As proud alumni, Rita '90 and Mike “Flip” DeFilippo '90 have had a deep connection with their alma mater since their time as students. At Radford, they not only developed lifelong friendships but also met each other, making the university an integral part of their life story. Reflecting on her time at Radford, Rita cherishes the personal connections made, which continue to shape her life to this day. "So much of our lives is built on the connections we made while we were in school," she said.

Rita's pride in Radford University is deeply rooted in the school’s commitment to evolving and meeting the needs of each new generation of students. Whether it’s the expansion of campus facilities, or the programs that bring first-generation college students to the university, Rita is constantly impressed by Radford’s forward-thinking approach. "Seeing the university grow and adapt to new challenges makes me proud to be an alumna," she reflected.

Although the DeFilippos live a few hours from campus, both are active in the National Capital Region Alumni Chapter, with Flip serving as president. They enjoy alumni events such as the annual Nationals game, regional golf tournaments and, of course, Homecoming. A strong sense of community keeps them connected to Radford. The opportunity to impact the lives of current students inspires them to continue supporting the university.

Rita and Flip have been consistent donors to Radford over the past 20 years. During TOGETHER – The Campaign for Radford University, they have been able to double their impact thanks to matching gifts. Rita serves as Vice President of Global Public Sector Sales Programs for Salesforce, Inc. and through Salesforce Inc.’s matching gift program, their gifts are doubled up to $5,000.

“For some students, financial aid is the difference between continuing their education and being forced to leave," Rita explained. A belief in the transformative power of education drives the DeFilippos’ contributions to various scholarship funds. By giving, they hope to provide students – especially those who might not otherwise have the opportunity – the chance to experience the same positive impact that Radford has had on their lives.

With so many worthy nonprofits to support, we asked Rita why Radford remains her top philanthropic priority. "Our time at Radford has had the single greatest impact on our lives,” she said. Rita hopes others touched by the Radford experience will reflect on its influence and consider giving back, ensuring that future generations can have the same life-changing opportunities.

The DeFilippos’ story is one of gratitude, community and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of students. Their continuous support for Radford University is a testament to the lasting impact of transformative education.