The Fountain is Free! Radford Alumni Push For Change

By: Brandon Whitaker

What was once a hub for student camaraderie and togetherness became sequestered behind a fence. The fountain at the center of campus that is, and this was something that Radford alumni could not live with. In December of 2016 a “Free the Fountain” Facebook group was created for these alumni to reminisce and express displeasure with what has happened to the fountain. Nine long years of waiting finally paid off. On Friday during their homecoming, the Highlander alumnus finally got to meet up and pull apart the fence and resuscitate a forgotten campus tradition. During the event there were even a slew of students, alumni and administrators that took a dip in the newly freed fountain. 

Matt Donlon, creator and admin of the free the fountain Facebook group wrote in a post following the ceremony, 

“…The fence has been removed and let freedom ring. Thank you guys for your support and I know we made a difference getting rid of that fence which limited our freedom of expression and joy…” President Bret Danilowicz also commented on the traditions surrounding the fountain during the event,

“There used to be a lot of traditions around the fountain but once the fence went up, all the traditions went away. So I’m starting to learn about what some of the traditions were and I certainly hope they come back. A lot of fraternities and sororities and various clubs had traditions here, and to me it’s a gathering place and I look forward to seeing how it really invigorates engagement on campus.”