Featured Stories

Wescott shares insights for incoming students
Imagine skiing in the Alps, getting stranded and having to build a snow cave for protection. Ben Wescott '09 had such an adventure and credits survival television shows and his time at Roanoke for saving him.

Barrett studies shipwrecks for National Geographic
Michael Barrett '04 began researching the effect of shipwrecks on the environment during a semester abroad in Sydney, Australia. Three years later, he became the youngest person to ever receive a National Geographic grant to continue his work.

Career Services Launches New Service for Students and Alumni
Career Services has launched MaroonNet, an online site for the entire Roanoke College community and any employer who contacts Career Services with a job listing. MaroonNet helps job seekers find work and employers find employees through a network filled with the College’s classic connections.

Riggleman builds RC school spirit
Aaron Riggleman '09 is a true supporter of Roanoke College, and he challenges his peers to show their Maroon spirit. A native of Newport News, Va., Riggleman says getting the campus excited about events unifies the school.

Olubuyide praises RC for launching her career
Tope Olubuyide '98 knew from the age of nine that she would be an OB-GYN.

Daniel is determined to make a difference
When she was younger, all Erica Daniel '09 wanted to be was a doctor. Now, she credits her close relationships with her Roanoke professors for a more detailed and suited career in international public health, focusing on maternal and child health policy.

Hatter’s creations seen around the world
The former studio arts major at Roanoke College designs and builds custom puppets for his clients from his basement workshop in Roanoke. He founded Thistledown Puppets in 2006.

Cabalka still connecting with fellow Maroons
Pam Cabalka '76 says her sense of belonging at Roanoke College was immediate, beginning with her first days on campus and extending decades later as the current president of the Alumni Association.

Bob Rotanz Serving Others
The NCAA folks have been setting up shop in Salem once again for basketball, softball and lacrosse championships, and as always that means one thing - a trip to Mac and Bob's.

Roanoke graduate earns statewide teaching award
Stephanie Doyle ‘99 was named Virginia’s top teacher for her devotion to students that goes far beyond her commitment in the classroom. She will be honored on campus at a reception later this month.

Sean Burch '92 takes another world record
"Being the most climbed mountain in the world, Mt. Fuji is a symbol for world environmental preservation, and it is crucial that everyone continues their efforts to not only protect the most recognizable image of Japan, but all of the world's outdoor icons and nature," said Burch.

George Kegley '49 constantly helps the community
"I grew up on a farm and went to a one-room country school, then rode a bus to high school, an hour each way. The campus was my first look at the real world. I didn't know what was beyond the first mountain," Kegley says.

Dr. Charles ‘Hap’ Fisher ’28 now celebrated as a witness to history
“Throughout all my studies, history hasn't been as much fun as tonight,” Karim said. “It's firsthand experience hearing it from him and these people. This is just amazing.”

Two generations ‘Love’ RC
“The parents of other players come here and are so impressed with this beautiful campus. Then they look at me – not only have I had two children here, but I went here as well. They see my continuing connection to Roanoke as a wonderful thing,” says Love.

Multiple mysteries bring Olson success
“Perseverance pays off,” Karen Olson ’82 says, encouraging aspiring writers. “This is not something that happens overnight, but if you’re a good writer and have a good book to market, someone will see that. And if it doesn’t happen the first time, don’t give up.”

Opening minds to the power of art
“Art doesn’t have to be just an object on the wall. It can move you or amuse you, or you can have an interaction with it that will change the way you look at something,” says Cassullo.

Another Deegan makes a difference
“I’m hoping to make an impact on other prosecutors to go after these cases as hard as they can,” Deegan explains. “They’re time consuming and expensive, but I’m hoping to stress their importance.”

Balaker makes the ‘save of a lifetime’
The former lacrosse goalie used his knowledge of the ocean to save a surfer from drowning in Hawaii’s infamous “Pipeline.”

Ali fights for human rights
“Roanoke gave me my voice,” Adiyah Ali ’02 says. “Coming from high school to college, I learned that you can have opinions that are different from those of your professors, and it’s OK. It’s important to have an opinion and be able to defend it. I see it every day. Roanoke gave me that experience.”

New book spotlights Lt. Donn Sweet ’64
Book’s release coincides with the 40-year anniversary of Sweet’s death in Vietnam. He is being remembered by many fellow alumni.

Elizabeth Higginbotham '06 stays connected with Roanoke College
“I was inspired to donate to Roanoke College because I had such positive, wonderful experiences while I was there,” Higginbotham says.

Devines '00 & '99 have joined the ranks of the Associate-level donors at Roanoke College
“We hope that future generations can experience Roanoke as we did,” the Devines say.

Joseph Weeren '03, Roanoke College's former lacrosse standout, was injured earlier this year in an explosion in Iraq
“He is a proud and humble person and has always thought of his teammates, classmates and friends before himself,” said Bill Pilat, Roanoke College's Lacrosse head coach.

Rand Dotson '90 recently published book titled Roanoke, Virginia, 1882-1912: Magic City of the New South
Dotson credits history professor Dr. John Selby for introduing to him the importance of the past.

Casey Barnes '96 Leads Team in Winning Bid for $4 Billion Project
“Roanoke was a great learning experience for me, especially in handling pressure situations and in communicating effectively,” Barnes says.

Dr. Carol Swain recently was nominated by President George W. Bush to the National Council on the Humanities
“Dr. Swain is one of Roanoke's most distinguished graduates,” Roanoke President Michael C. Maxey says. “She will bring considerable talent and expertise to this important assignment for the good of our country.”

Roanoke Alumna Worked in the Pentagon
“As an English major and communications concentration, my classes at Roanoke definitely helped me with my writing and editing skills,” Clark said.

History Alumna Pursues Underwater Archaeology
Each project employed Kim Eslinger’s skills in various manners, with her primary work being conducted in the laboratory.


