professors here and I feel like I’m getting a better education because of that,” she says. Barbara McKee Bays ’78, a Bittle Scholar herself, also formed relationships with her professors. One in particular — the late foreign language professor Lynn Eckman — inspired her to create a scholarship of her own. “She was quite an inspirational figure and the person I wanted to grow up to be,” Bays recalls. Bays was able to establish the scholarship thanks to a foundation created by her father. “My father knew the value of an education,” she says. “He wouldn’t have gotten one himself if it hadn’t been for the scholarship he received. My father showed my family and me that it’s important to be there for people who need that chance.” The Rev. Dr. Theodore Schneider ’56, a member of the Roanoke College Board
Katie Holland’s extensive study abroad experience has confirmed her vocational calling — working for the U.S. Department of State.
cost of the student’s education. Through contributions to the campaign, the College can assure motivated, capable students a place among Maroons. Roanoke Rising will also provide defining experiences through student support. Top tier institutions recognize that students who travel, engage in internships, participate in research, develop creative works and assist others through service learning are better educated and prepared to meet the world’s challenges. They are also more marketable to employers and better able to adapt to a diverse or global work environment. While Roanoke offers these experiential learning or hands-on opportunities, the College must ensure that all students have equal opportunity to participate in them. Katie Holland ’14 witnessed the impact of study abroad in her life. As an in18
ternational relations major and a recipient of the David Bittle Scholarship — named for the first president of Roanoke College — she’s already studied in France and visited eight countries in the process. A lover of language and world cultures, she studied in China through a U.S. Department of State program while in high school. Her next study abroad program at Roanoke will take her there again. “Eventually, I’d love to work for the State Department, possibly within a foreign embassy,” she says. Not only has Holland’s experience confirmed her vocational calling, she has come to appreciate the learning environment at Roanoke. After being in big, lecture-style classes abroad, she found Roanoke’s personalized focus to be invaluable. “I’ve formed relationships with my
“Roanoke was transformational in my life. Over my time here I became an accountable and grounded adult. Roanoke gave me a safe, supportive environment to grow.” RICK OGLESBEE ’95 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBER AND ALUMNI EXECUTIVE COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Roanoke College Magazine