WE HEARD FROM YOU

LETTERS, NOTES, TWEETS AND POSTS

Dear President Maxey, It is in times like these that true leaders emerge, and though you don’t work in a vacuum, you are, and have been, a great example of the character of greatness that enables high-quality leadership. Leadership is about standing up to be counted as a wayshower in times of significant discord, large social changes, or unpopular decision-making. I think, my good sir, that you are leading the RC community through all three at once. The opportunity for greatness has been thrust upon you, and you have stepped up where others would falter. The situation is probably at once perhaps both fascinating from the theoretical view, and terrifying from the practical view. I can appreciate your probable sleepless nights and anxiety over the personal dramas that are unfolding: sleeplessness and anxiety are because you own the problem and its resolution, and ownership is a great component of leadership. I am grateful that it is you at the helm, and that it is your leadership guiding us through. May you be supported by those around you as we persevere through this trial. Thank you sir, for we are lucky to have you!

President Maxey, During this difficult time of a global pandemic, I want to express my appreciation for your leadership of Roanoke College. Our daughter, Erin, is a sophomore. To say she was devastated to leave campus is an understatement. Her fondness for her Roanoke Community is beyond words. Not only did she lose her spring semester, but she had an on-campus job with Campus Safety and was planning to work and live on campus through the summer. Together we watched your Facebook Live Q&A (with a box of tissues between us). It warmed my heart to hear your sincerity and concern for the students particularly the seniors and those students who remain on campus. Our family thanks you, Mrs. Maxey and your senior team members for the long days, sleepless nights and care you have shown the community of Maroons.

When the leading health minds are uniform in their guidance, the College’s hands are tied. I’m heartsick for seniors, I really am. I think it would be awesome to hold Commencement the first weekend of classes in August when the college could rally the whole student body to join the crowd on the quad and cheer their heads off for each graduate.

As an incoming freshman mom (class 2024), I am heartened to follow Roanoke through this crisis. As a family we are completely reassured that our son made the right decision in choosing this wonderful college, which is strongly led by its president. Very excited for September.

Kudos from Susan and me on the latest magazine. This is the first issue in my memory that focuses exclusively on student and alumni achievement — the real mission of RC. It was a most enjoyable read.

You deserve to take great pride in the elegant way you have told the story of RC through the lens of those whom the college serves. Congratulations on a job well done.

We are so pleased with the article on Deaf Dogs Rock in the RC Magazine. It is one of the best short summaries we have seen of our work yet!

Thank you for the wonderful [historic photo of] the late Secretary Henry Fowler. I served as secretary of the Roanoke College student government in 1973-7. As secretary, I decided to send Christmas cards to each member of the Board of Trustees. I don’t think this had ever been done before but I decided it would be a nice gesture. Secretary Fowler sent me a wonderful handwritten note thanking me. He said that he had never received any notes from any students during his time as a member of the Board of Trustees. Sadly, I no longer have this letter. We have lived in many countries, and we now live in Germany. Somehow that letter was lost, but it will always be a wonderful memory! Thank you.

Chelsea Marcombe ’21 adds finishing touches on the iconic Rock, painted to reflect sentiments of the Roanoke College community. Dionne-Louise Liberia ’20 and Alexandra Gautier ’20 joined Marcombe for a Rock-painting session on March 26.

The list of contributing photographers in Issue 2, 2019 omitted the name of student photographer Mariyana McAgy ’20.

We want to hear from you! Roanoke magazine welcomes letters and emails about what you read in this publication. Mail letters to: Magazine Editor, Department of Public Relations, Roanoke College, 221 College Lane, Salem, VA 24153, or send an email to: rcmagazine@roanoke.edu. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and may be edited for content.

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