Roanoke celebrates and honors recent retirees

Five longtime Roanoke College employees retired this semester after contributing more than 140 years of combined service to the College. From the classroom to the event stage to the mechanic garage, these employees have made a huge difference in the lives of our students and other members of the campus community.

Jack Williams is retiring after 22 years of service, most recently as director of regional programs for the Resource Development division. His building of relationships has resulted in millions of dollars in gifts. He is an active supporter of all things Maroon and frequently attends Roanoke College sporting events and extracurricular activities.

Kaye Felts joined the Business Office in 2003 and is retiring after 18 years of service, working as a dependable member of the College’s student accounts receivable team. She worked closely with Financial Aid staff to provide families with accurate billing and refunds.

Kathryn Elmore has been at the heart of the education department for over 20 years, teaching, advising, collaborating and distributing her sense of energy, justice and equity far and wide. She has led students abroad, developed new courses, and was the most often-requested advisor in the department. She is a model of service to the community as well. She taught more than 2,200 students in more than 100 sections of EDUC-210 (Principles of Education). She took students to Belize in 2014 and 2017 as part of our IL program. Her course was Service & Peacework in Belize, where students learned about education in Belize while doing service ranging from tutoring to assisting in minor construction projects.

Bill Hill has been with the College for over 50 years! The Henry H. and Trudye Fowler Professor of Public Affairs, Emeritus, Hill retired from teaching in 2009 but remained on campus to continue as director of the Henry H. Fowler program. Former student Sara Gubala '98, now a political science instructor herself, learned of this milestone anniversary and wrote the following to Hill: "The life lessons you have taught me are immeasurable. Your passion for teaching and learning are things that I will never forget. Daily you inspired me to be better, and that inspiration still motivates me today in my classroom. As you reflect on your 50-year career at Roanoke College, please know, it is not measured in the courses you taught or the years that you have been there, it is measured by the lives you have changed."

Mike Vaught began his career in 1987 as an automotive maintenance mechanic and worked his way up through the department, retiring from his 33-year career after serving most recently as manager of Plant Operations. A STAR — Service To All Roanoke — Award winner, Mike saw many facility changes at the College, including the construction of New Hall, the CBR Complex, renovations of Lucas Hall and countless dorms.

Roanoke College is "pleased to honor these retirees who have served the College faithfully for many years,” said Dr. Brenda Poggendorf, vice president of enrollment, and Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid, who recognized College retirees during a virtual service awards program on Dec. 17. “We will certainly miss them and sincerely thank them for their service."