Q: What made you choose Roanoke College?
I visited Roanoke College and another local school on the same day. When touring the other school, the student guide showed me a cafeteria, the food court, a few classrooms, a bowling alley and an indoor climbing wall. At the end of the tour, I asked where the library was. She didn’t know. When I toured Roanoke on the same day, the very first stop was Fintel. The contrast could not have been clearer.
Q: What’s your best Roanoke College memory?
During a meeting at Mill Mountain in preparation for a May Term in France, a young, bright and attractive woman – Ashley (Miller) Hupp ’10 – sat next to me. She was also going on the May Term, and we talked briefly about both of us being middle-namers. I remember exactly where we sat. Nine months later, we went on our first date, the President’s Ball. Now, we’ve been married 12 years and have a beautiful 11-year-old daughter.
Q: What’s something you learned in college that you had no idea would be so important?
In all things in life, you get out what you put in. As a young person, I would often do just enough to get by, skating through life on minimal effort and maximum relaxation. When I was in my mid-twenties, I realized that when you put in more effort, you get more out of it. Opportunities appear, doors open and life just works out when you focus on what’s in front of you and give it your best.
Q: What advice would you give current Roanoke College students?
Take advantage of all the organizations, meetings and events that you can! Find out what you really enjoy, and do more of it! But don’t get so caught up in where you’re going that you forget to enjoy where you are. You’ll only be here once.
Q: Who was your mentor at Roanoke College?
As a history major, I was blessed to have some incredible professors! I learned so much from Drs. Miller, Leeson, Willingham and Gibb.
Q: What do you love most about your career field?
I get to do something that matters. Some days for me feel mundane and rote, as I suspect we all feel about our jobs from time to time; but for witnesses, victims, and defendants and their families, court dates are always significant. Some of those days are the most important days in their lives. Occasionally, I can be someone’s champion, fighting for justice and to make things right. Those moments after a successful trial, meeting with thankful families, are incredibly rewarding.
"When I was in my mid-twenties, I realized that when you put in more effort, you get more out of it. Opportunities appear, doors open and life just works out when you focus on what’s in front of you and give it your best."
Ryan Hupp '10
Q: What has been your favorite career moment so far?
Several years ago, I was prosecuting a man for rape. The victim was a 16-year-old girl who was doing all she could just to get through. While preparing for trial, she lost her father as well. My heart broke for her. After the case was over and her rapist was sentenced to prison, I was walking out of the courtroom when she came over and hugged me. She cried and thanked me repeatedly. I’m not too proud to admit that I cried too. I hope she’s doing well.
Q: What has been your scariest or most challenging career moment so far?
The first time I argued for a life sentence. While the defendant showed no emotion, I did what I had to do, but internally, I was wrecked. After the sentence was handed down, I went to my office and wept. The knowledge that my actions had led to a man being separated from his family and his home for the rest of his life was very difficult. I hope to never have to do it again.
Q: What advice would you give a student interested in your field?
Go to court! Sit in the back and just watch. If you’re brave enough, introduce yourself to the bailiff, the judge or an attorney. We all love to chat and tell old war stories. Listen to a few and decide if you’d like to have a few stories like that for yourselves.
Q: What is a personal cause that means a lot to you? Why?
Just help others. However it’s done, in whatever methodology, it’s important for all of us to look for ways that we can make the world better for our fellow humans. Whether it’s as small as just listening to someone or as large as donating millions of dollars, we can all do something to help another.
Q: What is the best book you’ve read lately, and why?
Terry Pratchett’s “Guards! Guards!” It’s a fun, ridiculous and whimsical portrayal of law enforcement and government, two things I deal with regularly.
Q: What brings you joy?
Spending time with my wife and daughter. Going on a walk on a clear, crisp morning. Solving a puzzle.