Featured Stories

Roanoke alumna awarded the Golden Apple, honoring top educators
Award for the second that Melissa Carr '05 received in April. Alumna Susan Sine '90 received the Red Apple.

Alumnus keeps fraternity connection alive as national president of Pi Kappa Phi
Dudley Woody '74 is national president of Pi Kappa Phi.

Roanoke College graduate and professional actor returns to campus to teach and perform with New York theater company
Cory Lawson '08 is an actor with The New Yorkers, and he launched his own New York theater company, Ready, Set, Go Theatre. The New Yorkers performed Oct. 5 at Olin Theater.

After decorated career, John Brooks enters “phase 3”
The theater prepared John Brooks ’70 for a career as a U.S. Air Force pilot and international communicator.

History runs in her genes
Gretchen Winterer is assistant general curator for the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

Driven by passion
Doug Rohrbeck ’97 produces Fox News’ “Special Report.”

Dynamic doer
Nancy Mulheren ’72 finds tremendous reward in helping shape Roanoke for future students.

Roanoke College graduate and teacher takes learning full circle at prominent summer education conference
Now a full-time teacher, Danny McNamara '01 has returned to the Margaret Sue Copenhaver Institute for Teaching and Learning as a participant and a small group leader for the past two years.

Roanoke graduate brings science to life at North Carolina museum
Poles' environmental science education is giving her a strong foothold as coordinator of distance learning in the new Nature Research Center wing at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

Science Giants
Roanoke College enjoys a proud tradition of excellence in science that extends from the latter part of the 19th century to the present.

The continuing adventures of Joe Boucher
What’s next for the Emmy Award-winning producer?

A Life of Service
As a diabetic and a pediatric nurse, Sally Southard '77 focuses on supporting children, in particular those with diabetes. She finishes her sixth term on the Salem School Board in December 2013.

String Music
For the last three years, Adam Rutledge '04 has been the lead singing, Fender guitar-playing front man for the hard driving local country group, Rutledge.

Climbing for Blake
In January, David Robinson climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to honor his 11-year-old nephew, who has a disease that affects his brain, spinal cord, nerves and skin. Robinson also raised more than $33,000 for the Children's Tumor Foundation.

From international trade consulting to Spanish cooking, Roanoke College alumni launch new careers after teaching English in Spain
Roanoke graduates teach English and learn Spanish culture through the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program. The program has inspired several Roanoke alumni to forge new career paths.

Roanoke College graduate gets her career break in sports communications at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Ali Hamden sees NASCAR fans' passion for racing upclose through her job coordinating events and guest services for the North Carolina speedway.

Memoir chronicles Roanoke College graduate's battle with cancer
MaDee Boxler wanted to share her story. Now, with the help of her family and writer Kimberly Fowler, Boxler's memoir, "Dancing in the Rain," is on bookshelves.

Alumna follows her journalistic instincts
Lauren Harrison '07 enjoys career as Newsday reporter

31 dates to happily ever after
Alumna authors book about modern-day dating

Carol Swain '83 releases new book
Book examines America's religious foundation

Hollywood pioneer
Philip Conserva '95, co-producer of "CSI:Crime Scene Investigation," has been with the top-ranked TV show since its inception in 2000.

Roanoke College alums’ dig produces 14 million-year-old fossils
Roanoke biology professor, Dr. DorothyBelle Poli, invited her former students, Amanda Smolinsky and Laura Kellam, to volunteer on a paleontological dig in Caroline County.

Roanoke alum lands award for teaching future doctors
Paris Butler's skill with students caught the attention of UVA's teaching community
Lacrosse alum and former coach honored
Celebrating the rich tradition of RC Athletics, the Maroon family honored John Pirro as the College's inaugural 'Walk of Inspiration' icon.

Bates was acclaimed journalist and civic leader
Bates credited Roanoke College with preparing her for varied roles and interests. She has said that the College provided her with "the most well-rounded education possible."

Relationship-building is key for new AEC chair
Looking back on the 15 years since he graduated from Roanoke College, Rick Oglesbee '95 said he realizes just how influential his college experiences have been in his life.

Fishwick left his mark on College and community
John "Jack" P. Fishwick '37, one of Roanoke College's most distinguished alumni, died on August 9, 2010, at the age of 93. Fishwick, a Roanoke College Medalist, served as president of Norfolk & Western Railway from 1970 to 1981.

Maroon Musings
Maroon Musings

RC lacrosse alum spurs sports’ popularity in Lone Star state
In a big state with a monstrous football presence, Jason Gildea '95 is quickly carving a sizable niche for lacrosse.

Young alum lands position at well-known ad agency
This Maroon alumna has joined The Martin Agency, named U.S. Agency of the Year in 2009 by Adweek.

Roanoke graduate excels in the field of sports medicine and athletic training
A student turned teacher of athletic training, this Maroon believes that he has come full circle in his experiences—and followed his passion the whole way.

Kim was a Korean patriot
Kim is one of Roanoke's most illustrious alumni, important in international politics and a hero of the Korean independence movement of the 20th century.

Maroons coaches rewriting the ODAC record books
With top coaches who show long-term commitments to their programs, it's no wonder that the Maroons enjoy so much success.

Turnbull values skills learned at Roanoke
"Knowing how to think on my feet is my biggest success factor. I emphasize that every time I talk to Roanoke College students."

Ward’s business is a trip back in time
His products are described as “jewelry for the home” and crafted by hand at his family’s 150-year-old decorative hardware company.

Memoir tells of amazing journey
"I really liked... Charlie Moir, who was a class guy and treated his players well," writes Jones.

Mikey Rox Pursues His Passion
“I’m doing it! I’m living a dream. I still have a long way to go, but I’m positive that continued perseverance will result in many milestones for this new venture.”

Rebekah Cain finds niche in communications sector
After 10 years in the tourism industry, Rebekah Cain set out to find a job at a non-profit organization. She found one that would allow her to help rebuild and empower the people of Louisiana.

Tamara Duricka keeps up with entertaining challenges
An English major at Roanoke, this Maroon has applied the skills she learned at the College in a variety of ways. From blogging about 31 dates in 31 days to writing for a television show, Duricka sure knows how to keeps things interesting.

Thriving on competition
On the basketball court at Roanoke College, Morris Cregger ’64 earned a reputation as a fierce competitor. That spirit is the driving force behind Cregger’s success in business today.

Roanoke's 'Gaeng' pulls together
The Gaeng family has livened up the courts and fields at Roanoke College with their Maroon spirit and athletic ability.

Ambassador Robinson keeps doing it all
Robinson has had a lot of callings. The Eagle Scout and economics major served in the U.S. Army and the administrations of Presidents Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan. As special advisor to Secretary of State George Schultz, he was named “Ambassador” in 1983. Now he is launching a new career, planning a book, and heading up a national organization.

'78 Lacrosse team celebrates new win
John Sullivan ’79 was the Most Valuable Player when he played goalie for the 1978 NCAA Champion Roanoke College lacrosse team and made the final save of the game. Now Sullivan is in the business of saving lives.

Roanoke Alums’ star still shines brightly
The Mill Mountain Star was first lit 60 years ago. The Kinsey brothers helped to build the Roanoke landmark that was designed by their father. The Star has 2,000 feet of neon tubing on a 100-foot frame.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.





