Highlanders learn proper protocol during annual Etiquette Dinner

Kathleen Harshberger '80 has worn many hats: Radford University alumna, author, columnist for The Valley Business Front, protocol officer and owner of the Kathleen Harvey Harshberger School of Protocol, to name a few of her titles.

But on March 11, instead of dining with executives and VIPs, she once again dined with Radford University students and faculty during the annual Etiquette Dinner. Hosted by Career and Talent Development, the Etiquette Dinner is a long-standing tradition aimed at helping students gain confidence in professional encounters such as formal dinners.

Each table at the dinner had a host, comprising Radford University faculty, alumni, community leaders and even President Bret Danilowicz, to help guide students through dinner conversations. The evening began with the students and their hosts standing to shake each other's hands. Not once, not twice, but three times. First, with eye contact and a good, firm grasp. Secondly, adding their names. The third time,Harshberger instructed everyone to make eye contact, introduce themselves by first and last names and tell their new acquaintances something about themselves.

When she saw the email from Career and Talent Development advertising the event, Nyia Palmer, a senior biology major from Roanoke, Virginia, thought to herself, "Huh, an etiquette dinner. That sounds like a good opportunity to take on."

As a transfer student, Palmer takes advantage of every opportunity to get involved on campus and prepare herself for life after graduation. "I'm trying to be more involved because I really value growth," she said. And what better way to be involved than by eating chocolate cake - with the correct fork?

Palmer signed up for the Etiquette Dinner to gain a secret weapon. "It's a great way to prepare for career development and a great hidden skill," she added.

Jake Judy '00, sales manager for Ferguson Waterworks, would agree that these unexpected social skills are key to employment and success. As a table host during the Etiquette Dinner, Judy hoped his fellow Highlanders would take the "importance of interpersonal skills in being successful" to heart. GPAs and experiential learning can get you far in life, but interpersonal and social skills can make all the difference."Etiquette is a piece of interpersonal skills," Judy advised.

As Harshberger put it, proper dining etiquette is "about demonstrating your poise at the table … and keeping up conversation."
However, professional etiquette alone doesn't cut the cake. Highlanders and hosts alike were also dressed professionally for the event. One student prepared for the evening by visiting the Career and Talent Development Career Closet, a resource on campus that provides access to free professional attire. "The process was very simple and easy," the student said. "It makes it an even better environment on campus knowing you're able to go out to an event like this and not have to worry about finding the money to buy a new outfit." The Career Closet empowers Highlanders for professional success without financial burden.

"I would definitely say that Radford has really shown that they value students' education and actually preparing us to graduate," Palmer said of her experience at Radford.

Harshberger is certified by the Protocol School of Washington. She teaches protocols of business, international business and dining skills for professional success at her protocol school, which she established in 2001.