Roanoke College Magazine - Issue Two - 2021

ROANOKE COLLEGE MAGAZINE ISSUE TWO 2021

Table of Contents

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HISTORIC GIFT BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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PRESIDENT’S PEN

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SNAPSHOTS

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COLLEGE NEWS • College receives single largest cash gift • Teresa Ramey named College’s first VP of Community, Diversity and Inclusion • Speakers engage and enlighten

26 GIVING • Olin Hall Theater stage dedicated in memory of devoted alumna • In support of Hillel 28 ATHLETICS • National honors for lacrosse legend John Pirro ’77 • LAXTRAVAGANZA ’21 • Season highlights 32 ALUMNI NEWS • Class Notes • In Memoriam • Alumni Association news 50 MAROON MUSINGS A visionary policy on climate

JMU ATHLETICS

DEPARTMENTS

12 FEATURES

12 Shining Moment Loren LaPorte ’08 inspires players on and off the field en route to making history at the Women’s College World Series.

BY ALEX M cCART HY

18 Environmental Riches A group of Roanoke College faculty and students have embarked on a project to convert an underused section of the College’s Elizabeth Campus into an environmental preserve and outdoor laboratory.

BY LAURA C ONNELLY ’ 0 9

24 In Search of PLACE

51 ARCHIVES The great time capsule mystery

An updated approach to career services helps connect students with purpose and meaning beyond the classroom and the workplace.

52 RELIC

BY ALEX M cCART HY

AT LEFT: Guess who? (Not-so-subtle hint: Pumpkins can rock bow ties, too!) Photo by Griffin Pivarunas ’16. Pumpkin carved by Bella Holman ’24.

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ON THE COVER: Former Maroons softball standout Loren (Messick) LaPorte ’08, now head coach of the James Madison University softball team, guided the JMU Dukes through a remarkable 2021 season, capped with a first-time appearance in the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City. Photo: Roanoke College file.

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HISTORIC GIFT

Roanoke College Magazine

Editor Leslie Taylor Contributing Editors Teresa Gereaux ’87 Alex McCarthy Archives Linda Miller Dr. Mark Miller Contributors Kaylen Ayres ’25 Karen Doss Bowman Laura Connelly ’09 James France Alex McCarthy Photography Carissa Szuch Divant Ryan Hunt ’18 Griffin Pivarunas ’16 Marisa Seager ’23

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Illustration Jade Bryan ’22

Shaun McConnon’s extraordinary gift… will help us realize our goals for the new Science Center, a space that will benefit many generations and our surrounding community.

When complete, the Science Center will foster the types of meaningful academic and personal, purposeful connections Roanoke College is known for. This is an exciting time in our College history.

— Roanoke College President Michael C. Maxey, following the Oct. 28 announcement of a $15 million gift to the College from Shaun McConnon ’66, a Massachusetts-based cybersecurity expert. His gift, for the College’s new Science Center, is the single largest cash gift in the College’s 179-year history.

2021 – 2022 | board of trustees Mr. Malon W. Courts ’92, Chair Ms. Kathryn Snell Harkness ’73, Vice Chair Mr. James S. Frantz, Jr., Secretary Mr. David B. Mowen, Treasurer Mr. Michael C. Maxey, President of the College Mr. Kenneth J. Belton, Sr. ’81 Mr. Kirk Howard Betts Dr. Paris D. Butler, MPH ’00 Ms. Pamela L. Cabalka ’76 Dr. M. Paul Capp ’52 Ms. Joanne Leonhardt Cassullo ’78 Mr. W. Morgan Churchman ’65

Ms. Danae Psilopoulos Foley ’92 Mr. David L. Guy ’75 Mr. Michael P. Haley ’73 Ms. Judith B. Hall ’69 Mr. Richard S. Hathaway ’73 Ms. Peggy Fintel Horn ’78 The Reverend Robert F. Humphrey Mr. John E. Lang ’73 Mr. Patrick R. Leardo Ms. Nancy B. Mulheren ’72 Mr. Timothy J. O’Donnell Mr. Roger A. Petersen ’81 Mr. J. Tyler Pugh ’70

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Ms. Margaret Lynn Jacobs Reichenbach The Reverend Dr. Theodore F. Schneider ’56 Mr. C. Micah Spruill ’11 Mr. Daniel E. Strelka ’89 Mr. Andrew K. Teeter ’71 Dr. Patrice M. Weiss Dr. Garnett B. Whitehurst Ms. Helen Twohy Whittemore ’80 Julie and Michael Byerley (Ex-officio, Co-Chairs of the Parent Leadership Council)

Mr. Joseph H. Carpenter, IV ’99

Design & Production Mikula-Harris Printing Bison Printing

Vice President, Melanie Tolan Marketing and Communications

Roanoke College does not discriminate against students, employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national or ethnic origin, disability or veteran status.

Roanoke College Magazine is published twice a year by the Office of Marketing and Communications for alumni, students, parents, staff and friends of Roanoke College. Editorial rights are reserved.

Questions, comments and corrections may be sent to: Magazine Editor Roanoke College Office of Marketing and Communications 221 College Lane Salem, VA 24153-3794 rcmagazine@roanoke.edu

221 College Lane | Salem, VA 24153-3794 | www.roanoke.edu

College Switchboard ....................................(540) 375-2500 Admissions Local .........................................(540) 375-2270 Admissions Toll-free......................................(800) 388-2276 Alumni/Parent Relations................................(540) 375-2238 Alumni E-mail .......................................alumni@roanoke.edu Church Relations ..........................................(540) 375-2539

(Ex-officio, Chair of the Alumni Executive Council)

Colket Center ...............................................(540) 378-5125

James Chisom ’84

Intercollegiate Athletics .................................(540) 375-2338

(Ex-officio, Chair of the President’s Advisory Board)

Olin Box Office..............................................(540) 375-2333 © 2021 Roanoke College. All rights reserved.

Roanoke College and associated logos are trademarks of Roanoke College.

PRESIDENT’S PEN

President Michael C. Maxey outside the Cregger Center following the Sept. 23 announcement of his retirement.

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We accomplished a great deal together, and I have accomplished nothing alone. Knowing that what we have done was done together makes me immensely proud.

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Better yet, we are poised to accelerate Roanoke College’s progress. And we have passed successfully through a once-in-a-lifetime public health crisis. Both are confidence-building thoughts as I depart.

I will always treasure the opportunity to have served as president of this College. Throughout my time in office, the support and effort of thousands of Maroons made the work satisfying and productive. On my watch, I witnessed the lives of our students transformed by Roanoke magic.

We accomplished a great deal together, and I have accomplished nothing alone. Knowing that what we have done was done together makes me immensely proud.

Roanoke’s North Star focus is to provide outstanding and life-changing experiences for students. That is our noble quest here. And those life-changing student experiences transfer into the accomplishments of Roanoke alumni who positively influence their communities and the world. From this College, nestled under Fort

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fter living among the Roanoke College family and community for almost four decades, I knew the moment would arrive when I would vacate the presidency even without leaving the Roanoke family. On Sept. 23 of this year, I announced that I will retire from the presidency of Roanoke College, effective Aug. 1, 2022.

The decision to retire was difficult, but it is right for Terri and me — and for the College. I thought about people we would miss, forgone opportunities to participate in Roanoke’s progress, and the great privilege that I would forfeit in leading a venerated institution. But I knew the time was right.

Next summer, I will complete my 15th year as Roanoke’s 11th president. I feel very positive about the College’s progress and the steps we are taking toward greater progress. That inspires great faith in our tomorrows. Envisioning Roanoke’s bright future makes it much easier to hand off this great college to a new leader, Roanoke’s 12th president.

The coming of next summer is right for new leadership at Roanoke. Strength in academic and student programming and in fiscal health are Roanoke hallmarks. The support of faculty, staff, alumni and local community is deep and abiding.

Students eagerly learn and grow toward lives of meaning and purpose. Our Science Center is within sight. We have ample momentum to sustain us as we adapt to ample challenges.

President Michael C. Maxey and Terri Maxey.

Lewis Mountain, come leaders, servants and citizens whose impact is greater than any of us can imagine.

Terri and I have given our best to Roanoke College and its extended family. Whatever we have given to our College has been repaid one hundredfold through the joys of leading this wonderful, esteemed place.

Thank you for the privilege of a lifetime.

Go Maroons!

Michael Creed Maxey

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snapshots Incoming students participate in construction of the College’s 16th R-House for Habitat for Humanity during Fall Welcome Week. (top left, continuing clockwise). • Modern-day jousting at the Dragon Fest on Sept. 17. • Oktoberfest fun with a photo cutout canvas. • RoaNotes performs at the Musical Extravaganza, held Oct. 2. • Dr. Skip Brenzovich, associate professor of chemistry, conducts a liquid nitrogen demonstration during Family Weekend’s “Magic of Chemistry” event. • Salem youth soccer league members join men’s soccer players for the national anthem at “Pack the MAQ” on Oct. 6.

collegenews Shaun McConnon ’66, who has donated $15 million to support the College’s new Science Center.

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I’m hoping that my donation and my story will help other alumni think about how Roanoke College may have helped and inspired their lives and careers.

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— Shaun McConnon ’66

A phenomenal, transformational gift ROANOKE COLLEGE ON OCT. 28 ANNOUNCED the single largest cash gift in the school’s 179-year history. Shaun McConnon ’66, a Massachusetts-based cybersecurity expert who founded several high-tech security companies, has donated $15 million for the College’s new Science Center.

“Shaun McConnon’s extraordinary gift represents a new chapter for Roanoke College, and we are grateful,” President Michael C. Maxey said. “Shaun’s gift will help us realize our goals for the new Science Center, a space that will benefit many generations and our surrounding community. When complete, the Science Center will foster the types of meaningful academic and personal, purposeful connections Roanoke College is known for. This is an exciting time in our College history.”

McConnon has challenged the College to match the donation by the time President Maxey retires in August 2022.

“I’m hoping that my donation and my story will help other alumni think about how Roanoke College may have helped and inspired their lives and careers,” McConnon said. “I felt that at this point in my life, after a rewarding career, I would give back to Roanoke College. I am asking all alumni to consider donating to the future of the College, and the new Science Center.”

McConnon, who majored in biology and minored in chem-

istry at Roanoke College, began his technology career with Honeywell and went on to Data General and Sun Microsystems.

His next career phase involved creating, building and then selling high-tech security companies that detect abnormal, suspicious or intrusive activity. He founded four companies: Raptor Systems, Okena, Q1 Labs (acquired by IBM to form the security division) and BitSight Technologies.

The new Science Center will impact every student at Roanoke College — those majoring in the sciences and those majoring in other academic fields. Every student at Roanoke takes at least three courses from the programs that will be housed in the Science Center. One-third of all courses on campus will be taught in the Science Center. Most of the student research will take place there, and it will house three of Roanoke’s five most popular majors: psychology, biology and environmental studies.

“Thanks to Shaun’s generosity, we can envision a college with a future cutting-edge science facility that will make our already outstanding institution even greater,” said Kim Blair ’93, vice president of resource development.

For more information about the Science Center and the McConnon Science Challenge, visit roanoke.edu/sciencecentergift.

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collegenews CAB IN E T

College names VP of community, diversity and inclusion culturally inclusive, that celebrates diversity, that strives for equity and that is free from discrimination.

Ramey joined the College on Aug. 2 as a member of Cabinet, reporting to President Michael C. Maxey.

Ramey’s past experience includes serving as

“We are excited for Teresa to bring her expertise in building strong communities to our community at Roanoke College.”

— President Michael C. Maxey

TERESA RAMEY has been appointed Roanoke College’s vice president of community, diversity and inclusion.

In the newly created position, Ramey will lead and build on College efforts to create an educational environment that is socially aware and

vice president for regional and community programs at Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina, where she led diversity and inclusion efforts through programming, presentations, training and leadership development. Ramey also served as vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Francis Marion, and as

interim dean of students and associate dean of students at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia.

Prior to that, she held administrative positions at Texas Tech University; Aiken Technical College; Case Western Reserve University; and the Georgia Institute of Technology.

At Roanoke, Ramey will lead collegewide efforts to create a community where all students, faculty and staff are respected and valued, and have a sense of belonging. Building on the momentum and accomplishments of recent years, Ramey will work to accelerate and refine the College’s efforts for and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

“We are excited for Teresa to bring her expertise in building strong communities to our community at Roanoke College,” President Maxey said. “We are grateful to the Board of Trustees for recognizing the importance of the role and supporting the hire.”

Ramey holds a B.A. in speech communications from Western Kentucky University and an M.S. in instructional development from Jacksonville State University. She is close to completing her dissertation toward an Ed.D. in higher education administration from Northeastern University.

T R I B UT E

Highway marker honors politician, academic leader THE VIRGINIA BOARD OF HISTORIC RESOURCES in Japan annexed Korea in 1910, Kim served the September approved 18 new state historical highProvisional Korean Government based in China as way markers, including one acknowledging the acsecretary of foreign affairs, and later as minister of complishments of Kim Kyusik, a Roanoke College education and vice president. He advocated Korean alumnus who was a leader in the Korean independindependence at the Paris Peace Conference in ence movement.

1919, promoted the Korean cause in the U.S. as The 18 markers include five recognizing individuchair of the Korean Commission, and helped organals who were nominated by elementary and middle ize the Korean National Revolutionary Party in China. school students in Virginia during an Asian American After World War II, Kim opposed permanent partition and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month Contest, of Korea into North and South. He was kidnapped by held this spring. Three of the AAPI Heritage markers the North Korean army during the Korean War and focus on the achievements of men — including died in captivity.

Kyusik, a 1903 graduate of Roanoke — who were It can take three or more months before a associated with Virginia colleges. The other two new marker is ready for installation. The marker’s address the influx of immigrants that resulted from sponsor — for Kyusik’s, the Virginia Department of Kim Kyusik on the day of his graduation from U.S. wars abroad.

Education — covers the required $1,770 manufacRoanoke College in 1903.

The Kyusik marker, which is expected to be loturing cost of a new sign. cated on or near the Roanoke College campus, will read as follows: Virginia’s historical highway marker program began in 1927 with Kim Kyusik (1881-1950) installation of the first markers along U.S. 1. It is considered the oldest Kim Kyusik, leader in the Korean independence movement, was born in such program in the nation. Currently, there are more than 2,600 state southern Korea and graduated from Roanoke College in 1903. After markers in Virginia.

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DISC OUR S E

Speakers educate, enlighten, engage

Stephen Moore (center) with David L. Guy ’75 and wife, Patricia Guy.

“She personifies the professional ideal of an excellent teacher, an active and renowned scholar who serves the College and her discipline and community through her work,” he said.

On Nov. 2, author and columnist Leonard Pitts Jr. brought his nononsense brand of commentary to the College, delivering a message of urgency about a “crisis of misinformation” during “Think Again: How to Survive the Misinformation Crisis with your “Pursue your dream, Brain Intact.”

Pitts, the 2021 fall semester’s because if you love it, Fowler Public Affairs Lecture Series speaker, illustrated how our gravest you’ll be good at it.” crisis now perhaps is not COVID-19, racial reckoning, climate change, or — Stephen Moore political polarization. “There is a graver crisis, a crisis that feeds all of those, a crisis almost no one talks about. I call it the misinformation crisis,” he said.

Misinformation, Pitts explained, is where “knowable and verifiable fact is denied out of ignorance or intent. And if we don’t take it seriously, it might be the death of us.”

Pitts, who received a Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 2004, outlined four social and political developments converging to create a “perfect storm” that has given rise to a crisis of misinformation: ambient distrust of authority; the internet and social media; journalistic cowardice; and the miseducation of the American student.

“When distrust is ambient in the very air we breathe…the last line of defense is your own mind, to be able to sift through information [and] decide what is valid and what is not,” he said.

The Fowler Public Affairs Lecture Series — established by former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Henry H. Fowler ’29 and initiated in 1983 — serves as an open forum on public affairs. In addition to classroom sessions with Roanoke College students, guest lecturers give public addresses, free of charge, to the community.

“Henry Fowler was someone who never forgot where he came from,” President Maxey said in opening remarks. “He wanted to acquaint the larger region with observers of the continuing American experiment, to help us understand the world and events.”

TWO ROANOKE COLLEGE lecture series — one debuting, the other wellestablished — offered events during the fall 2021 semester, inviting audiences to hear speakers from across the political, social and cultural spectrums.

On Sept. 30, members of the campus and local communities gathered in the Wortmann Ballroom for the inaugural David L. Guy Lecture Series event. The featured speaker was Stephen Moore, an economic writer and political analyst, and frequent television commentator who focuses on issues of budget, tax, monetary policy, and who recently advised President Donald Trump.

The lecture series, through Roanoke College’s Center for Economic Freedom, will bring speakers to campus to further the center’s goal of exploring the role of economic freedom and encouraging prosperity and growth, in a liberal arts setting. The series was established by David L. Guy ’75, a member of the College’s Board of Trustees, and CEO and managing principal of GS Companies LLC. Moore’s presentation — “Is Socialism Coming to America?”— focused largely on Moore’s view that the growth of government could be detrimental to the United States’ economy. The Young America’s Foundation co-sponsored the event with “When distrust is ambient in the very air we the Center for Economic Freedom. breathe…the last line of defense is your own In between charts and graphs about tax cuts, Trump policies, and current President Joe mind, to be able to sift through information [and] Biden’s proposed policies, Moore sprinkled in bits of wisdom he’s picked up over the years. decide what is valid and what is not.”

“Pursue your dream,” Moore said, “because if — Leonard Pitts Jr. you love it, you’ll be good at it.”

In introductory remarks, President Michael C. Maxey spoke of David Guy as “one of Roanoke’s staunchest defenders of freedom of thought and expression. [Guy] himself embodies the principles and tradition of economic freedom in his distinguished professional career. He’s also a guardian of those principles in his leadership at Roanoke through the Board of Trustees.”

Maxey also praised Dr. Alice Kassens, John S. Shannon Award-winning author and Professor of Economics at Roanoke College. Kassens is the columnist Leonard Pitts Jr., the 2021 fall semester’s Fowler Public Affairs founder and director of the Center for Economic Freedom.

Lecture Series speaker, on Nov. 2, in the College’s Bast Center.

collegenews

The front yard of Sutton’s home was fully decorated to commemorate his 100th birthday. At right: Don Sutton in 1991.

HOM A GE

“Mr. Roanoke College” celebrates his 100th DONALD M. SUTTON SR. — known as “Mr. Roanoke College” — celebrated his 100th birthday on Oct. 1.

To honor Sutton’s special day, President and Mrs. Michael C. Maxey and Vice President for Resource Development Kim Blair ’93 visited Sutton at his home. A special yard sign, ordered to commemorate his 100th birthday, was on full display. Cards and a video with special messages from alumni were presented to Sutton.

From 1956 to 1983, Sutton held a number of positions at Roanoke College: Director of Student Activities, Dean of Men, Dean of Students, Director of Student Financial Aid, Director of Development, Director of Planned Giving and Director of Alumni Affairs.

President Michael Maxey extends a handshake to Don Sutton on the occasion of Sutton’s 100th birthday.

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The Sutton Commons and Sutton Patio are named in his honor, and upon retirement, he was bestowed “honorary alumnus” status. Members of the Class of 1970, in honor of their 50th reunion in 2020, established the Donald M. Sutton Sr. Endowed Student Scholarship.

“When I think of my time at Roanoke and who made the greatest impression on me, Dean Donald Sutton is at the top of the list,” said Bob Jackson ’68. “He always carried himself with dignity and genuinely cared about each of the students. What a wonderful place Roanoke College was in the 1960’s because of people like Dean Sutton. Thank you, Dean Sutton, for the great example your life of character and integrity is setting for us to this day.”

Retired David F. Bittle College Historian Dr. Mark Miller, professor of history and geography, emeritus, recorded a video about Sutton’s contributions to Roanoke College. The Roanoke College Choir recorded a video birthday song for him.

Many Roanoke graduates recall the impact Sutton made on their academic experiences, whether helping them financially or guiding them as a mentor.

Ellen Lankford Brown ’73, thanked Sutton for his “extraordinary contributions to our College and to thousands of Roanoke College students for decades.”

Brown said she applied to Roanoke in 1968, her junior year of high school, and was accepted early. Sutton was “the second college official to welcome me warmly. He helped me to secure a grant and a scholarship which I kept for four years, graduating in 1973 cum laude. I was hired six days after graduation from Roanoke and worked in Human Services for 42 years.”

Alumni are celebrating Sutton’s milestone birthday with a gift to the Donald M. Sutton Sr. Endowed Student Scholarship, which currently is more than halfway to its goal of $100,000. For more information about supporting this scholarship, please contact Director of Development Stephen A. Esworthy ’91, at (540) 375-2028 or esworthy@roanoke.edu.

CR EAT I V I T Y

Art on the wheels of a Cadillac ROANOKE COLLEGE: MEET “NORMA.” Olin Galleries’ newest piece of art is a 1992 Cadillac painted by Los Angeles artist Kenny Scharf, who is known for graffiti art including his more than 260 painted car creations.

“Norma” was painted in Los Angeles and transported to Virginia in August.

Now that Norma resides in Virginia, the car can be seen on campus, in Salem and elsewhere in the Roanoke Valley as part of art-related endeavors.

Norma came to Roanoke College thanks to Joanne Cassullo ’78, of Dallas, Texas, who is the president and director of the Dorothea L. Leonhardt Foundation, Inc. Cassullo, a member of the College’s Board of Trustees, has contributed a variety of art to the College’s permanent art collection. Many pieces push the boundaries of what is considered “traditional” art. Cassullo was instrumental, for example, in the creation of the Rooney topiary sculpture on the Maroon Athletic Quad and the Tree of 40 Fruit in the Olin Courtyard.

“The car is named Norma after its owner, Norma H. Demetrion, who passed away in the fall of 2020,” Cassullo said. “She was a spirited redhead which is why I suspect Kenny used lots of red when painting her car.”

Demetrion was the widow of Cassullo’s stepfather, and Cassullo said the

RCMediaBytes The Economics of Mental Health Roanoker magazine, July/August 2021

“A lot of the [COVID-19 crisis] is tied to the economic impact from COVID. The poor are more likely to lose their jobs or hours at work. Combine that devastating economic impact with the isolation [caused by the] pandemic.

It is especially evident with young adults. When you are young, the world is a scary place. Going through it myself in my 40s was scary enough.”

— Dr. Alice Kassens, John S. Shannon Professor of Economics and director of the Center for Economic Freedom, who co-authored “Mental Health Crisis during the COVID-19 Pandemic” for the Century Foundation.

People with higher attachment anxiety are more likely to have been ghosted by a partner, study finds PsyPost, Sept. 1, 2021

“I’m a developmental psychologist who is especially interested in transitions during individuals’ lives, and being ghosted is definitely a transition.”

— Dr. Darcey Powell, associate professor of psychology, speaking of a study in which she participated. The findings appeared in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.

“Norma,” in full splendor, on the Roanoke College campus.

family was looking to make sure Demetrion’s Cadillac found a new home.

Norma’s classic navy paint becomes the backdrop for a bright red cartoon face with bright white teeth. The design appears on each side as well as the hood and trunk of the car.

Talia Logan, director of Olin Hall Galleries, said the plan is to “use Norma to distribute art kits and to transform the trunk into a traveling studio so we can facilitate workshops off campus at different events and venues.”

So keep an eye out for Norma.

“I just love this idea that we’ll have a visual symbol of what we do in the arts at Roanoke College,” Cassullo said. “Hopefully she’ll be in parades and people can see her.”

R O A N O K E C O L L E G E I N T H E N E WS

communities in the area, but especially Roanoke City, Roanoke County and Salem. I always look on those communities as our laboratory for students.

It’s a chance for them to get off campus and do things for the community.

That’s a lab for learning just as much as a chemistry lab.”

— Roanoke College President Michael C. Maxey, expressing his excitement about student research being used to help the Roanoke Valley.

Virginia voters weigh in on a neck-and-neck governor’s race “Here & Now,” NPR, Nov. 1, 2021

“We saw there was a big difference between Democrats and Republicans in terms of who they thought should be controlling curriculum…Democrats [are] much more likely to say teachers and administrators and Republicans [are] much more likely right now to say parents.”

— Dr. Harry Wilson, professor of political science emeritus, and senior political analyst for the Roanoke College Institute of Public Opinion Research, offering commentary and analysis on the Virginia governor’s race.

Roanoke College chemistry professor will compete on “Jeopardy!”

WDBJ7 (CBS) Nov. 17, 2021

Maxey: Community Engagement Key Part of Student Education WFIR Radio, Oct. 6, 2021

”If you want to do something in life, be persistent. This was 40 years, 40 years of trying.”

— Dr. Gary Hollis, professor of chemistry, on being selected to compete in the first-ever college professors’ “Jeopardy!” tournament on Dec. 6.

“I get things often from folks talking about how to work with all of the ROANOKE.EDU

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collegenews

Final journey home MEMBERS OF THE CAMPUS AND SALEM COMMUNITIES gathered near the Cregger Center on the afternoon of Oct. 26 as a motorcade returned the body of Naval Air Crewman 2nd Class James P., Buriak ’12 to Salem. Buriak died Aug. 31 in the crash of an MH-60S U.S. Navy helicopter embarked on the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. The helicopter crashed into the sea while conducting routine flight operations off the coast of San Diego. Buriak was a 2012 graduate of Roanoke College and the son of Jim Buriak, who retired earlier this year as athletic trainer and associate professor of health and human performance. AWS1 Buriak, a graduate of Salem High School who majored in sports management at Roanoke, was 31. Photo by Griffin Pivarunas ’16

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Loren LaPorte ’08, head coach of the James Madison University softball team, gets an exuberant welcome home after making history in the Women’s College World Series in June. The team returned to throngs of cheering supporters. “We wouldn’t be where we are without you,” LaPorte told fans. Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics.

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BY ALEX McCARTHY

Loren LaPorte ’08 inspires players on and off the field en route to making history at the Women’s College World Series.

T

he James Madison University softball team was running late for its first-ever game in the Women’s College World Series.

Head Coach Loren (Messick) LaPorte ’08, her staff, and the players were just 15 miles away from the OGE Energy Field at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City. They had given themselves 45 minutes to make the drive. Then they hit the interstate.

“We didn’t realize 14,000 people were going to the stadium at the same time,” LaPorte said.

So the bus sat stuck in traffic. The estimated time of arrival on their GPS devices crept up and up, and LaPorte started worrying that the team was going to be late for the biggest game in JMU softball history. She called

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the organizers of the WCWS, and they sent police to escort the JMU bus through traffic.

LaPorte watched as the players laughed off the delay, taking selfies and videos as the police escorted them to the ballpark. They arrived with only 30 minutes to spare before game start.

Then, as improbable as it was, the Dukes defeated Oklahoma, the No. 1-ranked team in the country.

Oklahoma ended up recovering from the loss and winning the WCWS, but JMU’s win stunned the Sooners and the college softball world.

The way the Dukes not only kept their composure but also played well enough to beat the eventual national

“

“I just have memories of games where she built me up because she encouraged me with her words,” Nixon said.

“And she was always very vocal on the field. Always very positive and upbeat.”

Fourteen years after graduating, Nixon repaid the favor, as she and two of LaPorte’s other former Maroons teammates — Kasey (Phillips) Austin ’07 and Whitney Colwell Neiditch ’08 — made the trip to Oklahoma City to cheer on LaPorte and the Dukes. Nixon said it was a thrill to see her former teammate coach on such a high level.

Way back when they were playing together at Roanoke, Nixon thought LaPorte could make a good coach someday.

Being an NCAA softball coach wasn’t in the plans for

One of the keys to it all is making sure the players develop a bond with one another on and off the field.

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champions is a testament to what LaPorte, though. She majored in LaPorte has done in her time at biology and education at Roanoke, JMU. The former Roanoke College and had visions of teaching elesoftball player and assistant coach mentary school and possibly has been at the Dukes’ helm since coaching high school softball.

2017, and the team has seen historic She was a key player on success since then.

Roanoke’s 2005 and 2006 ODAC One of the keys to it all, LaPorte championship teams, which also said, is making sure the players earned NCAA regional bids both develop a bond with one another seasons. She finished her Maroons on and off the field. career ranked in the top 10 all-time “You hear the saying that you in five statistical categories, and don’t have to like each other off the the team had a 118-38 record in her field, but you have to like each four years. other on the field. That is not realiAs her playing career came to ty,” LaPorte said. “I’ve always hated an end, her coaching career began. that saying. You have to like each Mike Walthall, Roanoke’s head other all the time, and support softball coach at the time, asked each other and love each other and LaPorte if she would be interested trust each other. Trust and love are in joining the coaching staff after Above and at right: Loren LaPorte in Maroons softball action very important.” her senior year. She agreed, and during a 2007 game against the Emory & Henry College Wasps.

That was one of the lessons she though the move jump-started learned as a softball player at Roanoke College, LaPorte her coaching career, it was a somewhat awkward transition said, and it’s helping fuel her success to this day. at first.

“I think the hardest thing, for me being such a young coach and being a coach at my alma mater, was being able Amy (Gillis) Nixon ’07 remembers being in the circle as a to change my relationship very quickly with my teammates,” pitcher and hearing LaPorte behind her. LaPorte, a fourLaPorte said. “That was difficult, because, you know, they time First Team All-ODAC shortstop, was always talking were my best friends.” and reassuring her teammates, Nixon said.

Her former teammates respected her, though, and her

A change of plans

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“

I miss playing, but the rush as a coach is so different than the rush as a player because you don’t really have any control as a coach.

”

first experience as a coach was a positive one. She was the team’s infield instructor and helped them to a 24-11 overall and 12-6 record in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference.

After just a year coaching at Roanoke, LaPorte got a call from Radford University head softball coach Mickey Dean.

Dean had heard great things about LaPorte based on her experience coaching a few Radford players in a summer league. He wanted LaPorte to join his staff.

In just a few short years, everything had changed.

Instead of embarking on a career in elementary education, LaPorte had an offer to join a Division I coaching staff.

She took the job, confident that her time at Roanoke as a player and a coach had prepared her for what was next.

“

In 2018, the Dukes made the NCAA Tournament and LaPorte was named Colonial Athletic Association Coach of the Year. In 2019, after she was named the permanent head coach, the Dukes again advanced to the tournament and LaPorte repeated as CAA Coach of the Year.

“I miss playing, but the rush as a coach is so different than the rush as a player because you don’t really have any control as a coach,” LaPorte said. “You can prepare them, and you can talk to them as much as possible. But like when it’s game time, it’s in their hands. That’s the biggest difference between being a coach and being a player.”

Then, after JMU had a promising start to the 2020 season, the campaign was cut short in the wake of the

I loved everything about Roanoke.

I think it was a good place for me, and it really set me up for my future.

“I was able to get my feet wet in a program that I really knew and that I really cared about, being that I graduated from there,” LaPorte said. “So I think it really helped me for the next level.”

Succeeding at the next level During her three years on the coaching staff at Radford, LaPorte helped Dean lead the Highlanders to three consecutive Big South Conference regular-season titles. Dean was named Big South Coach of the Year all three years, and earned himself an even bigger job: the head coach at James Madison.

So LaPorte followed Dean to Harrisonburg in 2013, and the success continued. In that first season, the Dukes qualified for the NCAA Tournament for the first time ever. In each of the next four seasons, James Madison set program records for wins in a season, breaking its own record over and over.

The massive success resulted in Dean earning a job offer in 2017 from the Auburn Tigers, a Southeast Conference team that regularly competes for national championships.

LaPorte and her husband, Josh LaPorte ’08 — a standout basketball player during his years at Roanoke — had just welcomed their first child, Holden. That, combined with having family nearby and enjoying the area, convinced the LaPortes to stay at James Madison instead of following Dean to Auburn. She was named the interim coach for the 2018 season, and wasted no time in proving she deserved to be the permanent head coach.

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COVID-19 pandemic. Heading into the 2021 season, there was no question that the Dukes were talented and experienced — but how would they handle the difficulty of a season amid a pandemic?

Playing Division I sports is hard enough, with daily workouts, numerous practices, road trips and the mental strain of preparing for opponent after opponent. Combine that with adjusting to a hybrid online/in-person school year and going through health and safety protocols, and the task becomes even more daunting.

“You’re talking and getting tested three times a week,” LaPorte said. “They were in and out of quarantine. There might have been two or three players on our team that never went into quarantine. We had players with COVID at the beginning of the year, so they were in isolation. I mean, it was crazy.”

LaPorte talks to her team about “handling the hard,” referring to fighting past challenges. Fortunately, not only was this perhaps the most talented Dukes team LaPorte had seen, but it was also the closest, LaPorte said.

“They loved each other, they played for each other, they supported each other and they were able to get through the ‘hard’ with each other,” LaPorte said.

The support extended beyond the players and coaches.

Alongside LaPorte and the team during the WCWS run was Mackenzie Collyer ’19, who served as assistant director of athletic communications at JMU from 2020-21. Collyer, who recently took a new job as assistant director of athletic communications at West Point, said going to the WCWS and

The JMU Dukes, after advancing with a 2-1 win over Oklahoma State University during the Women’s College World Series in June.

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics.

helping promote the team was an unforgettable experience.

“I cannot explain how privileged I feel to be able to be a part of that and say, ‘I saw all of that in person and I got to talk about it to other people and showcase them,’” Collyer said.

Building lifelong bonds Sitting in her office in mid-August after the team’s historic run, LaPorte still asks herself how it all happened. It’s been a surreal year for LaPorte, who gave birth to her second child — a girl named Harper — in September 2020. A few months after that, the Dukes were in Oklahoma City, shocking the college softball world.

LaPorte and JMU arrived in Oklahoma as massive underdogs, and left as fan favorites. JMU bested Oklahoma in the first game and defeated Oklahoma State in the second game, but then lost back-to-back games to Oklahoma as the Sooners made their run to winning the national championship.

Even Sooners fans, after JMU defeated them in the first game, started to develop a deep admiration for the Dukes.

“I really feel like a lot of Oklahoma fans became JMU fans,” LaPorte said. “You have no idea how many people have emailed me and called me from the state of Oklahoma, the diehard Boomer Sooner fans forever. And they’re like, ‘We, deep down, were pulling for you guys, because we’ve never seen a team come in here at this World Series, and be so composed and so fun to watch.’”

LaPorte said it was amazing not only to be there with

her current team, but to have three of her Roanoke teammates in the stands cheering her on. Thirteen years after her graduation from Roanoke, those bonds have remained as strong as ever.

Nixon, one of those teammates, blended right in with the JMU fans in the stands. She gets chills as she recounts what it was like to watch her friend guide the team to dramatic, almost storybook victories. Nixon said she spoke with many fans of other teams who were stunned at JMU’s success.

“I don’t think people were expecting them to make the run they did,” Nixon said. “And it was awesome. I know Loren was expecting it, because she knew what her girls could do.”

That belief was one of the foundations of JMU’s historic run, and even after key players graduated this summer, LaPorte maintains that confidence in the team’s future.

The success comes back to one of the lessons she learned at Roanoke College: a team’s bonds have to be formed and nurtured off the field as well as on. LaPorte thinks back to her time at Roanoke and the fact that President Mike Maxey was very present among the student body, and that everyone in the athletics department felt connected to one another. That connection trickles down to individual athletes and makes a lasting impression, LaPorte said.

“I loved everything about Roanoke,” LaPorte said. “I think it was a good place for me, and it really set me up for my future.” RC

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BY LAURA CONNELLY ’09

ENVIRONMENTAL

RICHES A GROUP OF ROANOKE COLLEGE FACULTY AND STUDENTS HAS EMBARKED ON A PROJECT TO CONVERT AN UNDERUSED SECTION OF THE COLLEGE’S ELIZABETH CAMPUS INTO AN ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVE AND OUTDOOR LABORATORY.

or Brittany Belcher ’22, summer included facing her fear of ticks while trudging through 6-foot-tall grass to better understand stormwater management. For Bryce Blake ’22, summer days involved assessing and tagging native species of trees to develop a cultivation plan. For Da’Vaun Lee ’22, summer meant collecting and studying earthworms to learn more about soil health.

The summer experience for Kristen Privette ’22 included field exploration to learn about the lively insect population scurrying below her feet.

While many students opt for relaxing summer days at the beach, this group of students embarked on the beginnings of establishing Roanoke College’s first large-scale environmental studies endeavor: an Environment Center at the College’s Elizabeth Campus.

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Elizabeth Campus, located less than a mile from Roanoke’s main campus, provides ancillary support to the College, accommodating residential facilities, athletic fields, tennis courts and one classroom space. Construction debris from the Bowman Hall demolition in 2014 also occupies an area of the grounds.

The campus, which will remain active throughout the duration of the project, is also home to what Dr. Laura Hartman, associate professor of environmental studies, calls an “underutilized goldmine.”

“Elizabeth Campus is rich with animal and plant life,” Dr. Hartman said. “It is my hope that through this work, we can restore and preserve the land for many years to come.”

The initial conception of the project was developed by Hartman’s fall 2020 semester ENST 430 Environmental Practicum course. The class, consisting of 17 students majoring in environmental studies, determined that while Elizabeth Campus was functioning well for student life, there was an opportunity to rehabilitate functionality for the plants and animals that also call Elizabeth Campus home.

Kristen Privette ’22, planting native plant species at the Environment Center site.

The hands-on work she has done has positively shaped her undergraduate experience, she said.

Dr. Chelsea Peters, assistant professor of environmental studies, during a field study with Environmental Practicum students in November.

“IT IS MY HOPE THAT THROUGH THIS WORK, WE CAN RESTORE AND PRESERVE THE LAND FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.” DR. LAURA HARTMAN, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

The class, under Hartman’s guidance, conducted baseline research throughout the fall 2020 semester on plant, animal and insect species living on 10 underutilized acres at Elizabeth Campus. They determined that the area was suitable for restoration, and continued research in community ecology, restoration ecology, urban ecology, hydrology, soil science and environmental monitoring.

Hartman credits her students with the project’s initial vision and passion, but she recognized that there was benefit to a broader, interdisciplinary approach. Because COVID-19 health guidance limited the typical social interaction needed for research and outreach, Hartman was restricted in utilizing community partners, the approach she typically takes with larger research projects.

So, she called upon her Roanoke College colleagues, specifically Dr. Katherine O’Neill, associate professor of environmental studies; Dr. Chelsea Peters, assistant professor of environmental studies; and Dr. Rachel Collins, associate professor of biology, to help propel the concept into a full-scale endeavor.

Dr. Collins, though, needed a bit of convincing.

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“IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT FOR STUDENTS TO BE ABLE TO INTEGRATE DIFFERENT WAYS OF THINKING FROM DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES TO SOLVE THESE COMPLEX ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS.” DR. RACHEL COLLINS, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGY

Associate Professor of Biology Rachel Collins (in baseball cap), with environmental studies students at the Environment Center site in April 2021.

The group spent the day planting native plants that Max Klaverkamp ’21 (in striped shirt) grew in the Roanoke College greenhouse as part of an independent research project.

“Initially, in August [2020], when I went to Elizabeth Campus and saw the land the students wanted to restore, I saw this wasteland of invasive species,” said Collins, whose specialty is in forest ecology. “However, in November [2020], I went to the presentation that the [Environmental Practicum] students gave on their vision of the Environment Center, and they made me see their vision. I was all in, and I immediately thought, ‘We can do this!’”

With Hartman’s expertise in environmental humanities, Collins’s understanding of terrestrial ecology, O’Neill’s proficiency in soil ecology, and Peters’s mastery in hydrology, the group banded together to present a proposal to the Buildings and Grounds Committee of the Roanoke College Board of Trustees in December 2020. It was because of the faculty members’ shared vision, clear messaging, and the Environmental Practicum students’ initial research that the proposal received the committee’s support.

“Not only do we work well together, but our research areas are super complementary,” said Collins. “I see so much synergy from how the four of us are interacting that our students feed off it and are able to learn not just about their area of interest but also other disciplines.”

Hartman echoed Collins’s support of an interdisciplinary approach since “environmental issues are complex.”

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“My colleagues are powerhouses,” said Hartman. “I knew we needed their perspective to show students that they need to think in different ways. It is really important for students to be able to integrate different ways of thinking from different disciplines to solve these complex environmental problems.”

THE WORK The group will be conducting research on environmental restoration at the site over the long term. Work will be composed of a number of different projects.

The group determined this summer that Elizabeth Campus can support four areas of rehabilitation focus over the years to come: a meadow restoration, a forest restoration, a wetland restoration, and the establishment of an indoor and outdoor laboratory space.

The meadow restoration would include transforming the Bowman Hall construction debris and surrounding land into a functioning ecosystem. The summer research concluded that even amid concrete and building refuse, insects — specifically ants — were thriving and reproducing, a discovery Dr. Collins sees as promising to building an “ecosystem out of rubble.” The meadow restoration requires a multi-year growing and maintenance plan as it will take considerable time for the native plant communities to establish.

Adjacent to the meadow is a relatively new forest area, established just a few decades ago from what used to be a residential yard. As with any young forest fragment, the area is “highly degraded and is dominated by nonnative species, yet it provides an important refuge for a variety of plants and animals as a source of food, nesting habitat and shelter,” according to the Environment Center proposal presented to the Board of Trustees. The plan includes determining how to effectively remove the non-native plant species while also balancing the needs of the native plant and animal species at the same time.

“One thing I am really interested in seeing, especially in the meadow restoration, is whether the animals we typically see in the area that are currently completely absent will be able to start to use this area as their home,” said Collins. “I’m very hopeful that species development will start to bloom when we do this restoration work, and students will see that firsthand.”

Between the meadow and forest area lies a swale, a shallow, trapezoidal drainage feature that conveys, treats and reduces stormwater runoff. This swale was originally designed to drain the athletic field. But over the summer, Dr. Peters and student Brittany Belcher found that further wetland restoration techniques are needed to ensure that stormwater is used as filtration by native plants and microorganisms, and absorbed into the land rather than simply pooling on the soil surface.

“I have found that the swale is currently in a poor ecological state and that improvements are needed to enhance its hydrological function,” Belcher said. “Nevertheless, the swale demonstrates much potential to be reconstructed into a wetland.”

Along with the three restoration areas, there also is a plan to establish an outdoor laboratory and indoor classroom space to support decades of independent research, learning opportunities and environmental monitoring.

The group specifically plans to renovate and convert Hundley Hall — a small indoor classroom on Elizabeth Campus that currently is used for storage and smaller class gatherings — into an environment studio. A long-term addition to the classroom space would include a weather monitoring system, as environmental research and monitoring is “so dependent on weather conditions,” Collins said.

The studio, which offers panoramic views of Elizabeth Campus and the Roanoke Valley, could not only support continued environment studies learning but also provide a space

for interdisciplinary collaboration and community gathering, said Collins.

“I envision this being more than just a place to learn about environmental issues,” said Collins. “This can be a place for students across all disciplines. We have classes on nature writing, drawing and painting classes, environmental history and sociology courses, you name it. This will be a space for [everyone].”

The core-four group of faculty members also envisions the Environment Center as a place for younger students and community organizations to conduct independent research and work with the College on longterm restoration goals.

“I envision this project reaching students who are not yet enrolled at Roanoke,” Dr. Hartman said. “How wonderful would it be for local high school students to work with us on environmental research, and because of that experience decide Roanoke is the place for them to continue those studies? This would provide those students years of concentrated

Guy

Whittemore

wo members of the Roanoke College Board of Trustees — David L. Guy ’75 and Helen Twohy Whittemore ’80 — have supported the Environment Center with monetary contributions. “I am a business owner and believe that business and the environment can work together,” said Whittemore, vice president and financial officer of a Norfolk, Virginia-based concrete company. “Growing up in a readymixed concrete company, with regulations changing, I found that it is good to know and understand how you affect the environment and how you can be a good steward to it and still produce. Businesses need more education and innovation to help protect the environment.”

T

Sofia Falkengren ’22 prepares soil for the planting of native plant species at the Environment Center site in April.

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Da’Vaun Lee ’22, at the Environment Center site, hopes to take what he has learned and apply it to his future graduate work in zoology and wildlife biology.

“HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES SUCH AS THIS HAVE HELPED ME APPLY WHAT I MIGHT HAVE LEARNED FROM CLASS AND HAVE ALLOWED ME TO SEE IT IN PERSON AS OPPOSED TO A TEXTBOOK OR PRESENTATION.” BRYCE BLAKE ’22

research and a chance to possibly be published. There is no competing with that.”

“I can’t wait to bring in community stakeholders,” said Peters. “This center will be an educational and community asset that draws partners and prospective students to our campus. I look forward to seeing high schoolers learning ‘how to do science like scientists,’ the Roanoke Valley Master Naturalists hosting trainings in the meadow, and environmental educators using the Environmental Studio for meetings.”

THE PURPOSE For current Roanoke College environmental studies students who are working on the Center, publication opportunities are within reach. A program called the “Environment Center Scholars Program” was piloted this summer for students wanting to pioneer the work at the Environment Center.

Collins said that she anticipates Roanoke College students having the opportunity to apply to become an Environment Center Scholar each summer, particularly because the project will require years of concentrated planning, restoration and research. The Scholar students this summer included Belcher, Bryce Blake, Da’Vaun Lee, and Kristen Privette.

“It is our hope that the Scholars program is 22 ROANOKE COLLEGE MAGAZINE | ISSUE TWO 2021

a staple of the environmental studies major,” said Dr. Collins. “Wouldn’t it be great if all environmental studies majors had the opportunity to spend one summer engaged in the Environment Center and how that would help them in what they pursued next? We would love to see that happen.”

Moreover, what Collins and Dr. Hartman find most promising is the opportunity for students to work with peers outside their area of interest and learn from one another, especially in such a personalized, interactive way.

“This is a prime example of the Roanoke Difference,” said Hartman. “My goal is to train every student in multiple ways of thinking and approaches because it takes people from all backgrounds to resolve such complex and interwoven environmental issues we see today. We do rely on science to guide the learning, but it really takes people with varying backgrounds to make real change.”

Blake, a transfer and commuter student, has appreciated this way of learning and values the camaraderie formed throughout this experience.

“Hands-on experiences such as this have helped me apply what I might have learned from class and have allowed me to see it in person as opposed to a textbook or presentation,” he said. “This internship has allowed me to connect with other students beyond what

a class might be able to do. Working as a team to get gear back to a van in the rain is more relationship-building than something such as studying with others for a test.”

Lee, although he is majoring in biology rather than environmental studies like his counterparts, said he hopes to take what he has learned and apply it to his future graduate work in zoology and wildlife biology.

“This hands-on work is beneficial for me because I’m learning from personal experience and getting a better view of a working environment,” Lee said.

For Privette, her hands-on work this summer has positively shaped her undergraduate experience.

“The Environment Center is really exciting not just because environmental action is being taken by our school, but specifically because of the depth of student involvement occurring,” said Privette. “The other students I’ve worked with this summer and I all feel very excited about the opportunity to be so deeply involved in something as large and complex as a restoration project in an undergraduate experience.”

THE OPPORTUNITY The work on Elizabeth Campus will have impact beyond student learning and

research. It is a chance for the College to create long-lasting sustainability measures to ensure that native animal and plant habitats re-establish and eventually flourish, Dr. Hartman said.

“It’s haunting that habitats are shrinking,” she said. “The way that our land development has caused these species to diminish in numbers is morally troubling. I feel like this is our way of acting on that responsibility and to see if we can advocate for greater biodiversity and preservation.”

“This has the opportunity to be transformative,” said Dr. Collins. “This is going to be a place for long-term research, but it will also be a place where we can foster environmental responsibility and sustainability that will have ripple effects for decades to come.”

The Environment Center has the opportunity to not only change the physical landscape of Elizabeth Campus, transforming the overgrown into a thing of beauty, but it also has the opportunity to provide faculty and students an avenue to transform themselves into environmental stewards, one effort at a time.

For Brittany Belcher, there was just one goal she didn’t check off her summer to-do list.

“I had to face my fear of ticks every time I entered the grass and, despite having to pull a few [of them] off me, I can say that I still have a fear of ticks,” she said. RC

“THE ENVIRONMENT CENTER IS REALLY EXCITING NOT JUST BECAUSE ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION IS BEING TAKEN BY OUR SCHOOL, BUT SPECIFICALLY BECAUSE OF THE DEPTH OF STUDENT INVOLVEMENT OCCURRING.” KRISTEN PRIVETTE ’22

Left to right, Dr. Chelsea Peters, assistant professor of environmental studies; Dr Laura Hartman, associate professor of environmental studies; and Dr Rachel Collins, associate professor of biology, at the Environment Center site in November.

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BY ALEX MCCARTHY

An updated approach to career services helps connect students with purpose and meaning beyond the classroom and the workplace.

24 ROANOKE COLLEGE MAGAZINE | ISSUE TWO 2021

A

fter their time at Roanoke College, every Maroon will have a story to tell — not just about their time on campus, but about themselves.

A student’s story begins as soon as they set foot on campus in Salem, and with the help of career coaches, their narration of it also begins immediately. Through their four years, students will develop their personal narrative through writing prompts and discussions with career coaches.

Dr. Richard Grant, interim vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College, said storytelling is a key way to learn about oneself and develop a purpose-driven outlook on life.

“The final story they’ll tell us as part of their senior exit interview is, ‘This is how I find purpose in my life,’” Grant said.

This is just one of the ways that the College’s updated approach to career services is helping to connect students with life purpose and meaning. This fall semester, Roanoke launched a center for Purpose, Life and Career Exploration (PLACE) dedicated to helping

It’s important to remember, Grant said, that even though PLACE physically will be anchored in one location, the work of PLACE will reach every corner of campus. Grant likens PLACE to the hub of a wheel, with spokes reaching out all across campus and connecting students with professors, staff members, jobs, connections, organizations and services all over campus.

Faculty members such as Saoub, who can clearly communicate the meaning of finding purpose, are an important part of the overall vision of PLACE. “We get people trained and willing, and really interested in having these types of conversations with students,” Grant said.

“It’s not all going to happen at the PLACE with the staffing there, but we’ll connect them to the right people on campus.”

In this way, PLACE will be more integrated into academics than what had been Career Services, Grant said.

Grant has wanted the College’s career services offerings to get what he called “a programmatic facelift” for quite some time.

“Really, the whole process of career development needs to begin the moment students step foot on campus.”

— DR. RICHARD GRANT

students explore lives of meaning and purpose through mentorship, experiential learning opportunities and career preparation.

PLACE is an updated version of Career Services, which for years, helped students develop a resume, connect with internships and job opportunities, and more. PLACE adopts a series of current best practices, incorporating the focus on developing a personal narrative and identifying one’s purpose in life.

Roanoke College already specializes in helping students find purpose, according to a study conducted by Hanover Research.

Hanover, an international research firm, polled thousands of people nationwide and determined that more Roanoke alumni (85% of those polled) reported finding meaningful careers than graduates of other colleges (80% of those polled).

Even though career coaches are located in the Fowler House on campus, students’ search for purpose and meaning “happens everywhere [on campus], not just there,” Grant said.

PLACE is a vital part in the College’s vision for helping students connect with high-value careers and purpose-driven lives.

Getting faculty on the same page with the idea of helping students find purpose has been a key endeavor in recent years.

“What’s your purpose?” can be a daunting question for people of all ages, not just students, and having faculty and staff who understand how to translate that idea for students is important.

Dr. Karin Saoub, the M. Paul Capp & Constance Whitehead Professor of Mathematics, is one of the many faculty members who understands that the idea of purpose is multifaceted and changes over time.

“I don’t think there’s a singular purpose,” Saoub said. “That’s one thing that we think — that we have to have a singular purpose in life — and that’s not really it.”

Roanoke College’s center for Purpose, Life and Career Exploration (PLACE) At many colleges and universities, will be located on the main campus, including Roanoke, Career Services in Fowler House. often becomes an office that students turn to during their junior or senior years, as they feel the pressure of impending graduation and entrance into the job market, Grant said. By then, sometimes it’s too late to connect students with internships or networking opportunities, he said.

“Really, the whole process of career development needs to begin the moment students step foot on campus,” Grant said.

That’s the aim of PLACE, to provide a service that students will use as soon as they arrive and that they’ll continue to use until they graduate.

Students are not required to use the resources PLACE has to offer, but each PLACE career counselor will have a list of students to reach out to, and every new student will hear from a counselor when they arrive on campus. Through marketing, word of mouth and success stories, Grant and others hope that more and more students take advantage of PLACE. “We’re going to ramp that up further and try to ensure that happens for all students,” Grant said. RC

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givingnews

Crystal Lynn Van Hise with President Michael C. Maxey at Roanoke College’s 2016 President’s Evening.

DE DIC AT IO N

“

Crystal devoted much of her time to the program and enjoyed it, and I know she would want the program to succeed.

— Crystal’s father, Roger Van Hise

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“A place to do what she loved” AS A STUDENT AT ROANOKE COLLEGE, Crystal Lynn Van Hise ’95 devoted many hours to Theatre Roanoke College (TRC) as a stage manager for numerous productions. She spent so much of her time outside of the classroom in Olin Theater that the scene room, stage, light booth and auditorium became a second home.

“Crystal loved Roanoke, the theatre department and Theatre Roanoke College,” said Crystal’s mother, Yvette Van Hise. “Olin Hall became almost another home [for her] — a place to do what she loved with the people she loved.”

After graduating, Crystal remained dedicated to the performing arts at Roanoke. Wanting to see TRC thrive, she rallied support from fellow theatre alumni in 2016 to bolster the program.

Within months, her efforts resulted in the establishment of the Theatre Arts Production Endowment.

Crystal died in December 2019. But her love and legacy of support for TRC is not forgotten: In May, Roanoke College dedicated the Crystal Lynn Van Hise ’95 Stage at Olin Hall Theater in her memory. This was made possible through the generosity of her family, who also created the Crystal Lynn Van Hise ’95 Endowed Fund for the Theatre Program to support TRC and other drama initiatives at the College. Additionally, the endowment Crystal initiated in 2016 — which her family also supported — was renamed the Crystal Lynn Van Hise ’95 Theatre Arts Production Endowment.

“We hope the fund allows Theatre Roanoke College to do more than it would have been able to do otherwise,” said Crystal’s father, Roger Van Hise. “Crystal devoted much of her time to the program and enjoyed it, and I know she would want

the program to succeed.”

In her remarks during the stage dedication ceremony at Olin Hall Theater, Dr. Lisa Warren, associate professor of theatre, invoked Crystal’s favorite musical, “Hamilton.” She noted the relevance of the iconic Broadway musical’s Act 2 hit, “The Room Where It Happens,” for the occasion.

“This was the room where so much happened,” Dr. Warren said. “Friendships were forged, and lessons learned — all from working as a team. That joyful spirit of creativity echoes through this space — the scene shop, the light booth, the stage and the auditorium…This was Crystal’s ‘Room Where it Happened.’”

— Karen Doss Bowman

Roger Van Hise and Yvette Van Hise, parents of Crystal Lynn Van Hise, unveil a plaque dedicating the Olin Hall Theater stage in memory of their daughter during a ceremony in May.

A commitment to diversity and inclusion

PHOTO COURTESY OF SCOTT LUSTGARTEN

THOUGH NEARLY 35 YEARS HAVE PASSED Contributions toward the Lustgartens’ since Scott Lustgarten ’87, graduated from challenge will boost the endowment and Roanoke College, he has not forgotten expand operations. Planned initiatives include how President Michael Maxey — then the sponsoring a Jewish Cultural Week, providing College’s director of planned giving — and scholarships to help recruit and retain stuhis wife, Terri, welcomed students into their dents of Jewish heritage or religious affiliahome to celebrate Jewish holidays such as tion, and hiring an Israel Fellow to engage Yom Kippur. students with their Jewish identity and At the time, Lustgarten, who is Jewish, with Israel. thought it was simply a “nice gesture.”

“A strong Hillel is a home base for Jewish Reflecting back on those experiences, students and signals that Roanoke College however, Lustgarten realizes those activities welcomes all faith backgrounds,” Lustgarten were meaningful for the Maxeys. said.

“I now recognize that it was an affirmation For Carly Smith ’23, president of Hillel at of their commitment to creating a campus Roanoke, the organization has strengthened atmosphere that was tolerant, diversified and her connection with Judaism and brought all-inclusive,” said Lustgarten, president of close friendships into her life. Leading weekly Martin Dealership Group in Haverford TownShabbat services has inspired her during the ship, Pennsylvania. difficult days since the COVID-19 pandemic When President Maxey turned to Lustemerged. garten seeking support for the College’s Hillel “Hillel at Roanoke has allowed me to Scott and Suzi Lustgarten have issued a giving challenge for Roanoke College Hillel.

Jewish student group, “I knew it was a longcontinue pursuing my Judaism, and I’ve met standing commitment of his, and a legacy so many great people from it,” said Smith, a that he wanted to continue on campus,” psychology major and Spanish minor “A strong Hillel is a home base for Jewish from Connecticut. “We welcome everyLustgarten said. Earlier this year, he and his wife, Suzi, issued a giving challenge: to join, whether they’re Jewish or students and signals that Roanoke College one They will match contributions to Hillel, up not. If somebody wants to learn about our to $100,000. religion and culture, we welcome them welcomes all faith backgrounds.”

Hillel at Roanoke College has grown with open arms.” — Karen Doss Bowman — Scott Lustgarten ’87 steadily over the past five years, thanks to a generous initial investment from the Lustgartens and other key donors.

Those gifts established an endowment that has supported activities such To learn more about the Lustgarten challenge, please contact Heather as Birthright trip expenses, Shabbats, Hebrew lessons, planting trees for Tu Johnson, Assistant Director for Leadership Giving, at (540) 375-2041, or B’Shevat and informal social gatherings. Roanoke College Hillel’s partnership hljohnson@roanoke.edu. For more about Hillel at Roanoke, please visit with Virginia Tech Hillel has helped sustain the program. https://tinyurl.com/t5ns6t3b.

This fall, Shaun McConnon ’66 showed his support for Roanoke College’s planned Science Center with a generous $15 million gift, and issued a challenge to others to step forward. For 24 hours in November, members of the Roanoke College community accepted the challenge by showing their support for this new facility through their own generosity! You can still be part of this exciting project, which will provide modern teaching and collaborative learning spaces for all students.

Please visit www.roanoke.edu/givescience

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athleticsnews A bronze bust of John Pirro ’77, which now overlooks Kerr Stadium on campus, provides a poignant reminder of athletic greatness at Roanoke.

“

He was a great teammate...

I wouldn’t have gone to Roanoke College if not for John.

”

— Doug Horn ’78

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HONOR

A long time coming I’LL NEVER FORGET the first time I saw John Pirro ’77. It was the fall of 1973. I was starting my senior year at Roanoke College, and I saw this shirtless freshman with hair halfway to his waist striding across the Back Quad.

Little did I know this guy would go on to become an AllAmerican lacrosse player, head coach of the Roanoke College men’s lacrosse team, one of my best friends — and now, posthumously, a member of the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame Class of 2021.

On May 25, 2021, USA Lacrosse announced that Pirro, who died in 2013, had been named one of the eight new inductees.

A bust of Pirro is located in the corner of the Kerr Stadium Field, a telling reminder of how highly thought of Pirro was at Roanoke College. The lacrosse players pass by and pay tribute to it before every home game.

In the spring of 2022, Pirro will take his rightful place in the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in Sparks, Maryland. According to his former teammates, it’s been a long time coming.

“It’s an honor that’s so overdue it’s ridiculous,” said Joe Dishaw ’78, who played on the team for three years with Pirro.

Pirro was flamboyant as a player, outspoken as a coach and a fiery competitor in everything he did. I played pickup basketball many times with him, and he competed like it was the NBA Finals.

“With his credentials there’s no doubt John is worthy,” said Paul Griffin, Pirro’s coach at Roanoke and mentor who brought

BY BRIAN HOFFMAN ’74

John Pirro, center, with sons Nick, left, and Joe, right, at the 2011 “Walk of Inspiration” ceremony, which featured the unveiling of a bronze bust of Pirro near Roanoke College’s Kerr Stadium.

“With his credentials there’s no doubt John is worthy.”

— Coach Paul Griffin

From the archives: Coach Paul Griffin, center, with John Pirro, at right, and Andy O’Keefe ’80, in helmet at left.

head men’s lacrosse coach, his teams never lost an Old Dominion Athletic Conference game. A year after his retirement from coaching at Roanoke in 1987, Pirro was voted into the Roanoke College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Horn and Beroza, never gave up on their efforts to get their deserving friend into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame. Pirro already was a member of the USA Lacrosse Long Island Metro Chapter Hall of Fame (1995) and the USA Lacrosse Charlottesville Chapter Hall of Fame (1997). He also was the first lacrosse player inducted into the Roanoke College Hall of Fame in 1987.

His number 14 jersey is retired.

A firm date for the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame induction has yet to be announced. Without a doubt, Pirro will be well represented at the ceremony.

My one regret is that my good friend won’t be there to accept the honor.

Pirro died of Huntington’s Disease on Aug. 13, 2013. I know he would have been thrilled by the national honor.

“It’s a shame, but it will be great for his boys [Joe and Nick], his family and everyone at Roanoke College,” said Griffin.

Pirro’s sister, Mary-Jo Reynolds, will be one of the family members on hand to accept the honor.

“The Pirro family is thrilled that John will be inducted into the Hall of Fame,” she said. “I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we are all just very sad that he is not here to enjoy this incredible honor.”

John Pirro during his time as a Maroons lacrosse player.

Pirro to Salem from Long Island, New York. “I know he had some real advocates in Doug Horn and Bill Beroza.”

Bill Beroza ’77, who was inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame himself in 1996 after an outstanding career as a goalie for Roanoke, the Long Island Club team and the United States National team, has been lobbying for Pirro for a long time.

“The Pirro family is thrilled that John will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we are all just very sad that he is not here to enjoy this incredible honor.”

— Mary-Jo Reynolds, sister of John Pirro ’77

“He was a two-time Defenseman of the Year in college,” Beroza said.

“Before moving back to Salem, he played one year for the Long Island Lacrosse Club. We won the club championship and John was the Defenseman of the Year. At the time, that was the highest level of lacrosse there was.”

According to Doug Horn ’78, who was Pirro’s teammate at Huntington High School in New York and at Roanoke College, Pirro was a coach on the field when he played.

“He was a team leader and really good at putting his insight into certain situations,” Horn said. “He was a great teammate. When we were in high school he was friends with everybody, not just the athletes. I wouldn’t have gone to Roanoke College if not for John.”

In 1979, Pirro returned to his alma mater as assistant coach to the legendary Griffin, then assumed the head coaching role in 1982. Pirro coached the Maroons for five years, including an appearance in the NCAA Division II National Championship game in 1983. Over his five-year tenure as Roanoke’s ROANOKE.EDU

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athleticsnews R EU NI T E D

LAXTRAVAGANZA ’21!

The OGs, from left to right, Dexter Goodwin ’69, Buzz Getschel ’71, Doug Smith ’65, Dick Sears ’65, Tom Illmensee ’66, Gary Trageser ’67, Terry Purvis ’69, Ted Murphy ’71, and Todd Mahony ’65.

ROANOKE COLLEGE MEN’S LACROSSE ALUMNI returned to campus on Sept. 17-18, 2021 for the first LAXTRAVAGANZA Men’s Lacrosse Alumni Weekend. Nearly six decades of alumni attended.

Aside from providing a setting to grow camaraderie between alumni and current men’s lacrosse team players, the purpose of this year’s event was to honor those who have affectionately been dubbed the “OGs” (Original Godfathers).

They are men who helped start the lacrosse

program at Roanoke.

On the morning of Sept. 17, the OGs gathered on Sutton Terrace to record an oral history of the lacrosse program. Lacrosse alumni Doug Smith ’65 and Terry Purvis ’69 were instrumental in pulling together this group.

That evening, about 40 alumni took part in the Alumni Game, held at Kerr Stadium. After the game, participants, current players and special guests attended a dinner and program

Eric DeLong ’12 looks to pass while Drew Minchew ’19, at left, and Matt Lintner ’19, at right, give chase.

30 ROANOKE COLLEGE MAGAZINE | ISSUE TWO 2021

on Sutton Terrace.

On Sept. 18, alumni made their way to Hanging Rock Golf Course for lunch and an afternoon golf tournament. Student-athletes from the current men’s lacrosse team greeted the alumni on holes throughout the golf course and had the opportunity to meet and interact with alumni.

Following the tournament, participants and current men’s lacrosse players enjoyed a barbecue dinner and brief program where alumni acknowledged recently retired athletic trainer Jim “Mr. B” Buriak. Players and friends celebrated Buriak — who spent 40 years “taping up” lacrosse players — with a standing ovation.

In addition to alumni, Ronald McDonald House Charities Southwest Virginia entered a team in the golf tournament. A portion of net proceeds from the weekend was donated to the organization.

A “thank you” is extended to all who attended the event, purchased tee signs, and contributed as title sponsors. Special thanks to Rocco Guglielmo ’84, and Legacy Committee Co-chairs Dale Sarjeant ’74 and Will Benassi ’84, as well as Adam Jackson ’97, Jim Kammerman ’94, Richard Williamson, parent of a current player; Jonathan Lee ’95, and Men’s Lacrosse Coach William Pilat ’85 for their work in planning the event.

Plans are in the works for a bigger and better event in fall 2022. Be on the lookout for a Save the Date in early spring!

— Jeremy Ruch, Assistant Director of Development, ruch@roanoke.edu

Men’s lacrosse alumnus Stan Ward ’73 shakes hands with current players.

SCOR EB OAR D

RC|highlights

MEN’S SOCCER

SOCCER Four Roanoke women’s soccer players were named All ODAC this season. Morgan O’Neill ’24 and Eliza Ryan ’23 earned the honor for the second straight season and were joined by Mia Clary ’23 and Emma Woods ’23 as all-conference selections.

9-4-5 (4-1-4 ODAC)

Zach Behe ’22 and Bryn Haden ’22, were named to the College Sports Information Directors of America’s Academic All District teams for soccer on Nov.11. The 2021 Academic All-District Men’s and Women’s Soccer Teams, selected by CoSIDA, recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom.

The CoSIDA Academic All-America program separately recognizes soccer honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and the NAIA.

WOMEN’S SOCCER 10-8-1 (4-5-1 ODAC)

FIELD HOCKEY 11-8 (5-3 ODAC) Head Coach Briana Banks earned her 100th win in the Nov. 2 ODAC quarterfinal win, 1-0 over Randolph-Macon College

VOLLEYBALL 12-19 (5-7 ODAC)

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY 3rd in the ODAC Championships

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY 6th in the ODAC Championships

MEN’S & WOMEN’S SWIMMING At press time, the men are 3-1 and women 2-2 in dual meets. In both multiteam meets this fall (ODAC Relays on Oct. 9 and Guilford Invitational on Nov. 6), the men and women finished either first or second in each event.

WRESTLING Team competed for the first time at the 2021 Southeast Open, held Nov. 7 at the Cregger Center and featuring wrestlers from DI, DII and DIII colleges and universities.

NOTE: As of Nov. 22, 2021

For the latest scores, go to

CROSS COUNTRY Men’s runner Peter Smith ’22 was named All-Region by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association after his 34th place effort at the NCAA South Regional on Nov. 13. Smith wrapped up the season winning a pair of events and claim three, top-5 finishes in just seven cross country meets.

Men’s soccer goalkeeper Zach Behe ’22, named to CoSIDA’s Academic All-District Men’s Team.

WRESTLING After hosting the Star City Duals on Nov. 20, Roanoke hosted an open event, the Star City Classic on Nov. 21, involving wrestlers from 11 colleges and universities. The Maroons claimed 373 points, the most by any group during the one-day event, held at the Cregger Center.

SWIMMING In ODAC Swimmers of the Week, announced on Nov. 8, Roanoke College swept both the men’s and women’s honors making it a total of five weekly conference awards for the College to start the season. Logan Deal ’25 was named ODAC Men’s Swimmer of the Week while Lily Mullens ’25 earned ODAC Women’s Swimmer of the Week.

VOLLEYBALL ODAC announced its 2021 All Conference Volleyball teams on Nov. 7. Roanoke College placed a pair of Men’s and women’s swim teams huddle before a fall season meet. players on the trio of All-ODAC teams. For the third consecutive year, Linsey Bailey ’22 and Kennedy Clemmer ’23 were named All-ODAC by vote from the league’s coaches. Clemmer also was named to the College Sports Information Directors of America’s Academic All District teams for volleyball on Nov. 13.

FIELD HOCKEY Roanoke placed five players on three All ODAC teams, announced on Nov. 8. Emilee Wooten ’21 and Alexis Wright ’23 were named to the First Team while Claudia Roncone ’22 earned Second Team honors.

Martha Hurley ’24 and Hope Keller ’24 were honored as Third Team members. On Nov. 22, Wooten was named as one of 60 members of the 2021 National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division III Senior Team.

Emilee Wooten ’21 was one of two Maroons to earn First Team All-ODAC honors in field hockey.

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alumninews

Roanoke College magazine welcomes news of your recent accomplishments and/or transitions.

You can write to us at: Office of Alumni Relations, Roanoke College, 221 College Lane, Salem, VA 24153-3794; call us toll-free at 1-866-RCALUMS; fax us at 540-375-2398; email us at alumni@roanoke.edu or update your record online at www.roanoke.edu/alumni.

Due to space constraints and time between issues, submissions might appear in an upcoming issue.

Editorial contributions are welcome but subject to editing. Photographs may be used as space permits, submitted in print or digital format. Digital photos must be 1 MB in size or larger. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee return of contributed materials. We look forward to hearing from you!

class notes 1950s Helen (Dunn) Henrich ’55 writes that she is enjoying life at Westminster-Canterbury in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where she volunteers and leads tai chi classes.

1970s Dr. Gene Luna ’71 shares that he is “quite happy living on the Saluda River in West Columbia, S.C.,” having retired in 2018 after 37 years in higher education, the last 26 at the University of South Carolina. Gene was recognized internationally for his writing, teaching and re-imagining “beyond the classroom” learning plus speaking/consulting with more than 50 colleges and universities.

Steven B. Stanley ’76 is living in Roanoke and is now principal caregiver to his wife, June.

David Nangle ’79 has retired as executive vice president/ president of Lincoln Electric - The Harris Products Group. David joined Lincoln Electric, a global manufacturer of welding products headquartered in Euclid, Ohio, in 1979.

During a distinguished 42-year career with the company, he held various sales management leadership positions before being named president of the company’s Harris Calorific subsidiary in 1999, followed by

Thomas Mays ’90, Ph.D. was honored by the Times-Standard newspaper in Eureka, California, as “Humboldt Hero” for the month of June. Mays, a professor of history and former department chair at Humboldt State University in Arcata, California, served in the U.S. Navy for 26 years on active duty and reserves, beginning in 1979. Mays later earned a B.A. from Roanoke, an M.A. from Virginia Tech and a Ph.D. from Texas Christian University. Currently, he teaches early American history at Humboldt State. He has written four books and several articles, and has done work for the History Channel television series “Washington’s Generals,” for the movie “Gettysburg” and for the television miniseries “North & South Book II.” “Humboldt Heroes” is an ongoing Times-Standard program honoring local veterans.

president of the company’s retail subsidiary, WCTA LLC, in 2003. and president of J.S. Harris Co. in 2005. David holds a B.B.A. from Roanoke and an M.B.A. from California State University, Fresno.

1980s Leslie Atkinson ’85 is vice president of marketing for Skogen’s Festival Foods, a Wisconsin-based family- and employeeowned grocer. Atkinson, who has more than 20 years of marketing leadership experience, most recently served as vice president marketing with Brookshire Grocery Company, a

A group of Lutheran College Washington Semester alumni gathered at the Washington, D.C. on July 29 to celebrate the retirement of Doug Clark ’72.

Clark, who began his tenure as dean and executive director of Lutheran College Washington Semester in 2016, retired at the end of July. Pictured here with Clark (back row, third from the left) are, starting from far left, back row: Gaston Ocampo ’20; Joshua Roberts ’19; Clark; Olivia Kitt ’20; Katie Wojciechowski ’20; Alli Hunter ’19; and Adrian Gillem ’15. From row, from left: Simone Assaley ’17; Addy Whittington ’18; Marie Brown ’18; Emma Webb ’15.

32

Texas-based supermarket chain. Atkinson holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Roanoke.

Karen (Osborn) Caterino ’87 has been named senior vice president, public entity, at Alliant Insurance Services. Prior to joining Alliant, Caterino worked at a global insurance brokerage as the Center of Excellence Leader for the western region public sector and higher education practice. Caterino, who has spent many years in various business development positions in the health care insurance industry, holds a B.A. in sociology from Roanoke College and an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix. Alliant Insurance Services, headquartered in Newport Beach, California, is one of the nation’s leading distributors of diversified insurance products and services.

Stephanie (O’Toole) Martin ’89 has joined Whitlock Wealth Management in Manassas, Virginia, as client service specialist. Martin holds a B.A. in sociology with a social work concentration from Roanoke and an M.B.A. from George Mason University. Whitlock Wealth Management is a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services LLC.

1990s David Cox ’92 has been promoted to the superintendent of the Western Virginia

M I L E S T O N E S

Sigma Chi to celebrate 150 years at Roanoke T

he 2021-2022 academic year will mark the 150th anniversary of the founding of Roanoke College’s chapter of Sigma Chi International Fraternity.

The founding of the College’s Sigma Chi chapter — Tau Chapter — is due in large part to the leadership of James M. Liddell, Class of 1873, who transferred to Roanoke from the University of Mississippi in the autumn of 1871, and Liddell’s roommate, George C. McConkey, Class of 1875. Liddell, McConkey and six others were initiated as charter members on the evening of Jan. 9, 1872.

Since its inception, Tau Chapter has been one of the leading organizations on the Roanoke College campus. In addition to the chapter’s contributions to campus life as undergraduates, Tau alumni have gone on to serve the College community as Board of Trustees members, faculty and staff. They include Dr. Charles J.

Smith, Class of 1901, who served as fifth president of Roanoke College.

Tau Chapter also has had five alumni receive the fraternity’s highest honor, the Significant Sig Award.

The most recent was 2021 recipient Andrew K. Teeter ’71, who is senior vice president for USI Insurance in Charleston, West Virginia. The award recognizes alumni members of the fraternity whose exemplary achieve- Dr. Charles J. Smith, Class of 1901 and Sigma Chi member, ments in their fields have brought served as fifth president of honor and prestige to the name of Roanoke College.

Sigma Chi. Current Sigma Chi brothers, alumni, “sweethearts” and friends will gather during the College’s 2022 Alumni Weekend to celebrate Tau’s history.

The weekend of events will tee off on April 22 with a golf tournament at the Ballyhack Golf Club in Roanoke County, Virginia. On the morning of April 23, the ritual gathering of brothers, past and present, and their friends and family, will be held at the Tau Chapter House on the College’s Elizabeth Campus.

The weekend will culminate with a black-tie gala at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center in downtown Roanoke, featuring a silent auction, a program recognizing the achievements of the Tau Chapter and its brothers, and featured entertainment by the Richmond, Virginia-based band “Three Sheets To The Wind.”

— Chris Kilcoyne ’02

The Sigma Chi House, located on the Roanoke College Elizabeth Campus.

Regional Jail. Cox, a 27-year veteran of law enforcement who has served at the regional jail since 2008, had been serving as deputy superintendent, then as interim superintendent from March until the appointment became permanent in June. His rank will rise from lieutenant colonel to colonel. The superintendent oversees a facility with a staff of about 200 and an average daily inmate population of about 850. The regional jail, located in Roanoke County, serves Franklin County, Montgomery County, Roanoke County and the city of Salem as well as outside agencies.

Ben Irvin ’94 is the new director of Facilities Management at Roanoke College.

In his new role, Irvin has leadership responsibility for the full range of Facilities

Management functions, including Housekeeping, Grounds, Plant Maintenance, facilities planning and capital projects.

Irvin, who holds a B.S. in biology from Roanoke, previously served as director of operations for Botetourt County (Virginia) Schools, and worked for several organizations in progressively larger facilities roles.

Dr. Cheryl Hopson ’95 , assistant professor of English and African American Studies at Western Kentucky University, recently received tenure and promotion.

Hopson also is a poet, essayist and the author of two books, “Fragile” and “Black Notes.” Currently, she

For complete information about the 150th anniversary weekend, visit tau150.com for a schedule of events and registration. Questions? Email tau150th@gmail.com or call Chris Kilcoyne ’02 at (540) 769-9176.

Kim Janney ’93, director of the Project Management Office at Torc Robotics, was featured in the inaugural edition of the company’s blog series, “The Journey is the Destination,” in June 2021. Janney, who has been with Torc — described as pioneers in self-driving technology — since January 2021, discussed her journey to Torc and shared her unorthodox path to self-driving technology. In the blog series, she offered this advice to people who are joining the tech industry: “Learn, constantly.

Challenge yourself by reading up on new ideas and ventures. Talk with people who share your interest and ask them what they think. Whatever way of learning works for you, just do it.” To read the series, visit tinyurl.com/xwwduswp. Janney holds a B.A. in English from Roanoke. Her previous work experience includes positions at G.E. Digital and Meridium, Inc.

ROANOKE.EDU

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alumninews is writing a monograph on Black American author, anthropologist and filmmaker Zora Neale Hurston. “Poetry is one of the ways we learn to empathize. We learn to understand, if not experience, others’ emotions.

When that happens, we are not alone. We are in community,” Hopson said in a recent Kentucky Foundation for Women blog post.

“It is the richness of art that causes us to engage in conversations that are transformative, uplifting and edifying for all of us.”

Hopson holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Roanoke, a master’s degree in

A L U M N I

Shannon (Clasbey) Boothe ’98 has been promoted to Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Virginia (RMHC of SWVA), a nonprofit that provides the Ronald McDonald House with a supportive home-away-from-home for the families of sick and injured children who come to the Roanoke, Virginia area for medical treatment. Boothe joined the organization in 1998 and quickly rose to House Operations Director, according to a news release issued May 5.

She has been an integral part of the success and growth of the Ronald McDonald House, overseeing the large renovation and addition to the House in 2006, and assisting in the addition of a Family Room program at Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital in 2007. Boothe also has been guiding the RMHC of SWVA through the COVID-19 pandemic, devising reinstatement plans and working diligently to ensure the House is prepared to reopen its doors to families and volunteers. Boothe holds a B.S. in biology with a concentration in health care delivery from Roanoke.

P R O F I L E

Murrow breaks ground as new CEO of international firm

O

n June 3, 2021, Sarah (Ramian) Murrow ’03 made history.

That day, Euler Hermes, the company at which Murrow has been employed since 2004, announced that she would become the first woman to head the company’s United Kingdom and Ireland business unit in its 100-year history.

Murrow steps into the role of CEO of Euler Hermes UK & Ireland after four years as commercial director for the Northern Europe Region of Euler Hermes, a multinational business specializing in commercial trade credit insurance.

The Euler Hermes organization is present in 50 countries, Murrow says. There have been female CEOs in some of those countries before — in Russia and Turkey, for example. “In fact, our current global CEO is a woman, Murrow says. “But a woman has never been in charge of the UK & Irish entities.”

History-making, but perhaps not sur-

34 ROANOKE COLLEGE MAGAZINE | ISSUE TWO 2021

prising for an international relations major/Spanish minor who says her Roanoke College experience well equipped her for career challenges, both professionally and personally.

“The knowledge I amassed in my various international relations classes prepared me with the technical knowledge to understand the political dynamics between countries, including risks associated with conducting international trade,” says Murrow.

After graduating from Roanoke, Murrow joined Euler Hermes North America, in Baltimore, Maryland. After 12 years there, during which time she earned an

based here in London since.”

The family will remain in London, not only where Sarah Murrow’s place of work is located, but also where Ben Murrow operates BKM Fitness, his personal training and nutrition coaching business.

In a news release announcing Murrow’s new position, Milo Bogaerts, Sarah Murrow’s predecessor and now CEO of Euler Hermes Northern Europe Region, said of Murrow, “Sarah has a great track record of understanding the needs and ambitions of our clients and partners.”

They are attributes Murrow says she sharpened at Roanoke.

“The College’s environment helped me hone my interpersonal skills and confidence, which I believe are of equal importance to technical skills in the business world,” Murrow says.

Several years ago, not long after Murrow was named commercial director for the Northern Europe Region of Euler Hermes, an article about her was published on the company website.

In it, Murrow spoke of how she inspires her team and acts as a role model for young talent, particularly women.

“During my career, I’ve often been the odd one out — sometimes I’m the only woman or expat in the room,” she says in the profile. “But that gives me a great opportunity to show people, especially other women, how anyone can work their way up.”

“The College’s environment helped me hone my interpersonal skills and confidence...”

M.B.A. from Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, Murrow accepted the position of global head of Commercial Underwriting & Product Development at Euler Hermes headquarters in Paris.

“I moved my family — husband, Ben Murrow ’05, and daughters Elizabeth and Abby — to Paris,” Sarah Murrow said.

“We relocated again in 2017, this time to London, when I assumed the commercial director role as market management, commercial underwriting and distribution director for the Northern Europe Region of Euler Hermes, and have been

ALUMNI BOOKS Alumni explore range of topics in new books “Deep Calls Unto Deep”

By Janet Vass Sarjeant ’73. An English professor at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina, Sarjeant holds a B.A. in English from Roanoke and an M.A. from University of North Carolina Charlotte.

Publisher: Parson’s Porch Overview: “The writer Red Smith is quoted saying, ‘Writing is easy, all you have to do is sit down at the typewriter, cut open a vein, and bleed.’ To what end, we may ask? The sound of their own cry to the heavens?

For surely the words are sent heavenward, just as sparks rise from the fires here on this earth into the air above.

Do the words cry out for justice and help from God? Do they cry out because we need to share our miseries with other humans? All of the above, I imagine…. The lives and the writings of three men who write out of just such depths, just such longings, are intertwined. H. Louis Patrick, Frederick Buechner, and Tony Abbott became friends; these three men became influencers; these three men wrote of a journey towards God, no matter the depth of their darkness.”

Review: Janet Sarjeant “draws lovingly from her close friendships with Fred Buechner, Tony Abbott, and her beloved pastor of many years, Louis Patrick.”

“…And the Church Actually Changed: Uncommon Wisdom for Pastors in an Age of Doubt, Division, and Decline”

By The Rev. Dr. N. Graham Standish ’91, executive director of Samaritan Counseling Guidance Consulting, Sewickley, Pennsylvania and adjunct professor at Pittsburgh Theological Seminar doctor ministry program. Standish holds a B.A. in psychology from Roanoke College, an M.S.W from the University of Pittsburgh, a M.Div. from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Duquesne University.

He is the father of Erin Standish ’21, who holds a B.A. in communication studies from Roanoke.

Publisher: Fortress Press From the author: “This is my ninth book, and it is rooted

English from Radford University, and a Ph.D. in English from the University of Kentucky.

Stanley M. Meador ’96 , has been named special agent in charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office in Virginia. Meador most recently served as the chief of staff to the deputy director at FBI Headquarters in Washington, an appointment he assumed in 2020. Prior to joining the FBI, Meador served as a special agent with the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from

Roanoke, and a master’s degree from American University in Washington, D.C. Meador received a Declaration of Valor for his response to the Pentagon during 9/11.

In 2017, he received a National Association of Police Organization “Top Cop” honorable mention award for his role in locating a 6-year-old girl who had been abducted from her home.

2000s Jeremy Holmes ’00 has been named executive director of the Roanoke ValleyAlleghany Regional Commission. Holmes has served as director of the Commission’s RIDE Solutions Commuter Assis-

in my experiences both in revitalizing and growing a previously declining church, and my work as a therapist, spiritual director and coach, primarily for clergy.”

Overview: “‘…And the Church Actually Changed’ arises out of N. Graham Standish’s work as a spiritual director and coach to clergy of all denominations and traditions, and as the pastor of a healthy, growing, and somewhat alternative church for more than twenty-two years. He has helped pastors become healthier and more effective as they carry out the ministry to which they are uniquely called. [This book] addresses issues brought up by clergy themselves in his coaching work with them.”

Review: “Graham Standish offers pastors hope that they can lead change, humor that chides us out of our sullen stubbornness, and wisdom for navigating some of the most difficult terrain of pastoral leadership. This is a fun and insightful book that will inspire as it instructs.”

— Tod Bolsinger, Vice President and Chief of Leadership Formation, Fuller Seminary

“Adult Children of Alcoholic Parents: An Evidence-Based Workbook to Heal Your Past”

By Kara Lissy ’11, clinical director and psychotherapist of A Good Place Therapy & Consulting, New York, New York. Lissy holds a B.A. in psychology from Roanoke College and an M.S.W. from New York University.

Publisher: Rockridge Press From the author: “I studied closely under the late [Roanoke College psychology] department chair Dr. [Curt] Camac and his wife Mary. Dr. Angela Allen supervised me on my senior thesis, which was also about alcoholism.”

Overview: “A workbook designed to walk people who grew up with alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional parents through healing and recovery using vignettes, psychoeducation and evidence-based exercises.”

Review: “Growing up with alcoholic parents shapes how you behave, the relationships you get into, and even the jobs you go after. Kara does an excellent job helping you understand why chaos always finds you, how to deal with guilt and shame, and why you struggle to set healthy boundaries.”

— Toni Marinucci, MS, RDN, author and TEDx speaker of “Once Upon A Diet”

tance Program for the past 15 years. In January of 2020, he became the Commission’s associate executive director. In addition to his leadership of the RIDE Solutions program, Holmes has been involved in a number of regional community advocacy efforts, including the Roanoke Valley Cool Cities Coalition, the Greater Roanoke Valley Asthma and Air Quality Coalition, Roanoke Valley Reads, and Healthy Roanoke Valley. Holmes holds a B.A. in English from Roanoke College and a M.A. in Liberal Studies from Hollins University.

Dr. Trevor Wilkes ’00 was named best anesthesiologist in the Roanoke (Virginia) Valley in The Roanoker magazine’s 2021 “Top Docs” poll.

For its 2021 polling, the magazine contacted nearly 10,000 nurses and other health professionals in the Roanoke Valley to select the best doctors in 52 medical specialties. The results, published in the magazine’s July/August 2021 issue, ranked Trevor No.1 in the “Top Anesthesiologist” list. He moves up in the biennial poll, having been ranked No.3 in The Roanoker magazine’s 2019 “Top Anesthesiologist” ROANOKE.EDU

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alumninews served as the assistant principal for the (Roanoke County) Burton Center for Arts & Technology. Deeds has been praised for her leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and during a recent renovation and expansion at Cave Spring High School.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Performance from Roanoke and a master’s degree from the American College of Education.

Shena Sanchez ’08, Ph.D. has joined the faculty of the University of Alabama as an assistant professor of qualitative research.

Shena’s scholarly interests include student identity and voice, education policy and leadership, and the socio-political contexts of schooling.

She is the founder of the Lavender Girls Project, a mentoring and research group for and with Black, Latina, and Asian girls from Title I high schools who have experienced academic exclusion and discipline.

Shena holds a B.A. in English literature from Roanoke, an M.Ed. in international education policy and management from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University, and a Ph.D. in education from UCLA’s School of Education.

Amanda (Hodge) Surratt ’08 has been named Augusta County Public Schools’ teacher of the year in the category of Business, Grades 6-8.

Surratt has spent four years at Wilson Middle School as the business teacher. She has served as the team leader for the Exploratory Department; co-chair of the Social Committee; a committee member of the School Instructional Team; a peer mentor; and the advisor for the yearbook and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Surratt holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Roanoke.

Emma Kessler ’16 was named a Yale National Fellow, one of 54 public school teachers selected to participate in national seminars and a twoweek Intensive Session as part of the Yale National Initiative to strengthen teaching in public schools. The 2021 seminars, which began on April 30 and concluded in August, provided public school teachers with deeper knowledge of the subjects they teach and firsthand experience with high-quality professional development. Each teacher — including Kessler, a fourth-grade teacher in Roanoke County (Virginia) Public Schools — wrote a curriculum unit to teach their students and to share with other teachers in their school district and elsewhere through teachers.yale.edu. Kessler holds a B.A. in Communication Studies from Roanoke.

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Kelsey Goodman ’19 has been named head coach of the women’s volleyball program at Mitchell College in New London, Connecticut.

Kelsey most recently served as an assistant coach at Randolph College in Lynchburg, Virginia. Prior to joining the staff at Randolph, she worked summer camps at Midlothian High School, Richmond Volleyball Club, and STAR Volleyball Camps. Since 2018, she has also given private lessons to high school volleyball players. A native of Chesterfield, Virginia, Kelsey was a four-year letter winner in women’s volleyball at Roanoke and a member of the College’s SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) all four years. Kelsey holds a B.S in health and physical education from Roanoke and an M.S. in sports management from Liberty University.

MITCHELL COLLEGE ATHLETICS

list. Trevor, who is on the staff at LewisGale Medical Center in Salem, Virginia, holds a B.S. in biology from Roanoke and an M.D. from the University of Virginia School of Medicine.

Kimberly (Kidd) Halterman ’01 has been appointed superintendent of Alleghany County (Virginia) Public Schools. Halterman has 19 years of experience in public education in Virginia, having worked as a teacher in Botetourt County and as an assistant principal and principal in Bedford County. Halterman holds a B.A. in sociology and psychology from Roanoke, and earned an M.A. in Education Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Tech. She also holds two graduate certificates from the University of Virginia — one in human resources leadership and one in health care administration.

John Cornthwait Jr. ’04 has been promoted to partner and vice president of products at Firefli, a Roanoke, Virginiabased digital products and services company. Cornthwait, who moves into his new position after serving as Firefli’s director of digital media, holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Roanoke.

Haley (LaBrie) Deeds ’04 is the new principal of Cave Spring High School in Roanoke County, Virginia. Deeds, who moved to her new position after serving as the school’s assistant principal, joined Roanoke County Public Schools in 2004 as a physical education teacher and later became a testing coordinator. She has taught at three elementary schools and one middle school, and

Amanda Nitto ’09 has been named one of Charlotte, North Carolina’s 50 Most Influential Women for 2021. The list, compiled by The Mecklenburg Times, honors women for their influence and leadership in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community. Nitto, a partner at the Robinson Bradshaw law firm, is an active member of the Charlotte community, serving on the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance’s Board of Trustees and on the Board of Directors of Smart Start of Mecklenburg County. Nitto holds a B.A. in political science from Roanoke and earned a J.D. from the University of South Carolina-Columbia.

2010s Jacob Manthey ’13 is director of health policy for Private Health Plans and Reimbursement at the American SpeechLanguage and Hearing Association in Rockville, Maryland.

The association supports over 200,000 audiologists and speech language pathologists nationwide. Jacob holds a B.B.A. from Roanoke and an M.S. in health care administration and an M.B.A. from Marymount University.

Shannon Allen ’16 won an Emmy Award for “Outstanding Evening Newscast in a Medium Market” from the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts Sciences in June. Shannon, producer of Roanoke, Virginia-based WSLS Channel 10’s 11 p.m. newscast, shared that she received the award for her work

covering protests in 2020 in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Geoffrey Cole ’16 is a consultant for Chick-fil-A’s cybersecurity team. He also has been accepted into Georgetown University’s flagship Master of Arts in International Business & Policy program, on scholarship. “I am extremely honored to have been selected,” he says.

Conner (Sprinkle) Hill ’16 is the new assistant principal at W.E. Cundiff Elementary School, one of 16 elementary schools in the Roanoke County (Virginia) Public Schools system. Hill comes to her new position with several years of teaching experience in the Botetourt County (Virginia) Public Schools system. Hill holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Roanoke College, as well as a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from Virginia Tech.

Danielle (Bosdell) McCleary ’16 is serving as pastor of St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Secaucus, New Jersey. She graduated from Roanoke College with a B.A. in history and Christian Studies, and received an M.Div. from the United Lutheran Seminary in 2020. Previously, she served a yearlong vicarship at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Easton, Pennsylvania, and served at Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, as well as a hospital chaplain at St. Lukes’s University Hospital in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Brynn MacDougall ’17 received a U.S. Department of State Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund grant award to conduct a program this spring that focuses on preventing pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and COVID-19 among teenage girls in the southeastern African country of Malawi. MacDougall, who works as director of programs and operations at the continued on page 39

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Hitting it big Roanoke alumnus co-writes screenplay for summer release “Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard”

Phillip Murphy grabbed this selfie while at work at his home computer.

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f you’ve seen the action-comedy movie “Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard,” you may have noticed, in the closing credits, the name Phillip Murphy as one of the screenwriters.

Interesting fact: Murphy is a 2005 graduate of Roanoke College who co-wrote the film with his brother, writer/director Brandon Murphy, and with writer/producer Tom O’Connor. The film was released on June 16, 2021, and has grossed over $70 million worldwide.

The movie, which features Antonio Banderas, Morgan Freeman, Salma Hayek, Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds, is a sequel to 2017’s “The Hitman’s Bodyguard.”

The action-packed film follows Michael Bryce (Reynolds) as he teams up with hitman Darius Kincaid (Jackson) and his wife, Sonia, (Hayek) to stop a terrorist (Banderas) from attacking Europe.

“To see my name on the screen is pretty awesome, for lack of a better word,” Murphy said. “To be working for 10 years in the industry with a few scripts so close to production and then to have this one work out, it’s very exciting.”

While Murphy can now add ‘summer blockbuster screenwriter’ to his resume, his journey to this moment has been based on what he calls “trial and error.” Upon graduating from Roanoke College as a history major, Murphy moved to New York City to explore his options as an artist, dabbling in improvisation, acting and eventually, stand-up comedy. It was through his experience in stand-up comedy that Murphy recognized his love for writing.

“My best advice to young people interested in this profession is to try everything,” Murphy said. “I credit a lot of where I am now to trying things that I didn’t necessarily know a lot about.”

Murphy followed his instincts, moved to Los Angeles, and started developing scripts in 2007, many of which he wrote with his brother, Brandon. By 2011, Murphy and his brother were pitching scripts to Hollywood executives in hopes of finding their big break.

With persistence and maintaining contacts in the industry, Murphy was personally approached in 2018 by “Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard” director, Patrick Hughes, to develop the script for production. Hughes gave Murphy and his team the green light to push the envelope and make the film their own.

“Writing this script was just so fun,” said Murphy. “For me, the more irreverent the script the better.”

Now with one major motion picture under his belt, Murphy will continue to develop scripts to sell for production. Murphy and his brother have written a script called “The Last Drop,” which follows a chef coming to terms with his demons, as well as a script based on the 2006 book “Exile on Main Street: A Season in Hell with the Rolling Stones,” by Robert Greenfield, telling the story of the Rolling Stones’ difficulties recording their 1972 album. Both scripts are in negotiations.

Although Murphy has found Hollywood success, he credits his accomplishments to the foundation Roanoke College created for him.

“The transition to Los Angeles was easy because of my time at Roanoke,” said Murphy. “Because of the tight-knit community and relationships I built during my time there, I have been able to hold on to staying true to myself and grounded. Being around people who are so down-to- earth and humble is something I will always carry with me.”

Joe Boucher ’87, Roanoke College’s director of student activities and Colket Center, and a mentor to many Roanoke College screen studies concentration students, said that Murphy is an inspiration to the growing number of Roanoke students pursuing their media arts dreams.

“When alumni like [Murphy] succeed, it shows our students what’s possible,” Boucher said. “More importantly, with each success, we build our alumni entertainment network. Being able to connect with alumni in your field can help you get a foot in the door after graduation, especially in an industry like entertainment where networking with your peers is imperative.”

For students who are interested in the entertainment industry and want to explore their artistic expression, Murphy acknowledges that the path may be difficult but ultimately is worth it.

“Just go for it,” said Murphy. “Do the work, and it will pay off.”

“Do the work, and it will pay off.”

— Laura Connelly ’09

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A W A R D S

Hall recognized as “Hero of Medicine” L

CDR Matthew Hall ’09, a U.S. Navy physician and an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, received the 2021 Henry M. Jackson Foundation Hero of Medicine honor in May. Dr. Hall serves as the preventive medicine and public health policy advisor for the U.S. Navy’s Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, according to a news release announcing his award. In the COVID-19 pandemic response, Hall’s “initial work in coordinating logistic and medical policy efforts in the Department of the Navy and across the joint force was instrumental in the successful implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination program.” In addiLCDR Matthew Hall ’09 tion, as a public health emergency officer, Hall “has conducted numerous COVID contact investigations, overseen outbreak responses, and advised on the safe operations of Navy installations worldwide under pandemic precautions.”

Hall holds a B.S. in biochemistry from Roanoke, an M.P.H.

from the University of Florida, an M.S. in clinical research from UNC Chapel Hill, and an M.D. from Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine is a nonprofit organization serving military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians. HJF’s support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

The foundation is named for Henry M. “Scoop” Jackson, a U.S. congressman and senior from the state of Washington from 1941 until his death in 1983. Jackson sponsored the legislation that established the Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, which was named in his honor after his death.

Blaney honored for research J

ennifer Blaney ’14 has received the Most Promising New Research Scholar Award from Northern Arizona University, where she is an assistant professor of higher education in the university’s Department of Educational Leadership.

The award, which Blaney received in May, is given to one faculty member each year in recognition of outstanding research accomplishments and potential. Blaney was recognized for her research on gender equity in computer science degree pathways.

“I was initially surprised to learn that I received the award, being so early in my career as a first-year faculty member in the College of Education,” Blaney said. “It was certainly a welcome surprise and such a Jennifer Blaney ’14, Ph.D. huge honor to receive this recognition for my research agenda, which I’ve worked so hard to establish over the last several years.”

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Blaney joined the faculty at Northern Arizona University last fall, after earning her Ph.D. in higher education and organizational change from UCLA in 2018, and working as an assistant professor at Idaho State University. She has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed publications in leading STEM and higher education journals, including the Review of Higher Education, Research in Higher Education, and Computer Science Education.

Since beginning her faculty appointment at Northern Arizona University, Blaney’s work has been funded by the National Science Foundation and the Spencer Foundation. Her newest projects explore community college transfer pathways as a mechanism for advancing gender equity in computer science and other STEM fields.

Blaney earned a B.A. in music at Roanoke College, graduating as valedictorian in 2014.

Mulledy-Dougherty wedding

Neifert-Bannister wedding

Cole-Alagon wedding

Beahm-Clements wedding

Kelleher-Tuma wedding

Ream-Sawyer wedding

Philadelphia-based Women’s Campaign International, is a member of one of 38 teams that were awarded grants. MacDougall holds a B.A. in International Relations, with a concentration in Peace and Justice Studies, from Roanoke.

Damian Ream ’18 entered the Master of Science in Medical Physics program at Georgia Tech this fall, while continuing his work at the University of Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality, where he a member of the radiation safety team. “Our main duty within the university community is to protect researchers and students from receiving excess exposure to radiation,” Ream said.

“One of the coolest things about my position is working with various doctors and researchers and getting to learn about the cutting-edge research they’re doing.”

Ream holds a B.S. in mathematics and physics from Roanoke.

Ross Strickland ’18 recently earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Methodist University in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Strickland graduated cum laude from Roanoke with a Bachelor of Science in health and exercise science.

Emma (Blair) Fedison ’19 , received a master’s degree in economics from George Mason University in May. While there, she co-published a paper with Dr. Ed Lopez, director of the Center for the Study of Free Enterprise at Western Carolina University, investigating the prospects for COVID-19 economic recovery in North Carolina. In addition to completing work on her master’s degree, Emma has started a new job at the U.S. International Trade Commission as an International Economist Research Assistant in the ITC’s Office of Economics. Emma majored in actuarial science, economics and Spanish at Roanoke College.

health and health economics. A research associate in the Cedars-Sinai Department of Surgery, Krut is also a lifeguard and swim instructor, a former EMT, and was a pre-med volunteer at Cedars-Sinai hospital before obtaining a research job in the Gazit Research Laboratory at Cedars-Sinai.

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is a leading hospital and multispecialty academic health science center in Los Angeles, California. Krut holds a B.S. in biochemistry and public health studies from Roanoke.

Mason Wheeler ’21 is pursuing a Ph.D. program in Translational Biology Medicine, and Health at the Virginia TechCarilion Fralin Biomedical Research Institute. Mason earned a B.S. in psychology, biology and neuroscience at Roanoke.

2020s Zoe Krut ’20 is a student in the Cedars-Sinai Master’s Degree in Health Delivery Science (MHDS) program, which prepares graduates for careers in emerging health-care fields, such as digital health science, mobile

marriages Brandi Neifert ’11 married Michael Bannister on March 27, 2021 in Leesburg, Virginia. Lydia Bickford Maus ’11 served as matron of honor.

Justin Tuma ’11 and Giuliana Kelleher ’14 wed on June 5, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. Justin is defensive coordinator for the men’s lacrosse team at High Point University. Giuliana, previously a

cardiothoracic ICU nurse, plans to receive her doctorate in nurse anesthesiology from the University of North Carolina Greensboro in 2022.

Adam Wojtysiak ’14 and Kari Spitler ’16 wed on June 12, 2021 in Statesville, North Carolina. Alumni in attendance included: Doug Horn ’78, Peggy Horn ’78, Ryan Britton ’13, Patrick Kohlhaas ’14, Mark Mechak ’14, Robert Horn ’15, Whitney Spence ’15, Joshua Wojtysiak ’15, Melissa Bauerle ’16, Hannah Bridges ’16, Lauren Miller ’16, Alex Nail ’16, Swarali Sathe ’17, Cody Statler ’17, Colin Brennan ’18, Renee Spaar ’18, Matthew Wojtysiak ’18, Katelynn Belfatto ’20.

Raymond Dougherty ’15 married Noreen Mulledy ’18 in a small ceremony in Roanoke, Virginia on March 13, 2021.

The couple resides in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey.

Geoffrey Cole ’16 married Kristine Alagon on July 19, 2021 in Monterey, California. “I have not had the luxury of visiting the campus recently, but wanted to share good news with the Roanoke family as we all continue our journey together,” Geoffrey wrote. Alumni who attended the wedding ceremony included Meagan Cole ’13 (bridesmaid), Mike Remmes ’13 and Adam Johnston ’18. Geoffrey is a consultant for ROANOKE.EDU

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alumninews

Gilbert Benstone

Chick-fil-A’s cybersecurity team and is enrolled in Georgetown University’s flagship Master of Arts in International Business & Policy program. Kristine, a graduate of UCLA, works at Emory healthcare in Atlanta and is pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Southern California.

Cary Beahm ’17 and David Clements married on Sept. 21, 2019. Two of the bridesmaids, Paxton (Gwin) Daniels ’14 and Jamella Foster ’17, were Cary’s basketball teammates at Roanoke. The couple lives in Henrico, Virginia.

Campbell Milewski

Gracen and Grant Moe

Damian Ream ’18 and Jessica Sawyer wed on June 12, 2021 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The ceremony was officiated by Roanoke College Chaplain Chris Bowen. Alumni who attended included: Taylor Ferebee ’17, Tyler Williams ’17, Dan Amos ’18, Nicole Brobston ’18, Kent Griffith ’18, Luke Jones ’18, Mariah Lang ’18, Nancy Lewis ’18, Hayley Moe ’18, April Raab ’18, Khenan Terry ’18, Taryn Thompson ’18, Brian Matera ’19, David Moreau ’19, Rachel Stauffer ’20, and Sam Ream ’21 (brother and Best Man).

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Apelquist family

families Traci Crockett ’01 and husband, Trevor Moe, welcomed son, Grant Anderson Moe, on May 26, 2021. Big sister is Gracen Alia. The family lives in Falls Church, Virginia.

Mary (Funk) Tuckwiller ’04 and husband, Thomas, are the proud parents of Robert William Watts Tuckwiller, born April 15, 2021. Grandfather is W. Michael Funk ’74.

Charles Churchill ’05 and wife Megan are proud to announce the birth of son Parker Charles Churchill on May 13, 2021. Siblings Madi and Brooks “are absolutely in love with their baby brother,” the parents shared in a birth announcement. Grandparents are John “Jay” Churchill ’75 and Allison (Barger) Churchill ’76. Uncles include John “Rob” Churchill ’03 and Matthew Churchill ’07.

John Pauler ’06 and wife, Katie, welcomed daughter, Lila Cunningham Pauler,

on March 24, 2021. The family lives in Newburyport, Massachusetts. John is chief growth officer for the Boston-based firm of Maven Analytics.

Theodore ’08 and Brandi Milewski ’11 happily welcomed Campbell Theodore Milewski on Jan. 26, 2021. The family lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. Brandi is chair of Roanoke College’s Charlotte Alumni Chapter.

Adam Ariosa ’09 and wife, Jacqueline, happily welcomed Joseph Whitaker Ariosa on April 2, 2020. The family lives in Lutherville, Maryland.

Louisa (Kendig) Adkins ’10 and husband Jason welcomed son Perry Sager Adkins on May 29, 2021. Perry is named after his great-grandfather, Perry F. Kendig, seventh president of Roanoke College.

Carolyn (Miesen) Benstone ’14 and her husband, Benstone Schwartz, welcomed son, Gilbert Paul Wayne Benstone, on Nov. 30, 2020. The family lives in Sanford, Florida. Grandfather is Wayne G. Miesen Jr. ’75, of Roanoke, Virginia.

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Nicholas Apelquist ’15 and wife Natalie are proud to announce the birth of their son, Rylan Connor Apelquist, on May 29, 2021.

in memoriam James R. Goodwin III ’43, of Salem, Virginia, died July 9, 2021. After graduating from Roanoke College with a degree in business administration, Goodwin was called to active duty by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Following his military service, he worked at what is now the Radford Army Ammunition Plant, married, and lived and worked on the Goodwin family dairy farm in Loudoun County, Virginia. He and his wife returned to Salem, where Goodwin joined the Goodwin Insurance and Realty Co., Inc., of which he eventually became president and retired after 40 years. Goodwin was active in the Salem community, serving on the boards of numerous organizations. He also was an active member of

Salem Baptist Church and the Salem Men’s Breakfast Club.

Dorothy Harris Briggs ’47, of Roanoke, Virginia died on April 2, 2021.

Briggs was employed at Colonial American Bank until her retirement in 1991. For 25 years, she volunteered to teach reading to children at Roanoke’s Hurt Park Elementary School. Briggs was a “Cradle Roll” member of West End United Methodist church, where she served as a choir member, Sunday School teacher and in other volunteer positions.

June L. Cheelsman ’47, of Richmond, Virginia, passed away on April 3, 2021.

After graduating from Roanoke with a bachelor’s degree in English, Cheelsman gave of her time to the College by serving on the Alumni Executive Council, of which she was secretary for two years. She also was a charter member of the Society of 1842 and was a Roanoke College Associate for five years. Cheelsman was past president and a member of the Church Council of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Richmond,

and served as a member of the Church Council of Christ Lutheran Church in Roanoke. In the Virginia Synod, she served on the Task Force for Senior Adults, and was active in the national activities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.

Cheelsman, who once held the Certified Professional Secretary credential, distinguished herself as a systems engineer for IBM and as a marketing representative for NYNEX. In 1989, Cheelsman received the Roanoke College Medal, for her outstanding professional accomplishments, community engagement and service to the College.

Woodford M. Green Jr. ’47, of Salem, died on July 9, 2021 “due to complications from a long, happy and adventurous life,” according to his obituary. After attending Roanoke College and V12 Officer Candidate School at Hampden Sydney College, Green served as a quartermaster 3rd class in the U.S. Navy. He

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Roanoke remembers College historymaker among the first to enroll at a private college in Virginia.

The historical significance was not lost on Fitzgerald but was almost secondary to her educational pursuits. Valedictorian of her high school class, she was a bright, driven young woman with a desire to further her education.

switched to psychology, graduating in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

She went on to earn a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Radford College (now Radford University). For 29 years, she worked as a psychology technician at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salem before retiring in 1995.

In 2019, Fitzgerald marked the 50th anniversary of her graduation from Roanoke College. Two years later — during the month nationally designated to recognize the role of Black Americans in U.S. history — a portrait of a young Fitzgerald was placed on a wall near the front entrance of the College’s Administration Building.

Fitzgerald “stood up and stood out in an era where there was segregation and desegregation,” said Ken Belton ’81 a member of the Roanoke College Board of Trustees.

“Her courage and determination have created much opportunity for many African Americans and other minority student enrollment.”

“Her courage and determination have created much opportunity for many African Americans and other minority student enrollment.”

— Ken Belton ’81 A portrait of a young Maxine Fitzgerald that was placed near the front entrance of the College’s Administration Building in February 2021.

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irginia Maxine Fitzgerald ’69, the first Black American to enroll at Roanoke College as a full-time student, died on Aug. 14, 2021.

Fitzgerald’s enrollment at Roanoke in 1964 came during a national era marked by the gradual opening of higher education doors to Black Americans. She was

Fitzgerald had been offered a scholarship to several other colleges, but Roanoke was her “first choice,” she told The Roanoke Times in 1964, because it offered some courses not available at other schools.

“I want to major in biology,” she told the newspaper, and said she hoped to “teach a few years” after graduation from college then return to school and become a psychologist.

Her intended major was biology, but she

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College honors “The Storyteller” C

ountry music singer-songwriter Tom T. Hall’s songs were recorded by dozens of Hall, nicknamed “The Storyteller” for country music artists, including Johnny songs that brought characters to life, died on Cash, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Waylon Aug. 20, 2021.

Jennings, and Alan Jackson. One of his Hall’s death at age 85 came just three earliest songs, “Harper Valley PTA” was a months after Roanoke College awarded him Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit. The song also the honorary degree of Doctor of Fine Arts inspired a motion picture and TV program during commencement ceremonies. of the same name.

Hall’s connection to Roanoke was brief Hall’s own recording career included but influential to his life. He joined the U.S. country music hits “I Love,” “Country Is,” Army in 1957, during which time he perand “I Like Beer.” His song “(Old Dogs, formed on Armed Forces Radio Network Children and) Watermelon Wine,” was and wrote songs about the Army experience. included on Rolling Stone Magazine’s list He enrolled at Roanoke College using the of the 100 greatest country songs.

G.I. Bill to pursue writing.

Hall won a Grammy Award for Best While at Roanoke, he worked as a disc Album Notes for “Tom T. Hall’s Greatest jockey at a country music station and wrote Hits.” He was inducted into the Nashville Photographer Carissa Szuch Divant captured this portrait of Tom T. Hall at his home in Nashville in May. songs. His compositions gained the attenSongwriters Hall of Fame, the Kentucky tion of music publishers in Music Hall of Fame, the CounNashville, and he was encourtry Music Hall of Fame and aged to relocate to Nashville. the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

But as his music and writing career progressed, he often “Art moves this way,” Hall told The Tennessean in 2010, pointing included his time at Roanoke College in interviews about his forward. “If you’re doing it the way they used to do it, that’s copying. early career.

It’s already been done. … Do it your way, and have some fun.”

“Do it your way, and have some fun.”

was stationed in the Pacific on three different troop carriers and was honorably discharged in 1946. He returned to Salem and entered the retail business, eventually becoming owner and partner in H.R. Johnson Hardware. Green was active in the Salem community, serving for 20 years as vice mayor of the City of Salem and as a member of numerous municipal and civic organizations.

Betty Kimble Lucas ’47, of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, passed away on April 11, 2021, weeks shy of her 95th birthday.

Lucas, who majored in economics and minored in psychology at Roanoke, began her career with Proctor & Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio, as a market researcher, traveling across the United States and Canada, a rarity for women at that time. She married in 1952 and devoted herself to being a mother and homemaker to her five children.

Widowed in 1979, she moved to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and enjoyed continuing education classes at the University of Southern Mississippi. Once her children were educated, she traveled the world extensively, eventually moving to Birmingham, Alabama, where three of her daughters live.

Adolph Pigeaud ’49, of The Woodlands, Texas, passed away on March 19, 2021.

Katharine Williamse ’49, of Sacramento, California, died on May 17, 2021.

An avid scholar with a passion for education, Williamse graduated from Roanoke with a bachelor’s degree in languages.

She later earned a master’s degree in psychology from Sacramento State College while raising her family. She enjoyed a career as an elementary school teacher and child psychologist for the Sacramento City School District, and was active in her community.

Bettye C. Via, ’49, of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away on Aug. 3, 2021. Via, who held a master’s degree from Virginia Tech, was a retired Roanoke City Schools teacher and a member of Raleigh Court United Methodist Church.

Dr. Francis K. Aldred ’50, of Charleston West Virginia, died on May 6, 2021. After graduating from Roanoke, Aldred served in U.S. Navy Intelligence during the Korean War. Following military service, he taught history and math at Virginia Episcopal School and coached boys’ cross country and track. In 1967, he earned a doctorate in history at the University of Virginia, later becoming a faculty member at Marshall University until his retirement in 1993. He served terms as the faculty representative on the

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West Virginia Board of Regents and traveled to mainland China through the Fulbright-Hays Program.

Dorothy Jean Branscom ’50, passed away on April 1, 2021 in Roanoke, Virginia.

After graduating high school, Branscom went on to Mary Washington College, Roanoke College and Duke University School of Medicine, becoming a registered medical technician. She later continued her education at what is now Hollins University, graduating in 1987 with a B.A. in German. She and her husband, William, had four children, nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, and visited 34 foreign countries and all 50 states. A longtime member of Fincastle Presbyterian Church, she served multiple terms on the Botetourt County Grand Jury, becoming its first forewoman.

Henry R. Rosebro Jr. ’50, of Richmond, Virginia, died on July 9, 2021.

Rosebro was drafted into the U.S. Army after graduating from Augusta Military Academy and entered World War II in the middle of the “Battle of the Bulge.” He earned the Bronze Star, and after VE Day, served as a prisoner observer and guard during the Nuremburg trials. Upon returning home from the war, he attended Roanoke College and graduated from the University of

Virginia. Rosebro owned small businesses throughout his career, retiring in 1991.

Eugene Wood Durrett Peyton ’51 of Christiansburg, Virginia, died on Nov. 29, 2020. Peyton had a 37-year career in education that began in 1951 when he was appointed head teacher at Price’s Fork Elementary School in Montgomery County, Virginia. He went on to work in several Virginia school systems, holding positions that included teacher, principal, director of instruction, and superintendent.

He retired in 1988, the same year he received Administrator of the Year Award for Montgomery County Schools for his work as principal at Riner Elementary School.

Peyton is said to have been proud not only of his career but of his family, which included his wife of 59 years and their sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Nancy Pringle Davenport ’52, of Blacksburg, Virginia, died on April 29, 2021. Known as “Pring” to friends and family, she was known for her love of the natural world, particularly birds. For many years, she banded birds for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service research and hosted lively post-count dinners for a local “circle” of the Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count. continued on page 44

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Scientific Mind, Kind Heart Roanoke College lost a beloved friend on June 14, 2021. Brooks Morris Whitehurst, who received an Honorary Doctor of Science from Roanoke College in May 2012, was a champion of innovation and a huge believer in the entrepreneurial spirit. The following is an excerpt of a feature story about Whitehurst that appeared in a 2012 issue of Roanoke College magazine.

Whitehurst chats with a Roanoke College Innovation Challenge student in 2012.

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or scientist, engineer and entrepreneur Brooks Whitehurst, a lifetime of distinguished career achievements pale in comparison to the joy and gratification he receives from helping other people reach their potential.

“It’s very satisfying for me to help young people,” says Whitehurst, of New Bern, North Carolina. “I like helping them get along in life and become successful.”

A recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Science degree during Roanoke College’s commencement ceremony in May, Whitehurst is a beloved benefactor, mentor and friend of the Roanoke College Children’s Choir [now known as the Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir] and the College’s business administration and biology departments.

Without a doubt, Whitehurst’s professional achievements are remarkable. But it’s his modesty and kindness that people love most about him.

“If Brooks sees a need, and it’s a good cause, he’ll respond in a helpful, kind way,” says Roanoke President Michael C. Maxey.

“He’s just a true-blue person who happens to be an outstanding and distinguished scientist, engineer and inventor. He likes to do good in the world.”

TIES TO ROANOKE COLLEGE Whitehurst, a 1951 graduate of Virginia Tech, and his wife, Carolyn, always emphasized the importance of education to their children, Garnett, Anita and Robert. It was a given, Garnett Whitehurst says, that the Whitehurst children would eventually go to college. Garnett holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry; Anita earned an M.S. in business education; and Robert holds an M.D. The Whitehursts first became acquainted with Roanoke College more than 10 years ago, when their granddaughter was a member of the Roanoke College Children’s Choir [now known as the Roanoke Valley Children’s Choir]. The couple was so enamored with the ensemble and its role in enriching young lives that they began making annual donations to support the choir, continuing even after their granddaughter left the choir for college.

As Whitehurst’s affection for Roanoke College grew, so did his support for academics. He has facilitated faculty-supervised student research through the establishment of the Whitehurst Growth Fund. Additionally, Whitehurst has been instrumental in making connections between Roanoke College biology faculty and scientists at other companies to develop research partnerships and potential internship opportunities.

A registered professional engineer, Whitehurst’s experience in all phases of product research, development and marketing has made him an asset to the Roanoke College Innovation Challenge.

The program brings together 10 to 16 students from the College and other top academic institutions, including Harvard University, who work in teams to develop a comprehensive business plan for a new product innovation. At the end of the program, the students present their plans to bankers, venture capitalists and investors to see if they can get start-up capital for the ideas.

“For undergraduates, this program is really like an eight-week MBA program,” says Dr. Michael Smith, [now former] Innovation Challenge director. “I don’t think we’d have the Innovation Challenge now if it weren’t for Brooks’ support. He’s been a part of the program, he’s believed in it, and he’s helped to keep it going.”

Whitehurst believes in the importance of innovation. When he meets with the Innovation Challenge students, he enjoys telling them stories about American pioneers, such as automobile inventor Henry Ford, whose ingenuity led to revolutionary advancements.

“That innovation is the kind of thing that has been needed and is part of our economic problem today,” Whitehurst says.

“People are creative and they have imaginations — computers and iPhones don’t. That’s the thing that seems to have been forgotten in our country.”

Then the man described by his son Garnett as a person who is “able to carry on a conversation for hours” pauses a moment and adds: “I do tell the students lots of stories. Grandparents are always supposed to tell the grandchildren stories. That technique apparently works for me.”

— Karen Doss Bowman

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alumninews Judith Brown Paxton ’52, of Salem, Virginia, passed away on Dec. 7, 2020.

Paxton, wife of the late William J. Paxton, Jr., former city manager of Salem, is remembered for preparing pots of hot chili for Salem Street Department crews every time there was snow to be plowed. She also helped organize the decorating of city lampposts for Christmas and put up flags for July 4th in her Langhorne Place neighborhood. Paxton was a beloved member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where she sang in the choir for 70 years, directed the children’s choir and served several terms on the Vestry.

Kathy Thornton Lyles Plotkin ’52, of New York, New York, died on March 10.

Plotkin was a daytime talk show host in Roanoke, Virginia and in New York City during the 1960s and 1970s. For more than a decade, she hosted “Panorama,” a popular television talk show, on WDBJ7, Roanoke’s CBS affiliate.

In the early 1950s, she helped launch Showtimers Community Theatre, pursuing acting ambitions that later took her to Los Angeles, where she worked in commercials and had a small role in the 1997 movie “Black Sunday.” Plotkin also founded “Woodswork,” a literary company through which she assisted former Virginia Gov. A. Linwood Holton in writing and publishing his memoir, “Opportunity Time.”

James Blount ’53, formerly of Forest, Virginia, died on Feb. 14, 2021. After graduating from Roanoke College, Blount served in the U.S. Army at the Army Chemical Center in Edgewood, Maryland.

He went on to work as a pharmaceutical salesman for Parke Davis and for Roche Laboratories, earning the Top Ten Award and President’s Achievement Award. After retiring, he and his wife enjoyed traveling and golfing with friends and family.

Donald R. Middleton ’55, of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away on Jan. 21, 2021. He attended Roanoke College for two years before he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He then attended the University of Virginia, later earning a law degree from American University in 1959. Middleton practiced law in Northern Virginia for several years before accepting a position in the legal department of the Del E. Webb Corporation and relocating to Phoenix, Arizona. He held corporate counsel positions with several other companies before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, to serve as general counsel for a corporation. After retirement, he and his wife traveled extensively throughout the world. He also served in several capacities at his church, built homes for Habitat for

Humanity, played golf and enjoyed oil painting.

Robert S. Winn ’56, of Front Royal, Virginia, died on Jan. 22, 2021. Winn served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as a communication technician in Yokohama, Japan and Adak, Alaska. He later worked in management for United Airlines, retiring in 1986 in Los Angeles, California. Winn was a member of First Baptist Church in Front Royal and volunteered with Habitat for Humanity.

Robert L. Cross ’58, of Charlottesville, Virginia, died on July 9, 2021. After graduating from Roanoke, Cross earned an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and served in the U.S. Marine Corps. After military service, he enjoyed a career with IBM that spanned more than 25 years. Cross was an active member of the Charlottesville community, serving on the board of directors of a senior center in Charlottesville and participating in the master planning process of the Albemarle County, Virginia, community of Crozet.

Gale Barnhart Gillock Hancock ’58, of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away on May 3, 2021. Hancock, who graduated from Roanoke with a bachelor’s degree in music and psychology, directed the chancel choir at Oak Grove Church of the Brethren in Roanoke, and served on the Roanoke College Board of Trustees, the Roanoke Valley Arts Council, the Roanoke Valley Choral Society, and the Roanoke Valley Chorus. Hancock, who also had a career in sales and finance, was an active fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, the United Way and The Heart Fund.

Oscar E. Jones Jr. ’62, passed away on March 22, 2021 in Newport News, Virginia. Jones had 34 years of service with the Newport News Shipbuilding Company before retiring in 1996. Jones had a lifelong love of music. In the 1960s, he formed The Lyrics, a local band that performed throughout Virginia.

Donald L. Webb ’62, of Summerville, South Carolina, died on July 8, 2021.

Webb served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in the early 1950s before embarking on a long and distinguished career as a federal law enforcement agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

After retiring in 1989, he became a background investigator for the FBI as well as a deputy for the Charleston (S.C.) County Sheriff’s office.

Edmund S. Jones ’63, of Savannah, Georgia, died on June 22, 2021. Jones taught at Westminster Choir College and

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The New School for Music Study in Princeton, New Jersey. Jones and his wife, Judy, co-founded Youth Opera International, Inc. His 14 children’s operas have been performed globally more than 500 times.

A classical pianist, Jones also was a Montessori educator and lecturer.

Timothy A. Kelly ’63, of Salem, Virginia, passed away on April 23, 2021.

Kelly is remembered as an extraordinary father and friend, and for his genuine adoration of trains — big and small — and cars. Surviving family members include son Whitwell C. Kelly ’95.

JoAnn (Wimmel) Zarfoss ’63, of Germantown, Tennessee, died on Feb. 16, 2021. Zarfoss, who majored in education at Roanoke, had a successful career as a sales rep in the transportation industry.

After retiring, she spent several years volunteering for the Wings Cancer Foundation and at the elementary school her grandchildren attended. She was a longtime member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Memphis, loved traveling with her husband, and enjoyed her garden club, book club and lunch groups.

Robert N. Howell ’64, of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away on March 17, 2021.

Howell taught math at Northside High School in Roanoke County, and was the Northside tennis coach for several years.

Later, he was employed at Norfolk Southern Corporation as a computer analyst.

Known as an excellent tennis player, Howell played doubles in the Mid-Atlantic Tennis Association and organized the annual Roanoke Norfolk Southern Tennis Tournament. After retiring, he worked at Hidden Valley Country Club in Salem, Virginia.

Carol Hurt Roberts ’65, of Rocky Mount, Virginia, died on July 25, 2021.

Roberts, a member of Delta Gamma at Roanoke College, was a schoolteacher who also owned her own home design business. She sang with the choir at Virginia Heights Baptist Church choir in Roanoke, and later sang with and directed the choir at Gogginsville United Methodist Church.

Thomas K. Ledman ’67, of Springfield, Virginia, passed away on July 15, 2021. Ledman spent most of his career working for Don Norman Associates, Inc, a transportation consulting firm. He later started a successful medical courier company as he neared retirement.

Robert J. Rohrback ’67, of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away on June 5, 2021.

After graduating from Roanoke, Rohrback enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, serving for four years at the Pentagon then in Saigon. He settled in Northern Virginia, marrying and raising a family, then moving to Roanoke in 2005. Rohrback was a member of several Virginia Masonic lodges, as well as the American Legion Victory Post 248 in Roanoke, the Kazim Shriners of Roanoke and The Scottish Rite. He also enjoyed participating in the Roanoke College Elderscholar program.

Marion S. Bartley ’70, of Vinton, Virginia, died on June 22, 2021. He is remembered as a devoted father, loving grandfather and avid boater.

Thomas J. Findley ’70, of Loudon County, Tennessee, passed away on Dec. 27, 2020. Findley, who had a 45-year career in finance, was described as “a

Anti-virus software entrepreneur John McAfee ’67 died on June 23, 2021.

McAfee, an eccentric, controversial figure, was 75. At Roanoke, he majored in mathematics and graduated with a bachelor of science degree. His career included work in computer technology and management for many of the nation’s top companies, including General Electric, Univac, Lockheed Martin, Xerox, Siemens and IBM. In 1988, he started McAfee Inc., which developed the world’s first commercial anti-virus software, McAfee VirusScan. The company helped spark a multi-billion dollar industry in the computer world. He sold that company several years later, but McAfee Inc. still exists as one of the foremost providers of computer security and protection. In 2008, McAfee received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Roanoke College. In his commencement speech, he closed with these words: “Strike out in the heart of the wilderness and claim everything that presents itself as your own — no matter how contradictory or strange it may seem to the rest of the world. And don’t be afraid. The least trodden path is always the sweetest.”

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“A campus hero, for sure” T

he obituary was somber and short, a little more than 200 words.

But what followed were pages upon pages of remembrances of a man who clearly left an impact: “He put a lot of faith in me and played a large role in helping me develop confidence in myself at that important juncture in my life.”

“He loved his family, friends, and the whole world. He was a gentleman in all situations and to him one was never a stranger.”

“He was the perfect mentor.”

“A campus hero, for sure.”

Gary R. Rose ’90, of Yale, Virginia, died on July 9, 2021. Rose graduated with a degree in communications and political science from Roanoke. His employment history reflects a distinguished career in banking — as a product manager at Wells Fargo/Wachovia in Charlotte, North Carolina, then vice president of emerging technology at Wells Fargo followed by close to a decade as a senior vice president at Bank of America in Charlotte.

At Roanoke, he and twin brother Larry L. Rose ’90, were members of the men’s basketball team. They were among the first Black students to join the College’s chapter of the Phi

loving husband, attentive father, doting grandfather and gracious neighbor and friend.” Finley was a charter member of the Tellico Village Tennis Club and played with the Rusty Racquets program. He was an active member of Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, serving as president of the congregation and on various committees and teams.

Burks D. Slusher Jr. ’70, of Roanoke, Virginia, died on Oct. 11, 2020. Slusher had a 30-year career in the concrete industry.

Clarence P. Layman Jr. ’72, of Salem, Virginia, passed away on July 24, 2021.

Layman served in the U.S. Air Force during the early years of the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1969, returned home, married and entered Roanoke College. He graduated while working fulltime for the Salem Police Department, earning him the nickname the “Book Toting Policeman.” Layman served as the first chief of police for the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salem. He went on to serve at VA Medical Centers in several other states before retiring and returning

to Salem. He enjoyed golfing, riding his Harley-Davidson, traveling, and eating Texas Tavern burgers and Roanoke Weiner Stand hot dogs.

William L. Shannon ’73 of Bristol, Tennessee, passed away on Feb. 18, 2021. After graduating from Roanoke College with a bachelor’s degree in business, Shannon worked for 30 years as an adjuster with the Hartford Insurance Company in the Roanoke area and a claims supervisor in Richmond, Virginia.

Upon retirement, he and his wife of 31 years settled in Bristol.

Raymond H. Thomas ’73, of Roanoke, Virginia, died on March 7, 2021.

Thomas spent 35 years as a sales representative for Mid-Atlantic Sports in Virginia and surrounding states, and later was employed as a real estate appraiser for 10 years. He was an avid golfer, loved the beach and was an excellent cook, known by family and friends for his memorable Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

Edward H. DeLauney ’75, of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away on July 4, 2021. Delauney spent his career as a trav-

Lambda Phi fraternity in the late 1980s.

“I worked hard with Joe Boucher ’87 to bring the first Black brother into Pi Lam,” wrote Gordon Sharp-Bolster ’89, from his home in Ireland. “So a few years later, when Gary and Larry showed interest, the door was now open. And how lucky we all were to have them. We didn’t see color, we saw great guys who could enrich our lives.”

Boucher said he remembers Gary Rose as a “great guy to be around. He had a wonderful personality and always had a smile for you.”

Rose and his brother were excellent additions to the fraternity, recalled Boucher, now director of student activities and Colket Center. He remembers nothing more than support for the Rose brothers in the Pi Lam house, and how great it was to get the whole fraternity together for the brothers’ basketball games.

“Pi Lam was pretty diverse back then, and it’s great to see that tradition continue, even more so today with current brothers,” Boucher said.

“It’s funny with fraternities, the brothers do end up forming a bond for life, no matter where life takes them,” he said. “And it’s especially tragic when someone who was so full of life, like Gary, leaves us too soon.”

el agent, and enjoyed traveling within the United States and all over the world.

Lynn Huff Meyer ’76, of Roanoke, Virginia, died on Aug. 8, 2021. Meyer, a member of Chi Omega sorority who graduated from Roanoke with a B.A. in psychology, was a dedicated alumna who participated in the College’s Elderscholar program, Henry H. Fowler lectures, Alumni Weekend, and served on the President’s Advisory Board. She and her husband, Julien, were longtime members of the Roanoke College Associates Society. Meyer was active in the Roanoke Valley community, serving in various roles in such organizations as the Roanoke Jaycees, the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra Guild, and the Virginia Museum of Transportation Board of Directors. A lifelong student of nature, Meyer also served as a board member of what is now the Blue Ridge Land Conservancy.

Michael P. Sable ’77, of Alexandria, Virginia, died on June 17, 2021. A mem-

ber of the track team while at Roanoke and a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity, Sable was founder and president of Frontier Helicopters, Inc. in Prattville, Alabama.

He also worked in automobile sales, and loved to fish.

Stephen H. Emick ’80, of Roanoke, died on June 28, 2021. Emick worked for 35 years as an architectural engineer with Norfolk Southern Corp. Emick loved all things baseball and was an avowed political junkie. He was involved with Melrose Baptist Church missions and served as a Sunday School teacher for more than 37 years.

Vance D, High ’80, an educator and academic, passed away on March 21, 2021 at the University of Virginia Medical Center. High graduated with honors from Roanoke College with a bachelor’s degree in biology, and in 1991 earned a master’s degree in education at the University of Virginia. High, whose passion was teaching natural science to middle and high

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alumninews school students, taught in Seattle, Washington, and in central Virginia. In his early 30s, High was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which caused a progressive decline in his health during his later years.

Still, he earned a doctorate in education from West Virginia University in 2012. High had two sons with his wife, Cindy.

Christopher W. Powell Jr. ’80, of Roanoke, died on Feb. 26, 2021. After graduating high school, Powell served honorably in the U.S. Navy. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in English from Roanoke College and a master’s degree in English from what is now Hollins University. Powell is said to have found his greatest happiness in his three grandchildren, enthusiastically sharing his love of teaching with them during recent months of remote learning.

Paul B. Kallan ’85, of North Potomac, Maryland, passed away on May 11, 2021. Kallan earned a B.A. in French from Roanoke and an M.A. in urban planning from George Washington University. He was a senior project manager in the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and served as co-chair of the Asian Pacific Advisory Committee. Remembered as a devoted son, brother, uncle and friend, Kallan was a fierce defender of Indian culture, heritage and tradition.

Mitzi Watts Clinedinst ’87, of Salem, Virginia, passed away on April 3, 2021.

After graduating from Roanoke, Clinedinst worked at the Achievement Center, then

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later within Roanoke City Public Schools.

She has been described as a passionate educator but especially with special education. Clinedinst, a mother and grandmother, spent many summers teaching with the Upward Bound program at Roanoke College.

Nancy Stewart Myers ’87, of Roanoke, Virginia, died on April 27, 2021. Myers, who held a bachelor’s degree from Roanoke and Master of Education from Radford University, worked for nearly three decades with Roanoke County Public Schools as a teacher, reading specialist and assistant principal of Oak Grove Elementary School.

She was a regular attendee of the Margaret Sue Copenhaver Institute for Teaching and Learning at Roanoke College and served on the board of the Virginia State Reading Association. Myers was known for her lavishly decorated Thanksgiving dinners, which included plays and readings in which she and her grandchildren performed.

Marc E. McClure ’90, of Morristown, Tennessee, died Dec. 30, 2020. McClure was a professor of history at Walters State Community College. He was passionate about his academic pursuits and historical studies of military events in France, and had been working in France on a documentary film, “Sword of Freedom,” with a friend and colleague. McClure was the 2018 recipient of the Walters State Community College Annual Faculty Service Award and received the Research Excel-

Clint A. Nichols ’05, of Richmond, Virginia, died on May 31, 2021.

Nichols served as special assistant to U.S. Sen. John Warner of Virginia, an experience that led to Nichols’ service in the presidential campaigns of several U.S. senators, including John McCain. Nichols earned a J.D. from the University of Richmond Law School in 2013, after which he clerked for the Hon. Henry E. Hudson in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. He later entered private practice, most recently with Hancock, Daniel & Johnson, P.C., where he had made partner.

Nichols, who was active in the Richmond community, also served on the Steering Committee of Roanoke College’s Richmond Alumni Chapter. He is survived by his wife, Anny, and newborn son, Willis, parents, Dale and Gary, and brother, Jeremy.

In his memory, Nichols’s family has created The Clint Andrew Nichols ’05 Fellows Program, to provide support to Roanoke College students who need financial assistance in their pursuit of experiential learning opportunities.

lence Award from the East Tennessee Historical Society for his work on World War I aviator Kiffin Rockwell. McClure also received a Martin Luther King Jr. Community Award from the Morristown Task Force for Diversity in 2019.

Christopher P. Sennas ’90, of Nyack, New York, died on May 24, 2021. At Roanoke, Sennas was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and a four-year member of the men’s lacrosse team. After college, he pursued his passion for skiing and moved to Utah. There, he started a 30-year career in plumbing, earning a Master Plumber

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“Always a place at the table” S

usan Gorney Grettler, who served for more than 12 years as the Catholic Campus Minister at Roanoke College, died on April 25, 2021.

During her years at the College, Grettler was well-known by students for her Sunday suppers, and she always had a place at the dinner table for many of the international students. Grettler, who retired in 2008, was an active member of St. Gerard Catholic Church in Roanoke. Most recently, she was the Liturgy Coordinator at the Church of the Transfiguration in Fincastle, Virginia.

Grettler also was an associate member of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Susan is survived by her husband of 50 years, Terry Grettler; two children; three grandchildren; one brother; one sister; and many nieces and nephews.

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license and became a partner in Joe Griffith Plumbing, serving the Park City, Utah community. He is remembered for his fun-loving spirit, deep devotion to family and friends and the great joy he found in music.

Wilma Nichols Thurman ’91, of Moneta, Virginia, passed away on Oct. 19, 2020. Thurman taught kindergarten and third grade at Mineral Springs Christian School in Vinton, Virginia. In addition, she worked at the former Dominion Bank for 17 years. She was a devoted member of Flint Hill Baptist Church in Moneta, where she served in the children’s ministry and the choir.

Christopher W. Joy ’94, of Flourtown, Pennsylvania, died on Feb. 14, 2021. Joy attended Roanoke College but earned his bachelor’s degree from Cabrini College and went on to earn a master’s degree from Gwynedd Mercy University. Joy, who was working on his doctorate from Grand Canyon University at the time of his death, was middle school counseling department chair at Penndale Middle School in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. In 2020, he received the Superintendent’s Honor Roll award.

Joy, who is remembered for his passion for coaching, coached middle school basketball, baseball and track, and youth soccer and baseball.

Ann Marie Trent ’06, passed away on Nov. 19, 2020. Trent was a proud member of the Roanoke College chapter of Mu Beta Psi, a national honorary musical fraternity.

She is remembered for her great love of music, art, cats and people. RC

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NEWS

From the Alumni Association president Dear fellow alumni, Each fall I think back to my time as a new student. That hot day moving into Smith Hall, navigating the pathways across campus to classes and the Commons, and meeting new friends with hopes that the friendships would last forever.

Choosing to attend Roanoke was not by chance. For my family, Roanoke has a strong legacy and has become a tradition of sort. My father, Joe Carpenter III ’65 played baseball and attended Roanoke alongside his sister, Flora (Carpenter) Coffman ’67. My own sister, Beth (Carpenter) Cross ’94, graduated just prior to my arrival on campus. What was important to me was to find my own path. While my dad was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, I joined Kappa Alpha Order as well as Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity and Omicron Delta Kappa Honors Society. The best outcome of my time at Roanoke was that I met my wife, Lori (Devine) Carpenter ’99.

Joe Carpenter IV ’99

“Opportunities abound for alumni to stay connected, and I encourage you to seek them out.”

While Roanoke will always be a tradition in my family, the Roanoke experience for all students is rich in tradition. For the past 16 years, new students put hammer to nail in building a home, R-House, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley. New students learn the words to the Alma Mater and sign their name in the College’s record books, signifying their commitment to the four pillars of a Roanoke College education. And, as graduating seniors, they carve their names in bookcases at the President’s Home at the Senior Class Dinner and sing the Alma Mater at Commencement.

Students walk by the Kicking Post and give it a tap for good luck, and they avoid stepping on the Roanoke College Seal in front of the Administration Building lest bad luck come their way. They line up for Chef Matt’s chicken tendies and Sunday omelets. They hike McAfee Knob, throw Frisbees on the Back Quad, cheer on Maroons at sporting events and join numerous student organizations. For the past 50 years, students have painted the Rock (aka “The Monument”) to share messages and promote events.

The bonds made between students and faculty go beyond their four years on campus. New traditions are made every day, making our Maroon Nation even stronger.

I am excited about new programs that will foster even more tradition for our students — and for each of us as proud alumni. The PLACE, a new center for Purpose, Life and Career Exploration, will not only launch students into high-value careers, but help them pursue lives with meaning and purpose. The new Student Alumni Ambassadors program provides students a leadership opportunity to identify opportunities for new traditions that support students, and bring students and alumni together in more meaningful ways.

I am grateful for the alumni who have chosen to carry on traditions that support students such as those who have become Maroon Mentors, those who take time to share their story with a high school student, those who volunteer to lead their alumni chapter or plan their reunion, and more.

Opportunities abound for alumni to stay connected, and I encourage you to seek them out. As I close, I am reminded that one of our best traditions, Alumni Weekend, is scheduled for April 22-24, 2022 and I look forward to seeing a vibrant campus of Maroons of all ages coming together to celebrate all that is our Roanoke community.

Best regards, Joe Carpenter IV ’99 President, Roanoke College Alumni Association

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alumninews ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NEWS GENE R AT I ONS

Legacy families at Roanoke College AS WE APPROACH THE 180TH ANNIVERSARY of the founding of Roanoke College, it is timely to celebrate the many traditions that help keep our institution strong. Generations of families share a special connection to Roanoke. Legacy families include current students and their parents, grandparents and/or siblings who attended or currently attend Roanoke College.

During each academic year, we take the time to celebrate legacy families and their continued connection to dear old Roanoke, in the following ways: • Move-in Day photos for new students and their legacy family members.

• Family Weekend, held each fall, which gives us the opportunity to celebrate with a legacy family tailgate, legacy family photos, and special tours for legacy siblings.

• Alumni Weekend, held each spring, which includes special tours for legacy siblings.

• Commencement Day photos for graduating seniors and their legacy family members.

To learn more about legacy family traditions, please contact the Office of Alumni & Family Relations at (540) 375-2238 or alumni@roanoke.edu.

If you are an alumna or alumnus of Roanoke, we encourage you to have your family learn more about the College. Much has changed, and much remains the same. Contact the Office of Admissions to learn more at (540)375-2270 or admissions@roanoke.edu.

During Class of 2020 Commencement weekend in May, Elizabeth (Hanney) Fields ’92 and Matthew Fields ’91 demonstrate to daughter Madeline Fields ’20 how to properly execute the post-graduation tap on the Roanoke College seal.

S C RA P B OO K IN GOOD COMPANY This past summer, Roanoke College Board of Trustees member Judy Hall ’69 hosted a gathering of Roanoke College friends and Chi Omega sisters at her home in Ocean City, New Jersey. Attending the weeklong getaway were, from left to right: Mary Swanson Waggoner ’72, Sandy (Nelson) Bates ’69, Judy (Heckendorn) Hall ’69, and Debbie (Diego) Tanis ’70.

CROSS COUNTRY AND TRACK & FIELD ALUMNI MEETUP A group of Maroons Cross Country and Track & Field alumni gathered in Richmond, Virginia, the weekend of March 20. Pictured in front row, left to right, are: Claire Brooks ’17, Caity Ashley ’17, Hannah (Bridges) Horn ’16. Back row, left to right, are: Melissa Bauerle ’16, Ellen Bauer ’18, Margot (Warner) Fintel ’17 and Hannah (Cline) Curtis ’15.

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A VERY SPECIAL WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Ted ’56 and Doris Schneider ’56 celebrated wedding anniversaries with S. Reid ’56 and Joan Warren, and Jay ’57 and Nancy Whitcomb, in August 2021. All three couples celebrated anniversaries in August — for a total of 191 years of marriage! Reid and Jay served as best man and usher, respectively, at the Schneiders’ wedding in 1956.

WHERE MAROONS GATHER Kappa Alpha brothers from the classes of 1966 and 1967 gathered this summer at the home of Shaun McConnon ’66. From left to right: Terry Smith ’67, Gary Trageser ’67, McConnon, Bill Wittel ’67 and Bert McNomee ’67.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NEWS MILEST ONE S

Reunions at Roanoke College

The Class of 2014 celebrate during Alumni Weekend 2019, the College’s most recent one held in person.

ONE OF ROANOKE’S DEEPEST TRADITIONS comes each spring when we host Alumni Weekend and celebrate classes that have milestone reunions. The campus comes alive as alumni return to celebrate with classmates every five years.

Roanoke College hosts reunions for the first, fifth, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th, 45th, and 50th milestones. At the 50th reunion, alumni are inducted into the Roanoke College Honor Guard, joining a distinguished group of lifelong members who gather each year during Alumni Weekend for special activities.

Each reunion class has a Class Agent (or Agents) who helps lead their reunion committee in the planning of their upcoming celebration. To find your Class Agent and to get involved in your reunion planning, visit www.roanoke.edu/alumni or contact the Office of Alumni & Family Relations at (540) 375-2238 or rcalumnievents@roanoke.edu. To ensure you receive information related to your reunion, make sure you keep your information updated via the Roanoke College Alumni Directory, which can be found at www.roanoke.edu/alumnidirectory.

Mark your calendar for the 2022 Alumni Weekend, to be held April 22-24.

The weekend will offer an opportunity for each reunion class to celebrate together. Due to the pandemic, the College also will include classes that would have celebrated their reunions in person during 2020 and 2021 Alumni Weekend.

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MAROON MUSINGS

BY SCOTT SEGERSTRO M ’ 02

Visionary policy: Civilian Climate Corps

I entered Roanoke as kid from suburban Delaware who had never camped, climbed or paddled in his life. Four years later, I was a Maroon with a sense of purpose rooted in a connection to nature.

When I graduated, I built upon this foundation by joining Rocky Mountain Youth Corps in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, gaining experience as a trail builder and wildland firefighter. Later, I joined the U.S. Forest Service and ultimately slept under the stars more than 200 nights a year for most of my 20s. To-

The mission now is to ensure that the unsurpassed beauty of the Blue Ridge remains healthy and accessible for generations of Maroons to come.

Scott Segerstrom at Death Valley National Park in California.

T

here is a reliable first wave of memories that rush in when my mind travels back to my Roanoke College experience. I recall climbing into those iconic white 1990s 16-passenger vans, camping gear rented from the Outdoor Adventures Center shoved in the back, heading deep into the Blue Ridge. There were Friday evening drives down VA-311 for night hikes and campfires in Jefferson National Forest and afternoon paddle trips down the Roanoke River after class.

Looking back, it’s clear how formative those trips were for me.

I developed a love for the natural environment and discovered how time in the outdoors filled me with serenity and joy. Equally important, the College’s outdoor culture was a passport to lifelong friends and mentors who still shape the trajectory of my life.

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day, those experiences guide me every day as the director of the Colorado Youth Corps Association.

While I was on this amazing personal journey, something else was unfolding: Recognition of climate change was permeating mainstream culture, and its effects were becoming undeniable. Once-in-a-century floods were occurring every few years and wildfires were growing in size and ferocity. Summers were becoming hotter and lasting longer.

Affluent communities were able to adapt, and under-resourced communities were being left behind.

The growing urgency of these conditions led President Joe Biden, in January 2021, to propose the creation of the Civilian Climate Corps.

Built upon the shoulders of the existing conservation corps network, this program aims to address the climate crisis and provide meaningful

employment to thousands of youth, young adults and veterans.

The CCC would deploy thousands of AmeriCorps members across the country to perform a myriad of climate mitigation missions including thinning our nation’s forests to reduce the risk of megafires; revegetating burn scars and stabilizing waterways to mitigate floods and mudslides; and installing water and energy efficiency measures in low-income housing to lower bills as well as carbon footprints. It represents the next chapter in the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s, albeit in a much more inclusive model.

Suddenly, I now find myself in a position to make a small contribution to a critical movement.

On July 21, 2021, I testified before Congress about how the CCC represents the best of government, channeling taxpayer resources into an efficient, proven solution that will be of service to all Americans. Shortly after, my organization announced our new “Colorado Climate Corps” initiative which will help prove the viability of a national climate corps effort. Our Colorado program uses American Rescue Plan dollars to engage six conservation corps to deploy 240 members across the state annually for the next three years.

The opportunities I have to improve communities today have their roots in hikes up to Dragon’s Tooth and the hours of bonding in those vans, traveling down I-81 with another adventure ahead. The mission now is to ensure that the unsurpassed beauty of the Blue Ridge remains healthy and accessible for generations of Maroons to come. I am proud to have a small part in that effort. RC Scott Segerstrom ’02 is executive director of the Colorado Youth Corps Association. He holds a B.A. in English from Roanoke. He is the recipient of the Governor’s Service Award for Outstanding Community Leader. To watch Segerstrom’s opening statement before the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands on July 20, 2021 visit https://tinyurl.com/23jua3a7.

COLLEGE ARCHIVES

BY LINDA ANGLE MI LLER , C OL L E G E A R C H IV IST

The great time capsule mystery

A contact sheet full of photos from the 1961 library cornerstone laying ceremony.

A

fter 37 years in the position of archivist, I still stumble across something I didn’t know about “Dear Old Roanoke.” This latest surprise came while researching Honor Guard “Fun Facts” for last year’s virtual Alumni Reunion.

I knew about Operation Bookswitch — when the freshman class in 1962 carried 30,000 books from Bittle Memorial Library to the new Roanoke College Library on High Street. That event, orchestrated by

then Director of Student Activities Don Sutton (with his bullhorn) with Librarian Lucille Snow and other staff members running the show inside the two libraries, took 2 hours and 13 minutes.

Portions of that event were saved on film, later reformatted and shown to that class at their 50th reunion. What I didn’t know was when the library cornerstone was laid on Saturday, Nov. 4, 1961, after the Board of Trustees meeting ended, there also was inserted a time capsule containing a plethora of College-related

someone with skills in that kind of thing.

Contents of the time capsule included:

When the library cornerstone was laid on Saturday Nov. 4, 1961… there also was inserted a time capsule containing a plethora of Collegerelated items.

• Pins of the three sororities and four fraternities

items. There was nothing said about what kind of container the time capsule was, so I wondered if it was merely a cardboard or wooden box filled with those special items. I feared that said box had ended up in a closet somewhere and later was discarded as being a “bunch of old stuff,” which frequently happens in my business.

The time capsule was scheduled to be opened 50 years later — on Nov. 4, 2011. But that didn’t happen.

The Old Guard had long since departed, and no one else of that era thought about it, at least as far as I knew.

Recently, again while looking for something else, I read a line that perked up my spirits: The time capsule was a copper box! Certainly, that could still be around “inserted into the cornerstone.” How or if we remove it will be a task given to

• 1961-62 and 1962-63 catalogs • Copy of the “Master Plan of Action” • RC “Bulletin” for January 1961 • A photo of faculty and staff, 1961-62 • A list of students • Copies of The Roanoke Times and the Salem Times-Register • The Oct. 27, 1961 edition of Brackety-Ack

• The Library Building Fund contributor list • And, finally, tape recordings of Roanoke College’s fifth and sixth presidents Dr. Charles J. Smith and Dr. H. Sherman Oberly; Librarian Janet Ferguson, Class of 1899; and seven faculty members — Dr. George Gose Peery, Mr. Delma Rae Carpenter, Dr. Charles R. Brown, Professor Miles Masters, Professor Julius Prufer, Professor Joseph A. Hackman and Dr. Ashley Robey.

Funding of the new library was the first part of The Anniversary Challenge, which would culminate at our 125th anniversary in 1967.

The amount of money raised, from 1961 to 1967, was $750,440 — a most remarkable amount for the 1960s!

(Minimum wage then was $1.15.)

Three times Roanoke won an Alumni Giving Incentive Award, sponsored by United States Steel Foundation, for our alumni response. A headline in The Roanoke College Collegian journal for Summer 1962 bragged, “We met and passed the ‘Challenge.’”

Our next Challenge will be to retrieve that time capsule, if possible, and share its contents — visually — with you. Stay tuned! RC

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relic:

Rock of Ages

noun. An object surviving from an earlier time, especially one of historical or sentimental interest; an artifact having interest by reason of its age or its association with the past.

The storied history of Roanoke College’s iconic Rock is lively, complicated, much-debated and well, thoroughly entertaining. In the spring of 1970, so the story goes, John Mulheren ’71 masterminded construction of the Obelisk, a student monument that College administration quietly removed that summer. Refusing to be thwarted, Mulheren rallied more than 300 students to fund a larger monument that fall. The 10-foot-tall concrete pylon, now known as the Rock, gradually evolved into its current use as a campus bulletin board, painted and repainted with news, slogans and announcements of campus events. Rock tales are many — including that its original purpose was to memorialize the four students killed in the Kent State shootings in 1970; and that it was dedicated to a custodian who worked in the Sections dormitory complex; that its early years consisted mainly of a battle between graffiti artists and Buildings and Grounds, with B&G painting over the graffiti only to have the graffiti soon reappear. A storied history indeed. Suffice to say that at age 51, the Rock shall not be moved — and painting it is now a wonderful Roanoke College tradition.

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MAKE A GIFT TO THE ROANOKE FUND AND YOU HELP STUDENTS FIND THEIR PURPOSE IN THE RESEARCH LAB IN COMMUNITY SERVICE ON THE ATHLETIC FIELD IN THE CLASSROOM AT A CAMPUS JOB These are just a few of the places where students discover something deeper in themselves and start to build a life of purpose.

When you give to the Roanoke Fund, the College’s annual operating fund, you support the connections that create a lifelong impact. You help provide moments of discovery that turn into a lifetime of meaning. You support the mentoring culture on campus, with caring faculty and staff who help students pursue their passions.

The Roanoke Fund touches every aspect of a Roanoke College education. When you give, you help students find their purpose at Roanoke.

Give today to support the deep personal Roanoke education happening inside and outside of the classroom. Visit www.roanoke.edu/givetoday or contact Suzanne W. Hiner, Director of the Roanoke Fund at (540) 375-2088.

Thank you to all who support Roanoke College.

Your generosity, leadership and loyalty set our students on the path to success. By investing in the future of Roanoke College, you give the gift of an extraordinary education. We are grateful for your support.

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