Radford University - Beehive Yearbook (Radford, VA)

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 4 ti t . sf 1 • p Kool and the Gang perform rock, pop and rhythm and blues throughout their show. One of the outstanding features of tho show was their colorful light show. The tans pross closo to tho stage for a better view of the popular band Kool and the Gang. Over 3,000 tickots wore sold for the show. Lead singer James Taylor croons the song Cherish to the crowd during a two-hour concert. Campus Life 13

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Celebration Kool and the Gang let D.C. crowd cherish this moment for tonight It was April 30. 1986 and •‘tonight'' was the night for many anxious Radford students who were ready to jam pack the Demon Center for the year's hottest concert — Kool and the Gang. For weeks prior to the concert date there was much talk and excitement aoout a band as publicized as this one coming to campus. Tickets were going like hotcakes at $10 with an RU ID and $13.50 for the general public. Finally, on that Wednesday evening, as 8 p.m. neared, students could be seen all over campus heading to the Dedmon Center. Excitement mounted as the front doors finally opened and people filled the bleachers and crowded the center dance floor. Carl Rosen opened the concert with his own version of popular Billy Joel hits. He displayed his fine talents on the piano and organ as more and more people filled the gymnasium. After the former Radford student's extraordinary performance, the crowd waited impatiently for the rhythm and blues pop band. During this wait reporters, writers and photographers went out of their way to try to get back stage for an interview. a picture or even a glimpse of the world famous group, but there was no loop hole, not for anyone. By such tightness of security, it was plain to see that this was going to be a “big time concert... and what a concert it was. When Kool and the Gang finally hit the stage, the crowd must have known that '•tonight really was the night With their lead off song. Tonight. Kool and the Gang rocked the Dedmon Center and started off an evening that would not soon be forgotten. Colored lights of purple, yellow, blue and red flashed over clapping hands that were up in the air. People danced, jumped and pushed their way near the stage for a closer look. Song after hit song, the crowd loved them. The climax of the concert came when the lead singer. Kool. threw a heart-shaped pillow out to the crowd. After a young girl snatched it from the grips of several eager hands, the atmosphere grew peaceful as the lights were dimmed and prism lights gave the effect of little colorful fluttering butterflies all through the entire crowd. As the flowing music began. Kool “It had not only been 4the night’ of nights, but a grand 4celebration — the party of the year.” knelt near the girl with the heart-shaped pillow and sang the popular hit song Cherish to her. The crowd hushed as the sights and sound filled the senses. The final song of the evening, Celebration, from their latest album Emergency went on for a while as the crowd kept yelling for more. It had not only been the night of nights but a grand celebration — the party of the year. by Missy Cyrus Saxophone xcios provide t cl If or on: tempo ' ■ Y : and the Gang s pet tor'nance 12 Campus Life

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Graduation Ceremony parts with tradition by having Jehan Sadat speak to grads On May 10, 760 seniors and 73 graduate students were part of a commencement ceremony, that, in one way departed from a tradition, and in another, continued one that is eight years old. Jehan Sadat, distinguished visiting professor, was asked to speak to the graduating students, breaking the school's policy of not having a commencement speaker. In keeping with an eight-year-old tradition, each student walked individually across the stage to receive their diploma and shake President Donald Dedmon's hand. At the ceremony, the Donald N. Ded-mon Professional Award was given to Steven K. Pontius, associate professor of geography, for his significant commitment to students and his active interest in teaching and professional activities, said Dedmon. who presented the award. Melinda Wagner, associate professor of anthropology, received the Award for Excellence in Teaching. She exemplifies excellence in teaching,” commented one of the students who nominated her. She is the kind of teacher I envision when I think of a truly outstanding professor.” One of the firsts belonging to the class of 1986 was the pledge of over $11.000 to the school. Part of the gift came from the traditional senior gift and the rest of the money was raised in a Student Alumni Associates Senior Challenge campaign. Coordinated by the Senior Class Council, the fund raiser was constructed in cooperation with the offices of alumni affairs and development. Everything the senior class set out to do was done successfully. including the record amounts of gifts to the university. said Melissa Stewart, a history major from Herndon and senior class council president. The senior class slogan, coined by the council, was Radford Excellence Begins with You: Graduate, Don't Agitate. The council adopted the slogan in an effort to encourage graduating students to restore an atmosphere of dignity to the graduation ceremony. Of her class. Stewart said. The class of 1986 has been very special. Individuals in this class have provided leadership in campus clubs and organizations, athletic skills in intercollegiate competition, artistic skills in the fine arts, and academic skills in the classroom.” President Dedmon expressed his wishes for success to the departing “Be a thoughtful, learning person, but above allf be a person who cares about others — deeply.99 — President Dr. Donald Dedmon students and in conclusion to their years at Radford said, Be true to yourself and to the ideals to which you have been exposed. Be a thoughtful, learning person, but above all, be a person who cares about others — deeply. After the ceremony hugs, tears, handshakes and pats on the back were abundant. The future loomed ahead, and the graduates would have to take initiative in repaying loans, finding jobs, or creating a succesful marriage. But for a few more brief hours, the graduates could savor their new freedom before dealing with the real world. by Jennifer Montgomery Holding his diploma. a graduate smiles m an licipation o' the tutu'c. Alter lour long years ol col logo graduates face now ways and a new lile 14 Campus Life