.

Two hundred and fifty students participated in Radford’s most recent Wicked Festival, held on April 11, 2024. Students showed their work through elaborate posters while also engaging in conversations about their extensive research with fellow students, faculty, university administrators and others who walked through the event in Kyle Hall.