Radford University - Beehive Yearbook (Radford, VA)

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Saying Graduation goodbye Beth Dieti and Robin Kane share a close moment after the graduation ceremony. The Class of 1984 had been called the end of an era for RU. This class had seen many changes occur during its stay at RU, hut these changes were only the beginning. In the words of RU President Dr. Donald N. Dedmon in his commencement address, “During the last decade, for all the changes this institution has seen, for all that this excellent faculty and staff have done, that decade of growth and change should he viewed as only basebuilding; now, we must challenge the summit.’’ The university the Class of ’84 left will probably not be the same when they return as alumni. The popularity of RU is growing each year and the university must grow to meet the demands of the future. Dedmon said, “Radford is beginning to win the kinds of fiscal support — both capital outlay and operating monies — worthy of this unique institution of higher learning.” With these monies the university planned to make long needed renovations of Russell and Norwood Halls, add 18 new tennis courts and also add an Olympic quality natorium to the Dedmon Center. The RU of the future will be somewhat larger in student enrollment and in teaching positions (20 in the next two years alone) but as Dr. Dedmon said. .. the paramount change that will pervade this university most in the next decade must be a multi-faceted, faster-paced march toward excellence — especially more and more academic rigor — the mark of a great university.” The university that the Class of 1984 left is a university that is expanding in many directions. These men and women not only took with them fond memories and their academic diplomas, but they also took their pride in the fact that they started a new era. DUANE PEARY 12 Campus Life

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 Campus Life 11

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I An exuberant graduate leaves the stage with diploma in hand after shaking the president 's hand. Campus Life 13