Denver students show off Roanoke College gear

This photo features Chris Beatty '93 and his class of fourth graders at Godsman Elementary School in Denver, Colorado. Beatty's support of and appreciation for his alma matter has followed him from Roanoke to Colorado, and he hopes to provide encouragement for his students through the Roanoke College swag.

Beatty has been a teacher with Denver schools for the past 18 years, most recently teaching students in a Title 1 school. "As an educator of 4th and 5th graders of a Title I school in Denver, I see a lot of challenges that my students are faced with," Beatty said. "They still keep a positive attitude, love coming to school, and love to learn. As their teacher, I place great import on my role in helping to keep their enthusiasms, goals, achievements, and hopes strong."

As part of his mission, Beatty reached out a few years ago to Roanoke College in hopes of securing some RC swag for his students. Since then, Roanoke and Beatty have worked together to provide gear for his students each year. Their favorites are the drawstring bags, and some of his previous students "used the back packs for both 4th and 5th grades and even took them with them to middle school." Beatty says that the gear "really does help to spark their interests and goals for a college degree in the not too far-off future."

Roanoke College is proud to be a part of the effort to raise students' awareness and excitement for college, and we hope to see some Godsman Elementary students here in a few years. Way to go, Chris, for inspiring and encouraging your students to pursue their academic goals and dreams!