The Roanoke College community gathered in late October to celebrate and recognize Cynthia Overton’s spirit and years of service to Roanoke students. Overton, who died of cancer in 2023, worked as an administrative assistant in Student Affairs for 26 years. Roanoke College was an Overton family affair, with her husband, Jerry, working as the supervisor of Plant Operations. Both retired in 2002.
“Cynthia gave unconditional acceptance,” said Mac Johnson '70, retired vice president of Student Affairs. “She accepted you wherever you were in life at that moment; she welcomed everyone and gave sage advice.”
Rob Crowley '00 spoke about being on campus exactly a year before. As he and Overton walked across campus, they took a break on a bench and talked about life, kids and family. When Overton died in December 2023, Crowley, along with Rita Hobson '03 and Scott Segerstrom '02, talked about that moment on the bench and decided it would be the perfect way to honor her.
"I hope all future students get a 'Miss Cynthia.' I hope that they all get their champion – they all get that person who has their back, that they get their parent, their friend and confidant, and their mentor."
Scott Segerstrom '02
They contacted Advancement and coordinated an effort to raise money to honor Overton with a bench on the Back Quad outside of the Student Affairs office. Ultimately, 30 donors contributed to the project. On the bench is a bronze plaque that reads, “In memory of Cynthia Overton who gave hugs to any Maroon who needed one.”
"I hope all future students get a ‘Miss Cynthia,’” Segerstrom said. “I hope that they all get their champion – they all get that person who has their back, that they get their parent, their friend and confidant, and their mentor.”
The Overton family gathered at Cynthia's bench. Jerry Overton, who is retired from the college, sits on the right of the bench.