Written by Jack Miller
Last weekend, Roanoke College hosted its annual Alumni Weekend. Due to Covid-19 restrictions throughout the state, the college hosted many virtual events in the interest of health and safety. The weekend began on Thursday, April 15, kicking off with a career fair hosted by alumni in which they showcased some of the many ways in which a Roanoke College degree can be applied to the world beyond campus.
On Friday, April 16, the college hosted this semester’s Fowler Lecture, which coincidentally was the last lecture hosted by Roanoke’s very own Dr. Bill Hill of the Department of Public Affairs, who has hosted this lecture series since its founding in 1983. This talk’s featured speaker was leading political commentator and humorist P.J. O’Rouke. O’Rouke is a regular correspondent for world-renowned papers such as The Atlantic. He is also the author of over 15 books on American politics. His lecture advocated for Americans during these deeply divided times to consider taking an extreme middle path in politics.
On Saturday, April 17, the college held a webinar hosted by President Maxey and Co-Chairs of the Science Center Campaign Committee, Dr. Tom and Lynda Rutherford. They looked back on their time at the college and how much the current science buildings meant to them at the time. However, they’ve noticed that the current buildings look very old and are in their middle ages. The plans for the new science building were explained, and emphasis was placed on this future building’s technological advancements and open-air spaces for use by all of the student body. President Maxey is planning on making this building accessible to everyone including the public and will include state of the art research labs plus a coffee shop and lounge.
The next Roanoke College Alumni Weekend will be held from April 22 to 24, 2022. For more information, please contact the Roanoke College Office of Alumni & Family Relations via phone at (540)-375-2238 or via email at rcalumnievents@roanoke.edu.
