October 30, 2026

Highlanders at the 11^th annual Radford Gives Back event

Mark your calendars for these upcoming opportunities and scroll down to read more about them in this issue of CONNECTED.

Azrael Cabusao, a cross-country scholar-athlete at Radford University, set a new men’s 8K school record with a time of 24:33.9 at the Upstate Invite on Oct. 17. His time broke a record previously set in 2024 by runner Maxton Sowers.

Radford University’s Connected Communities wants to celebrate the stories and experiences of our first-generation employees at Radford University.

Share what being first-gen means to you by emailing your story to Kristy Wilson, associate director of Connected Communities, for a chance to be featured in an upcoming monthly edition of the newsletter “First-Gen Insider.” Your story could inspire the next generation of first-generation students and help them to find their place and people here at Radford University.

Employees and students are also encouraged to attend the following events during National First-Gen Week.

Dr. Justin Grimes

Perkins & Will is going to be on site the week of Nov. 2 to lead another round of workshops, an employee information session and two student engagement sessions as planning for the new Roanoke Health Sciences Building continues. See the details below for each feedback opportunity and mark your calendars to join a session.

Employee information session
Following a brief project update, participants will take part in a visual listening exercise to share feedback on images from project examples and identify what resonates and what doesn’t. This session will be offered on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Student engagement sessions
Let your students know they are invited to share their preferences for food options in the new building and ideal study and lounge spaces during the following sessions:

Your feedback will help inform the design of a building that supports our employees and students. If you have any questions about the project, you can submit them online at any time. Selected questions and answers will be posted on the Roanoke Health Sciences building webpage.

Applications for the Highlander Works Grant Program will open on Sunday, Nov. 1, and close on Monday, Nov. 30.

The Highlander Works Grant Program for Internships and Work-Based Learning offers undergraduate students an opportunity to apply for funding to help reduce the financial barriers associated with internships and work-based learning opportunities, including practica, co-ops, field placements, clinicals and more. Students interested in learning more about the program and applying can visit the Highlander Works webpage. Please encourage your students to explore this opportunity.

The Radford University Office of Undergraduate Research invites undergraduate and graduate students to present their research, scholarly, creative or community-engaged work at the Eighth Annual Winter Creative Activities and Research Days (CARD).

Presentation dates

Important Deadlines

Students will need a project title, mentor information, presentation format preference and any group member names to apply. Projects at any stage of development are welcome, and group presentations are encouraged.

New this year
Winter CARD will feature a distinguished presenter session, highlighting a select group of student presenters chosen through a competitive abstract review process. Students interested in this opportunity should submit an abstract as part of their CARD application.

Employees are encouraged to share this opportunity with students engaged in research, scholarship, creative inquiry and community-based projects.

For more information, contact OURS.

The Radford University Office of Parking Services is announcing upcoming parking lot closures in support of events taking place on the main campus in Radford.

In support of the Recovery Conference:

In support of the Farmer’s Market:

In support of the Celebration of Giving Dinner event:

In support of the Employee Benefits Fair:

In support of the Ray Plaza Dedication:

In support of the Day of Gratitude:

Alternate parking suggestions include, but are not limited to, Lots E, Z, DC, BF, IM and BL. Please see the Radford University parking map for these locations and for additional alternate parking lots for use.

Parking access remains available with a valid disabled parking placard or disabled license plate in handicapped spaces or regular parking spaces.

Parking Services appreciates your understanding and support of these updates and events on campus.

Do you know students who are interested in gaining hands-on experience with historical records, rare materials and archival collections? Archives and Special Collections at Radford University is now accepting applications for spring 2027 internships.

Internships are open to both undergraduate and graduate students, with opportunities available for academic credit or non-credit experience. Interns work directly with archival collections and may assist with processing historical records, digitization projects, research services, exhibits and community outreach.

For spring 2027, a paid internship and an unpaid internship are available.

To apply, students should email Ashley Palazzo, university archivist and head of Archives and Special Collections, with their resumes and a brief statement explaining why they would like to intern in Archives and Special Collections.

Applications are welcome from students across all academic disciplines who are interested in history, art history, archives, public history, libraries, research or cultural heritage work. Applications are due by Friday, Dec. 4.

The Travel Policy and the Food and Beverage Policy have been approved, updated and are available on the University Policies webpage. Please note that your department may have more restrictive guidance for these policies. Check with your department’s administrator for additional guidance regarding any additional restrictions.

Training for the Travel Policy updates will be offered on the following dates:

Join the Travel Policy updates sessions via Zoom, password: 784286.

Training for the Food and Beverage Policy will be offered on the following dates:

Join the Food and Beverage Policy sessions via Zoom, password: 907977

You must be logged into Zoom with your Radford University credentials to attend a session.

Find out how Radford students, faculty and staff are finding their place and shaping tomorrow – together.

Building and bonding communities through sport

Highlanders donors, volunteers serve up community spirit at Radford Gives Back

“Game on!” – Radford’s newly expanded Esports Center is open for competition

Radford University, Virginia State Police launch pathway that moves criminal justice students from college to career

Highlander Highlights: Week of Oct. 19, 2026

Hospital CFO brings decades of experience to Truist event