Roanoke College Magazine, Issue 1, 2017

ROANOKE COLLEGE MAGAZINE ISSUE ONE 2017

Table of Contents

5 D EPARTMEN TS 2

PRESIDENT’S PEN BOARD OF TRUSTEES

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SNAPSHOTS

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WE HEARD FROM YOU...

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COLLEGE NEWS • Five Smart Women • Roanoke College Medalists • Dr. Norman Fintel, 1925–2017

12 FEATURES

32 ATHLETICS NEWS • Historic season!

12 The Maxey Years A president’s first decade

36 ALUMNI NEWS • Class Notes • Weddings, Families • In Memoriam

BY DAV I D T REA DWEL L

16 17 for 2017

46 MAROON MUSINGS Norman Fintel’s Lutheran Legacy

Cherished artifacts that tell the story of Roanoke.

22 Where to, from here?

48 ROANOTES How many chairs?

Members of the Roanoke College family share hopes, dreams for the future.

30 Campaign News • The Tree of 40 Fruit • Dedications, celebrations...

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AT LEFT AND INSIDE BACK COVER: In this year of marking milestones, celebrating the first 60 years of Roanoke magazine.

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ON THE COVER: Marking Milestones: Reflection, remembrance and reminiscense. Photo illustration by Sam Dean and David Harris.

ROANOKE.EDU

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PRESIDENT’S PEN

Roanoke College Magazine

elcome remarks at Commencement always provide an opportunity for me to remind graduates how vastly the world has changed during their four years at Roanoke.

This year, I reminded the Class of 2017 that the pace of national and world events since they arrived on campus on Aug. 24, 2013, has been a dizzying mix of highs and lows. Across the globe there were stubborn old problems and emerging new ones.

But I also pointed out that the skills and other gains acquired by Roanoke graduates prepare them for dealing with these problems. Analyzing information. Thinking critically.

Communicating well with reasoned arguments. Appreciating the beauty and goodness of life.

Moreover, I told graduates that I hope they keep learning and that they rely on relationships formed here. I closed with the hope that Roanoke College will serve them for all of their days.

That is our hope — that the gains acquired, relationships formed and successes enjoyed at Roanoke lead alumni to have positive influence in an increasingly challenging world.

To support our hope for Roanoke Maroons, the College has made great investment in improving student success over the years. Those investments have greatly enhanced students’ experiences. In fact, Roanoke students are enjoying unprecedented successes. For the spring semester, record numbers of students returned to Roanoke to continue their studies. The retention of students into the 2017 fall semester looks equally positive, meaning more students than ever are thriving here.

Next fall, we will have a record five students participating in the Fulbright Program. Faculty and staff are creating programs to help students reach their highest potential. Our core curriculum, Intellectual Inquiry, continues to provide students with an outstanding, broad education.

We won’t rest on these laurels but will continue to seek ways to serve students effectively. Roanoke treats seriously its “most momentous” duty to provide a superior education for students.

Go Maroons!

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“

Roanoke treats seriously its “most momentous” duty to provide a superior education for students.

”

Michael Creed Maxey

Editor Leslie Taylor Contributing Editors Jenny Kincaid Boone ’01 Teresa Gereaux ’87 Alumni News Linda Lindsay Archives Linda Miller Contributors Jenny Kincaid Boone ’01 Chaplain Chris Bowen Jason Bradford ’01 James France David Hall ’18 Kathryn Snell Harkness ’73 Dr. Benjamin Huddle Juliet Lowery Sharon Nanz ’09 Leah Russell ’79 David Treadwell Photography Richard Boyd Sam Dean Carissa Szuch Divant Pete Emerson ’80 Ryan Hunt ’18 Design & Production Mikula-Harris Printing Bison Printing

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 Public Relations 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 Public Relations Office 221 College Lane Salem, VA 24153-3794 rcmagazine@roanoke.edu

2016 – 2017 | board of trustees Mr. Morris M. Cregger, Jr. ’64, chair Ms. Kathryn Snell Harkness ’73, vice chair The Reverend James F. Mauney, D.D., secretary Mr. Mark P. Noftsinger, treasurer Mr. Michael C. Maxey, president of the College Mr. Kenneth J. Belton, Sr. ’81 Mr. Kirk Howard Betts Dr. Paris D. Butler ’00 Ms. Pamela L. Cabalka ’76 Dr. M. Paul Capp ’52 Mr. Joseph H. Carpenter, IV ’99

Ms. Joanne Leonhardt Cassullo ’78 Mr. W. Morgan Churchman ’65 Mr. Malon W. Courts ’92 Mr. James Spencer Frantz, Jr. 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 Mr. John E. Lang ’73 Mr. Patrick R. Leardo Mr. Michael A. Martino ’79

Ms. Nancy B. Mulheren ’72 Mr. Roger A. Petersen ’81 The Reverend J. Christopher Price ’75 Mr. J. Tyler Pugh ’70 Ms. Margaret Lynn Jacobs Reichenbach The Reverend Dr. Theodore F. Schneider ’56 Mr. Thomas A. Stevens ’90 Mr. Andrew K. Teeter ’71 Ms. Helen Twohy Whittemore ’80 Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. McCartin (Ann K.) (Ex-officio, Co-Chairs of the Parent Leadership Council)

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) 375-2547 Colket Center............................................... (540) 378-5125 Intercollegiate Athletics................................. (540) 375-2338 Olin Box Office..............................................(540) 375-2333

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© 2017 Roanoke College. All rights reserved. Roanoke College, Classic for Tomorrow and associated logos are trademarks of Roanoke College.

snapshots “Smooch a Pooch,” sponsored by the National Society of Leadership and Success, Roanoke College chapter on Valentine’s Day to raise money for a Roanoke shelter (top left, continuing clockwise).

• “Steve Max, Master of Simon Sez” provided midgame entertainment at “Maroon Madness,” a kickoff celebration of the College’s 175th anniversary.

• A joyful Jose Alvarado ’18 reacts to his win at the March 18 Roanoke’s Got Talent competition. With him is emcee Najee Fuller ’18. • Olivia Kitt ’20 and Peyton Holahan ’20 participate in a Feb. 18 joint day of service with Hollins University at Feeding America Southwest Virginia. • Brilliant blue sky + fresh, stark-white snow = photo perfection. • President and Mrs. Maxey strike a classic American Gothic pose at the Tree of 40 Fruit-planting March 16 in the Olin Hall courtyard.

George Arthur, retired professor and technical director of Olin Hall, presents Frank Bittle III ’66, at right, with a bowl made of Bittle Tree Tulip Poplar wood.

PR Director Teresa Gereaux connected Arthur and Bittle — whose great-great grandfather was Dr. David Bittle, Roanoke College’s first president — during Alumni Weekend in April. Frank Bittle had expressed interest in the Antrim Chapel’s new Bittle Tree of Life Cross, also made of wood from the Bittle Tree, which was planted by Dr. Bittle. Arthur helped design the cross. Photo by Teresa Gereaux.

For more on the Bittle Tree of Life Cross, see page 8.

wE hEARD FRoM you LE TT ER S, TW EETS & FAC E BO OK POST S

LETTERS

SOCIAL MEDIA

Regarding the Alumni News article (Issue Two, 2016) about the passing of my friend and colleague, Bill Branscom: There was an omission from the listing of his many fine honors and achievements.

The attached headline and article from the April 21, 1950 issue of The Brackety-Ack tells the story.

Steve Max @SimonSezGy

William J. Linkous, Jr. EDITOR’S NOTE: Attached to this letter from Mr. Linkous was a copy of the article he referenced. Headline: “Branscom & Linkous In National Debate Meet: Outstanding TKA Men Represent Rke. College At West Point Tourney.”

Contacted in April about the outcome of that debate tournament, Linkous said, “As I recall, we only won in the first round of the finals. The winner was the University of Pennsylvania team. Interestingly, the Penn team was composed of a future United States senator, Arlen Specter, and a future federal district court judge, both from Pennsylvania.”

It was lovely to see the mention of our family ancestor, Beung Kiu Surh, in your latest edition. (“Roanoke College Firsts”, Issue Two, 2016). However, it was a great disappointment to see the misspelling of our family name as “Suhr.” It may, however, be some consolation to note that Roanoke magazine staff is neither first nor alone in committing that error. Please be so kind as to note the correction, and if at all possible, to update your electronic edition.

Tina Surh EDITOR’S NOTE: Correction duly noted, updated and shared with Tina Surh. She responded: “Thanks in advance for helping us set the surname record straight!”

Roanoke Maroons @RCmaroons

My new friends and Simon Sez champs @Roanoke College.

Congrats on 175 years & your brand-new Cregger Center! @RCmaroons #GoMaroons James Pennix @JamesPennix

Great luncheon at Roanoke College to honor a great couple — former President Norm Fintel and his wonderful first lady Jo Fintel. #NokePride

Shout-out to Business Affairs and Dining Services for the cooking tips and tricks at this morning’s all-staff meeting!

The National Model UN conference was an eyeopener for the Roanoke College delegation. Students learned that multilateral diplomacy at the global level presented different challenges.

Dr. Joshua Rubongoya

BEHIND THE SCENES On March 20, photographer Sam Dean, at left, spent a full day shooting in the College Archives for our “17 for 2017” feature (page 16) and discovered that photographing artifacts requires great patience, care and white-glove treatment.

College Archivist Linda Miller and photo assistant Griffin Pivarunas ’16, at right, slipped on gloves to handle the historically rich items, including this rare 1477 Koberger Bible, which Alexander Rice, former governor of Massachusetts presented to third College President Julius Dreher on one of Dreher’s many fundraising trips across the North.

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

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collegenews Fulbright winners, left to right, Stephanie Shields, Brieanah Gouveia, Savannah Scott, Edyth Cisneros, Kristin Wicander.

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My professors have always encouraged me to push myself and jump in head-first to every possible opportunity.

— Kristen Wicander ’17

”

A record five Fulbrights!

A RECORD NUMBER of Roanoke College students have earned Fulbright awards this year.

Five students, all women, learned this spring that they will be studying and conducting research in Austria, Spain, Mexico, Germany and Scotland with the prestigious Fulbright program.

In addition to these awards, Roanoke students were finalists for Fulbright, Marshall and Rhodes scholarships — programs so selective that being named a finalist is an honor.

Savannah Scott ’17 accepted a Fulbright study/research award to the University of Technology of Vienna, Austria (the Technische Universität Wien). Scott, of Huntington, New York, is a biology major, with minors in chemistry and French. She will be studying water quality in Austria from October 2017 to June 2018.

Kristen Wicander ’17 received a Fulbright Student Award as an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) in La Rioja, Spain.

Wicander, originally from Moodus, Connecticut, is a Spanish and psychology major. Wicander’s Fulbright program covers an academic year, and she will be working with children ages 6-12, teaching English, as well as social studies, science, and American culture.

Edyth Cisneros ’17, a communications and Spanish major, also earned a Fulbright Student Award as an ETA to Mexico.

She will be teaching English there for an academic year, start-

ing in September. She will begin in Mexico City then move to her permanent ETA placement. Cisneros also will be working on a mini documentary series about the other side of immigration — those left behind.

Stephanie Shields ’17 has been selected for a Fulbright U.S. Student Award to Germany. She will be doing research in the lab of Dr. Lutz Wiegrebe at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München in Munich, Germany. Shields will contribute to the work of Wiegrebe on vocal learning — the capacity to learn to produce new sounds through imitation — in the bat species Phyllostomus discolor. Shields, of Yorktown, Virginia, and a psychology major with a neuroscience concentration and a German minor, is salutatorian of the Class of 2017.

Brieanah Gouveia ’17 has received a Fulbright Study Award to Scotland’s University of Glasgow for an art history program titled “Collecting and Provenance in an International Context.”

The program involves classroom and field work, dissertation research, and work placement, where Gouveia, of Waimea, Hawaii, hopes to gain experience with a law firm on art-related alternative dispute resolution, or in the provenance section of an auction house or museum. Gouveia — an art history major with concentrations in legal studies, and the classics and ancient Mediterranean world — will obtain a master’s degree as part of her Fulbright experience.

— Teresa Gereaux ’87

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collegenews R OA N OKE CO LL EG E M E DA L IS TS

Former “first couples” receive College medal

Dr. David and Susan Gring, seated, react to remarks from President Mike Maxey during the Medalist ceremony.

TWO FORMER ROANOKE COLLEGE presidents and first ladies received the College’s highest award during Alumni Weekend in April.

Dr. David Gring and his wife, Susan, and Dr. Norman Fintel and his wife, Jo, were this year’s recipients of the Roanoke College Medal, presented during the Society of 1842 luncheon in the College’s Cregger Center. Norm Fintel, who had been battling cancer, passed away the morning of the luncheon. Jo Fintel accepted the award along with her family.

The medal, given annually, recognizes people who have demonstrated leadership, intellectual integrity, and a dedication to serving their communities. This year marks the 50th year of the medal.

Gring, Roanoke’s ninth president, oversaw the College’s sesquicentennial celebration, and he led The Difference campaign, which included the building of the Belk Fitness Center, the Colket Center and Sutton Commons, and the renovation of West Hall. The College’s endowment quadrupled to $94 million through this campaign.

While president, Gring focused on strengthening the student body. During his tenure, financial aid improved dramatically and scholarships awarded based on academic competition became more prevalent at Roanoke. The student body represented 38 states and 24 countries, with double the percentage of minority students than a decade prior.

The College’s academic standing also climbed.

Once listed as one of the Best Regional Colleges in the South, Roanoke was named one of the 6 ROANOKE COLLEGE MAGAZINE | ISSUE ONE 2017

Best National Liberal Arts Colleges in U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, in 2004, Roanoke gained a prestigious Phi Beta Kappa chapter.

Susan Gring was devoted to her role as first lady at Roanoke, hosting events and traveling with her husband to alumni events around the country. She did this while she maintained her career in health care, holding several positions including her role as the executive director of the Carilion Foundation.

Fintel, Roanoke’s eighth president, was known for his extraordinary work growing and enhancing the College, from the size of its student body to its endowment, which doubled during his first five years.

Major building and expansion occurred on campus during Fintel’s tenure, including the construction of Olin Hall, the College’s Fine Arts home, and the Bast Center. The College also acquired the Elizabeth Campus property and the former Roanoke County Courthouse, which is now West Hall, home of the Business Administration and Economics department.

Fintel also started the Honors Program, and he strengthened Roanoke’s relationship with the Lutheran Church. He enhanced the College’s Religion & Philosophy department by hiring new faculty, and he invited the Virginia Synod, which represents Lutheran churches in the state, to move its offices to Roanoke’s campus.

Jo Fintel spent her time traveling thousands of miles with her husband on behalf of the College, and she welcomed many guests and dignitaries into their home. She also volunteered in the community with the Achievement Center and its Foundation. In 1981, The Salem Times-Register named her Mother of the Year.

An anonymous donor named Fintel Library for Norm and Jo Fintel in 1991.

Jo Fintel, with son, Dr. William Fintel, accepts Medalist award. Her husband, Dr. Norman Fintel, died the morning of the Medalist ceremony.

Norm and Jo Fintel in February, standing in front of the library that bears their name.

“ A T R A N S F O R MAT I O N A L P RE SID ENT”

Dr. Norman Fintel, 1925–2017 In the midst of big changes for Roanoke, Fintel maintained a close relationship with the College’s community — its students, faculty and staff.

DR. NORMAN FINTEL, Roanoke College’s beloved eighth president and one who spearheaded significant growth at the College, died April 7, after a battle with cancer. He was 92.

The role of a college president was a good fit for Fintel, who many regarded as a master planner.

Mac Johnson ’70, former vice president and dean of students at Roanoke, remembers a retreat for the College’s vice presidents that Fintel organized at Smith Mountain Lake.

He wanted the leaders to discuss and debate his 1992 Plan for Excellence, which was Roanoke’s first strategic plan.

At one point, Fintel excused himself to take a nap while the vice presidents continued talking and planning, Johnson said.

“He was not a micromanager,” Johnson said. “He understood that he couldn’t do it all.”

Indeed, much of what Fintel accomplished at Roanoke was a result of him putting the right people in leadership roles to make decisions.

These accomplishments are evident today.

During Fintel’s tenure, F.W. Olin Hall, home of the College’s Fine Arts department, art gallery and theater, was built and expanded. Also, Roanoke purchased the Elizabeth Campus property and the former Roanoke County Courthouse, now West Hall, which houses the Business Administration and Economics department, as well as the Public Affairs and Religion and Philosophy departments.

More buildings went up on campus while Fintel was president, including the C. Homer Bast Center and the Donald M. Sutton Student Center.

Along with campus infrastructure growth, Roanoke’s enrollment increased from 1,200 to 1,500 during Fintel’s years. It historically was a time of shrinking enrollment for many colleges.

At the same time, Roanoke’s endowment rose an impressive 400 percent from $4.6 million in 1975 to $23 million in 1988.

Fintel left his mark in other areas as well. He strengthened Roanoke’s ties with the Lutheran church, including building a

stronger Religion and Philosophy department by recruiting Dr. Robert Benne, a Lutheran scholar, to come to Roanoke as the Jordan-Trexler Chair in Religion. Fintel also invited the Virginia Synod, which represents Lutheran congregations throughout the state, to move its offices to the College’s Bittle Hall, so that it could have a physical campus presence.

In the midst of big changes for Roanoke, Fintel maintained a close relationship with the College’s community — its students, faculty and staff. In fact, the Fintels lived inside the Fowler House on campus for some years during his presidency because they liked being close to the students.

Dr. Bobbye Au, a retired English professor at Roanoke, once said that Norm Fintel had an unusual ability to “keep a foot in the ivory tower and a foot in the real world.”

For their work at the College, the Fintels each received honorary degrees from Roanoke in 1989.

Fintel’s imprint on Roanoke continued, even in his retirement.

In 1991, the new Fintel Library opened, named for the Fintels by an anonymous donor.

The former college president went on to serve as an interim administrator at California Lutheran University for some time.

He also became more involved in the Roanoke Valley, including serving as president of the River Foundation, a nonprofit sponsoring the Explore Park in Roanoke County.

In the past few years, the Fintels moved to Brandon Oaks, a retirement community in Roanoke.

Fintel is survived by his wife, Jo, and their children, Peggy Fintel Horn (Doug), Barbara Fintel Collins (William) and William Fintel (Connie) as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Horn and her husband, Doug, are 1978 graduates of Roanoke.

She is a member of the College’s Board of Trustees.

— Jenny Kincaid Boone ’01 To read more about Dr. Fintel’s tenure as president of Roanoke College, please see “Maroon Musings” on pages 46 and 47.

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collegenews SYM BO LI C CR O SS

New life for historic tree

The Bittle Tree of Life Cross, made of wood from the historic Bittle Tree.

integrating important symbols of biblical literature and THE BITTLE TREE, which once stood tall on Roanoke’s the College.

Turbyfill Quad, was planted by Roanoke’s first presi“We show who we are and what we do through dent, Dr. David Bittle. symbols,” Bowen said.

The tree stood for more than 100 years and grew One great symbolic theme in both the Bible and the into an imposing tulip poplar. The College nurtured the Roanoke College community is the tree. The College is tree to the best of its ability, but after lightning strikes populated with sacred and wind damage, it “Trees, like humans, grow when trees, planted by or for became a hazard and had members of the commuto be taken down.

Though the original tree they have deep roots and branches nity. The Bittle Tree of Life Cross is the third symbolic itself was removed, it still with room to stretch out.” feature in the Antrim remains part of the camChapel. Features also include the two banners on pus in the form of the Bittle Tree of Life Cross. either side of the altar.

The Rev. Chris Bowen, Roanoke’s dean of the Bowen and Arthur drafted idea after idea until they chapel, was inspired to update the Antrim Chapel with settled upon a cross, 4’8” wide and 7’6” tall, that a newer, symbolic cross using wood salvaged from the features a tree with firm roots planted in the ground Bittle tree once it had been cut and felled. He enlisted and branches extending upwards.

George Arthur, retired professor and Olin Hall technical “Trees, like humans, grow when they have deep director, to execute the task. roots and branches with room to stretch out,” Bowen One of Bowen’s goals, since joining the College said. community in 2013, was to update Antrim Chapel by

D E DI C ATI ON CER E MO N Y

New look, name for Outdoor Adventures Center ROANOKE COLLEGE’S Outdoor Adventures Center has a new home, a new look and a new name.

On April 8, the center, now located on the first floor of the Bast Center, was dedicated to McMillan “Mac” and Marcy Johnson. Mac Johnson ’70, retired vice president and dean of students at Roanoke, created and led the College’s Outdoor Adventures program for many years. Marcy Johnson provided support for the program as well.

“Mac has been so many things to so many people in this room,” said Charles Hammond ’98, speaking to a crowd gathered for a dedication ceremony in front of the center’s new location. Hammond attended many outdoor adventure trips with Mac Johnson while he was a student at Roanoke.

Hammond described Johnson’s impact on him and so many other students who bonded with the dean and outdoors lover on countless adventure quests.

The center’s new location is

“Mac and Marcy spent their professional careers helping students.”

— President Mike Maxey

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housed in a former ticketing area of the Bast Center. The doorway to the space was reconfigured to resemble a trail shelter, while a mountain mural is painted on the walls surrounding the entrance. Inside, the center houses outdoors equipment for rent, including kayaks, mountain bikes, backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, camping supplies and more.

The center is a legacy to the Johnsons’ impact on Roanoke students, President Mike Maxey said during the ceremony.

“If we had a scale of deserve-ability recognition at Roanoke, Mac and Marcy would knock the top off the scale,” Maxey said. “When Mac gave advice to many students, he never called attention to himself. He never asked for recognition for himself ever.”

“Mac and Marcy spent their professional careers helping students,” Maxey said.

— Jenny Kincaid Boone ’01

Mac and Marcy Johnson after the “rope-cutting” ceremony that officially opened and dedicated the new Outdoor Adventures Center, named in honor of the beloved couple.

“

QUOTABLE

“What we’re doing, a lot of people are looking at it like we changed their lives, but really it’s them changing ours.”

”

“Many other accomplishments of these small-brained creatures rival those of humans or even surpass them...The size of brain needed for specific cognitive tasks is not clear.”

— Quote from Dr. Valerie S. Banschbach, environmental studies professor at Roanoke College, in a New Scientist article titled “Ants craft tiny sponges to dip into honey and carry it home.”

— Zach Harrell ’18, a member of the Board of Directors for “I’m Just Me,” a nonprofit organization that serves as a community for teens and adults to embrace diversity, self-pride and value themselves as an individual.

“Political and civic affairs should never be a spectator sport in a democracy. our nation requires active citizenship at every level. we have a special opportunity to mobilize our resources and interests to make our society a better one.”

— Quote from a Roanoke Times commentary by Roanoke College President Mike Maxey and John Williamson III, chairman of RGC Resources and a member of the Botetourt County Board of Supervisors.

“We really appreciate that people are willing to give back to a charity that can really use as much help as it can get when it comes to kids who need food on the table every night.”

— Adam Yesbeck ’17, speaking about a charity dodgeball tournament, hosted by Roanoke College to benefit Micah’s Backpack, a charitable organization that partners with nine Blacksburg schools to provide direct food assistance for children from low-income families.

“One explanation for why we seek out such entertainment is at some points in our life we are meaning seekers. We’re not always pleasure seekers, although it seems we are …But there are times we become meaning seekers, when we want something more.”

— Dr. Guan-Soon Khoo, assistant professor of English, speaking at “The Hard Stuff: Tragic Films, Reflection and Transcendence” Coffee Shop Talk.

“The argument I make is that over the last few generations America has become a less traditionally Christian society, a society in which institutional churches have become weaker and weaker, without becoming a society that is in any way fully secularized or fully post-Christian in any meaningful way.”

— Henry H. Fowler Program speaker Ross Douthat, author of “Bad Religion: How we Became a Nation of Heretics,” which traces institutional Christianity’s decline.

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collegenews

A 175th anniversary ďŹ reworks display lights the nighttime sky during Alumni Weekend 2017.

Photo by Sam Dean.

BY DAV ID T RE ADWELL

When Michael C. Maxey became president of Roanoke College in 2007, he brought with him 22 years of administrative experience at the College and a vision to raise its sights and stature. How would the College, under his leadership, respond to the complex challenges that lay ahead? Would a man who bled maroon have the objectivity to make the tough decisions to get things done?

Ten years ago, I interviewed Mike Maxey, a few months after the presidential medallion was draped around his neck, officially establishing the 11th president of the then-165-year-old College. I had the pleasure of interviewing him again earlier this year, asking that he reflect on the past decade. The results, I learned, have been extraordinary.

PRESIDING OVER

A DECADE OF GROWTH

Roanoke Rising: The Campaign for Roanoke College In 2013, Roanoke College launched a $200 million campaign designed to propel the College into the top ranks of America’s leading liberal arts colleges and preeminent institutions of higher learning. The five-pronged approach set a goal of enhancing the College to an unparalleled degree: two new campus facilities — the Cregger Center and the Science Center; enhancements to academic programming and faculty support; greater financial support for students; growth in annual giving; and an ability to embrace new ideas.

“At first we planned to raise $125 million,” Maxey says. “Then we raised the goal to $175 million. Then, after asking, ‘How can we really go big for our students?’, we raised it to $200 million.” That decision proved sound. To date, over $184 million has been raised. “We will get there,” Maxey says with quiet confidence.

The “game changer”

RICHARD BOYD

The first visible symbol of the fruits of Roanoke Rising was the completion in August 2016 of the 155,000-square-foot, five-floor Morris M. Cregger Center, named for Morris Cregger ’64, chair of Roanoke’s Board of Trustees and member of the a Roanoke Athletic Hall of Fame. “All things considered, we had a greater need for a new science building,” Maxey says, “but with gifts in hand and a vision for the College and community impact of the Cregger Center, we decided to move forward. The result exceeded all expectations.”

Maxey describes the Cregger Center as “both beautiful and functional. Presidents of other colleges have commented on the magnetic quality of the facility, and they’re

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right. [The facility] will help attract more students of all kinds, including more scientists.”

On the fund-raising side, “we had a terrific response,” Maxey says, noting that more than 600 people contributed $33 million to build the facility and fund the landscaping. “We created a third quad for the campus.”

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The Core Curriculum: Putting a premium on passion The core curriculum at Roanoke is based on a simple premise: Students learn best when they’re exploring something that truly interests them. Unlike many colleges that require a series of introductory courses in various disciplines, all of Roanoke’s core courses are topicbased. For example, instead of taking a generic Introduction to Chemistry course, students might choose “Chemistry and Crime,” where they use forensic chemistry to solve crimes. Or, instead of Statistics 101, students might choose “Statistics and the Weather” and discover how statistical analysis is used in weather forecasting.

“We worked hard on the INQ curriculum, and I believe we got it right,” says Maxey. “The faculty did the heavy lifting. I marvel at the work taking place in INQ classes, many of which I have observed firsthand.”

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Environmental consciousness: Lucas Hall The much-needed renovation of Lucas Hall set a higher bar for all of Roanoke’s academic facilities. The project retained the classic character of the 1940’s-era building, while expanding it from 13,449 square feet to over 26,000 square feet; increasing the number of classrooms from seven to 13; expanding meeting spaces throughout; and incorporating mobile furniture for greater flexibility.

Lucas, which houses the languages, is the College’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified building, underscoring the College’s commitment to sustainability. “When you walk into Lucas, you sense right away that it’s a great place for teaching and learning,” Maxey says. In a similar vein, the 2012 construction of New Hall — the College’s second LEED-certified structure — set a higher standard for the residence halls on campus.

Proof is in the performance Experts in the higher education world confirm the excellence of Roanoke’s faculty and the overall learning environment.

Over the past 10 years, faculty have been recognized with state and national awards that include the H. Hiter Harris III Rising Star Award, sponsored by the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges; the Outstanding Faculty Award from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia; Virginia Professor of the Year award from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education; and election to the International Society for Science and Religion at Cambridge University.

Building bridges to the community…

“The strategic plan called for Roanoke College to become more involved in the Roanoke Valley,” Maxey explains. The College has made great progress on that front. Over 1,000 students a year take service-learning courses, which give them the opportunity to apply the lessons learned in the classroom to addressing problems in real-world settings.

At the same time, Maxey has increased his own visibility in the 14 ROANOKE COLLEGE MAGAZINE | ISSUE ONE 2017

community. He sits on a number of local boards, including the Board of Directors of United Way of Roanoke Valley, and joined the Roanoke Times Writers Group, a group of community leaders who write occasional commentaries on issues of local, state and national importance.

“Our efforts to increase our engagement with the community and the region have impacted hundreds of students and thousands of local citizens,” says Maxey, pleased with the steady progress of this deliberate initiative.

...and the world Before he became president, Maxey led efforts to bring Palestinian students to campus. “Domestic students gain so much from the presence of Palestinians,” he says, “and the Palestinian students gain much life experience and perspective from being here.”

Two enterprising Roanoke seniors — one Palestinian and one Jewish — took the bridge-building commitment to a higher level.

While taking a course on the Holocaust, they decided to create an Israel-Palestine Peace Month on campus. The event, launched in 2015, features speakers from around the world, performances by bands composed of Palestinian and Jewish musicians, and informal discussions in classes and around campus.

“The event has attracted people from the larger community who are drawn here out of curiosity,” Maxey says. “It says something about the atmosphere around here that the events have been totally peaceful.”

whom are good friends. It makes good sense to maintain the morale of the people who do so much for our students.”

4

Strong support “I’ve received tremendous support from my predecessors, [eighth president, the late] Norm Fintel and [ninth president] David Gring,” says Maxey. “They’ve walked the walk; they know the job. They may have called to say that something doesn’t look right or to comment on a bit of good news.”

Maxey’s wife, Terri, “has done her part,” he adds. “In addition to attending receptions and being a presence on campus, she travels to Florida with the women’s lacrosse team on spring break. The students love her, even calling her, ‘Mama Maxey.’”

Going to the source As for the rewards of the job, Maxey points to the great support he has received from the Board of Trustees, the administrative team, alumni and friends. “People have responded to every call. I could have done nothing alone.”

That said, connecting with students gives him the most satisfaction.

“Whenever I’m having a bad day, I go down to the Commons and talk with students. I always come away more excited about my work.”

What lies ahead…

(1) Inauguration, October 2007. (2) President Maxey confers with Board of Trustees Chair Morris Cregger ’64 at a men’s basketball game against Bridgewater College in February. (Roanoke won 63-41.) (3) Participation in the annual RHouse construction for Habitat for Humanity has become a tradition for Mike and Terri Maxey, seen here at the 2015 build. (4) The Maxeys bravely endured the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge at orientation in 2014.

Seizing teachable moments When an event of great importance occurs on the national stage, Maxey is excited about “teach-ins,” opportunities for the College community to assemble and discuss the implications. The signing of the first immigration order by U.S. President Donald Trump sparked such an assembly, prompted by the concerns of students. Maxey joined several faculty members in the atrium of the Colket Student Center in February to address the issue and answer questions.

Maxey took a minor role, choosing to briefly speak only twice.

“I told them about Roanoke alumnus Sam Rasoul ’02, who became the first Muslim elected to the Virginia General Assembly. I also told them that hatred and bigotry are never right. I was taking a human position, not a political position.”

Maxey believes that engaging in civil discourse is a powerful way for students to process the events of the day in a meaningful way and to become better citizens.

Standing through the Recession Mike Maxey assumed the presidency at Roanoke College right before the 2008 recession, the nation’s worst economic setback since the Great Depression. Undaunted, he and the Board of Trustees made a bold decision: Continue to give raises and lay off no one. Few, if any, colleges in the nation took such a stance.

“Roanoke has operated in a fiscally conservative way for a long time,” Maxey explains of the decision, “so we came into the recession in a strong position. We care deeply about these people; many of

When asked about future plans, Maxey cites two major needs: endowment and the Science Center.

The Science Center comprises the second piece of the “nextgeneration campus” component of the Roanoke Rising campaign.

With the Cregger Center completed, focus now shifts to the creation of a state-of-the-art complex that will link the Life Sciences, Massengill Auditorium and Trexler Hall buildings into a modern complex. Here, small groups of complementary disciplines will work alongside one another, as they do in the real world.

“We’ll focus on building a new science center, which will cost nearly $50 million,” Maxey explains, “and we plan to increase our endowment to provide more funding for scholarships, which is a critical need.”

Roanoke College also is placing greater emphasis on helping students discover what they care deeply about, what they do well and how they relate to the world. This “whole student” initiative helps students chart their path through college to acquire the knowledge, experiences and skills they’ll need to pursue what they love and make a meaningful contribution to the world.

“We want Roanoke to be known for helping students find their own unique life path that they’re passionate about and helping them develop a plan to build the skills, knowledge and confidence to make a real difference,” Maxey says.

A job well done Every person associated with Roanoke College can take pride in the achievements of the last 10 years. As Maxey reflects on the decade, it becomes clear that momentum at the College is strong; the future looks bright and the world has taken notice. The giving rate to the Annual Fund has increased from 15 to 23 percent over the period.

Moreover, the College received a record number of applications this year: over 5,100 applications.

Take a bow, President Maxey, for leading the way. RC

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For 2017 17b As part of Roanoke College’s 175th anniversary celebration, several students of Dr. Whitney Leeson, professor of history, conducted a “17 for 2017” independent study. The students — M’Elise Salomon, Diamante Cornish, and Kristin Price — all members of the Class of 2017, explored 17 objects from the College Archives. The objects — from 1838 silver spoons that were part of Louisa Bittle’s dowry, to a 1986 menu from Mac and Bob’s restaurant — intriguingly illustrate the history of this institution. Oh, the stories they tell…

1

Gym Shorts

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1916: Well-worn with age, these gym shorts belonged to Hunter Monroe Painter from Troutville, Virginia, who played center on the College basketball team. Fellow classmates who knew him as C.E.D., the nickname embroidered on the waistband, remembered Hunter for his tremendous athletic ability and “unlimited pep.”

2

Typewriter

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1920, possibly 1922: Leonidas McReynolds, a professor and business manager of the College, owned this 1918 vintage Blickensderfer typewriter. Unlike most typewriters of the time, the Blickensderfer had interchangeable font spools, a technological innovation that did not become popular until the IBM electric Ballpoint typewriter of the 1970s.

16 ROANOKE COLLEGE MAGAZINE | ISSUE ONE 2017

3

Cavern Furnit ure

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1970s: The chairs and graffiti-inscribed table date back to the 1970s when the Cavern was an entertainment venue located in the basement of the Student Center. The Cavern was a favorite hangout for students, Dean Donald Sutton, and faculty who could purchase a hamburger with sides and a drink for $1.50, served up in red plastic baskets just like the ones still in use today. The legal drinking age was 18 and students regularly enjoyed sipping their favorite frothy beverages while dancing to local bands and playing pinball — three games for a quarter.

4

Student Lamp

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5

Commencement Program

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Originally 1877: John Dutton Fray of Madison County, Virginia, owned this lamp while a senior at Roanoke College. Even though the lamp is missing its glass shade, people can still imagine Fray diligently practicing his Greek oration for the 1877 Commencement Ceremony.

After graduating from Roanoke College, Fray became a high school teacher, then principal, in Madison County.

1877: Following the death in 1876 of Dr. David Bittle, Roanoke College founder and first president, the pomp and circumstance of the 1877 commencement was remarkable. Every graduating senior gave a speech, three of which were in Latin, Greek and Hebrew; musical interludes separated each speech, as well as those of invited dignitaries; and the inauguration of the College’s second president, Dr. Thomas Dosh, concluded four days of honorifics. In the margins of this commencement program, an anonymous note-taker dutifully recorded the length of time per entry. Total time in his or her seat — 4 hours and 7 minutes.

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For 2017 17b

6

Mac and Bob’s Menu

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1986: Bob Rotanz and Jim McEnerney, both graduates of the Class of 1978 and members of the national championship lacrosse team, founded Mac and Bob’s in 1980. The restaurant quickly became a local favorite, and after McEnerney left Salem, Joe Dishaw joined Bob as his business partner. This menu reflects Mac and Bob’s third renovation and Virginia’s new alcohol policy, which increased the legal drinking age from 18 to 21. Mac and Bob’s became a full-fledged restaurant when they decided to expand the menu as a way of keeping seats filled.

7

Silver Spoons

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1838: A gift to the College from the fifth-generation grandson of President David Bittle, this set of silver spoons comprised a portion of Louisa Catherine Bittle’s dowry at marriage. President Bittle’s descendant happily donated this priceless family heirloom to the Roanoke College Archives to commemorate our founder’s legacy.

8

Letter Sweater

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1940s: By the 1940s, letter sweaters had become quite popular among the student body population.

A Roanoke Student Handbook from the era even included a step-by-step guide to earning the muchcoveted letter. Gentlemen could only wear the sweater after earning a letter in the sport of his choice. Female students did not earn letters until after World War II, when women began playing intercollegiate sports.

While a few athletically inclined women opted for a sport, most Roanoke College women fulfilled their physical education requirement by participating in the May Day Pageant.

9

Computers

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Late 1980s: Curiously enough, the most modern of our featured artifacts comes with the least information. This Macintosh SE/30 desktop computer came to the archives as an out-of-date piece of computer equipment, along with its companion, a Toshiba laptop, vintage 1987. It has the RC label used by IT, but little other information.

Several chemistry professors in the 1980s used the Mac. So did others in the intervening years, as the college was not yet committed to Mac or PC.

10

Football

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1935: During the 1934-1935 academic year, Harry Suttner led the Roanoke College football team to a 4-5 season. The RC football team faced regional schools including Virginia Tech, Richmond College, and William and Mary. Keeping with custom, the entire team celebrated the close of the season by signing the football.

11

Elson Textbook

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1904: The 1904 United States History textbook written by Henry Elson was a bestseller of its kind in the early 20th century. While the textbook was not overly critical of the South, it did offer a more nuanced view of the institution of slavery, which greatly offended Judge William Moffett, a trustee of Roanoke College. When Judge Moffett demanded that the textbook be removed from his daughter’s assigned readings, Professor Herman Thorstenberg politely declined and Roanoke College President John Morehead supported his right to academic freedom in textbook selection. Infuriated by the College’s stance, Judge Moffett and a third of the College’s Board of Trustees resigned and withdrew their financial support, encouraging other like-minded individuals to do the same. Despite serious financial consequences and damage to the College’s southern reputation, the faculty and students of Roanoke College championed the pursuit of academic freedom above the tyranny of censorship.

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For 2017 17b

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x

Early Scrapbook

1913-1916: Mr. Joel L. Borden, class of 1914, owned this scrapbook depicting his time at Roanoke College. Even though the blue and yellow binding is a nod to our academic colors, Borden spent far more time documenting extracurricular rather than curricular experiences. Individual pages feature snapshots of his class prank, which involved placing a cow on the second floor of the Administration Building in the winter of 1914 when a large snowstorm struck Salem; the original gate on Heritage Walk; and a candid of Borden and his friends in their dorm room. Among his keepsakes were copies of the 1913 Literary Celebration program and the 1914 Salem Choral Society program.

13

“R at ”Hat

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1966: John H. Turner donated his “rat” hat to the College Archives at his 50th class reunion. From about the late 1920s to 1978, every freshman at Roanoke College donned a “rat” hat for the first half of their fall semester. At any time, upperclassmen could approach an unsuspecting “rat” and ask them to belt out the College cheer or sing a rousing rendition of the alma mater. Not only were ‘”rats” subject to impromptu recitations, but they lined up last in the dining hall line. Roanoke College retired the “rat” hat tradition in 1973.

14x Trout Marbles

1876 and 1895: After Professor William Yonce’s death in 1895, students, faculty, and alumni proudly commissioned a monument to honor their beloved professor and mentor. They placed the marble marker in Trout Hall next to the 1876 marker dedicated to our first president and founder, Dr. David Bittle. Removed during the 2004 renovation of Trout Hall, the marbles were placed in a field behind the College shops where College Historian Dr. Mark Miller recently discovered them after a bit of sleuthing.

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Bittle Papers

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Year unknown: In March of 2017, as part of our 175th celebration, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg brought “The Bittle Papers” to the Roanoke College Archives. This treasure trove of documents, a collection of most of the Rev. Dr. David Bittle’s extant papers, includes sermons, lectures and essays; outlines of many baccalaureate and graduation speeches delivered at Roanoke College; and a few more mundane items such as annual budgets and lists of building materials.

\

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Stereopticon

1890s: Stereopticons, similar to children’s View-Masters of the 1940s, were all the rage with students and faculty in the 1890s. Students collected a variety of cards depicting scenes ranging from the life of Christ to illustrations of grand hunting expeditions. Some cards featured images of famous sites throughout Europe, which professors used in the classroom to enliven lectures on European history.

The card shown here depicts the Roanoke College campus.

17

x

Signed ODAC Softball

2002: On April 28, 2002, Amy Layman hurled a three-hitter to ensure a 9-3 victory over Lynchburg College at the ODAC championship, held at Salem’s Moyer Sports Complex. The Maroon’s victory paved the way to our first NCAA playoff championship in softball. Roanoke made it all the way to the final round — a remarkable accomplishment for a program then only in its fifth year.

Photos by Sam Dean. Special thanks to Dr. Whitney Leeson, Dr. Mark Miller and Linda Miller.

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Onward In this issue of the Roanoke College magazine, we chose to reflect on the College’s past, examine the present, and project what lies ahead in the future.

Addressing the past and the present was a fairly straightforward proposition. But how to best capture the latter of the three tenses required some thought.

We asked several members of the Roanoke College community these questions: What are your hopes for the College’s future? Where does the momentum that has carried the College forward for 175 years now take us? We then asked that they share their thoughts in short essays.

The result was a moving collection of writings that perhaps, more than anything, reflect how deeply people care that this institution continues, as Leah Russell ’79 wrote, to “serve students academically, socially, personally and professionally, as we have for 175 years.”

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Broadened branches

BY CHAPLAIN CHRIS BOWEN

I

love “Dear Old Roanoke,” our people and our historic calling and mission.

This spring, we symbolized our 175 years of momentum with the new Bittle Tree of Life Cross in Antrim Chapel, a symbol made of wood from the Bittle Tree that depicts a tree with deep roots and broad branches reaching out and up.

For me, this is our story.

I have great hope that our momentum will cause us to grow more fully into the institution our founders dreamed of: a place where students see the importance of deep roots to support their hopes in life; a community that sees how the polarization that alienates the world today can be met by and transformed through a Lutheran liberal arts education.

Five hundred years ago, Martin Luther recognized that life is not head or heart, it is head and heart; it is not servant or leader, it is servant and leader. In this vision it is possible to see individual and community, economy and environment, faith and reason, the humanities and the sciences, and unity and diversity — not as opposing entities we must choose between but as compliments to be simultaneously connected and cultivated.

This vision, wherever captured and taught, has the ability to change lives and the world for better and for good.

I believe a Roanoke College education will prepare students, wherever they are planted, to be agents of reform and restoration in the 21st century. For 175 years, this has been the legacy of Dear Old Roanoke. Dr. Bittle’s clarion call to our momentous duty, our vocation, is at the heart of what our college has been striving to do for generations of Maroons.

Opportunities abound for us to take up this mantle, deepen our roots and multiply and broaden our branches.

As we seek to renovate our Science Center, recruit new faculty and staff, grow our enroll-

“” I believe a Roanoke College education will prepare students, wherever they are planted, to be agents of reform and restoration in the 21st century.

Chaplain Chris Bowen

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ment and increase the number of scholarships we can offer, the vocation Bittle endowed to us will continue to provide momentum.

At the heart of what Roanoke has been and what it is becoming are Maroons leading the way to a world that allows more people to fully flourish. As Luther once said, “this life is…not being, but becoming; not rest, but exercise; we are not yet what

we shall be, but we are on the way...this is not the end, but it is the road.”

Maroons, we are on the way. Our roots are deepening and our branches are broadening. As we move into the next 175 years, I am thrilled to be part of this amazing group of people, who are cultivating this life-changing tree we call Dear Old Roanoke.

Chaplain Chris Bowen is Timothy Pickle Dean of the Chapel at Roanoke College.

Maintain what is good

BY KATHRYN SNELL HARKNESS ’73

“”

R

oanoke College has been and continues to be a special place for me and for so many alumni. I consider myself lucky to be among the tens of thousands who have been educated and influenced by the College over the past 175 years.

I met my husband and life partner as a student there. He was a senior and I was a freshman, and we’ve been together over 40 years. I found a life’s passion in teaching at Roanoke and was

Kathryn Snell Harkness ’73

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The very essence of Roanoke College is that everyone there, at any time, is part of a real community with a bond of shared values and experiences.

taught how to pursue that passion. I earned a B.A. in English and was mentored by some extraordinary faculty. I made friends during my years there, and they continue to share in my life to this day. My husband met his future business partner at Roanoke. His wife is also a graduate and friend from those college days.

This small, independent liberal arts college helped me grow, and learn and discover who I was and what was important to me.

The people who worked and taught there had a profound influence on how I approached life and what I did with my life.

I had gifted and inspiring teachers. The head of the English department, Dr. Matthew Wise, offered me opportunity and pushed me to excel in ways that helped me realize my own abilities and interests. He gave me a job working in the English department and mentored me in my passion to become a high school English teacher. I modeled some of my own teaching after the “dreaded” and amazing English Seminar course he fostered and taught at Roanoke.

Other teachers, such as Homer Bast and Dr. Kenneth Garren (to name just two), taught not only coursework but also reflected life lessons and values to their students. The people who work there, then and now, are caring, genuine and build lasting relationships in so many ways.

As I look around the campus, I see an institution with a

growing reputation as a nationally ranked liberal arts college that is committed to its core values and to its students. Its many historic buildings are maintained, improved and repurposed for a variety of needs. New buildings and technologies enhance and improve student educational experiences and opportunities.

This blend of old and new on campus conveys the importance of the school’s history and its future.

So what makes Roanoke College so special? How does one define the essence of the school and what it has meant to so many of us? Almost universally, graduates of other schools are amazed at the love alumni have for the school. The experiences of undergraduate life at this unique college came at a critical time of growth for many of us.

For me, Roanoke College is a place that helps young people become better students, better people and better members of society. At Roanoke, students are able to make personal connec-

tions. The school is responsive and interested in us as people with potential and promise for transformation.

The very essence of Roanoke College is that everyone there, at any time, is part of a real community with a bond of shared values and experiences. Everyone, from the president, the staff, the faculty, the resident advisors in dorms, and the people who work in the Commons and around the campus, notices you, cares about you and listens to you.

Roanoke was a home in the best sense of the word for many of us. It was where peers, mentors, supporters and friends were part of and shared the Roanoke experience.

My hope for Roanoke College is that it never loses its very special sense of family, and that it continues to inspire and teach us all for years to come.

Kathryn Harkness is vice chair of the Roanoke College Board of Trustees.

She is a former professor at Northern Virginia Community College.

Why I came, why I stay

BY DAVID HALL ’18

I

magine: a path and a pendulum. Now really imagine them. Listen to the dirt under your feet or hear the soft whistle of the weight, swinging from side to side. The differences between the two are obvious.

Through warm pastures or dark valleys, paths lead us somewhere. Their means have an end.

Pendulums, on the other hand, swing back and forth showing us only the rotation of the earth, something we can’t control. A path is an act of defiance, a pendulum an act of acceptance. For our purposes today, we can choose either one as how we see Roanoke’s future.

At 175 years, Roanoke College must decide whether it is on a path or on a pendulum. No doubt we live in turbulent times. Do we swing toward chaos, away from reason? Or do we set a path, however arduous? Those who still believe in the path, who believe we can repair the missteps of our past, might be seen as naive by many. Maybe they’re right. But isn’t it better to walk, even naively, on a path than to swing cynically on a pendulum?

If we decide to swing on the pendulum, we must realize our position. It might be moving so fast that we can’t see where we are or where we’re going. All we know is that eventually we may begin to move away from our intended position.

What does this look like in real life? In a general sense, perhaps it’s treating students like consumers and an institution like a product to be dished out in the most efficient way possible. There are examples: greatly increasing class size; reaping financial benefit through the offering of online classes; putting athletics before academics. Nothing inherently wrong with

“

David Hall ’18

We can carve a path, stick to our values and trust that we have this thing right.

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these practices, but they’re not for Roanoke.

We can carve a path, stick to our values and trust that we have this thing right.

The other day I was reading on the Front Quad and in an hour’s time I said hello to President Maxey, had a long conversation about politics with Chaplain Chris, and engaged with a friend about some personal problems the friend was struggling with.

There’s incredible value to a community like that, a commu-

nity where people hold one another up and remain accessible to all. This is why I came here.

I remember getting a handwritten note from an Admissions officer on my 18th birthday. No other school did that.

The value that I feel here is why I came and it’s why I stay.

And if we carve a focused path, it’s why students like me will continue to come here.

David Hall is a rising senior at Roanoke College. He is editor of The BracketyAck, the Roanoke College newspaper.

Where to, after the “firsts?”

BY JULIET J. LOWERY

D

iversity is woven deep into the history of Roanoke College, but something we seldom talk about. As we celebrate the College’s 175th year, how many of us are familiar with the following Roanoke “firsts”?

International Students • First Choctaw student, 1870 - Jacob Battiece Jackson • First Oneida student, 1898-1900 - Frank Ford Cornelius • First Mexican student, 1876 - Adolph Gonzalez • First Mexican graduate, 1888 - William (or Guillermo) Sebastian Saunders • First Japanese student, 1888 - Hidei Fukuoka • First Korean student and graduate, 1893-1898 - Surh Beung Kiu Faculty • First black tenure track male, 1991 - Dr. Joshua Rubongoya • First black full-time female, 1999 - Dr. Cheryl Hopson (visiting instructor) • First black tenure track female, 2004 - Dr. Erica Cooper • First female Ph.D., 1956 - Dr. Patricia Gathercole U.S. Students • First black student and first black female, summer 1964 - Virginia Maxine Fitzgerald • First black resident student, first black male resident and first black athlete, 1967 to 1971 - Franklin Allen • First women to graduate after RC becomes coed, 1931 - Margaret Fisher and Mary Morehead (both attended only 1930-31) I arrived at Roanoke College in August 2007. The campus has gone through many transformations since my arrival: The increase in enrollment. The addi-

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Juliet J. Lowery

“” “” Diversity is important.

We must embrace the varied views that each member of the College community brings to our campus.

tion of new buildings and renovation of old. The change in our curriculum.

The change in our student demographics. We see an increased representation of underrepresented and marginalized students; more matriculating international students; and a changing campus community mirroring the diverse society that we live in.

I see a college campus where students, faculty and staff have

a true love of learning. Yet with all the wonderful and innovative ideas, and bodies of work, we still struggle with the idea of diversity and inclusion.

We speak with pride of our great community of students, faculty and staff. It’s time that we celebrate the diversity that makes us unique. The Roanoke “firsts” we pulled from the College archives and noted above, should be front and center, and shared whenever we talk about Roanoke College to prospective students and their families, and currents students, faculty and staff.

Diversity is important. We must embrace the varied views that each member of the College community brings to our campus. “Diversity Means All of Us” is the motto we strive to live by in the Office of Multicultural Affairs, and one that I try to model daily.

Roanoke College must make an effort to truly be the diverse and inclusive community we often speak of. Let’s put our words into action and weave diversity, inclusion, social justice and equality into the everyday lives of Roanoke students, faculty and staff.

This is my hope for Roanoke College.

Juliet Lowery is director of multicultural affairs at Roanoke College.

“Firsts” information was provided by Linda Miller, Roanoke College archivist.

For the sciences: Opportunity

BY DR. BENJAMIN HUDDLE

I

n the 1960s, the Roanoke College Board of Trustees decided that Roanoke would evolve from a locally respected small college to a college with a national footprint. The board wanted most of the faculty to have earned a terminal degree. They expected students, faculty members and administrators to be recruited nationally. They expected the science programs, long a strength of the College, to be flagship departments, with faculty members performing cutting-edge research and with students excelling in graduate schools, in medical programs and in industry.

The board supported that vision with the construction of a state-of-the-art science facility — Trexler Hall, Massengill Auditorium and the Life Science Building. I remember the campus-wide excitement when we moved into that new science center in 1969.

Since then, we have grown in many dimensions. Our student body has increased from about 1,000 to about 2,000 students.

The size of the faculty has expanded from about 60 to over 120.

The chemistry program was approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) in 1972; the biochemistry program was certified in 2014. Other programs on campus are also accredited.

The College was awarded a Phi Beta Kappa chapter in 2004.

The level of faculty scholarly activity has more than doubled. We have more publications, more professional presenta-

I believe we are poised for progress, and I see many opportunities through which Roanoke College can continue its upward trajectory.

tions, more students doing scholarly research and internships, and more artistic and creative activities than ever before.

I believe we are poised for progress, and I see many opportunities through which Roanoke College can continue its upward trajectory.

Among those opportunities is renovation of the Science Center.

The reputation of the sciences at Roanoke College has spread widely over the past 50 years. Graduate schools, medical schools, pharmacy schools, veterinary schools, even business

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Dr. Benjamin Huddle

schools, know that our students are well-prepared to enter their programs. High school science teachers and guidance counselors know they can send their students to Roanoke College and they will get a first-class education in the liberal arts and sciences.

We teach the same chemistry courses and conduct the same laboratory experiments as at large, public universities. Our chemistry courses for non-science majors, such as forensic chemistry, environmental chemistry and nutritional chemistry, are taught by our full-time, regular faculty, the same faculty

who teach our chemistry and biochemistry majors.

We are doing good things in the sciences at Roanoke College.

But like many of us, the Science Center, constructed in the late 1960s, is showing its age — in space, utilization and aesthetics.

The world looks much different today than 50 years ago. I would love to see the excitement of 1969 return to the sciences at Roanoke College. It will take faculty, students, administrators, alumni and friends with “2020” vision for that to become a reality.

Now is the time to start.

Benjamin Huddle is professor of chemistry, emeritus at Roanoke College.

Valuing the Roanoke experience

BY LEAH L. RUSSELL ’79

J

en, Heather, Katrina, Lou. Chris, John, Michael, Steve.

These are only a few of the amazing women and men with whom I have had the pleasure to work and build lasting relationships in my service to Roanoke College.

The value of the Roanoke experience starts with the connections students make as they begin their Maroon journey.

While these connections are strong, long-lasting and unique to a small, liberal arts college, they are especially unique to the Roanoke College experience.

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I was mentored by C. Homer Bast, a legend in the history of Roanoke College. He served the College for more than 30 years and in many roles, including registrar. I was fortunate to serve as his student assistant. Mr. Bast, who described himself as “a salesman of self-confidence, self-discipline and respect for hard work,” showed me the importance of being part of the Roanoke College community and the significance of the relationships we build. From my perspective, this lies at the heart of what will successfully carry us forward.

“ ” We cannot allow machines, the Internet or any other collection of systems to replace the important relationships that open the doors to the future for our students.

Today, we are dependent on technology. It drives our days, both personally and professionally, but it will never replace the value of personal interaction.

Our faculty choose to teach in a small college setting so they may know their students. They are dedicated to mentoring students, to fighting for what is right in a complicated world, to posing views for others to grasp, question and challenge.

In my role as registrar at Roanoke, I challenge myself to find ways to serve the needs of our constituencies in a progressive, convenient and effective way. We work to simplify processes rather than complicate the lives of those we serve. In the end, the innovative, time-efficient, technology-friendly methods are helpful, but they do not replace the need for and value of person-to-person interaction.

Most days, I meet with students. In those meetings, we talk about their challenges, their dreams for the future and their plans for life after Roanoke.

Those conversations are emotional, indeed, with the sharing of ambitions and the excitement for what will come. I offer to connect them with alumni in fields in which they have interest, recommend internship opportunities or, sometimes, just listen.

No version of technology can replace the value of those personal interactions. We cannot allow machines, the Internet or any other collection of systems to replace the important relationships that open the doors to the future for our students.

Looking forward, regardless of how much our world changes, the benefit of face-to-face relationships will remain. When I was a student, President and Mrs. Fintel knew us, embraced us and influenced us. The same is true today of President and Mrs. Maxey. I am confident that the generations of Maroons to come will respect the value of the Roanoke College experience, and we will continue to serve students academically, socially, personally and professionally, as we have for 175 years. RC Leah Russell is associate dean/registrar at Roanoke College.

Leah L. Russell ’79

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campaignnews

“

From the minute I saw the image of the tree, I knew we needed to have one on campus.

— Joanne Leonhardt Cassullo ’78

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GIVING WITH PURPOSE

Artist and Syracuse University associate professor Sam Van Aken positions what will become the “Tree of 40 Fruit” into the ground at Olin Hall during a March 16 ceremony. At left are Terri Maxey, first lady of Roanoke College, Trustee Joanne Cassullo. At far right is President Mike Maxey.

S Y M BO LI C IN S PIR AT IO N

40-fruit tree planted on College grounds A “Tree of 40 Fruit” that will one day grow to bear dozens of fruits, reserved its place outside of Olin Hall during a small ceremony in March.

Artist Sam Van Aken began planting and grafting these trees — works of art and conservation — as a way to save the shrinking varieties of stone fruit, such as peaches, plums and cherries.

The beauty of these trees has caught the attention of many, including reporters from NPR and CBS. It also caught the attention of Roanoke College Board of Trustees member Joanne Leonhardt Cassullo ’78, who is responsible for bringing Van Aken’s art to Roanoke.

“I heard about Sam Van Aken’s ‘Tree of 40 Fruit’ in a board meeting for a New York City-based public arts organization,” Cassullo says. “From the minute I saw the image of the tree, I knew we needed to have one on campus. In fact, I felt it was our destiny.”

To make the piece unique to the College, Van Aken will pull varieties of fruit from around the state.

“Each ‘Tree of 40 Fruit’ is different as they are all made specific to the site where they are located.” Van Aken says.

“Leading up to the project, I research the varieties historically grown in the area and identify local orchards where I can collect material to graft to the tree. For Roanoke I’m excited to learn about a new region of the country and [have] the opportunity to work with historical orchards in Virginia, including

those at Monticello.”

In addition to being a professional artist, Van Aken is an associate professor of sculpture at Syracuse University School of Art whose pieces have been featured nationally and internationally.

“For me, the ‘Tree of 40 Fruit’ visually symbolizes what it is like to live on a private, residential, liberal arts campus like Roanoke College.” says Cassullo. “Students come from all over the country, if not the world, and live together for four years — and as a whole, blossom into one gorgeous student body by the time they graduate. It is almost a living portrait of our students.”

By the time the tree matures, in about seven to eight years, it will display a multitude of colors corresponding to the different fruit. This is accomplished through the grafting process, during which bits of one fruit tree are carefully cut and spliced onto another tree so that the receiving tree can retain multiple types of fruits. Grafting has been around for millennia and is a very common practice, even taken up by President Mike Maxey — another reason to bring the piece to campus, according to Cassullo.

“One of the reasons Roanoke College is so special is because of President Maxey’s inspired leadership, and this tree will remind all of us of him when we see it,” Cassullo says.

— David Hall ’18

campaignnews

DEDICATIONS uring Alumni Weekend 2017, the brothers of Kappa Alpha dedicated a rose garden at the President’s House. The garden was planted to honor the many sweetheart “Roses” of Kappa Alpha, a number of whom attended the ceremony. Hours later, Pi Kappa Phi alumni held a dedication ceremony establishing the Pi Kappa Phi Centennial Plaza on the grounds of Chesapeake Hall. The ceremony celebrated the 100th anniversary of the chartering of Xi Chapter at Roanoke College on May 5, 1916. Both projects were made possible by special giving initiatives for The President’s Fund for Excellence.

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Dudley Woody ’74, left, and Xi Chapter President Samuel Chaplin ’18 unveil the Pi Kappa Phi Centennial Plaza plaque.

“Roses” of the Beta Rho Chapter of Kappa Alpha at the rose garden dedication.

Centennial Plaza pavers and bricks in honor of PKP members.

A toast to the Monument! he Monument Club, a new giving group sponsored by 1970’s-era alumni, made a grand toast to the Monument during Alumni Weekend 2017.

The 10-foot-tall concrete pylon on the Back Quad, now known as “The Rock,” was built in the 1970s. It still stands, primarily as a means of publicizing campus events, but moreover, as a symbol of the free expression that characterized the ’70s.

The Monument Club was established in 2016 to acknowledge the connection many alumni have with the Monument. The Class of 1972, which celebrated its 45th reunion this year, made plans to commemorate the 1970s era during Alumni Weekend 2017. As part of the ‘Revolution #45” reunion, a new giving group called The Monument Club, was developed in support of the Roanoke Rising Campaign.

Monument Club membership, which currently stands at 99, is open to anyone in the 19691979 class years who makes a donation of $25,000 or more in cash, deferred gifts, or a blended cash and deferred gift, to the Roanoke Rising Campaign prior to June 30, 2017.

“Revolution #45” was co-chaired by Patsy Stevens ’72 and Doug Clark ’72.

T

CAMPAIGN PROGRESS

GOAL:

$200,000,000 $186,613,799*

For more information, please contact: Mary Grace Theodore, Assistant Vice President, Resource Development and Campaign Director, at theodore@roanoke.edu or (540) 375-2487.

* As of May 31, 2017.

Monument Club members gather at the Monument on the Back Quad for the grand toast.

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athleticsnews

“

The success validates what we’ve been doing, and this will open some doors for us.

Maroons knocked off Washington & Lee on May 8 to claim the first league title.

Historic season!

After clinching ODAC title, RC baseball team closes season at the College World Series.

THE ROANOKE COLLEGE BASEBALL TEAM was in the “Big Apple” over Memorial Day weekend. No, not New York City, but Appleton, Wisconsin, home of the NCAA Division III World Series.

The Maroons hit the big time in just their 15th season as a varsity sport, shattering the school record for wins with 35.

That was 12 more than the previous record as the Maroons won the Old Dominion Athletic Conference for the first time,

then stunned the South Region by winning that tournament as the lowest seed. Roanoke then went 2-2 in the World Series, battling to the NCAA “Final Four” before being ousted.

“This was a tremendous accomplishment for our program,” said Roanoke coach Matt McGuire. “The success validates what we’ve been doing, and this will open some doors for us.

More talented players are going to want to come to Roanoke.”

This has all happened in just 15 years of baseball as a var-

— Coach Matt McGuire

STEVE FROMMELL, D3PHOTOGRAPHY.COM

” Maroons baseball team and staff at NCAA D3 World Series in Appleton, Wisconsin. Coach Matt McGuire is in first row standing, fourth from the left.

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sity sport. Roanoke College was without varsity baseball for over 50 years when some enthusiastic students approached then-Sports Information Director Ken DeBolt about starting a club team in the fall of 1997. Stephen Dean ’00, who played high school ball in Massachusetts, talked DeBolt into coaching the Roanoke nine. And, nine is what it literally was.

“We had nine players,” said DeBolt, who is now director of athletic communications for Hobart and William Smith Colleges. “I remember one game my shortstop told me he had to leave in the middle of the game to go work at Mac and Bob’s. I had to play shortstop myself for the rest of the game.”

By 2002, the dream of having an NCAA Division III program team became a reality, but it didn’t come easy. Kelly Dampeer, who was named baseball coach in 2001, remembers his first team meeting.

“I had 25 guys show up at the meeting and I asked everyone who pitched in high school to raise his hand,” said Dampeer. “No hands went up. Then I asked was there anyone who pitched at all. Two players raised their hand.”

If good pitching makes a good team, that was reflected in that first Maroon season. Roanoke lost to Lynchburg College, 24-1, in the team’s first varsity game. “And we scored first,” Dampeer noted.

Roanoke went 0-13 in 2002, but the seeds had been planted. The program grew under Dampeer, then Richard Morris, and in seven years under Salem-Roanoke Valley Baseball Hall

They opened the World Series with a win May 26 over the top seed, Oswego State, but, after advancing to the semifinals, two losses to Washington & Jefferson College ended the dream season.

“They were the best team we faced all year,” said McGuire, who vowed to return.

“We’ll be better next year,” he said. “We lose 10 seniors who have been the heart of this program, but we have key pieces coming back.”

of Famer Larry Wood the Maroons were respectable, just missing a berth in the ODAC tournament several times.

When Wood retired following the 2012 season RC Director of Athletics Scott Allison ’79 found the right man for the job in McGuire. A lifelong winner, McGuire played for a state champion in Dixie League, a Virginia High School League state champ at Roanoke County’s William Byrd High School and a conference champion team at the College of William & Mary. He boldly predicted the Maroons would win the ODAC in five years.

“I told them that before my first season and they thought I was nuts,” McGuire said. “But I truly believed it, and we did it.”

The program is now thriving. McGuire had 43 players in uniform this season and every one was a recruited player. This spring the team got off to a 14-3 start before hitting a bump in the road, losing a doubleheader at home to Bridgewater on March 11. However, the Maroons continued to battle and clinched a spot in the ODAC tournament on the last weekend of the season.

They got hot in the postseason, sweeping Washington and Lee University at Lynchburg City Stadium to win the ODAC, then knocking off the top seed, Salisbury University, twice in the South Region to capture the title at Dan Daniels Park in Danville.

The Maroons were playing with house money in Wisconsin, and it was a great trip. The team broke up a long bus ride by attending a Reds game in Cincinnati against the Cleveland Indians, where they were recognized on the video board.

— Brian Hoffman, ’74

BASEBALL HIGHLIGHTS

• The Maroons became the first team in program history to advance to the College World Series after claiming its first Old Dominion Athletic Conference and the NCAA South Regional title.

• The Maroons closed the season ranked No. 3 in the nation in the final D3baseball.com Top-25 Poll.

• The 10-man senior class closed its career with a total of 91 wins, setting the program’s season-win record in 2016 and then again in 2017.

STEVE FROMMELL, D3PHOTOGRAPHY.COM

• Coach Matt McGuire was voted Fans’ Choice: D3 Baseball Coach of The Year.

• Third baseman Collier Donald ’17 was named Third-Team All-ODAC. Catcher Will Black ’17 and outfielder Scott Ellis ’19 were both named to the College World Series All-Tournament Team following the series’ conclusion.

• Sam Watson ’20 was named the Most Outstanding Player in the Division III South Region Tournament.

Sam Watson ’20 at bat at World Series on May 27.

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athleticsnews SOC CE R, LA CROS S E S TA N D O U T S

Four inducted to RC hall of Fame ROANOKE COLLEGE PROUDLY INDUCTED its Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2017 during the College’s Alumni Weekend in April.

The class includes soccer standouts Regi Francois ’03 and Jill Hoffmeister DeMello ’05 as well as former men’s lacrosse players Don Treacy ’92 and Jon Mason ’07.

• REGI FRANCOIS ’03 – Men’s Soccer

Regi Francois

An attacking midfielder, Francois was the 2002 ODAC and VaSID Men’s Soccer Player of the Year. He was also a First-Team All-ODAC choice in 2001 and 2002 and a three-time NSCAA All-Region performer. A two-time All-State selection, Francois was a member of Roanoke’s 2001 and 2002 ODAC Championship teams which made two straight NCAA appearances and had a four-year record of 83-27-4. His 36 goals, 20 assists, 92 points in 79 games places him seventh on the RC’s All-Time Scoring List.

• JILL HOFFMEISTER DEMELLO ’05 – Women’s Soccer

Regi Francois in 2002.

Hoffmeister DeMello holds the RC career scoring records with 144 points and 61 goals. She also has school records in game-winning goals (15), shots (316), shots on goal (178) and ranks fifth all-time in assists (22). She was a four-time All-ODAC selection, including three-straight, first-team accolades and was a four-time VaSID College Division All-State selection. She was the 2001 ODAC Rookie of the Year and a three-time NSCAA All-South Region selection, including a first-team nod in 2002.

Jill Hoffmeister DeMello

Jon Mason

• JON MASON ’07 – Men’s Lacrosse Mason is the men’s lacrosse program’s all-time leader in points (282) and in goals (247), which were both ODAC records at the time of his graduation. A three-time USILA All-American (2005/3rd, 2006/2nd, 2007/1st), Mason was part of three-straight 15-win seasons, including back-to-back national semifinal appearances in 2005 and 2006. He was a four-time ODAC All-Tournament Team selection, the 2007 ODAC Player of the Year and a three-time First-Team AllODAC selection. Following his senior season, he was named the Jack Trumbull Memorial Outstanding Attackman in the Nation in 2007. In addition, he was named VaSID College Division State Player of the Year in 2007 and was a threetime VaSID All-State selection (2005-07). He was selected to play in the USILA North-South All-Star Game and was the Roanoke College Athletic Department Male Athlete of the Year in 2007.

Jill Hoffmeister DeMello in 2004.

Jon Mason in 2007.

• DON TREACY ’92 – Men’s Lacrosse Treacy earned USILA First-Team All-American honors in 1992.

He was a First-Team All-ODAC Selection in 1992 as well.

During that season, Treacy had a team-best 42 goals and 16 assist for 58 points which was tops on the team. He led the Maroons to the 1990 and 1992 ODAC Championships. In 1992 he and the Maroons advanced to the NCAA National Championship game. For his career, he finished with 57 goals and 28 assists for 85 career points. A two-sport athlete, Treacy was also a member of the men’s basketball program.

Don Treacy 34 ROANOKE COLLEGE MAGAZINE | ISSUE ONE 2017

Don Treacy, far right, with teammate Dan Morison ’92, center, and Coach Bill Pilat ’85 at NCAA National Championship press conference in 1992.

S CO R EB OA R D

RC|highlights

BASEBALL 35-19 (9-11 ODAC)

SOFTBALL 24-17 (11-9 ODAC)

MEN’S LACROSSE 12-4 (8-1 ODAC)

WOMEN’S LACROSSE 6-11 (6-2 ODAC)

MEN’S BASKETBALL 15-11 (9-7 ODAC)

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL 10-16 (5-11 ODAC)

MEN’S TENNIS 3-13 (2-8 ODAC)

WOMEN’S TENNIS 10-7 (7-4 ODAC)

MEN’S INDOOR TRACK Seventh at ODAC Championships

WOMEN’S INDOOR TRACK Third at ODAC Championships

MEN’S OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD Eighth at ODAC Championships

WOMEN’S OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD Third at ODAC Championships

GOLF Tied for seventh at ODAC Championships NOTE: As of May 31, 2017

For the latest scores, go to

Jason Sarro, ODAC Rookie of the Year, in action against Birmingham Southern College.

• Five Roanoke College Men’s Lacrosse standouts were named All-Americans by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA). Defenseman Conn Curry ’18 was named Second-Team All-American, midfielder IV Stucker ’18 was a third-team choice, while attackmen Kevin Jackson ’17 and Jason Sarro ’20 were honorable mention selections along with defensive midfielder Chad Fisher ’17.

• Doubles team Emily Henderson ’17 and Colette Wibaut ’20 were named to the 2017 ODAC Women’s Tennis All-Conference second-team at No.1 doubles, while the duo of Madeline Herring ’20 and Catherine Lee ’19 were named to the second-team at No.2.

• Kerri Dalton ’17 closed out her career at the Dr. Keeler Invite at North Central College in Naperville, Ill. in May, winning the 5000m with a time 17:46.08 in a field that included runners from Divisions I, II and III. Dalton clocked a 37.12.17 in the 10,000M race becoming the second fastest athlete in Roanoke history in the 10K race.

• In April, Dalton and Mara Briggs ’19 each won individual ODAC Championships in April at Washington and Lee University. Briggs opened the meet with a high jump mark of 1.63 to capture the ODAC crown. Dalton won the 10,000m race with a time of 38:13.67, a full 20 seconds better than the second-place runner. On the men’s side, Mykal Dawkins ’18 placed sixth in the 400m with a time of 51.25 and was sixth in the 400m hurdles (59.88) after setting a personal best in the prelims. Howard Daniels ’18 ran the 10,000m in a time of 33:44.74 which was good for sixth-place overall.

Dillon Kopec ’20 was second in the pole vault with a

Kerri Dalton at the 2017 ODAC Championships.

mark of 4.00m, while David Flowers ’17 (41.08m) and Lucas Jones ’18 (36.60m) were fifth and eighth, respectively in the hammer throw. In May, Dalton was named all-region in both the 5,000m and the 10,000m.

Briggs earned all-region honors in the high jump, while Paige Olausen ’19 was honored in the javelin.

• Five Roanoke Maroons were named to the 2017 ODAC Softball All-Conference teams. Pitcher Teresa Wagner ’19 was named Second-Team All-ODAC, while Erin Forbes ’17, Rachel Guilliams ’17, Katie Smith ’18 and Ruthie Williams ’18 were all named to the third-team. Wagner’s 0.81 ERA ranks second-best in the ODAC, while her nine wins was ninth most in the league. She struck out 44 on the year and opponents hit just .207 against her.

• Emma Boris ’19 and Morgan Barlow ’20 were named Second-Team All-Chesapeake Region by the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association.

It marks the second consecutive all-region honor for Boris, who also was named to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference First-Team. Barlow was named the ODAC Rookie of the Year and was named SecondTeam All-ODAC. • Jose Alvarado ’18 was named Second-Team AllODAC in men’s tennis. A native of Guatemala, Alvarado earned second-team honors at No. 2 singles. Alvarado was 9-6 overall, including an 8-6 mark at No. 2. He was 7-3 against ODAC opponents.

• Andrew Butts ’17 earned Second-Team All-ODAC honors in golf. Butts, of Salem, Virginia, was named the 2017 Ted Keller Co-Sportsmen of the Year.

roanokemaroons.com ROANOKE.EDU

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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/maroonsonline.

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 Dr. Walter S. Barton ’55 received the 2015 Stanley King Sr. Outstanding Citizenship Award from the Wytheville-WytheBland Chamber of Commerce. A retired physician, Walter was recognized for his “dedication to fellowman with long lasting contributions to community service.”

Jim Ellis ’59 received an Iron Man Award certificate of recognition in the 75plus age category in the 2014 Jacksonville Men’s Masters Basketball Championship.

1960s A play based on “Makepeace,” a book

by Jeanne du Nord ’61, was presented on Sept. 17, 2016 on the Pavilion Stage at the Westover Recreation Park in Westover, Maryland. The play deals with the lives of the early settlers who came to Lord Baltimore’s land in response to his pledge of personal freedom and religious toleration.

Dr. Kenneth R. Garren ’62, president of Lynchburg College, was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU). As a member of the board, he will represent colleges in NAICU Region IV in setting NAICU policies and priorities.

Since 2014, he has served on NAICU’s Committee on Policy Analysis and Public Relations, and has advocated for government policies that protect students and educational institutions. Ken is in his 16th year as president of Lynchburg College and has more than 50 years of experience as a professor of mathematics, academic dean and president in higher education.

His previous employment included working on the Apollo project at the NASA Langley Research Center and serving on the faculty and administration of Roanoke College for 34 years.

Gale McNomee Magann ’64 had a chance encounter with Andrew Feeney ’16 at a hikers’ hostel in Woods Hole, near Pearisburg, Virginia. They shared their hiking experiences at the dinner table and also their experiences at Roanoke. “We both agreed it was a great school and we both had good experiences there,” Gale says.

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On October 7, 2016, 24 brothers of the Beta Rho Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Order gathered for dinner at the Blue Stone in Timonium, Maryland. From left to right: Reese Ruppersberger, Steve Rhodes, Bill Sherman, Dale Sarjeant, Rob Baker, Stan Ward, Hal Trent, Kim Kennedy, David DeVilliers, Tom Love, Bob Guzewicz, Terry Purvis, Ted Murphy, Steve Holt, Buz Getschel, Richard Jamison, Tim Pitts, Stuart Hain, Bill Dorsey, Pat Gill, Rich Kelly, Lanny Mackall. Missing from the photo: Bill McLean, Bill Doxanas.

1970s Alexander X. Niemiera, Ph.D. ’73, professor with the Department of Horticulture and assistant dean of student programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, received the university’s 2016 William E. Wine Award. Three faculty members are selected annually from among the colleges at Virginia Tech to receive the award. Each Wine Award recipient receives $2,000 and induction into the Academy of Teaching Excellence. One of Alexander’s students noted that “he makes all of his students and graduate and teaching assistants feel welcome at all times and greets each with a smile and a comment tailored to the student.” In addition to his teaching and advising responsibilities, Alexander has developed many projects that have received grant funding.

He was the recipient of the 2014 Virginia Tech Award for Excellence in Career Advising. He holds a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Virginia Tech.

Thomas C. Smedley, Ph.D. ’73 served on a select committee to review the curriculum of the Communications Department of Thomas Edison State University in

Trenton, New Jersey. He started teaching at Grand Canyon University in January 2016. He notes that he is finally relishing his dream job after 30 years of technical writing as a day job.

Abbey Harper O’Connor ’75 is director of Longwood University’s MBA program. She enjoyed having RC alumnus, Tyler Akers ’13, in the MBA program and shared in his accomplishments at his commencement in May 2016. continued on page 38

Abbey O’Connor and Tyler Akers

A L U M N I

P R O F I L E

Accountant recalls professor’s influence years before making his way into the teaching profession, so he had a lot of first-hand, on-the-job experience. And it sounded like accounting was a pretty good gig to me. He was pro-public accounting and that is what swayed me into that direction.”

Stetler also met his wife at Roanoke. “Kay [Mary Thorpe Stetler ’75] and I met on the first day of classes. It was our very first class — tennis.” Although they knew each other, it wasn’t until their junior year that they started dating. The couple, married for more than 40 years, have two grown children, son Phillip, and daughter Laura, along with a grandson who is the light of their lives.

After Stetler graduated from Roanoke, he took a position with Price Waterhouse Cooper in Nashville. After moving back to Pennsylvania, he held positions with several other companies, before landing a job at Pyramid.

“While my full-time job takes up most of my time, I make it a priority to give back to the community,” Stetler said. “It is not only my philosophy, but Pyramid’s as well.”

Stetler has served on many boards of directors including the West Shore Chamber of Commerce, the Capital Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC) and Uplifting Athletes).

Stetler said he’s seen changes in the construction industry over the years, such as increased competitiveness. One other challenge, he indicated, is finding skilled workers.

“We get some workers from trade schools, but the numbers are not like they used to be,” he said.

As for the construction industry’s future, Stetler said he already is seeing a big increase in the use of technology. “I am also seeing a movement towards green construction,” he said. “I am not only seeing this in new constructions, but in renovations as well. People are replacing their HVAC systems, with geothermal, for instance.”

Stetler now describes himself as “a devoted Duke basketball fan, a reasonably good trumpet player in high school, and a dependable person, both personally and professionally.”

As for his management style, this seasoned professional describes himself as “participatory,” and offers words that might be applicable in any workplace.

“We are a smaller firm, so each of us wears different hats,” he said. “I would never expect anyone to do something I haven’t done.”

“Part of the reason I wanted to go to Roanoke was because they had a very strong business department.”

Kerwin Stetler in his office at Pyramid Construction.

onscientious is one word that describes Kerwin Stetler ’75 best. Favorite food? “Anything grilled.” Coffee or tea? “Coffee — but only two cups a day. I managed to not drink it at all, even through college, but once I began working full-time, the habit began.”

Stetler is chief financial officer of Pyramid Construction, a commercial general contracting and construction firm serving the South Central, Pennsylvania community.

A native Pennsylvanian, Stetler moved to Nashville, Tennessee at the end of his sophomore year of high school, after his father accepted a job offer there. After graduating high school, he entered Roanoke College.

“Part of the reason I wanted to go to Roanoke was because they had a very strong business department,” Stetler said. “At the time it was one of the very few post-secondary schools offering a bachelor’s degree in business administration.”

What swayed him toward accounting? “I had a professor at Roanoke named Jack Gordon, so obviously he was called ‘The Flash’ by his students,” Stetler said, referring to the comic character Flash Gordon. “‘The Flash’ had been in accounting for several

C

Reprinted with permission from “The Flash of Accounting” by Nicole Keiner, August 2015, Business2Business magazine.

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alumninews Will Passano ’78, has been named president of Zensights, a pharmaceutical vendor management company. Passano, who has extensive executive healthcare leadership expertise in the healthcare publishing/education sectors, holds a master’s degree in business from Columbia University. He is a board member of the Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He and his family live in Skillman, New Jersey.

1980s Sydney Duncan ’81, Ph.D., associate provost at Frostburg State University, was the recipient of the Robert A. Collins Service Award at the 2016 International Conference on the Fantastic in the Arts (IAFA). The award is a recognition presented to an IAFA board member or division head for outstanding service to the organization. IAFA was founded to organize the conference, which provides a scholarly venue for exploring fantastic elements in the arts. Sydney has been on the IAFA board of directors for seven years and as president for the last three years.

For the next three years, she will continue to serve on the board as immediate past president.

Dr. Samuel R. Crockett III ’87 is director of cardiac anesthesiology with Geisinger Health System in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

Kenny Wingfield ’88 rode his hand crank trike on a six-day, 359-mile tour through the Colorado Rockies to promote awareness about MS. See more information on his website, www.msride.org.

1990s Dianna Board Parrish ’90 is an adjunct professor of social work at Mary Baldwin University. She lives in Vinton, Virginia, and is a licensed social worker.

Diana Friedlander ’91 is working for Engel & Völkers Lake Placid (New York) as property manager and licensed real estate salesperson responsible for the direction, coordination and evaluation of the firm’s Rental Department. Diana has previously worked in sales and customer-service industries in California and New York.

Kristin J. Larson ’92, of Roanoke, Virginia, met alumnus Carl Sherertz ’42 at the Kentucky Derby Gala. Kristin was in the Roanoke sesquicentennial class and Carl was in the centennial class!

Jessica Reidell ’92 is completing a Life Coach Certification Course through the Martha Beck Institute, founded by Martha Beck, a Harvard graduate and Ph.D. who is known as “Oprah Winfrey’s “favorite Life Coach.”

Jessica, who holds an M.F.A. from Louisiana State University, anticipates completing the course in April 2017, after which she plans to open her own practice.

Ted Havelka ’93, of Greenwich, Connecticut, was appointed campus operating officer with Berkeley College in Midtown Manhattan, New York. His responsibilities include day-to-day operations and collaborations with many departments to ensure that the policies, procedures and goals of the college are met. He also will continue to build and strengthen partnerships with community businesses that support the growth of internships. Ted started out as a field recruiter and also held positions with Gibbs College, Cortiva Institute, and Prism Education Group.

Heidi Keller Bocianowski ’95 has opened a travel agency. During her junior year at Roanoke, she went around the world on Semester at Sea. Crystal DeLong ’97, a social studies teacher at Liberty High School, was named Virginia Region 5 Teacher of the Year. She was selected from candidates nominated by school divisions in each of the state’s eight superintendents’ regions. Crystal has been teaching for 19 years.

Alex Ralston and Janet Sarjeant

and a movie from the script is going into production. He also has movies at five different studios and production companies.

Mary Stewart Malone ’07 recently launched her company, ChalkTalks, an automated transcription service/software based in New York City.

Daniel DeVault ’11 has co-founded The Humanity Project, a Nashville, Tennessee-based organization whose goal is “to spread, teach and model empathy” in today’s society. Employing the arts as a catalyst, the founders have set their focus on creating conversations about empathy in Nashville and across the country.

Alexa Broadbent ’12 is pursuing a master’s degree in the Global Field Program at Miami University, Ohio. She recently traveled to Belize where she studied coral reefs, manatees, howler monkeys, jaguars and other wildlife while learning the methods communities are using to sustain them in Belize. Alexa lives in Asheville, North Carolina.

Alumni from the Charlotte, North Carolina area participated in highway cleanup in November 2016, as part of an ongoing service project.

Those participating were Cole Conrad ’12, Alex Ralston ’07, Janet Sarjeant ’73, Bryan Andrea ’07, Rachel Hutchinson Andrea ’07, Jordon and Margaret Andrea, and Stefanie Leipzig ’94.

“Small turnout, cold morning but handled quickly and with loads of fun and Maroon Spirit,” the group reported.

Christine Bealer ’13 earned a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and is associate attorney with Richards, Layton and Finger in Wilmington, Delaware.

Jake Stewart ’13 joined the Charlotte, North Carolina, law office of Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP as an associate attorney in the Workers’ Compensation Practice Group.

He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he was a participant in the Carolina Clerks pro bono program. Outside of the classroom, he worked for Janet, Jenner & Suggs, was a judicial intern for the Honorable Stephen J. Taylor of the Superior Court of New Jersey, and was a law clerk for the Maryland Attorney General’s office in the Department of the Environment.

Maura Belander ’14, of Amherst, New Hampshire, received a “Double Hoo” re-

2000s L. Nicole Griffin ’00 has joined Bank of Botetourt and Virginia Mountain Mortgage as vice president-mortgage loan officer. Nicole has worked in the mortgage industry for over seven years. She is a member of the Roanoke Valley Junior Women’s Club and serves as secretary/treasurer of the Blue Ridge Mortgage Lenders Association and on the Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Erica Sabol ’01 lives in Richmond, Virginia, where she is senior manager in Human Resources at Capital One. Sarah Brogdon ’04, has joined Real Estate Partners Chattanooga LLC. An experienced Realtor, Sarah holds a master’s degree from Virginia Tech and lives in North Chattanooga with her husband, Joe, and two sons, Beau and Buz. Phillip Murphy ’05, of Venice, California, sold a horror script to SONY Pictures,

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Alex Burkhead ’11 shares that he recently returned from Accra Ghana, where he spent one year as a Teaching Fellow at the Meltwater Entrepreneurial School of Technology, a training program, seed fund and incubator for African entrepreneurs.

At MEST, Alex helped more than 15 small-tech teams position their companies for seed funding and incubation. Alex writes: “Not only have I had the opportunity to advise some of the brightest minds in West Africa, but I have also had the privilege of meeting the most influential change makers in the local ecosystem.” Alex is now using the experience and connections he made overseas to help build a digital education brand with his brother, Matt Burkhead ’07. (Alex is second from the left, front row.)

Mattox-Spickard wedding

Leahy-Bowling wedding

search grant at the University of Virginia.

The grant funds pairs of researchers — a graduate and an undergraduate student — to pursue a common research project.

Maura and her research partner are studying the structure of and protein signaling in lymph nodes and how they change during an immune response.

Morgan Conroy ’14 is marketing director at Bottle Cap Group in Charlotte, North Carolina.

A commentary written by Shaina Lidd ’15 appeared in The Roanoke Times in December. The piece was about her experiences at Roanoke College and the year after graduation spent in Israel teaching English. During her senior year at Roanoke, she planned and executed the first Israel-Palestine Peace Month. After graduation, she participated in Masa Israel Teaching Fellows, and taught English in an Israeli school. She said she entered the school knowing little about the Bedouin culture, but left with a love and appreciation for the culture and the people. Shaina made Aliyah (immigrated to Israel) in

Herttua-Shanholtzer wedding

Minetos-Langis wedding

Nanz-Grayson wedding

December 2016 and is studying for her master’s degree in government at the Interdisciplinary Center in Hertzliya.

Ben Robinson ’16 is working on his Master of Accounting and Information Systems degree at Virginia Tech’s Pamplin College of Business.

marriages Cary L. Gentry, M.D. ’91 was married to Cathy Frank at the Carillon in Richmond, Virginia, on Jan. 4, 2017. The couple live in Henrico, Virginia.

Jennifer Coltellino ’97 eloped with Darius Huppert on May 26, 2016. The ceremony took place on the reservoir in West Hurley, New York, about two hours north of New York City. They are building their homestead together.

Joshua Mattox ’01 and Stephanie Spickard ’12 wed on Nov. 19, 2016 in Roanoke. Several RC alumni attended, including Megan Gadson, Emily Reichenbach, Sara Maupin, Mackenzie Tyree,

Katelyn LePore, Ben Amos, Rodney Spickard, Brandon Reynolds, Shannon Reynolds, Emily Phillips, Drew Getman, Alex Phillips and Brad Dunleavy.

Adam Leahy ’06 and Nia Bowling ’09 are happy to share the news of their marriage. The two never met during their student years at RC, but later were introduced through a mutual friend, Margaux Stunzi ’08. Their wedding took place at Riverside on the Potomac in Leesburg, Virginia, on Oct. 2, 2016. Several alumni were in attendance: Margaux Stunzi, Stephanie Bridgman ’09, Ashley Chambers ’08, Nick Derby ’06, Tom Schaefer ’06, Bailey Yeager ’08, Nick Kiley ’07, Ally Gambarani ’09, Laurel Hofrichter ’11 and Caroline Raneiri ’11. The Leahys reside in Boston, Massachusetts. Nia is academic planning coordinator with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences registrar’s office graduate school, Harvard University.

Jason C. Nanz ’06 and Kathryn K. Grayson exchanged wedding vows on Jan. 7, 2017, at the historic Assembly Inn in Montreat, North Carolina. Jason is the son

of Sharon Nanz ’09 and brother of Lindsey Nanz ’18. Alumni in attendance included Tom MacMichael ’88 and Leslie Swing Furrow ’07. The couple reside in Black Mountain, North Carolina.

Jonathan Herttua ’09 and Jennifer Shanholtzer ’09 celebrated their wedding day July 2, 2016, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Celebrating with them were classmates Erin Potter Hodgson, Sara Jordan, Michelle Ferenchiak, Brian Pleasant, Craig Palma, Tessa Milstead Palma, Michael Power, and 2008 alumni, Christine Minetos Langis and Kent Hodgson.

Christine Minetos ’10 was married to Andrew Langis on May 7, 2016, in Charlottesville, Virginia. Maroons present, including the bridal party, were Rebecca Walker ’11, Ashley Taggart ’10, Gwen Avery ’10, Jake Underwood ’08, Chase Carothers ’08, Andrew Hoon ’08, Kim Lieu ’10, Virginia Kate McGuire ’10, Shawna Poole ’10, Tessa Milstead Palma ’09, Jennifer Shanholtzer ’09, Emily Huston ’10, Richard Montoni ’09, Julieanne Brown ’12, Craig Palma ’09, Andrew King ’10, Karl

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alumninews

Frye-Schmid wedding

Whitbeck-Bryan wedding

Lancey-DeLaricheliere wedding

Wienhold ’09, Charles Carlson ’10, Beth Narduzzi ’10 and Timothy Dunn ’10.

Derek Doyle ’11 exchanged wedding vows with Julia Marks ’12 on July 3, 2016. The ceremony took place in Louisville, Kentucky and was attended by several Roanoke alumni.

Brittany Frye ’11 and Mark Schmid were married on July 2, 2016 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Alumni at the celebration included Lauren Griggs Silcox ’11, Lindly Theroux ’10, Charlotte Fraser Pottieger ’12, Caitlin Giles ’12, Rebecca Walker ’11, Steph Colpo ’11, Emily Crew ’12, Kate McGuire ’10, Erin Wolff ’13, and Brandon Ketron ’12.

Kelly Mortland ’11 married Serge Shkuro on May 23, 2015. The wedding party and guests included Dave Baker ’11, Courtney Mortland Baker ’11, Victoria Taylor ’11, Jaina Diotalevi ’11, Will Perkins ’07, Amy Baker Perkins ’07, Jess Powell ’09, Emery Shaw ’09, Anna Haslinsky ’11, Tom Bryan ’12 and Caroline Whitbeck ’12.

Shkuro-Mortland wedding

Stark-Tepper wedding

Michael Stark ’11 and Cristyn Tepper ’12 exchanged vows on Oct. 22, 2016 at the St. Dominic Catholic Church in Washington, D.C. The wedding party and guests included a number of RC alumni.

They were: Caroline Bryan ’12, Jaina Diotalevi ’11, Katie Thompson ’09, Molly Hawkins ’12, Adam Thompson ’09, Jason Ryan ’11, Bonnie Gumpman ’11, Josh Liddle ’12, Tom Bryan ’12, McKenzie Ryan, Brooks Allison ’10, Cameron Lee ’11, Matthew Standley ’11, Spencer Martin and Scott Allison ’79.

Thomas Bryan ’12 and Caroline Whitbeck ’12 wed on Nov. 12, 2016 at the Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke, Virginia.

Alumni in the wedding party or attending as guests included Jaina Diotalevi ’11, Bonnie Gumpman ’11, Brittany Motill ’12, Emily Rego ’12, Cristyn Stark ’12, Zachary Birtsch ’13, Stephen Rubertone ’12, Mike Bankert ’12, Derek Doyle ’11, Becca Jane Lord-Phillips ’10, Marty Scully Bryan ’06, Julia Doyle ’12, Michaela Kadonoff ’14,

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Colin Illar ’14, Hope Mitchell ’11, Tiffany Chocklett’11, Will Bader ’14, Katie Bader ’14, Ben Puckett ’12, Drew Puckett ’09, Mike Stark ’11, Kara Kelliher ’12, and Hattie Figgers ’12.

Marshall Lancey ’14 and Alexandra DeLaricheliere ’14 celebrated their life as a married couple on March 18, 2016, in St. Petersburg, Florida. The wedding party included Andrea Rosenberg ’14, Jamie Sievers ’14, Mackenzie Slater Rhodes ’15 and Mateo Cadavid ’15. Many other alumni, as well as faculty and staff were present for the event. The Lanceys live in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

families Nicole Serini Spayde ’97 and her husband, Ryan, are parents of three daughters with the Sept. 26, 2016, birth of Frances Catherine. The Spaydes live in Riverside, Connecticut.

Aaron D. Rader ’00 and his wife, Nancy, are enthused to announce the arrival of Isabella Savannah. She was born Jan.11, 2015. Aaron is consular integrity officer with the U.S. Department of State.

Tiffany Urban Gaskins ’03 and her husband, Brian, welcomed the birth of a future Maroon, Miles Atlas, on Sept. 8, 2016.

Stefanie Stevens Seslar ’03 and her husband, Lee, welcomed their second child, Mason Robert, on November 17, 2016. He’s pictured with his older brother and future Maroon, Henry.

Jared Butler ’06 and Rachel Zavorski Butler ’07 are happy first-time parents of Charlotte Mae, born Aug. 8. The family lives in Reston, Virginia.

David Myer ’07 and his wife, Sarah, are proud parents of Jacob, who arrived Oct. 18, 2016. The family lives in Charleston, South Carolina.

Jeffrey Levinson ’09 and Maria Migliarese Levinson ’09 are pleased to

Isabella Savannah Rader

Seslar children

Amelia Reid

Julian Gregory Levinson

Charlotte Mae Butler

Miles Atlas Gaskins

Dr. Erika Frida Joy ’04 and her husband, Elijah, report that Roanoke College hats “have been a huge hit” with their three children, Kaden, 7, Isaac, 5 and Riley, 4.

announce the Aug. 30, 2016, arrival of their second son, Julian Gregory. The family lives in Roanoke, Virginia.

Erin Walker Reid ’12 and her husband, Thomas, were delighted with the August 2016 birth of their daughter, Amelia.

He retired as a division manager with Frigidaire Division of General Motors after a 22-year career. Hancock was an active member of Salem Baptist Church where he was a choir member, deacon, and worked in the church office for over 60 years.

Mitchel Mark ’42, age 97, passed away Feb. 12, 2016, in Orlando, Florida.

He studied photography at Rabinou Tech in New York, and was a commercial photographer for Bloom Studio in New York City.

After attending Dallas Aviation School, he became a pilot and flew seaplanes for Chalk’s Airline in Miami, Florida. Mark was an Army Air Force veteran and attained the rank of first lieutenant. During World War II, he was a military test pilot and ferry pilot. As a civilian, he was an executive vice president with Adam Hats Corp. He retired as a real estate broker.

Fred A. Smith ’43, a resident of Homer Glen, Illinois, died Nov. 9, 2016. He began his career in nuclear physics at the

Oak Ridge Laboratory in Tennessee, and continued at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois. He retired after 40 years of service. Smith was a member of the American Nuclear Society, American Philatelic Society and the American Numismatic Society. He loved music and played trumpet in local bands and also with the Southwest Symphony. Among his family survivors is a daughter, Diane Smith ’73.

Robert M. Wells ’43, of Martinsville, Virginia, died Oct. 7, 2016. He was 95. He served in the Air Corps Reserve from 1942 to 1953. During World War II, he was a bombardier with the 95th Bomb Group and 100th radar navigator group out of England. Among the service medals he received are the Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Presidential Unit Citation with six oak leaf clusters, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Wells retired from Dupont after 44 years, having worked in Germany, Holland and Iran. After returning home, he was named personnel superintendent of

the Martinsville Nylon Plant. Wells was active in many civic and community organizations and was a member of First Baptist Church of Martinsville. He enjoyed serving and helping others.

Arthur M. Swann Jr. ’46, of Roanoke, Virginia, died on Oct. 17, 2016, at age 93.

After serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II, he began a lifelong career with the railroad, working as a fireman and engineer. He also worked tirelessly on behalf of his fellow employees in the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Engineers. He was a 70-year member of the Masonic Melrose Lodge and attended Villa Heights Baptist Church.

Thurman S. Deyerle Jr. ’48, a 91year-old resident of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away Sept. 16, 2016. After attending Roanoke College and Winona School of Photography in Winona, Indiana, he opened Deyerle Studio in Roanoke, and enjoyed a successful career primarily as a wedding photographer. In later years, he

in memoriam Betsy Stone ’39, a longtime educator beloved by students and colleagues, died Aug. 17, 2016, in Roanoke, Virginia. She was 98. Before and after World War II, she taught in Roanoke and Botetourt County public schools. In 1955, she joined the faculty at William Fleming High School where she taught English, French, and social studies, and also was a guidance counselor.

Gordon P. Hancock Jr. ’42 died in Salem, Virginia, on Dec. 11, 2016, at age 96. He started his profession with Jeffries Laboratories and Roanoke Wholesalers.

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alumninews branched out into other areas of photography and won several awards. He retired in 1975 and enjoyed playing tennis. He and his wife were world travelers and also motored across America and Canada in their Airstream.

The Rev. Jack Martin ’49, of Harrisonburg, Virginia, died on Nov. 16, 2016.

He received a Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary and served congregations in Virginia and the Carolinas. He also joined the staff of the Division of Mission in North America, Lutheran Church in America.

Throughout his ministry, he preached in over 200 churches and promoted ecumenical activities in the community.

In addition, he served in many capacities with the Virginia Synod of the Lutheran Church in America. In his leisure, he enjoyed golfing, bowling and researching his family genealogy.

Bob L. Plasters ’50, U.S. Navy veteran of Roanoke, Virginia, passed away Jan. 21, 2017. He was an electrical designer and retired in the early 1990s. His second career was helping to raise his grandchildren, whom he dearly loved. Plasters was a faithful 70-year member of Calvary Baptist Church where he served as usher,

deacon, and on the church’s visual aids committee.

Nancy Lou Kasey Wellford ’50 died Oct. 13, 2016, in Roanoke, Virginia. She was a retired teacher with over 30 years of experience teaching elementary students in the Roanoke and Roanoke County school systems. Wellford was active in the Historical Society of Western Virginia and was a member of the Christ Church Social Club.

Demont F. Rose ’54, age 93, died Sept. 26, 2016, in Salem, Virginia. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and spent many years volunteering with fellow veterans.

He also was a member of the American Legion Post #3 for over 30 years and a Mason for 60 years.

Robert W. Davis ’55 died Sept. 4, 2016. A resident of Charlotte, North Carolina, he worked with Potomac Electric Co. in Virginia for 11 years before transferring to Duke Power Co. in Charlotte. He retired from there after 28 years. Davis taught adult Sunday school and was the former treasurer of United Methodist Men. He also worked with the youth at Cross Connection and went on several mission trips in the United States and Africa. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Ginny Crumpecker Davis ’55.

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Dr. Mary Jane De Carvalho ’55 passed away Aug. 29, 2016, in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. She was chief of Anesthesiology with El Monte Comprehensive Health Center, Los Angeles, California.

De Carvalho was active in volunteer activities in Mexico as well as the Richstone Center for the prevention of child abuse.

She also was a charter member and supporter of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association. In 1992, she was the recipient of Roanoke College’s Sesquicentennial Distinguished Alumni Award.

Dick Sisson ’55, a military veteran, died Nov. 26, 2016, in Fort Worth, Texas.

He enjoyed a 38-year career with Alcon Laboratories. Sisson was passionate about his Peruvian Paso horses and his Border collie. Friends remember his spontaneous generosity, wit, courage and kindness. He held a master’s degree in business from Harvard University.

Allen Ide ’56 passed away June 20, 2016.

Tracy O. Wright ’56, a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, died Sept. 11, 2016, at his home in Roanoke, Virginia.

After his return from the war, he was selected as the first Virginian to attend college under the Korean G.I. Bill. Wright

started his career with Moore Business Forms and retired as a senior account executive after a 39-year career. He was a life member of their Achievement Club.

Since 1995, he had worked as a transporter with the Hertz Corp.

Don D’Agostino ’57 died July 17, 2016. A few months before his death, through the efforts of many, he was able to realize his dream of attending Alumni Weekend at Roanoke. During that weekend, Head Men’s Soccer Coach Ryan Pflugard and the men’s soccer team presented him with a plaque commemorating his contribution to soccer at the College.

Those who wish to honor his memory, may direct a gift to the Roanoke College Soccer Program, 221 College Lane, Salem, VA 24153.

Marian Pearce Erickson ’57, of Deland, Florida, died Aug. 16, 2016. With an energetic zest for life, she was a creative teacher beloved by her students in Cranbury and Princeton, New Jersey; Rushville, Indiana; St. Croix; and Iran. She held a master’s degree from Ball State University.

Dr. Glen M. Bond ’58, captain in the U.S. Air Force and member of the American Legion Gretna Post 232, passed away continued on page 44

I N

M E M O R I A M

Beamer championed women’s athletics “Jean Beamer was a once-in-alifetime kind of person.”

— President Mike Maxey women’s athletics at Roanoke.

Fellow Hall of Famer Sandy Hadaway ’74 called Beamer “a great motivator” who changed sports for women in the Roanoke area. Hadaway played basketball, volleyball, field hockey and golf under Beamer and Ramser. A retired assistant principal and athletic director from Salem High School, Hadaway credits Beamer and Ramser for influencing her career choices and considered them her “surrogate moms.”

“Ms. B. passed on lifelong lessons to me,” Hadaway said. “She was a brilliant lady. She had integrity, and her dedication and commitment were second to none.” She said Beamer didn’t coach for the pay but because she loved sports and wanted to promote girls and women in sports. “Her spirit will always be in my heart Jean Beamer with President Mike Maxey at the 2011 Roanoke Valley Alumni reception. and in the hearts of all her student athletes. I will miss Ms. oanoke Athletic Hall of Famer Billie Jean Beamer ’52 was Beamer,” Hadaway said. a standout student-athlete, professor, coach and umpire.

Beamer’s athletic and educational interests took her around A native of Rocky Gap, Virginia, Beamer died in Roanoke on Jan. the world. She managed the U.S. Field Hockey Touring Team that 2, 2017, at the age of 86. traveled to Guyana in 1969 and to Argentina in 1973. She and Beamer earned her B.S. in biology at Roanoke with minors in Ramser studied comparative physical education in Russia in 1978 physical education, chemistry and mathematics. She played and China in 1980, and Beamer spent a sabbatical in 1988 in Ausguard for four years on the women’s basketball tralia and New Zealand conducting research. team, and left back and centre half on the Beamer was an excellent game official women’s field hockey team. She twice captained and umpired field hockey on a national level each team and was selected to the All-State Field beginning in 1968. In 1991, she became the first Hockey Team as a senior. person in Virginia to receive the U.S. Field She continued her athletic pursuits after Hockey Association’s National Umpire Award. graduation and was named to the Blue Ridge She served as the coordinator of women’s offiFirst Field Hockey Team from 1953-1958 and to ciating for the Old Dominion Athletic Conferthe Southeast Field Hockey First Team from ence and held officiating clinics for multiple 1955-1968, an honor on par with an All-American institutions. selection.

She was a member of and volunteered for After teaching at the middle school level for numerous faculty, community and athletic orseveral years, Beamer returned to Roanoke in ganizations and committees, frequently serving 1959 as a part-time physical education instrucin leadership roles. tor. In 1961, she earned a master’s degree in In remembering Beamer and her contribuphysical education at the University of Virginia. tions, Roanoke College President Mike Maxey She became a full-time assistant professor at said, “Jean Beamer was a once-in-a-lifetime Jean Beamer was selected to the All-State Roanoke and, subsequently, associate professor, kind of person. She blazed trails for physical Field Hockey Team as a senior. retiring in 1997 with 37 years of service and the education instruction while she was one of the distinction of Professor Emeritus. pioneers for women’s athletics at Roanoke.”

To many, Beamer was known as “Coach,” as she led or assisted On a personal level, Maxey recalled that “Jean was a bignumerous women’s teams, including basketball, field hockey, golf, hearted person who helped many other people in her life. Her tennis and volleyball — a sport that she brought to Roanoke. wonderful wit and sense of humor made her a delightful person With her colleague and good friend Fran Ramser, who often to be around. She loved Roanoke College and was one of our best coached from the same sidelines, she promoted and elevated fans for the Maroons. We miss her.” — Sharon Nanz ’09

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alumninews Jan. 2, 2017, in Lynchburg, Virginia. He was a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Medicine and interned at Norfolk General Hospital. He came to Gretna, Virginia, in 1965 and entered into medical practice with his brother, the late Dr. Lester R. Bond ’51. His hobbies included golf and hunting. Another brother, Dr. Loyd W. Bond ’48, predeceased him.

Gerald L. Calvert Sr. ’58 passed away in Troutville, Virginia, on Sept. 4, 2016. He was a retired principal with Roanoke County Schools. Survivors include his son, Gerald L. Calvert Jr. ’91.

Robert D. Demarest ’59, of Callao, Virginia, died Oct. 29, 2016. He worked for and eventually became co-owner of Harrell Batteries Inc., in Clarendon, Virginia. He served on the Madison County Planning Commission, the Virginia State Fair Board of Directors, and was a member of the Madison Lions Club and two antique car clubs. In addition, he was president of the Shiitake Mushroom Growers Association and was a beekeeper for over 40 years.

John Markey ’59, also known as “Mr. Civitan,” died Dec. 9, 2016, in Roanoke, Virginia. A Korean War veteran serving in the U.S. Army, he worked 20 years in the insurance field and earned the distinction of Chartered Life Underwriter®. He was national sales director with First Commonwealth Life when he retired from the insurance business. Markey then worked for 30 years in residential real estate where he attained the Graduate, Realtor® Institute designation. As an active member of the Roanoke Civitan Club for 54 years, he served seven terms as club president.

Lou Crockett Ayers ’60 died in Newport News, Virginia, on Oct. 31, 2016.

She was a loving and dedicated homemaker and was involved in leadership in many organizations, including the League of Women Voters, the York County Democratic Committee, the Yorktown Women’s Club and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Peninsula.

Frank J. Gajderowicz ’60 died on Sept. 27, 2016. He is survived by his wife, Dee Mooney Gajderowicz ’62, and two daughters, including Michele Gajderowicz ’85.

Rowena Jill Edwards Wade ’60 passed away Nov. 15, 2016, in Williamsburg, Virginia. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church Hampton, the Jamestown Society and the Williamsburg Daughters of the American Revolution.

Wade helped build Grafton True Value Hardware.

Robert Conkey ’61, of Matthews, North Carolina, died Aug. 16, 2016. His career was devoted to pharmaceutical packaging sales. Conkey enjoyed politics, art, music, doing yard work, and also

spending time with his family and friends.

George D. Akers ’62 passed away Nov. 23, 2016, in Roanoke, Virginia. He held a Master of Education degree from the University of Virginia and a Doctorate of Education degree from the University of Maryland. During his years as an educator, he taught physics and math at Cave Spring High School, served as assistant principal at Cave Spring Junior High and was the principal at Burlington Elementary School. He also was adjunct professor at UVa. He held membership in Kappa Delta Pi Honorary Education Society, Sigma Chi Fraternity, Roanoke Jaycees and Star City Pontiac Club. In 2012, he was honored to receive, along with his wife, Nancy, the Margaret Sue Copenhaver Contribution to Education Award at Roanoke College. After an early retirement, he was a graduate of Realtors Institute and worked in sales with Gwyn & Harmon Real Estate.

Albert Hanin ’62 died Nov. 24, 2016, in New York, New York.

Eric B. West ’62, of Venice, Florida, died Sept. 9, 2016. He and his wife lived in New York City before moving to Vero Beach, Florida. West and his father-in-law were co-owners of the Rablen-West Interiors furniture store. Later, he opened a business importing and selling furniture and accessories. West was active with the Masons and was a member of the Venice Lodge.

E. Lee Shiflett Jr. ’63, a resident of Louisville, Kentucky, died on Nov. 6, 2016.

He was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Shiflett was employed with American Airlines until he was asked to join the commercial travel division of American Express, where he retired in 1991.

Glen L. Powers ’65, a business owner, died Jan. 9, 2017, in Roanoke, Virginia.

Jerry L. Wilkinson ’65, a resident of Daleville, Virginia, passed away Sept. 1, 2016. In 1973, he founded M&W Electronics, which remained in operation until 2015.

George E. Goodykoontz ’68 passed away in Roanoke, Virginia, on Dec. 23, 2016. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America his entire life, having earned the rank of Eagle as a youth and becoming a volunteer as an adult. Throughout his career, he worked in banking, commercial trucking, sales, and most recently as a dispatcher with Roanoke Airport Limousine Service.

Charles W. Lightcap ’70, of Salem, Virginia, died on Nov. 9, 2016. Lightcap was a writer, pen-and-ink abstract artist and wood sculptor.

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Michael D. Moylan ’71 died in Kilmarnock, Virginia, on Dec. 3, 2015.

Frederick E. Emmons ’72 passed away on Aug. 29, 2016. An educator of civics and world history, he began his teaching career in Keokee, Virginia. He also taught Spanish for over three decades at both the high school and community college level in Page County. He loved the arts and was an accomplished painter.

D. Stanley Parker ’72, history teacher, coach and school administrator, died June 16, 2016, in Erdenheim, Pennsylvania. At what was formerly known as Chestnut Hill Academy, he served as dean of students, athletic director, history department chair and dean of faculty. He coached the varsity baseball team for 23 years and was inducted into the City AllStar Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. For more than 30 years, he also was an organizer for the Phillies’ Carpenter Cup Classic, a tournament that gives participating players exposure to potentially pursue college and pro careers. Parker was named Springside Chestnut Hill Academy alumnus of the year in 1993, and was the recipient of several achievement awards. He was posthumously inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Angela K. Williams ’73 died Oct. 19, 2016, in Roanoke, Virginia. She was the eldest daughter of the late Dr. Frank Williams ’60, a professor of music at Roanoke, and Helen Williams, a Roanoke College retiree. Among other family survivors are her sisters, Melody Williams Counts ’82, Julie Williams Mowles ’94, and Dottie Williams.

Karen M. Sohl ’74 died July 30, 2016, in Hackensack, New Jersey. She was employed for over 35 years with Chemetall in New Providence, New Jersey, where she was a manager. Sohl was an active communicant and parishioner of Our Lady of Peace and volunteered at the New Jersey Sharing Network Foundation and the Risk Management Network. She held a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Thomas D. Riesett ’76, of Cary, North Carolina, passed away on Nov. 24, 2016.

He began his career in the flooring industry with his father in Arlington, Virginia, and became vice president of sales with Mannington Tile Company in Lexington, North Carolina. He loved rock music and his favorite song was “Against the Wind,”

by Bob Seger, which his family said seemed to mirror his life.

Jean Markham Whiteside ’78, of Covington, Virginia, died Oct. 25, 2016.

She and her husband owned Edgemont Service Station, Whitey’s Miniature and Par 3 Golf Courses, Whitey’s Snack Bar,

Restaurant and One-Stop Market. Whiteside was an educator with Alleghany County Schools and taught at Central High School, Central Elementary and Callaghan Elementary.

Thomas G. Whedbee III ’79, a resident of Huntingtown, Maryland, passed away Nov. 20, 2016. A brother of Sigma Chi Fraternity, he attended graduate school at the Medical College of Virginia, where he received a master’s degree in hospital administration. Whedbee was vice president of operations at New Hanover Memorial Hospital in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Later, he moved to Huntingtown, Maryland, where he served Calvert Memorial Hospital as vice president of operations. He also was a trustee with Calvert Hospice.

Paul A. Thurston ’80, a U.S. Army veteran, died Dec. 21, 2016, in Eagle Rock, Virginia. He was the former owner of Alleghany Home Center in Covington, Virginia, and member of the Eagle Rock United Methodist Church.

Annette Andrews Baxter ’85 passed away Aug. 12, 2016, in Roanoke, Virginia.

Dwight L. Miller ’87, of Christiansburg, Virginia, passed away Sept. 22, 2016.

Martin Keith Jr. ’94 died Aug. 29, 2016, in Cloverdale, Virginia. He retired from United Parcel Service with over 30 years of service. Keith was a member of the Cloverdale Church of the Brethren for more than 50 years. After retirement, he and his wife worked in their flower shop for nearly 20 years.

Lance Cpl. Joseph W. Jones ’11, of Oceanside, California, died Oct. 18, 2016.

He was president of the Rugby Club at Roanoke. He took great pride in being a lance corporal and was a cryptologic Korean linguist in the United States Marine Corps. He finished his Korean language coursework at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, and was assigned to C Company, 1st Radio Battalion in Camp Pendleton, San Diego, California.

He had a great love for his family and friends, the outdoors, foreign languages and his two bulldogs. Jones, a member of Church of Christ in Vista, California, left behind a wife and an unborn daughter at the time of his death. RC

MARooN MuSINgS B Y D R. R OB ERT B ENNE

Norman Fintel’s Lutheran Legacy

Dr. Fintel, in a photo taken several years before the close of his presidency.

Fintel died on April 7.

“It wasn’t that I had a definite plan for strengthening the Lutheran character of Roanoke College when I came as president; I just expressed who I really was.” — Dr. Norman Fintel oanoke College never had a distinctively Lutheran character, though all of its presidents and many of its faculty and students had been members of Lutheran churches. Because it always had to appeal to a wide variety of Christian groups for support and students, Roanoke trumpeted its “non-sectarianism” and relied on the dominant

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religious ethos of the time.

Its first two presidents — David Bittle (1853-1876) and Julius Dreher (1878-1903) — were full-blooded participants in the evangelical Second Great Awakening and injected few distinctively Lutheran characteristics into the College. Presidents J. Alfred Morehead (1903-1920) and Charles Smith (1920-1949), though acquainted with those characteristics, accommodated the College to the mainstream Protestantism so regnant in the American society of their day. H. Sherman Oberly and Perry Kendig, Lutheran laymen, continued that accommodation.

Thus, when Dr. Norman Fintel — the son and grandson of Lutheran farmers who had been immersed in many varieties of robust Lutheran higher education — arrived at Roanoke in 1975, the College as a whole wasn’t “Lutheran” in the way he had experienced colleges in the Midwest. It was time to launch some new initiatives that flowed from Fintel’s grasp of what a Lutheran college should look like.

First, he articulated Lutheran themes in his inaugural address in the spring of 1976 that were to become the guiding principles of his 14-year presidency. Indeed, he reiterated them at the very close of his presidency in 1989: 1. A classical Lutheran commitment to the liberal arts as the best way to educate for life; 2. Competence wedded to conscience; 3. Conscience informed by strong values, which for him were grounded in the Christian faith, and 4. Servant leadership as an important ideal. Secondly, Fintel was deeply convinced that a Lutheran college should be close to its sponsoring tradition, not only organizationally but also spatially. Fintel invited the Virginia Synod to move its offices from the city of Roanoke to Bittle Hall, which had been the College’s library. That meant that Synod personnel would interact with the various constituencies of the College. Bishops and their assistants

would engage presidents and professors, and they did.

With regards to organizational cooperation, Fintel forged a “Statement of Partnership with the Virginia Synod of Lutheran Church in America” in 1979. In it, the College offered to host many Synod events — its annual assembly, its many youth events, its summer lay education program called “Power in the Spirit.” These introduced many Lutherans to the College, especially Synod youth, who often were attracted enough to the College to become its students.

The Synod promised to support the College with financial support and aid in recruiting students, as well as help in finding Lutheran donors and laypersons to serve on the College’s board. In cooperation with Synod pastors, Fintel surfaced devout and wealthy Lutherans, who became major donors and leaders of the College. One board member, Timothy Pickle, endowed the chaplaincy, and Charles Schumann and his wife, Helen, of Richmond, Virginia, endowed two chairs, one in Lutheran theology and one in Christian ethics. Others, such as Robert Wortmann ’60, became leaders of the board.

Third, Fintel believed a Lutheran college ought to have a lively college chaplain who engages vigorously with the students. He invited Timothy Swanson, a young and charismatic Lutheran pastor, to take over the chaplaincy and serve as the College’s first director of church relations. Swanson started many new programs, invited chaplains from other traditions to tend their flocks, founded the Religious Life Center in the old Trout Hall, and officiated at Sunday morning Lutheran services in Antrim Chapel.

Fourth, it became evident to Fintel that “church relations” needed a full-time director, so in 1987 he recruited Kathryn Buchanan, a Lutheran laywoman from the banking world, to inhabit a full-time po-

sition in the Resource Development division. In her 20-plus years in that role, Buchanan identified and cultivated Lutheran leaders and donors in several surrounding synods for the College. In time, her work resulted in three endowed chairs in the Religion and Philosophy Department, many scholarships for

“Dr. Normal Fintel’s Lutheran legacy has enabled the College to strengthen the ‘religious element’ in its education and ethos.”

Lutheran students, and a network of prospective leaders for the College.

A fifth, and crucial, characteristic of a Lutheran college that Fintel sensed was needed at Roanoke was a strong Religion and Philosophy Department. By 1982 there was only one religion major at Roanoke. So he convinced the Jordan family of Richmond and Duke C. Trexler, a government official retired in Florida, to contribute enough money to endow a chair in religion and a center devoted to Lutheran concerns. At that time the College had no endowed professorships or centers devoted to specific causes.

Fintel intended for the professorship and the center to be used to recruit a mid-career Lutheran scholar to the College to inhabit the JordanTrexler Chair in Religion as well as to define and organize a center. He convinced me, then a Lutheran ethicist at the Lutheran School of Theology, to come to the College as the Jordan-Trexler Professor and chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy. I began building a department that by 2005 was called “one of the finest at the institution”

by George Keller, a leading expert on higher education. Drawing on another endowment that Fintel raised, I founded the Center for Religion and Society, aimed at “bringing to bear Christian religious and moral perspectives — particularly in their

Lutheran interpretation — on contemporary challenges to church and world.” Hundreds of events later, the Center continues to address those challenges through events that include an annual lecture honoring James Crumley ’48, bishop of the former Lutheran Church in America, as well as an ongoing series of Faith and Reason lectures.

A final noteworthy part of Norman Fintel’s Lutheran legacy: a firstrate choir. As one who had visited many Lutheran colleges in his earlier work, Fintel knew “in his bones” that a Lutheran college should have a fine choir. He brought Dr. Jeff Sandborg to Roanoke in 1985 to build such a choir, which has developed into several choirs with high reputations.

The observations chronicled on these pages have focused on Fintel’s Lutheran legacy at Roanoke College, not the whole of his accomplishments, which would include much more. But his Lutheran legacy has enabled the College to strengthen the “religious element” in its education and ethos. That has been demonstrated in 2017-2018 by an ambitious celebration of the College’s 175th birthday and the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation.

One of those events was a concert that featured the music of Bach at which Norman and Jo Fintel, were present. Happily, the evening of the concert was also Norman’s 92nd birthday. The standing ovation that followed the announcement of his birthday expressed the gratitude and affection that the College and the community have for that humble Lutheran servant.

His legacy will live long; long live his legacy. RC

Dr. Robert Benne is Jordan-Trexler Professor of Religion Emeritus and Research Associate, and author of numerous books. His most recent is “Keeping the Soul in Christian Higher Education: A History of Roanoke College.”

Why I wrote “Keeping the Soul in Christian Higher Education: A History of Roanoke College” fter spending over 30 years at Roanoke College, I thought I knew something about what the College stood for, but I didn’t have a thorough grasp of what its “soul” had been over its lifetime. And now that its 175th birthday was coming up, as well as the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, I thought it was a great time to do a major historical inquiry into that “soul.”

In taking up that task, I had three objectives in mind: to get a good idea of what had animated the College over its 175 years; to assess the future prospects of that “soul” and suggest ways it could be kept alive; and to get the Roanoke story into the larger world of churchrelated colleges who also wanted to “keep the soul” in Christian higher education.

The theme — or “soul” — that runs through the College’s history from its vigorous formation

by David Bittle is what was historically termed “Christian republicanism.” Since the country was new when the College was founded, it needed citizens who were formed in the virtues necessary to govern themselves well so that the new republic could itself be self-governing and successful. Bittle thought the solid base for the moral formation of the young was the Christian faith. That faith could shape citizens for both church and society. While the College now uses different language to describe its mission, it continues to affirm that Christian moral convictions — along with others — play an important role in shaping “leadership for service.”

I organized the 300-page book according to the 10 significant presidencies from Bittle to Maxey. Those chapters are book-ended by an introduction that explains the “why” of the book and a conclusion that ponders the future of the College’s “soul.” The book traces a colorful history that fascinated me and will, I hope, do likewise for its readers. — Dr. Robert Benne

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RoANoTES Think you know a lot about Roanoke College? Chances are you do. But here is a fact that even those most thoroughly versed in all things Maroon probably don’t know.

5,600 Number of folding chairs set up on the Turbyfill Quad for the 2017 Commencement.

(Information courtesy of Mike Vaught, manager of plant operations.

Photo by Carissa Szuch Divant.)

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“I encourage you to live with life. Be courageous, adventurous. Give us a tomorrow, more than we deserve.”

— Maya Angelou CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2017