President Maxey's update for Oct. 9

Dear Maroons -

I hope that these weekly emails provide you with useful information about current life at Roanoke College. Here on campus the leaves are starting to turn and we are enjoying the beautiful colors and crisp weather that autumn brings. 

Faculty and staff are working hard to provide a satisfying learning and living environment. Thankfully, ongoing testing, safety guidelines, and careful actions by everyone are keeping us healthy.

Regarding COVID-19

Today, October 9, there are zero active COVID-19 student cases and one employee case at Roanoke College. We continue to test students, faculty and staff, and will do so throughout the semester.  

I appreciate the perseverance I’m seeing from so many this semester, on schoolwork and in the following of our campus safety rules, please keep up the good work! We are now past midterms and that is a landmark. If you need assistance for your academic success, please use the many College resources to help.

Sending along some good food news. I am happy to let you know there are new options for meals available at Roanoke College. The new Freshens Fresh Food Kitchen will be open to the entire campus community by October 19. The menu features smoothies, healthy wraps, rice bowls and breakfast items and we expect it to be a great addition. Freshens is located on College Avenue in the former Fruitions space and there is a new outdoor seating area in front of the restaurant. 

In addition, Rooney’s Brews has reopened in Fintel Library with new choices, in addition to their coffee drinks. Their menu includes sandwiches, fruit, yogurt, avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches, salads, hummus and, of course, cookies, brownies and other sweets. 

Don’t forget about the Cavern for other meal and snack options. Lunch and dinner are also served in Alumni Gym — usually the same menu as the Commons, with plenty of room to spread out for a safe meal. 

Students on the meal plan can use their swipes at Freshens, Rooney’s Brews, the Cavern, Alumni Gym and, of course, the Commons. It’s a nice time of year to grab a meal, snack and drink and enjoy it in one of our many outdoor eating areas. I encourage you to do so.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms or if you are worried about your health for any reason, please reach out to Student Health and Counseling Services at (540) 375-2286. We want to treat you and to help avoid any spread of COVID-19 to others on campus. Remember, no one should feel embarrassed about helping to fight and treat COVID-19. 

You will find a dashboard on our website, roanoke.edu/covid19, where we report Roanoke College COVID-19 cases on a weekly basis. Questions may also be sent to questions@roanoke.edu or you may leave a voicemail with your question by calling 540-375-2244.

Stay safe and be well, Maroons.

President Mike Maxey