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About the Colket Center

colket center

The Colket Center is named in recognition of Mr. and Mrs. Tristram
C. Colket Jr. of Paoli, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Tristram C. Colket Jr., are the parents of Bryan Dorrance Colket '98. The family's $5 million challenge gift motivated $5 million in additional gifts from 86 donors whose gifts were $10,000 and more. The Colket Center was a major priority of the College's capital campaign, entitled "The Difference."

The dining area was named Sutton Commons in honor of Donald M. Sutton who served as a staff member at the College from 1956 to 1983. Inside the Colket Center, several major donors chose to honor Roanoke College staff who had been meaningful in their lives. The Mamie Patterson Conference Room is named for a retired professor of Spanish. Another meeting room is named for Fran Ramser and Jean Beamer, who retired from the physical education department.

  • The Colket Center and Sutton Commons boasts 60,000 square feet-an expansion from the 40,000 square feet in the previous campus center.
  • Located on the Back Quad, it is a place for campus and community wide gatherings. The Colket Center opens up to Maxey Way, affording impressive collegiate views into the campus. The panoramic view of the athletic fields is completed by a view of the mountains to the north.
  • The Colket Center draws students from all across campus for meals, postal needs, the campus store, and meetings. The atrium opens the first floor of the center to the second floor, giving students immediate access and understanding of the activities upon entry, including WRKE, the Roanoke College radio station. With an open floor plan, this adds to the vibrancy of the site. 
  • The Colket Center provides expanded meeting space for student groups, study groups, Student Activities Offices and other student life functions. 
  • Entertainment faculties, such as the Garrett Student Media Lounge, a game room, and the legendary Cavern offer informal gathering and a location for student social events. 
  • The larger, brighter Roanoke College Campus Store and post office are in the lower level of the center, as well as the game room and the Cavern.
  • WRKE (college radio station) has a studio in the first floor of the Colket Center. The station also has a production and recording studio on the second floor of the Colket Center.