I have been off campus since December and can safely say that so much has changed. They have painted in the commons, restructured the departments into schools, and erected a monument to honor those who were enslaved who worked on the campus of Roanoke College. Not all of these changes are bad, but there have been many. Roanoke College is an ever-changing and evolving institution, but when is it enough?
Many of you got the email in early August about the change in location for Commencement. As a senior, I am not pleased, nor do I understand the drive for this change. There are many reasons that I could argue why this might be a bad idea. Some points I have heard are about the history and symbolism of the graduation location, how everyone will get to the Salem Football stadium from campus, or even arguments that it is a waste of money.
These are all valid concerns that I have heard and discussed with friends, but they are not my primary concern. Since I have been at Roanoke College, I have been dreaming of the day that my ninety-four-year-old grandmother could come to my graduation. Four years ago, she missed my high school graduation because she didn’t want to leave Salem, and my grandfather had just died. I am named after her, and she is a hoot. At the time of my graduation, she will be ninety-five years old, and that is not young. I am very concerned that the change in location of Commencement will affect her ability to be there. She has to use a walker and definitely cannot walk up the bleachers. I am also concerned about her sitting on the bleachers in the sun, even if she can access them through the handicap entrance, given the large number of people who will be there. In the Front Lawn of the college, there would be more trees to create shade, and it would be more likely to have a breeze.
I can’t be the only student with concerns about an elderly relative attending and watching Commencement at the Football Stadium. Over the last four years, since I started at Roanoke College, I have visited her often. I don’t want to imagine her missing this moment, mainly because I don’t know how many more moments like this I will have with her.
Nina Earle
Staff Reporter
