Radford University - Beehive Yearbook (Radford, VA)

Page 9 text:

Opening the door to progress and the Highlanders got the best present ever — a brand new basketball court underneath the air-supported roof of the Donald N. Dedmon Center. Who could forget that historic day of December 9,1981? Beneath partly cloudy skies and standing in wintry winds, bundled from head to toe, students, staff and members of the administration stood outside the revolving doors of the convocation center, waiting in anticipation of what was contained within. After speeches of appreciation and dedication and, SGA president Kenny Henshaw’s presentation of the pool that never was, the release of colorful balloons signaled the official opening of the Dedmon Center. Once they pushed their way through the crowd, students stood in awe of the immensity of all that was spread beneath the bubbled ceiling — basKetball courts, indoor tennis courts, jogging track, weight room, racquetball courts and a gymnastic room. Before long racquetball became a popular after-class pastime, and Rowdy Red joined the ranks of the Virginia Tech gobbler and the UVA cavalier. And yet, amidst all these changes, students realized that some things really don’t change after all, like long lines at registration and the bookstore, high-priced textbooks, dining hall food and final exams. But despite all that stays constant in college life and a swirling cloud of national conservatism, for Radford University students, the W’inds of Change are here to stay. . . Terri Link Balloons, posters, pamphlets and the Highlander Band greeted vis-tors as they first stepped inside the convocation center. This little boy has decided to take home some balloons as souvenirs of that historic day. k Tiny snowflakes swirl about the Dedmon Center and the surrounding grounds on the morning of its grand opening. December 9. Opening 7

Page 8 text:

During the Convocation Center’s final stage of construction, a helicopter flies above the gigantic “bubble” of the new Dedmon Center. A glimmer of light shines through the first stages of the Dedmon Center, symbolizing the dawn of progress for Radford University. 6 Opening

Page 10 text:

Still the same Life. Not just ordinary, everyday life, but student life. What did it mean in 1981-82? It meant living it up on Fridays, Saturdays, maybe even Wednesdays. Going to parties, sponsored by TKE, SPE or Pi Kapp, at the vFW. Or going to dances in Heth Ballroom, sponsored by the Radio Guild, the junior class or Ujima. It meant rushing for their favorite fraternity or sorority; gathering with friends at the Hideout, the Bus Stop or the Highlander Room for some laughs and a few brews; killing their frustrations during a hot and heavy game of tennis, basketball, football, or racketball on the courts or in the fields; and studying, alone or with their fellow classmates, in McConnell Library or a dormitory lounge. Above all, student life meant getting a little bit of culture from the theater, the ballet, the concert stage, and the guest speakers while still having some fun. From spring of 1981 to winter of 1982, students caugnt a glimpse of John Amos, best known for his role in “Good Times,” as the emperor escaping from his past as well as his people in “The Emperor Jones.” Some were even lucky enough to see and talk to the “real” John Amos as he roamed the campus casually dressed in jeans and a flannel shirt. After standing in line for at least two hours before show time, some students were lucky enought to rock and roll with their fellow classmates, 50’s style, as they watched “Grease” — a big hit with the audience and a sense of pride and accomplishment for the cast and crew. That year students cried with “Our Town,” laughed with “Winnie-the-Pooh,” rocked with .38 Special and Southside Johnny and displayed their own talents during Wednesday night Coffee Houses. Yes, amidst all the swirling, whirling winds of change that swept across the campus, student life still remained the same. Dunne the Radford University Theater presentation of “Our Town.’’ Mrs. Webb (Karen Covey) serves breakfast to her son. Wally (Ricky Verlander) and her daughter Emily (GeGe Ellenburg) before they go off to school. 8 Student Life Divider