Radford University - Beehive Yearbook (Radford, VA)

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Photos by Terry Moore Director Or. James Hawes discusses Heckart's role during a rehearsal for The Solid Gold Cadillac. Hecfecrf. best known [or her role Flo on television 's Mary Tyler Moore Show. shows off her abilities as a stage actress. Campus Life

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The Solid Gold Cadillac Heckart graces RU stage Liz Dee me r Academy award-winning actress Eileen Heckart was the guest artist starring in RU’s production of “The Solid Gold Cadillac” last spring. Heckart had appeared on Broadway in movies and on T.V. Although she had performed in over 200 T.V. shows, Heckart was probably most remembered as Mary Tyler Moore’s “Aunt Flo.” She received two Emmy nominations for her role as Flo. “ 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' was the best sitcom I have ever worked on,” she said. “The cast and crew were wonderful, and I enjoyed working for everyone.” Heckart felt her most challenging part was her title role in “Mother Courage” for which she won the New Jersey Drama Critic’s Award. She performed the play while on tour at Princeton and UCLA. “The part I played in 'Mother Courage’ was the hardest and finest role I have had,” she said. “The play was heavy on songs which made it difficult.” Heckart won an Academy Award for her performance in “Butterflies are Free” in 1973. She considers this her most enjoyable role. Other roles in Heckart’s repetoire included the Broadway hits: “Barefoot in the Park” and “Things That Go Bump Ei c n Heckart rehearses for her role in the 198-4 spring theatre production of The Solid Cold Cadillac. in the Night.” She also appeared ii several films including: “Up the Dowi Staircase,” “No Way to Treat a Lady. “Burnt Offerings, and “The Hidir Place.” Heckart received an Emn nomination for her role in “Backstai: at the White House,” a T.V. mini-serie Heckart enjoyed being a guest arts: She has performed at various college including Wichita State and Ohio State where she appeared twice. “It’s very gratifying working wit-students. They’re eager and want learn. I think I get more out of it the they do. It’s a whole rejuvenation,” sbi said. Heckart had praises for RL theatre department. “Dr. James Hawv (chairman of the theatre department was wonderful to work with. The errand the students were great too.” si said. Since she had never performed “Sol: Gold Cadillac,” Heckart spent most her time at RU learning her lines ar getting familiar with the play. She $a she would like to see parts of the an before she left, since she had never bet here. Heckart felt acting was not a got profession to go into. “A person mu-have crocodile skin to become an actr: There is only you to sell. You learn • take rejection.” 22 Campus Life

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Homecoming A weekend of memories • Blanche Daniel, former dean of women at Radford College. and Sue Hill share a happy reunion in the Alumni Cardens. Marf ic McConnell, daughter-in-law of John Preston McConnell. Radford's first president, talks with oid friends at the Alumni Memorial Cardens reception. Kristina Curtis Photos by Mike Chandler Bold banners were hung and flowers were in colorful bloom, all in celebration of Homecoming ’84, which was held October 5-7. It proved to be a memorable experience for both RU alumni and present students. Jenny Doud. director of alumni affairs reported that what made Homecoming ’84 such a big success was, “the casual social events, plus the weather!” Traditionally, homecoming is held the first weekend in October. However, planning for the big event began an entire year before that magical month. According to Doud, the Office of Alumni Affairs wouldn’t have been able to pull off such a great success without all the planning, staff and student committees that took part in its year-long development. There were planned activities for that October weekend set aside specially as a time for reminiscing with old college friends. The variety of programs in eluded the University Art Faculty Exhibit and Opening Reception, the Golden 50th Reunion for the class of ’34, and the Silver 25th Anniversary Dinner-Reunion for the class of ’59. A Student Life Coffee House with Mark Deation and Roy White, educational seminars, Alumni Memorial Gardens Reception in the Alumni Gardens located next to McConnel Library, Music Alumni Concert, Carnival ’84 sponsored by Student Life, sports events throughout the weekend, an all campus mixer sponsored by Pi Kappa Phi, and a fabulous Oktoberfest spon- sored by the Best Western Radford la were all in celebration of Homecomr 84. Alumni awards were given : showcase alumni for outst ndin achievements. Reflecting back on this past celebrc tion, Doud stated that there were tb traditional events like the garden reap tion and luncheon; however, they’re m “locked into the same thing every year. The carnival and Oktoberfest wtr proof that each Homecoming weeker. was improved upon. An estimated 600-800 alumni show up for the festive occasion. Homecoc ing ’84 proved itself a tough act t follow. What could possibly be in stor for 1985? As Doud put it, “this pastyefc was a good formula (of events) but the: is always room for improvement.” 24 Campus Life