Alumni News June 2020

Emily Crane ’17 and Wes Knowles ’17 recently finished service as agricultural extension agents with the Peace Corps in the West African country of Ghana. There, they worked on soil conservation, dry season gardening, malaria education and financial literacy. “We’re proud as Roanoke alumni to have been part of such a service-oriented school,” they shared. Crane, who earned a B.A. in international relations and French at Roanoke, will pursue a master’s degree in international relations at Syracuse University this fall. Knowles, who earned a B.A. in international relations at Roanoke, will enter a dual degree program at Syracuse University this fall, pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree and a master’s degree in international relations. The two are pictured here at a local festival in Ghana, which is the Peace Corps’ oldest post.

Helen Phillips ’17 has started PeakMATES (Mentoring and Tutoring elementary Students) in Westchester County, New York. The program, which Phillips created in response to in-person classroom education shifting to digital learning, has connected 200 high school and college-age students with elementary school students in New York and Connecticut. “The program has been running for five weeks and has had great success,” Phillips emailed on May 27. “It’s been a great opportunity for high school students to grow as individuals while also earning community service hours. All of this has been done from the safety of their homes while following social distancing guidelines!” Phillips holds a B.A. in biology and creative writing from Roanoke.

Amanda Nastiuk ’11 has been named executive director of the West End Center for Youth in Roanoke, Virginia. Nastiuk comes to the position after serving as the center’s development director. She previously worked at ARCH Services-Bethany Hall and Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare. West End Center serves children whose families have limited resources by providing educational and social development through after-school and summer programs. Nastiuk holds a B.A. in sociology from Roanoke.

Sara Jamison ’07 has joined the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine as director for development and alumni relations. Jamison, who holds a B.A. in chemistry from Roanoke, has worked in development for Roanoke College, Ferrum College and Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia.

Have news to share? Send it to us at rcmagazine@roanoke.edu.