The Noe Kilgore Award was established in 1998, by an anonymous alumnus of the College to honor Randolph-Macon College faculty emeriti. The award is named in honor of two retired Randolph-Macon professors, Bill Noe and Pete Kilgore, and is presented each year in recognition of an outstanding teaching career and service to Randolph-Macon College.

“Professor Scanlon is a part of the fabric we know as Randolph-Macon College,” said Lindgren. “He has not only earned the respect of his peers but of the countless students whose lives he has touched and changed. We are honored to have this opportunity to recognize him today for his lifetime of dedication and service to this great school.”

Scanlon, who arrived at R-MC in 1968 to teach history, has had a long and illustrious career at the Randolph-Macon. In addition to teaching, he also chaired the history department from 1982-1988 and was a member of the planning committee for the restoration and renovation of Washington-Franklin Hall, one of the six buildings on R-MC’s campus listed on the National Register of Historic Places. During the college’s 175th anniversary in 2005, Scanlon also gave a presentation titled, Randolph-Macon Buildings: How They Speak to Us, which explained how the architecture of many of the college’s buildings stand as a witness to the values of those who designed and built them, especially as those individuals are no longer here to speak for themselves.

Scanlon, known for his witty sense of humor, said to the college’s assembled faculty upon receiving his plaque: “One doesn’t get into this business for the money. We do it for the students. And you will never know all of the students you reach through your teaching. I hear from some today that I haven’t heard from in many years and am sometimes surprised by what they tell me they learned.”

Scanlon continued, “I have been sustained by my colleagues, particularly in the history department, people like George Oliver, Tom Porter & Mathias Bergmann. The world is filled with things I don’t know and whenever I’ve asked any colleagues at Randolph-Macon for help and understanding things, no one has ever said no.”

William W. Johnston, R-MC’s new Provost said, “James Scanlon’s history of professional work and generous offerings represent the best Randolph-Macon has to offer – its faculty.”

Scanlon, who has served as advisor and friend to many students and student organizations, has received numerous other awards to include the Isaac Newton Vaughn Chair in History in 1992, The Samuel Nelson Gray Distinguished Professor Award in 1984 and the Thomas Branch Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1973. He is also the college historian and in addition to many published works, wrote about R-MC’s history in a book titled Selections from Randolph-Macon College: A Southern History 1825-1967.

Scanlon earned his Ph.D. in History from the University of Virginia, an M.A. in History from the University of Wisconsin and an A.B. in History from Georgetown University. He retired in 2004 and was an adjunct history professor at the college through the 2007 academic year.

For more information, contact Anne Marie Lauranzon at 752-7317 or alauranz@rmc.edu.

Ashland, VA - Richmond native Everette G. “Buddy” Allen, ’62, came to Randolph-Macon College almost 50 years ago, thanks to several generous scholarships. He had a passion for sports – basketball in particular – the liberal arts, and Randolph-Macon College. Today, widely recognized as one of Virginia’s top civil litigators and community leaders, Allen attributes much of his success to his R-MC education and the scholarship assistance afforded to him. In an effort to extend these same opportunities to other Richmond area students, Allen and his wife Ann are giving $2.6 million to Randolph-Macon College in support of scholarships for local students, the R-MC athletics program, and the college’s annual funds, marking this as one of the most generous contributions presented to R-MC in recent times.

“Mr. and Mrs. Allen’s gift is a wonderful testament to the power of philanthropy,” said Robert R. Lindgren, president of Randolph-Macon. “Their gift will help local students interested in pursuing a liberal arts education at Randolph-Macon through scholarships, as well as support and enhance the college’s vibrant athletics program, which is an integral part of the college’s overall goal to educate and develop the whole student. The college is deeply grateful for this generous and significant donation, and we look forward to welcoming more Richmond-area students in the coming years.”

“Randolph-Macon College is a special school,” Allen said. “It is important to both Ann and me to provide now, and in the future, these new and valuable opportunities for area students to benefit from Randolph-Macon’s outstanding academic and athletic programs. We are grateful for what R-MC did for

me many years ago and we hope to give many more local students, particularly Richmond students who may not have the resources to attend a private college, the chance to discover Randolph-Macon and its top-notch liberal arts curriculum.”

More than $1 million Earmarked for Local Student Scholarships:

A portion of the gift – $1.25 million – will be used to establish the Buddy and Ann Allen Scholarship Fund. In an effort to support area students, scholarship preference will be given to Richmond City public school students, students participating in the “Partnership for the Future” program, a college preparation, mentoring and youth employment program in Metro Richmond, and students transferring after graduation from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College.

“This generous scholarship support will help provide Richmond-area students the opportunity to obtain one of the finest educations available anywhere,” said Dr. Steven Nape, R-MC’s dean of Admissions and Financial Aid. “We are very grateful to the Allens for their willingness to support local students. The impact of their gift will be felt immediately.”

Moreover, Randolph-Macon remains dedicated to making its outstanding liberal arts education affordable through a variety of generous financial aid packages, including loans, grants and scholarships.

Allen Donation to Benefit R-MC Athletic Program:

The Allens also have pledged their support to the R-MC Division III Athletics Program, committing $1 million for the creation of the Randolph-Macon College Athletic Endowment. In addition, they are giving $100,000 for immediate use to provide new services and opportunities to its eight women’s athletics teams in the coming years, including the R-MC women’s basketball team, which has garnered much national success in recent years. With more than 40 percent of R-MC students participating in at least one of the college’s 15 varsity sports, this gift will help the college continue its tradition of educating and developing the whole student.

Specifically, the Athletic Endowment will be used to provide new funds to enhance and support the college’s athletic program, allowing the college to be more competitive and take its athletic image and visibility to larger levels. Additionally, this endowment gift is being used as a “challenge gift,” in the hope that other dedicated alumni and friends of Randolph-Macon also will show their Yellow Jacket support in a similar fashion.

“The Allens’ gift will help our athletic program grow and reach new heights,” said R-MC Athletic Director Denis Kanach. “We are grateful for Ann and Buddy’s steadfast support of our students through the years and are thrilled with the potential their generosity will provide.”

Support for the Annual Fund:

The Allens also understand the importance of the annual fund for the unrestricted use by the college and the athletic program. Therefore, the remaining monies of their gift will support these funds. Both gifts will allow the college to address varying campus needs in each area on a regular basis.

Everette G. “Buddy” Allen, a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of R-MC, ’62, and University of Virginia Law School, ’65, is a partner with LeClair Ryan. A highly esteemed attorney, Allen was noted in Virginia Business Magazine as Virginia's top civil litigator in 2005 and was selected by Chambers USA, America's Leading Business Lawyers – 2005-07, as a top litigator in Virginia. His practice areas include business litigation, tort defense, environmental, administrative agency, local government and land use.

Previously, Allen served as chairman of the board with Hirschler, Fleischer, Weinberg, Cox & Allen until 2001. He then formed Allen & Allen law firm with his son, E.G. III, a member of R-MC’s Board of Associates. The firm merged with LeClair Ryan in 2005. Allen has served as a director of the Virginia Gas Company, Commonwealth Biotechnologies, and Hersha Hospitality Trust. He is recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and has been selected as one of The Best Lawyers in America for Civil Litigation.

A native of Richmond and a graduate of John Marshall High School, Allen has been a member of R-MC’s Board of Trustees from 1988 to 1992, and also a member of the college’s Society of Alumni Board. He has generously given to Randolph-Macon in the past, including providing a lead gift to help renovate the college’s Crenshaw Gymnasium, as well as gifts to help construct the college’s Brock Center recreational facility and the Hugh Stephens baseball stadium.

In addition to playing baseball and football, Allen was a star basketball player during his time at R-MC and was inducted in the R-MC Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997.

Also a native of Richmond, Ann Allen, formerly Ann Southall, married Buddy in 1961 and the couple has three children: Wendy Schmitt, who is married to R-MC alumnus Dan Schmitt, Class of 1982; E.G. III; and James, also an R-MC alumnus, Class of 1999, and seven grandchildren.

For more information on this article, please contact Anne Marie Lauranzon at 752-7317 or alauranz@rmc.edu.

_______________________

Sara Bremner -- Sara Bremner first came to Randolph-Macon in 1974; tuition, room and board were $3,400 a year at the time. During freshmen orientation, Sara met her now-husband – the two married and soon Sara found herself in Ashland – but not at R-MC – raising her three children. Now, some 33 years later, with tuition almost 10 times what is was when she first started, and after each of her three children finished college themselves, Sara will accept her diploma on June 2.

Sara was able to return to R-MC in 2000 and, although she said it was strange at first to be the “gray-haired woman sitting next to so many young students,” she soon broke the barriers of age and was just like any other Randolph-Macon student – ready and eager to learn. Today, she already is working as a tax associate at Keiter, Stephens, Hurst, Gary & Shreaves, and she’s looking into taking the CPA exam in the coming months. Sara truly is living proof of the power of dedication and perseverance.

_______________________

Michael Wallace -- At a time when soldiers are constantly being deployed overseas to Iraq, R-MC senior Michael Wallace hasn’t wavered in his decision to commission as a 2nd lieutenant the day before his graduation ceremony. Michael came to R-MC in 2003 with two interests in mind – football and Army ROTC. After his sophomore year, though, he found that football and his ROTC commitments conflicted, so he decided to give up football and focus on his future in the Army.

And on June 1 at 3 p.m. in Washington-Franklin Hall on the R-MC campus, Michael will stand before his father and grandfather, both retired Lt. Colonels, and be commissioned as an officer in the Army. His father will swear him in, and together his parents will pin on his “gold bars.” Ten days later, he leaves for Ft. Benning, Georgia, for the start of his officer training. While Michael
likely will find himself headed overseas in the coming year, he’s ready for whatever mission he’s assigned – and truly is a fantastic example of someone willing to put their life on the line for others.

_______________________

Shannon Davis -- R-MC senior Shannon Davis has loved, lost and persevered. She came to R-MC in 2002 from Tappahannock, the first to go to college in her immediate family. Just a few months into her freshman year, her uncle died. During her junior year, in September 2005, her grandfather died and one month later, her father was killed in a car crash. The following months were some of the most difficult Shannon had ever experienced, but she decided to remain in school at R-MC, fearing if she left she may never come back. She made poor grades at first, falling almost a year behind in her classes. Her living grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s so she spent each weekend at home taking care of him and her mother.

In 2006, as things were beginning to turn around for Shannon, her grandfather passed away, as did another uncle. This time, though, Shannon realized she needed and wanted to achieve her dream of a earning a college degree. She brought her grades up and this June 2, she’ll graduate with a degree in English. This one’s for her family, she said, and for herself. She truly has loved, lost and persevered – what an example of what you can achieve when you believe in your dreams.

_______________________

 

Media interested in talking to one of these great seniors, or media planning on covering R-MC Commencement 2007, should contact Holly Clark at 752-3712 or hclark@rmc.edu or Anne Marie Lauranzon at 752-7317 or alauranz@rmc.edu. Media parking will be available at the R-MC Welcome Center, located at the corner of Henry and England streets.

Randolph-Macon College Graduates Follow the
“Red Brick Road” to Commencement

Ashland, VA - This year’s more than 220 Randolph-Macon College seniors will follow the “Red Brick Road” as they prepare to graduate on Saturday, June 2, at 10 a.m. at the Frank E. Brown Fountain Plaza off Henry Street. The first to begin this tradition at R-MC, each student will walk across the more than 220 new bricks lining the sidewalk near the fountain – each brick imprinted with the name of a graduating senior.

“The Randolph-Macon College Parents Association wants to honor each student in this special way,” said R-MC President Lindgren, “and also give them something to show their families and children when they return to Randolph-Macon in the future. We plan to continue this tradition for all the graduates from here forward, and we hope this shows our appreciation for what each student brought to R-MC during his or her time here.”

(Note: In the event of rain, R-MC’s 2007 commencement ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. in the Brock Recreation Center, located at 400 North Center Street.)

Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources L. Preston Bryant
Will Deliver Commencement Address

R-MC graduate and the Secretary of Natural Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia, L. Preston Bryant Jr., will deliver this year’s commencement address, “Being Given Much Demands Much.”

Secretary Bryant was appointed to his post by Governor Timothy M. Kaine and was sworn into office on Jan. 15, 2006. He is the governor’s principal environmental advisor and oversees more than 2,200 employees and a budget of nearly $565 million. Secretary Bryant’s responsibilities include oversight of all state programs regulating air, water, land conservation, state parks, historic preservation, wildlife management and marine resources.

Prior to joining Governor Kaine’s cabinet, Secretary Bryant served two years on Lynchburg City Council and 10 years in the Virginia House of Delegates, where he represented the City of Lynchburg and Amherst County. Before joining Governor Kaine’s cabinet, Secretary Bryant was a partner at Hurt & Proffitt Inc., a Virginia-based engineering, surveying and planning firm that specializes in the design of major residential, commercial and industrial developments as well as transportation facilities.

Secretary Bryant was born in Lynchburg, Virginia. He earned his B.A. in English in 1986 from Randolph-Macon College, a master’s degree in the humanities in 1988 from the University of Richmond, and an M.A. in modern British literature in 1990 from Royal Holloway College, University of London. He and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Richmond, Virginia.

Former Secretary of the Treasury John Snow to be Awarded Honorary Degree
John William Snow, the 73rd U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and the current chairman of Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., will be awarded an honorary degree this year. Dr. Snow accepted his position at Cerberus in October 2006 and under his leadership, Cerberus most recently purchased the Chrysler group for $7.4 billion.

Dr. Snow was nominated by President George W. Bush to become the 73rd Secretary of the Treasury in 2003. He was confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate and sworn into office in February 2003, and served in this role until June 2006. Prior to becoming Secretary of the Treasury, Dr. Snow was chairman and chief executive officer of CSX Corporation, the global transportation company.

His previous public service includes serving at the Department of Transportation as administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, deputy undersecretary, assistant secretary for governmental affairs, and deputy assistant secretary for policy, plans and international affairs.
An advocate for the value of higher education, Dr. Snow served on Randolph-Macon’s Board of Trustees from 1985 to 1990. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Toledo, and his master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. He later earned his doctoral degree in economics from the University of Virginia, and also his law degree from the George Washington University.

Dr. Snow currently lives in Richmond with his wife Carolyn. They have three children and three grandchildren.

Class of 2007 Begins New Senior Gift Tradition

Each year, the senior class presents the college with a gift upon graduation. This year, the Class of 2007 will be giving money to the “The Fountain Fund,” which will serve as a resource to beautify the area around the Fountain Plaza, a stunning feature anchoring the center of Randolph-Macon’s campus. A bench with a plaque bearing the inscription “Class of 2007” will be placed in the Fountain Plaza to symbolize and commemorate this special gift to R-MC, and it is the hope of this year’s senior class that the Randolph-Macon community will enjoy this bench and special gift for years to come.

Four R-MC Faculty Honored During R-MC’s Honors Convocation Ceremony

Four dedicated R-MC faculty members were honored during the May 18 Honor’s Convocation ceremony at Randolph-Macon. Professors Chris Ryder (music) and Cathy Staples (economics and business) were awarded the Thomas Brach Awards for Excellence in Teaching; Professor Jim Doering (music) was awarded the United Methodist Church Exemplary Teaching Award; and Professor Kelly Lambert (psychology) was presented the Samuel Nelson Gray Distinguished Professor Award. Each of the above professors serve as excellent examples of the qualified and committed professors at R-MC, each devoted to mentoring all R-MC students to achieve their personal best, both in and out of the classroom.

Media planning on covering R-MC Commencement 2007 should contact Holly Clark at 752-3712 or hclark@rmc.edu or Anne Marie Lauranzon at 752-7317 or alauranz@rmc.edu. Media parking will be available at the R-MC Welcome Center, located at the corner of Henry and England streets.

R-MC’s Commencement begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 2, at the Frank E. Brown Fountain Plaza on Henry Street. (In the event of rain, commencement will be held in the Randolph-Macon Brock Recreation Center, located at 400 N. Center Street, at 10 a.m.)

Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources L. Preston Bryant Will Deliver Commencement Address

Known for his engaging speeches, R-MC graduate and the Secretary of Natural Resources for the Commonwealth of Virginia, L. Preston Bryant Jr., will deliver this year’s commencement address.

Secretary Bryant was appointed to his post by Governor Timothy M. Kaine and was sworn into office on Jan. 15, 2006. He is the governor’s principal environmental advisor and oversees more than 2,200 employees and a budget of nearly $565 million. Secretary Bryant’s responsibilities include oversight of all state programs regulating air, water, land conservation, state parks, historic preservation, wildlife management and marine resources.

Prior to joining Governor Kaine’s cabinet, Secretary Bryant served two years on Lynchburg City Council and 10 years in the Virginia House of Delegates, where he represented the City of Lynchburg and Amherst County. During his decade of service in the General Assembly, then-Delegate Bryant sponsored landmark legislation to help preserve more than one million acres of nontidal wetlands, streamline the state’s stormwater management programs, and create a market-based nutrient credit trading program to advance upgrades to more than a hundred wastewater treatment facilities that discharge into Virginia waters. He has been honored by many environmental groups for his work, including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

Before joining Governor Kaine’s cabinet, Secretary Bryant was a partner at Hurt & Proffitt Inc., a Virginia-based engineering, surveying and planning firm that specializes in the design of major residential, commercial and industrial developments as well as transportation facilities.
Secretary Bryant was born in Lynchburg, Virginia. He earned his B.A. in English in 1986 from Randolph-Macon College, a master’s degree in the humanities in 1988 from the University of Richmond, and an M.A. in modern British literature in 1990 from Royal Holloway College, University of London. He and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Richmond, Virginia.

Former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury John Snow to be Awarded Honorary Degree

Former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury and the current chairman of Cerberus Capital Management, John William Snow will be awarded an honorary degree during R-MC’s commencement ceremony.

John William Snow, the 73rd U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, currently is chairman of Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., one of the world's leading private investment firms. Dr. Snow accepted this position in October 2006 and under his leadership, Cerberus most recently purchased the Chrysler organization for $7.4 billion.

In 2003, Dr. Snow was nominated by President George W. Bush to become the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. He was confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate and sworn into office in February 2003, and served in this role until June 2006. As Secretary of the Treasury, Dr. Snow worked closely with President Bush to strengthen economic growth and create jobs.

Prior to becoming Secretary of the Treasury, Dr. Snow was chairman and chief executive officer of CSX Corporation, the global transportation company. During his 20 years at CSX, Dr. Snow led the company through a period of change by refocusing on CSX’s core railroad business and dramatically improving the company’s financial performance.

His previous public service includes serving at the Department of Transportation as administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, deputy undersecretary, assistant secretary for governmental affairs, and deputy assistant secretary for policy, plans and international affairs.

An advocate for the value of higher education, Dr. Snow served on Randolph-Macon’s Board of Trustees from 1985 to 1990. He earned his undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Toledo, and his master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. He later earned his doctoral degree in economics from the University of Virginia, and also his law degree from the George Washington University.

Dr. Snow currently lives in Richmond with his wife Carolyn. They have three children and three grandchildren.

Media interested in covering R-MC’s Commencement should contact Holly Clark at 752-3712 or hclark@rmc.edu, or Anne Marie Lauranzon at 752-7317 or alauranz@rmc.edu. Media parking will be available at the R-MC Welcome Center, located at the corner of Henry and England streets.

Ashland, VA – Randolph-Macon College

“Dr. Johnston greatly impressed the search committee and me with his outstanding record as an exceptional teacher, an accomplished scholar, a highly regarded administrator and an extremely thoughtful and positive person,” said R-MC President Robert R. Lindgren. Johnston is credited by many individuals from the Centre College community with playing a very significant role in the college’s recent successes, which include impressive gains in admission standards, retention rates and academic standards. “In short,” said Lindgren, “I think Bill is a terrific fit for us, and I look forward to having him join the Randolph-Macon family.”

A native North Carolinian, Johnston is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Wake Forest and holds a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Virginia. He began teaching at Centre College in 1988 and became associate dean in 2001. Early in his tenure at Centre College, Johnston was a special program instructor at the University of the Virgin Islands in St. Thomas, and also an instructor with the Kentucky Governor’s Scholars program.

“Randolph-Macon College has an outstanding academic program and national reputation,” said Johnston. “I believe in Randolph-Macon’s mission of ‘developing the minds and character of its students’ and look forward to working with a dedicated faculty to build on their good work.”

During his time as associate dean at Centre, Johnston helped improve freshman retention rates to 90% for the first time in the college’s history; he began the campus’s administrative use of a software program, Turnitin.com, a device that promotes academic integrity and has led to a decrease in the number of Internet plagiarism cases; and he helped guide the college through the first six years of “CentreTerm,” a three-week January curriculum, among other successes.

In addition, Johnston has published several mathematics papers on the theory of functions and mathematical pedagogy. He has also introduced a number of mathematics courses, most notably The Theory of Integration and Foundations of Mathematics, into the mathematics undergraduate curriculum.

His second mathematics textbook, A Survey of Advanced Mathematical Thought, coauthored with Alex McAllister for the Foundations course, is under contract with Oxford University Press and is scheduled to appear next spring. It presents an introduction to mathematical theorems and proofs as a survey of many diverse and important mathematical subfields, such as abstract algebra, number theory, and real analysis.

“We look forward to welcoming Bill Johnston to the Randolph-Macon family,” Lindgren said. “I know his appointment will mark a new and even more successful chapter in the life of this great college.”

Johnston, who will begin in his new position on July 1, 2007, will move to Ashland with his wife Susan and daughter Katie.

“As a close community, I know I speak for all of us when I say that our hearts and prayers go out to the Virginia Tech community and their families in this time of great need,” Lindgren said. “We extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to the victims of the tragic events at Virginia Tech on Monday, and offer our support to Virginia Tech as they work to deal with this horrific and profound loss.”

Those in attendance Friday also are asked to wear Virginia Tech colors – maroon and orange – to show their “Hokie Hope” and support for this great community. This “Hokie Hope” project also extends to the community throughout the day Friday – show your support all day be wearing Virginia Tech’s orange and maroon.

Randolph-Macon’s Student Government Association also has created a large banner that students will be signing all day Friday in the Brown Campus Center. In addition, Randolph-Macon is hosting a Coping Forum for VA Tech Family and Friends Friday, April 20th from 7:30 to 9 p.m. A panel of mental health professionals will present information to family members and friends about how to support Tech students during this time. Resources will be provided on grieving, trauma recovery and professional counseling. There will also be time for questions and answers. Information about how to talk with children and teens will be provided, but we request that youth not be present in the audience.

The Coping Forum will be held in Washington-Franklin Hall, 102 College Avenue (corner of College Avenue and N. Center Street). Parking is available near the building. If you have any questions about this event, please contact Dr. Mary Polce-Lynch at mpolce@rmc.edu or 752-7270.

To further show R-MC’s support, the campus community held a candlelight vigil Monday, April 16, at 9 p.m. for the victims and community of Virginia Tech. Many faculty, staff and students came out to show support for the Virginia Tech community and their families in this time of great need. In addition, in solidarity with Virginia Tech, Randolph-Macon rang the Carillon bells 48 times at 1:50 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17, to recognize those who died or were injured. This event was followed by a minute of silence and concluded with the tolling of a hymn played on the Carillon bells. Counseling services also continue to be available to all students and various gatherings and meetings with students continue to take place in an effort to help them cope and share thoughts on this tragedy.

For more information on Friday’s Memorial Service or any other details, please contact Holly Clark at 804-752-3712 or hclark@rmc.edu, or Anne Marie Lauranzon at 804-752-7317 or alauranz@rmc.edu.

Randolph-Macon College Students Ready to Dance the Day Away for Charity

Ashland, VA - Students at Randolph-Macon College are gearing up to boogey down at the 2007 Randolph-Macon College Dance Marathon. The community is invited to participate in the college’s 6th annual marathon, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 10 in the Brock Center, located at 400 North Center Street on the R-MC campus.

“Dance Marathon has really become a major event here at the college. We have a committee made up entirely of students who dedicate about seven months to planning the event,” said Dance Marathon chair and R-MC senior Jason Carmichael. “When it all comes together and we have such a great turnout from the student body, it feels great, but nothing beats the feeling of helping the miracle kids from the CMN hospitals. Everything we do is for the kids.”

Since Randolph-Macon began the Dance Marathon tradition in 2002, the college has raised more than $110,000 for various Richmond area Children’s Miracle Network families, including Children’s Hospital. This year, students will try to dance through last year’s fundraising donation of more than $18,000 with a day of dancing, fun and games to which the entire community is invited. Families with children are especially encouraged to attend.

This year’s entertainment will include, among many things, inflatable games, line dancing lessons, a hip-hop dance lesson from R-MC’s very own dance team, performances by the R-MC step team Remix, as well as stories from many families who have been helped by Children’s Miracle Network facilities in Richmond. A local favorite, Smokey Pig will provide dinner for participants. For more information on the 2007 Randolph-Macon College Dance Marathon, please contact Holly Clark at 804-752-3712 or Anne Marie Lauranzon at 804-752-7317.

Brown was selected for the award through a statewide competition with applicants from all 15 member colleges in the VFIC consortium. The scholarship, worth $10,000, carries with it the opportunity to be considered for a paid summer internship at Wachovia Securities, a Fortune 500 financial firm headquartered in Richmond.

“The competition for this scholarship was strong, so it’s a real credit to Robin to be selected,” said Ned Moore, president of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges. “We are delighted to partner with Wachovia Securities on this important initiative. With their generous support we have been able to reward talented and dedicated young men and women with much-needed academic scholarships and career development opportunities, too.”

The Wachovia Securities Scholarship program, administered by the VFIC, is provided to juniors who have academic promise, demonstrated financial need, and an interest in enhancing their future career opportunities through an internship with a Fortune 500 company. The award is available to VFIC undergraduate students seeking degrees in business, finance/accounting, economics, or math. Each scholar receives $5,000 for his or her junior year and an additional $5,000 for his or her senior year, contingent on maintaining the scholarship requirements. The scholarship process is very competitive and students selected have an inside track to apply for a paid summer internship at Wachovia Securities.

For more information, please contact R-MC’s Holly Clark at 804 752-3712 or hclark@rmc.edu, or Jenni Booker, director of Programs and Communications for VFIC, at 804-288-6609 or jenni.booker@vfic.org.

Ashland, VA – Two Randolph-Macon College physicists have released their infamous “R-MC Budget Cruncher List” – a compilation of creative ideas to help the general public put into perspective the size of the anticipated federal spending plan. George Spagna and Bill Franz, professors of physics at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Va., annually enjoy the task of converting numbers that some folks call “astronomical” into smaller, bite-size chunks. The budget crunching duo, however, prefers the term “governmental” when referring to the size of these numbers, which often exceed many “astronomical” results.

This year, President George W. Bush’s proposed $2.9 trillion budget amounts to roughly 22 percent of projected Gross Domestic Product ($13.25 trillion), or $9,632 per person in the United States – that’s less than the federal poverty level of $9,800 for a single person household. On a worldly scale, the budget breaks down to $1.21 per person, per day, or if you prefer that in single check form, $441 for the year. It is spending at the rate of just more than $92,000 per second; or if you prefer a more leisurely pace, at $1 per second, it would take more than 92,000 years to spend.

Don’t necessarily agree with President Bush’s spending plan? Consider the following alternatives…

1. Bob Nandalli, former CEO of Home Depot, received a severance package of $210 million when he was fired – you could buy 13,810 “golden parachutes” with the proposed budget. Or, with the cost of a real parachute estimated at $2,000, you could buy 1.5 billion parachutes – that works out to five parachutes for everyone living in the United States.
2. Congressional base pay is $168,000 – you could expand the Congress to 17.3 million members (one for every 17.4 citizens) with the proposed budget.
3. Exxon Mobil’s profit last year was $39.96 billion – the proposed budget is a mere 73 times that number.
4. David Beckham just signed a 5-year contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy professional soccer club for $25 million. You could “Bend it like Beckham” for 580,000 years.
5. A penny is 1.55 millimeters thick and has a mass of 2.5 grams. Converting the proposed budget to pennies would generate a stack 450 million kilometers high – that’s three times the distance to the sun. That stack would weigh 800 million tons.
6. The largest lottery jackpot ever won was $315 million. It would take 9,200 jackpots to equal the proposed budget.
7. Tiger Woods makes approximately $69 million per year – you could buy 4,203 championship level golfers with the proposed budget.
8. The current aggregate world price for coffee beans is $1.06 per pound. The proposed budget will buy 1.4 billion tons of coffee beans, which is approximately 208 years worth of global production.
9. Damage from Hurricane Katrina is estimated as 81 billion – the proposed budget could cover 36 such hurricanes.
10. Super Bowl ads sold for $2.6 million for 30 seconds – you could buy about 1.1 million ads with the proposed budget. The ads would run continuously for 388 days.
11. President Bush’s proposed budget could buy three 50-inch plasma TVs for every man, woman and child in the United States.
12. With an XBOX 360 or a Nintendo Wii game system priced at about $400, the federal budget could buy one console and a $40 game for every inhabitant of Earth.
13. Gold opened Feb. 5 at $650 per ounce. The proposed budget would buy 306 million English pounds of gold – that’s about one pound per person in United States.
    
    And on the local (Virginia) level…
    
    
14. The proposed Richmond Center Stage performing arts center is projected to cost $65 million. You could build almost 45,000 of them with the proposed budget.
15. There are 57,867 miles of Virginia roadway; estimating the average width of each roadway at 60 feet, the proposed budget would be $18 thick on the total surface of all Virginia highways.
16. Richmond’s annual budget is $617.6 million. The proposed federal budget would fund Richmond for 4,695 years.
17. The current biennial budget for Virginia is $74 billion – the proposed federal budget would fund Virginia for 78 years.

LaHaye became the 21st coach in Division III Women's Basketball to garner 400 wins with a victory at RMWC Saturday. [Coach LaHaye Photo Gallery]

LaHaye who is in her 25th year on the sidelines for the Yellow Jackets now has an overall record of 400-256 (.610). She has compiled a 253-90 record in the ODAC during her time as well.

Last season, R-MC captured its second consecutive ODAC title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the third time in four years. The Yellow Jackets ended their season at 28-3 after advancing to the “Elite Eight” of the national tournament. Over the last three seasons, LaHaye has led the program to a 76-9 overall mark and a 54-3 ODAC record.

The 2004-05 Yellow Jacket squad was arguably the best-ever in the history of the program. Accomplishments included: winning the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) tournament for the second time in three years; finishing with the most wins in the program’s history at 30-2; becoming the first-ever women’s team in the ODAC to go 20-0; advancing to the NCAA tournament Final Four for the first time in the history of both R-MC and ODAC women’s basketball; finishing second in the NCAAs; achieving the longest winning streak in the history of the program at 23 games; and finishing ranked #2 in the nation and #1 in the South Region. LaHaye was named the ODAC Coach of the Year and the Virginia Sports Information Directors state Coach of the Year, and she earned her 200th conference victory early in the season. She was also recognized for her dedication as a faculty member at Randolph-Macon by receiving the Samuel Nelson Gray Distinguished Professor Award at the college’s 2005 honors convocation in the spring.

In 2003-04, Randolph-Macon finished 20-8 overall and 16-4 in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), made it to the championship game of the conference tournament, and was ranked in the top 10 in the NCAA Division III South Region during the season as well as in the top 15 in the nation by DIII News in the preseason.

LaHaye’s 2002-03 squad was 20-10 overall, won the ODAC tournament, and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III tournament following a first-round win at home. LaHaye earned her 300th career victory during the campaign, and she was named the Richmond Times-Dispatch newspaper’s Virginia state Coach of the Year.

After guiding her 1997-98 team to a record of 21-6, a first-place finish in the ODAC, and the NCAA tournament, LaHaye was honored as the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA)/IKON District V Coach of the Year.

In 1998-99 the Yellow Jackets finished 23-5 overall, won the ODAC regular season championship with a 19-1 record, and made an appearance in the conference title game for the second time in four seasons. LaHaye was named the ODAC Coach of the Year for the third time in six years, and was also the VaSID Small College Coach of the Year for Divisions II-III.

During 1995-96, LaHaye’s team produced one of the most successful seasons in the history of the program, with a 28-2 record. The Yellow Jackets won two games in their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division III tournament, advancing to the “Sweet Sixteen.” That season LaHaye was named the ODAC Coach of the Year, the WBCA/Converse District V Coach of the Year, and the VaSID college Division II-III Coach of the Year.

A native of Maine, LaHaye earned a bachelor’s degree cum laude in business management-recreation from the University of Maine-Machias in 1977. In addition to being an excellent student, she was a standout performer in basketball and volleyball.

Prior to coming to Randolph-Macon, LaHaye worked as a program director at the North Richmond YMCA and as program coordinator for the Hanover County Parks and Recreation Department. Since joining the Randolph-Macon athletic staff, besides her position as basketball coach, she also served as women’s athletic coordinator and head coach of soccer and lacrosse. In 1982, her lacrosse team finished fifth in the AIAW national tournament.

Currently, LaHaye is an assistant athletics director, director of physical education, and associate professor of physical education at Randolph-Macon. She is a member of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association.

In addition to her other recent coaching honors, in 1998-99 LaHaye was selected by the American Women’s Sports Federation as one of eight Division III All-American coaches. Her sound philosophy is recognized by others in the field who strive to have outstanding student-athletes in their programs who can compete in the classroom as well as on the court and receive recognition for both.

Mrs. Godfrey has been taking photographs since the early 1980s.  She has done wedding photography and also photographically covered the National Convention for the American Theatre Organ Society.  She will assume the vice president chair in the Hanover Art League in January 2007.  Mrs. Godfrey has exhibited her photographs in numerous exhibitions and has won many blue ribbons for her work.

This exclusive photography exhibit, which is free and open to all, will be on display in the Randolph-Macon College Welcome Center through Jan. 30.  The Welcome Center is located at the corner of England and Henry streets in Ashland, Va., and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The center will be closed, however, Dec. 25 through Jan. 1.

This exhibit is one of many collections that have been loaned to the Randolph-Macon College Welcome Center for display.  During the past few years, several well-respected local, regional and nationally recognized artists have showcased their work in the center.

For more information, please contact Holly Clark at (804) 752-3712 or hclark@rmc.edu, or Anne Marie Lauranzon at (804) 752-7317 or alauranz@rmc.edu. 

For 30 years, David Gergen has been an active participant in American national life. He served as director of communications for President Reagan and held positions in the administrations of Presidents Nixon and Ford. He also served as counselor to President Clinton on both foreign policy and domestic affairs, and then as special international adviser to the president and to Secretary of State Warren Christopher.

Gergen currently is the editor-at-large for U.S. News & World Report and as a regular television commentator.  He also is a professor of public service and the director of the Center for Public Leadership at the John F. Kennedy School of Government.  In the fall of 2000, he published the best-selling book Eyewitness to Power:  The Essence of Leadership, Nixon to Clinton.

David Gergen is brought to Randolph-Macon College on behalf of the Paul and Lois Watkins Endowed Lecture Series.  The endowment is funded by Dr. George D. Watkins and the late Mrs. Marion Hegret.  Previous speakers include journalist Bob Woodward, Ruben “Hurricane” Carter, Nadine Strossen and Christopher Whitcomb.

This performance is only one of the many programs provided in the rich lineup of the 2006-2007 Randolph-Macon Cultural Arts & Entertainment Series.  For more information on the David Gergen lecture, please contact Holly Clark at hclark@rmc.edu or at 804-752-3712 or Anne Marie Lauranzon at alauranz@rmc.edu or 804-752-7317.  Also, for more information on R-MC’s Cultural Arts & Entertainment Series or to sign up for the free e-mail events newsletter, visit www.rmc.edu.

“Randolph-Macon is among the most selective, residential liberal arts colleges in America and among the very best true liberal arts colleges in the Commonwealth,” said President Lindgren, who was inaugurated at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, 2006.  “Our goal is to be a leader in all that we do; all the while ensuring that the liberal arts education we offer remains the best educational experience for undergraduates anywhere in the world.  Randolph-Macon must lead.”

Despite the rain, President Lindgren made these powerful remarks before a crowd of more than 650 people, all gathered in Randolph-Macon’s Center for the Performing Arts in Blackwell Auditorium to witness his inauguration, including three R-MC past presidents, Luther White, R-MC’s 12th president, Roger Martin, R-MC’s 14th president, and C. Ladell Payne, R-MC’s 13th president, who also brought well wishes on behalf of the former presidents.  This marked a historic moment for the college as this likely is the only time in Randolph-Macon history where four presidents have been on stage at the same time.

Richmond Mayor and former governor L. Douglas Wilder; the Honorable L. Preston Bryant Jr, the Virginia secretary of Natural Resources; Lafayette College President Daniel Weiss; Ashland Mayor Faye Prichard; Johns Hopkins University President Dr. William R. Brody; George Mason University President Dr. Alan Merten; presidents from colleges and universities around the state and nation; and members of Randolph-Macon’s Board of Trustees also joined students, faculty, staff, students, parents and alumni for this historic occasion.  

“Being a college president is the best job in America,” said Dr. William R. Brody, president of Johns Hopkins University, during his welcome to President Lindgren.  Prior to assuming his role at R-MC, President Lindgren worked with Brody as the vice president for development and alumni relations at the Johns Hopkins Institutions.  Brody then referenced a recent win by the Johns Hopkins football team over Randolph-Macon: “In winning Bob Lindgren in the long run, you certainly got the better of us.  Congratulations to Randolph-Macon College for choosing and choosing well.”

Mayor Wilder of Richmond also welcomed President Lindgren to the community, noting that there is “so much we need to do in terms of working together, and so much that the town of Ashland and Richmond can do in terms of working together.”  He also added a congratulations, stating that “any institution that has only had 15 presidents in that period of time (176 years) has got be congratulated and likewise, you’ve got to be proud of that history. What you have done is good... and I wish you every good wish.”

Following welcomes and well wishes from R-MC and the surrounding communities, President Lindgren was officially installed as R-MC’s 15th president and two of the college’s past presidents, Roger Martin and Luther White, placed the presidential medallion over his shoulders.  “I recognize that I stand on some very broad and tall shoulders, and indeed, we are all here, standing on those shoulders,” he said.  President Lindgren went on to share the importance of a liberal arts education in today’s world, rejecting the notion that education should only be practical, leading to a job, and measured by standardized tests.

“I would argue that the essence of a liberal arts education is not the mastery of some defined body of knowledge that one can blindly regurgitate at test-time,” he said.  “Rather, the immeasurable value of a liberal arts education is, quite simply, learning to think.  The practical outcome we infuse in our students is learning how to learn...not in semester-length servings, but for a lifetime.  And I should add, the skills our students master in the course of our liberal arts study – to read critically, to think, to analyze, to write, to communicate, to work in teams – are all skills that employers actually treasure.”

To maintain and enhance the invaluable opportunities offered to students at Randolph-Macon, Lindgren then pledged to strengthen the college’s operating budget to levels commensurate with the college’s academic aspirations and dreams; to boost salaries and resources for faculty and staff members, enabling them to continue to do their jobs at the highest level; and to provide additional scholarship and financial aid to attract and retain the best students.  He also said that Randolph-Macon would continue to expand and better equip campus facilities and that, with the support and voice of he R-MC community, Randolph-Macon, its achievements and its contributions will become widely known to Virginia and the nation, a reputation much deserved by “our jewel of a college.”  To support this, Lindgren also alluded to a looming capital campaign on the horizon.  

“We all have a responsibility to proclaim the success story of this institution,” he said.  “To those who may doubt we are as good as I claim, I have a simple request: please lower your voices.  Let the rest of us press forward to sing out, clearly and strong, the incredible advantages of this college, this place, this wonderfully special community.”

Later that same evening, in celebration of the Inauguration, more than 600 members of the R-MC and surrounding communities joined together for a special Inauguration Dinner, held in the college’s Brock Recreation Center.   During the dinner, guest speaker John Luke Jr., the Chairman and CEO of MeadWestvaco in Richmond, discussed the value and importance of a liberal arts and sciences education and Andrew Banks, a personal friend of President Lindgren’s, gave a heartwarming toast.  “With a new president brings a new hero,” Banks said.  “You have so much to look forward to as he takes the helm.  Bob Lindgren is a man of extraordinary resourcefulness and a man of vision.  Congratulations to you, Bob, and to Randolph-Macon.”

President Lindgren’s Inauguration Ceremony was the culmination of a week-long celebration of activities at Randolph-Macon.  The Richmond Symphony Woodwind Quintet performed Thursday, Oct. 26, and the Jazz Composers Alliance performed Wednesday, Oct 25, both in honor of President Lindgren’s Inauguration.  In addition, President Lindgren hosted a special reception for more than 300 students Tuesday, Oct. 24, in his home and, on Wednesday, Oct. 25, he hosted a breakfast for close to 80 R-MC faculty and staff members.  The final event took place Sunday, Oct. 29, when Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church held a special church service in President Lindgren’s honor.  During the service, Bill Franz, interim dean of the college and chair of the Inauguration Steering Committee, gave the sermon.

For more information or for a copy of President Lindgren’s Inauguration speech and photos from Randolph-Macon’s special day, visit www.rmc.edu.  For questions, please contact Holly Clark at hclark@rmc.edu or 804-752-3712, or Anne Marie Lauranzon at alauranz@rmc.edu or 804-752-7317.  

Lindgren assumed Randolph-Macon’s presidency on Feb. 1, succeeding Roger H. Martin, who retired after nine years of service to the college. Lindgren previously was vice president for Development and Alumni Relations at the Johns Hopkins Institutions in Baltimore, Maryland.

Lindgren’s inauguration ceremony, to begin at 2 p.m., will be held outdoors at the Frank E. Brown Fountain Plaza, located off Henry Street. The media is invited to join the Randolph-Macon community and invited guests for this historic event, which is expected to attract hundreds of students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as guests from state and local government and dozens of colleges and universities from across the nation. (In the event of rain, the ceremony will be moved into the Blackwell Auditorium in R-MC’s Center for the Performing Arts, located at 205 Henry Street).

During this special ceremony, President Lindgren will share his vision for the future of Randolph-Macon, as well as his insights after nine months in office. In addition, many members of the R-MC community will share greetings and well wishes, including Mayor L. Douglas Wilder, who will bring greetings from Richmond, and The Honorable L. Preston Bryant Jr, the secretary of Natural Resources, who will be greetings from the Commonwealth of Virginia. Ashland Mayor Faye Prichard will share greetings from the town and George Mason University President Dr. Alan Merten will bring well wishes from higher education in Virginia. Also, keynote speaker Daniel H. Weiss, president of Lafayette College in Pennsylvania, will discuss the value of a liberal arts and sciences education in today’s society. Known for his engaging speeches, Weiss came to Lafayette from The Johns Hopkins University, where he was the James B. Knapp Dean of the Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences.

President Lindgren will be available for questions following the Inauguration Ceremony. Media interested in this opportunity should contact Holly Clark at 804-752-3712 or Anne Marie Lauranzon at 804-752-7317 in advance. In addition, several students, faculty, staff and alumni will be on hand for interviews after the ceremony. A campus representative will be on hand during the event to assist you in finding these guests.

Later that same evening, a dinner and reception – to which the media also is invited – will be held on Randolph-Macon’s campus, and more than 600 people are scheduled to attend. The reception begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Brock Center, with dinner to follow. John Luke, chairman and chief executive officer of MeadWestvaco in Richmond, will make a special presentation during the dinner, as will a friend of President Lindgren’s. Media interested in staying for this portion of the celebration should contact Holly Clark or Anne Marie Lauranzon in advance.

Additional Inauguration Events

The inauguration will be the culmination of a week-long celebration of activities. The media – and the public – also are invited to the free performance by the Richmond Symphony Woodwind Quintet in Blackwell Auditorium at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26, as well as a performance by the Jazz Composers Alliance set for Wednesday, Oct 25, at 7:30 p.m. in Blackwell. In addition, President Lindgren is hosting a special reception for students Tuesday, Oct. 24, in his home and, on Wednesday, Oct. 25, he will host a breakfast for faculty and staff. The final event will be a Sunday worship service in Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church that begins at 11 a.m. The service, which is open to all, will honor President’s Lindgren’s inauguration, and Bill Franz, interim dean of the college and chair of the Inauguration Steering Committee, will give the sermon.

Parking and Set-up Information

Media attending the Inauguration Ceremony can park in the college’s Welcome Center parking lot, located at the corner of England and Henry streets. A campus representative will be on hand to direct you to the ceremony and media seating from there. In addition, all media are asked to arrive by 1:30 p.m., particularly those who need to set up equipment. For additional information, visit President Lindgren’s Inauguration Web site on the R-MC home page, www.rmc.edu.

Again, the college welcomes media coverage of Inauguration Celebration. For more information or to schedule an interview following the Inauguration Ceremony, please contact Holly Clark at hclark@rmc.edu or 804-752-3712, or Anne Marie Lauranzon at alauranz@rmc.edu or 804-752-7317.

“The students are very welcoming,” he said.  “They make it easy for me to jump right into campus life and ask lots of questions, learn about the college and about the community.  And they’re also very forthcoming in telling me what’s on their mind.”

President Robert R. Lindgren will be officially sworn in as the 15th president of Randolph-Macon College on Friday, Oct. 27, 2006.   The college welcomes media coverage of this historic event, which will begin at 2 p.m. at the Frank E. Brown Fountain Plaza, located on Henry Street on the R-MC campus.  

“A Day in the Life of a College President.” Media also are invited to spend a day getting to know President Lindgren and his family by shadowing him.   Learn about his insights after eight months in office, his vision for the future of Randolph-Macon, the importance of his family and his children – and how he balances all of the above.

Since his arrival in February of this year, President Lindgren has focused not only on making connections with students, but also with the faculty, staff, alumni, parents and the surrounding communities. He has immersed himself in the Randolph-Macon culture and has been warmly received by all who have met him.  President Lindgren also has declared his strong support for the necessity and value of a liberal arts and sciences education in helping students excel in today’s world.

“The quality of educational experience here, and at liberal arts and sciences college like Randolph-Macon, is the best there is in the country and in the world,” President Lindgren said.  “I believe so because every student here has the opportunity to engage with faculty who care deeply about their growth as students and as people.  The opportunities outside of the classroom are equally incredible.”President Lindgren came to R-MC from The Johns Hopkins Institutions in Baltimore, Maryland, where he served as vice president for Development and Alumni Relations.  During his 11 1/2 years there, President Lindgren headed unprecedented back-to-back, comprehensive fund-raising campaigns that generated nearly $3.5 billion. Prior to joining Johns Hopkins in 1994, President Lindgren served for 10 years as vice president and chief development officer at the University of Florida, heading a program recognized as one of the top 10 of all public institutions.  A native of Michigan, President Lindgren is a 1976 graduate of the University of Florida, and earned his Juris Doctor there in 1981. He also earned a master of philosophy degree in management studies in 1978 from Oxford University in England. He and his wife, Cheryl, have three children.

Again, the college welcomes media coverage of Inauguration AND for media to schedule pre-Inauguration interviews with President Lindgren and his family.  In addition, special guest Daniel H. Weiss, president of Lafayette College and known for his engaging speeches, will be the keynote speaker for the Inauguration Ceremony.  Media also are invited to attend the Inauguration Dinner, which begins at 6:30 p.m., during which John Luke, CEO of MeadWestvaco in Richmond, will make a special presentation.  

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Holly Clark at hclark@rmc.edu or 804-752-3712, or Anne Marie Lauranzon at alauranz@rmc.edu or 804-752-7317.  Also, visit President Lindgren’s Inauguration Web site on the R-MC home page, www.rmc.edu, for additional details.

In his new role, Conkright will provide assistance to President Lindgren, help coordinate the activities of the Board of Trustees and also offer support to many other college offices.  

“In his nearly 26 years at Randolph-Macon,” Lindgren said, “John has provided extraordinary service to the college.  He knows R-MC from the inside out.  He has made significant connections with alumni, parents, friends and trustees over the years.  I have come to value his good judgment, discretion and his sense of humor, and am extremely confident in his ability to dive into this new set of challenges.”

Conkright joined the R-MC staff in 1980 as the associate director of admissions.  In 1982, he became the director of admissions and three years later, in 1985, he was promoted to the dean of admissions and financial aid.  During his time here, he has helped achieve several record enrollments including, most recently, the largest entering class in the college’s history.  In addition, he has been instrumental in helping diversify the student body and increasing the number of minority students attending R-MC; helping maintain the financial strength and stability of the institution; and helping spread the word about the exceptional value and benefits of a Randolph-Macon education.  Conkright earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from LeMoyne College and Ohio State University, respectively.

 “I am pleased by President Lindgren’s confidence in me,” Conkright said, “and I look forward to serving this special college in new and different ways.”

Steven Nape, R-MC’s director of admissions, joined the college staff in 2000.  In his new role as dean of admissions and financial aid, he will focus on maintaining and perhaps growing the college’s enrollment; further diversifying R-MC’s student body and continuing to attract highly motivated students.

“Steven Nape has a track record of success and a reputation for creativity, integrity and enthusiasm,” President Lindgren said.  “I have the greatest confidence in his abilities, his judgment, his energy and his leadership to assume this role.” Prior to joining the Randolph-Macon staff, Nape was the director of enrollment services, director of institutional research, and an assistant professor of business, all at Gordon College of Barnesville, Georgia, between 1996 and 2000.  A graduate of the Lawrenceville School in New Jersey, he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in philosophy and economics at the University of South Carolina, where he also earned his doctoral degree in economics in 1996.

"I am truly honored and delighted to have this opportunity to serve Randolph-Macon College," Nape said.  “I look forward to working with President Lindgren and the R-MC community in this new role.”

For more information, please contact Anne Marie Lauranzon at (804) 752-7317 or alauranz@rmc.edu or Holly Clark at (804) 752-3712 or hclark@rmc.edu.

The campaign is a result of the combined work of students, faculty and victim advocates from nearly 20 colleges and universities across Virginia.  Randolph-Macon College was chosen as one of the participants in this pilot because of its integral role in developing the campaign.

College students are at extremely high risk of either acting as perpetrator or being a victim of dating, physical or sexual violence during their college years, as statistics show:  

• 32% of college students report dating violence by a previous partner, and 21% report violence by a current partner.
• 12% of completed rapes, 35% of attempted rapes, and 22% of threatened rapes occur on a date.2
• 51% of college males admit perpetrating one or more sexual assault incidents during college.3  

The Red Flag Campaign features a series of six posters that illustrate “red flags” that might be present in a relationship in which dating violence is occurring. The purpose of the campaign is to educate and encourage students to speak up when they see red flags for dating violence in their friends’ relationships.

“Friends are very influential in intervening in dating violence situations, not only with the victim, but also with the abusive partner,” said Shalise Bates-Pratt, director of Randolph-Macon’s Women’s Resource Center.  Bates-Pratt noted that peer groups have the ability to provide safety and support, and also can dictate what behaviors are unacceptable.  “This program aims to help college students understand that they can use their powerful role on campus to make a great impact against widespread cultural tolerance of violence in relationships.”

The Red Flag Campaign is a project of the Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance, and is generously supported with funding from the Verizon Foundation. The Red Flag Campaign will launch officially in August 2007 to 20 additional campuses in Virginia.

For more information about this program, contact Shalise Bates-Pratt at (804) 752-3205 or sbatespratt@rmc.edu.1: C. Sellers and M. Bromley, “Violent Behavior in College Student DatingRelationships,” Journal of Contemporary Justice, (1996).

2: B. Fisher, F. Cullen, and M. Turner, “The Sexual Victimization of CollegeWomen,” (Washington: NIJ/BJS, 2000).

3: A. Berkowitz, “College Men as Perpetrators of Acquaintance Rape and SexualAssault,” College Health, (1992).

Students, faculty, staff and the community will gather at fountain, located on Henry Street, light candles and participate in a short, ecumenical service to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the attacks. There will be both a period of quiet reflection and a prayer for peace. This service of memory and hope also will include a time for singing. The community and media are welcome to attend the vigil.

Following the service at the fountain, the college will be hosting speaker Salameh Nematt, who will discuss "The Future of U.S.-Islamic World Relations" at 8:20 p.m. in Washington-Franklin Hall, located at 102 College Avenue. This lecture and following question-and-answer session will examine the global changes that have occurred since Sept. 11, and what potentially the American-Muslim relationship will look like in the future. Salameh Nematt is the Washington Bureau Chief of Al-Hayat International Arab Daily.

The vigil is sponsored by the R-MC Office of the Chaplain, the Campus Ministries Council and Clericus. The lecture is sponsored by the Americans for Informed Democracy (AID) chapter at Randolph-Macon College.

Founded in 1957, the Rocky Mount Arts Center was created by a group of individuals who believed their community would benefit from a place to learn, practice and exhibit art.  The efforts of these individuals fostered the growth of a truly remarkable project that would eventually serve as a major arts center for Eastern North Carolina.  The Arts Center opened in 1963 with a gallery, offices, theater and classroom space, and prospered until 1999 when the city was flooded following Hurricane Floyd.  Today, the center boasts nine galleries, a theater and space for studio art classes.  It functions as a division of the City of Rocky Mount Department of Parts and Recreation with an emphasis on education, and the center currently is making the necessary steps toward museum accreditation.

An opening reception, which is free and open to the public, will take place Sunday, Sept.10 from 3 to 5 p.m.  The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and weekends by appointment.  For additional information, please call 752–3018.

For these artists, every brush stroke, written word or musical note is a prayer. It is the hope of the artists that these various works will engage and challenge others to embrace this spiritual discipline as a way to grow closer to God.

There will be an opening reception Friday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m., during which the artists will describe their creative process and their various works. Poetry readings and musical selections will take place in St. Ann's Performing Arts Building, located at the corner of Henry and England streets on the R-MC campus. Refreshments will be served in the fellowship hall of Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church. The opening of "Praying through the Arts" will continue Saturday, Sept. 16 and Sunday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Artwork from this exhibit then will remain on display in the library until the conclusion of the exhibition. Library hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 1 a.m.

“We enthusiastically welcome each and every one of these students to the college,” said R-MC President Robert R. Lindgren.  "We look forward to watching the campus community take shape as these intelligent and energetic men and women contribute their unique talents and personalities.  This record-breaking enrollment at Randolph-Macon reflects the attractiveness of our innovative academic program, which provides students with an exceptional educational experience in the liberal arts and sciences.”

Members of the Class of 2010, along with the 22 transfer students, will be arriving from across the country and around the globe. They represent 19 states and 10 other countries, including: Northern Ireland, France, Germany, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, South Africa, Mexico, Columbia and Cambodia.  They will join their fellow Yellow Jackets, bringing total enrollment at the college to roughly 1,140 students.  These talented students were chosen from the largest applicant pool the college has ever had.

“Applications for admission were up 61 percent this year,” said John Conkright, R-MC’s dean of admissions. “We received 2,976 applications.  Interest in Randolph-Macon is at an all time high and we all are quite proud of this superior incoming class.”

Randolph-Macon points to a number of reasons for its recent success in admissions. Most notable are the expanded campus facilities – including the recently renovated Crenshaw Gymnasium and the enhanced Freshman Village – as well as the valuable use of scholarships and competitive financial aid packages, and also the success of the college’s new First Year Experience program, designed to creatively integrate different branches of learning and immerse first-year students in college life.  For example, during one of this year’s FYE courses, all of which run two semesters, Psychology Professor Susan Parker and Spanish Professor Maria-Jose Bordera will come together to teach Far From Home: Immigrant Children and Families in the U.S.  Students will explore the social, cultural and psychological implications of immigration on children and families, including issues of identity, gender, economics, education and social welfare.  As a part of the course, students also will reach out into the community and “adopt” immigrant children and families through the Catholic Diocese of Richmond.

“Our first year experience courses draw on the incredible talent and creativity of our faculty to offer students a distinctive introduction to the liberal arts and science perspective,” said Bill Franz, interim dean of the college.  “We challenge them to think broadly, to see connections, and to develop their communication skills to convey their ideas to others.”

And enrollment is not the only record being set by the college’s largest incoming class.  This year’s class marks the college’s most selective class as well as the highest number of incoming minority/international students on record at R-MC.  In addition, with 226 students receiving scholarships, this year also marks the largest number of students to receive scholarship assistance at the college.  Here are some additional distinctions:

• 14% are minorities
• 3% are international students
• 50% are actively involved in community service activities
• 52% percent received an academic scholarship
• 57% are women; 43% men
• 10% have family members who attended R-MC
• 69% are from Virginia

And, as is the custom at Randolph-Macon, more than 50 upperclassmen have volunteered to provide valet move-in service to all first-year students.  Reporters are invited to “move in” day on Wednesday, August 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The best location for move-in photos is in the residence halls on Henry Street across the street from the football field.   In addition, approximately 700 upperclassmen also will be moving in throughout the week, making for colorful and eventful photo and video opportunities, and interviews.

Blue, a multi-faceted talent with cerebral palsy, is out to conquer the world of stand-up comedy after already proving himself as a talented artist and invaluable member of the U.S. Paralympic Soccer Team.  'I understand people are going to stare so I want to give them something to stare at,' he said.  And indeed he does.  Through his hilarious and engaging act, Blue highlights his own life struggles in an effort to conquer stereotypes and encourage others to overcome their preconceived notions of people who suffer from disabilities. 

His uncanny brand of comedic genius combines a mixture of reverse teasing and original content that allows him to 'humble condescending people,' while also enabling him to relate and extemporize with audiences of any type.  His talents as a performer have allowed him to achieve a fan base across the country and have landed him appearances on Comedy Central's 'Mind of Mencia,' as well as on NBC, MSNBC, Fox News, and Fox Sports Net.  From comedy clubs and theater engagements to college campuses and corporate events around the nation, audience response is the same: wildly enthusiastic and entertained. 

The Grand Prize Winner of the Royal Flush Comedy Competition after stand-out performances at the 2004 Las Vegas Comedy Festival, Blue has since emerged as a star on the college comedy circuit with Main Stage Showcases, which received glowing reviews and garnered him a nomination for Best Diversity Event of 2006 by ACPA.  With his natural talent and love for entertainment, Blue's recent rise to stardom is best explained by a well-known club owner following a recent show when he stated: 'Josh is rolling like a rock star.'

Beginning two weeks ago, 21 graduating seniors from Norfolk/Tidewater, the Eastern Shore, Petersburg, Cumberland County, and other regions, including the far Southwestern corner of the state, enrolled in summer school at Randolph-Macon in order to get a 'jump start' on their college careers. The students, many of whom plan to continue as full-time R-MC students in the fall, are part of a larger cohort of students who joined the GEAR UP program six years ago, when they were in the sixth grade.

The GEAR UP program is part of a federal program in all 50 states designed to enhance college access for economically challenged students, many who come from schools where 50 percent or more students receive a free lunch and often, less than 20 percent have the opportunity to attend college. The program is administered through the State Council for Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV).

R-MC began participating in the program three years ago and overall, has received almost $80,000 dollars to support various camps and summer school programs. In 2004 and 2005, R-MC sponsored GEAR UP summer camps for three dozen area high school sophomores and juniors. Students spent a week on campus ' sleeping in the dorms, attending classes, touring the campus and gaining invaluable insight into the benefits of a college education.

This year, however, because the original group of sixth-graders was about to graduate from high school, R-MC's Jack Trammell, director of Disability Support Services and administrator of the GEAR UP program on campus, decided to take the program to the next level here at R-MC. Instead of offering the one-week summer school program, the college was awarded a grant to offer students several four-week summer school classes, along with free room and board and a free laptop computer. The 21 students participating will earn college credit for the courses and be a step ahead of the game when they enter school full time in the fall.

For the next four weeks, this group of students will be studying history, speech and sociology. In addition, during the sociology class, students will have the opportunity to give back to the community when they partner with Habitat for Humanity to interview local Hanover County residents. The students will work to develop a more systematic approach to determining housing conditions and needs in the area, as well as learn about survey research and applying social science to the real world.

'There are many benefits of this program for all parties involved,' said R-MC President Robert Lindgren. 'The college welcomes students from areas that traditionally have not sent many students to R-MC; the students receive exposure to the liberal arts environment, and they also receive credits that will transfer almost anywhere. While we hope many of these students will continue at R-MC, we above all are thrilled to be able to provide these opportunities to students who otherwise may not be able to attend college.'

SCHEV has encouraged other colleges and universities in Virginia to imitate the innovative access programs at R-MC, and the results of this R-MC summer school will be presented at a national access conference later this summer.

'The liberal arts experience is about being challenged, being exposed to new ideas and developing more sophisticated ways of looking at the world,' said Trammell, also an adjunct professor in the Honors, Education and Sociology departments. 'With the GEAR UP grants, R-MC gets some great students; and some great students get a shot at higher education that they might not otherwise have had. Everyone benefits.'

The free, three-day program, 'Hearing God's Call: Are You Listening,' runs from August 7 through August 9 on the Randolph-Macon campus and is open to interested rising sophomores, juniors and seniors. This special event, which includes presentations from area ministers, sessions on topics such as pastoral ministry, youth and young adult ministry, and missions, as well as numerous fellowship activities, is sponsored by Randolph-Macon's A. Purnell Bailey Pre-Ministerial Program for Ordained Ministry and the Virginia Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.

'We are hopeful that the event will help these young people make a better informed decision about their future vocational pursuits,' said Ed Johnson, coordinator of the R-MC's pre-ministerial program and associate pastor at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church. 'It is also our hope that one or more of these young people will become candidates for R-MC's pre-ministerial scholarship program, which provides deserving students scholarships and encouragement to enable them to more clearly follow ministerial callings.'

Formed four years ago, Randolph-Macon's A. Purnell Bailey Pre-Ministerial Program for Ordained Ministry is designed to encourage students who express an interest in spiritual formation and community service to pursue careers in the ministry. Students selected for this program receive substantial scholarship assistance, mentoring in preparation for ministry and diverse internship opportunities.

Four new students were selected for the pre-ministerial program this year, bringing the total number of participants to 17, including a special brother-sister team. The program is made possible through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. William Goodwin Jr., as well as the Commonwealth Foundations in honor of the late Rev. Dr. A. Purnell Bailey, an R-MC alumnus and author of the Our Daily Bread syndicated column.

For more information or to register for the free ministry vocation workshop, visit www.rmc.edu or call Molly Fields at 804-752-7305. Also, for more information about the A. Purnell Bailey Pre-Ministerial Program for Ordained Ministry, please contact Ed Johnson, also a 2000 graduate of R-MC, at 804-798-7224 or edwardjohnson@rmc.edu.

Bell was one of many applicants from various fields throughout the nation for this highly competitive position. She is one of only four fellows selected for 2006-2007 and was elated when she received the news of her appointment. 'It is a tremendous honor to have been selected as a Supreme Court fellow,' Bell said. 'Not only is it an opportunity for me to learn firsthand about the federal judiciary, but it also will offer me the chance to bring the judicial branch to life for my students when I return to Randolph-Macon College at the conclusion of the fellowship.'

The Supreme Court Fellows Program was created in 1973 by the late Chief Justice Warren E. Burger to provide promising individuals with a firsthand understanding of the federal government, in particular the judicial branch. In the words of Chief Justice Roberts, the program offers 'a unique opportunity to learn about and contribute to the administration of justice at the national level.' The Supreme Court Fellows are selected by a commission comprised of nine members selected by the Chief Justice of the United States.

'This honor is extremely well deserved,' said Randolph-Macon president Robert R. Lindgren. 'Professor Bell is the consummate Randolph-Macon College professor ' energetic, highly dedicated, eager to learn more ' and she has a terrific connection with students. Likewise, she will be a tremendous asset to the Fellows program. The Randolph-Macon community proudly supports her and looks forward to hearing about her firsthand experiences.'

In her role with the U.S. Sentencing Commission, Bell will conduct legal research concerning sentencing guideline issues and legislative directives pending before the Commission. Her fellowship will begin in August 2006.

Bell was the American Political Science Association Congressional Fellow to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee's subcommittee on Immigration from 1997-1998. She has written extensively on issues involving the judiciary and Congress, publishing Warring Factions: Interest Groups, Money and the New Politics of Senate Confirmation in 2002 and, with co-author Kevin Scott, 'Policy Statements or Symbolic Politics': Explaining congressional court-Stripping Attempts' in the January-February 2006 issue of Judicature. During her seven years at Randolph-Macon College, Bell has devoted a significant amount of time to leadership activities including chairing the college's Publications Board, serving as assistant director to the Honors Program and serving on various faculty committees. Bell also has received numerous awards, honors and grants for her teaching abilities, scholarship and volunteerism.

Bell earned her B.A. in political science from the College of Wooster, Ohio, in 1994 and her M.A. and Ph.D. in political science from the Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center at the University of Oklahoma in 1997 and 1999, respectively.

For more information, contact Anne Marie Lauranzon at 752-7317 or alauranz@rmc.edu or Holly Clark at 752-3712 or hclark@rmc.edu

'Bill will be a tremendous resource, particularlyin the face of the SACS Reaccreditation process,' said R-MC President Robert Lindgren. 'His depth of knowledge across the college will be enormously helpfulin both assuring this stability and working toward future goals.'

Franz has taught a wide spectrum of courses during his career. His physics offerings have included everything from the extremely theoretical (classical thermodynamics, electromagnetic theory, classical mechanics and such) to the extremely applied and practical (digital and analog electronics, solid state physics and the physics ofsports). Long interested in interdisciplinary approaches, Franz was oneof the founders of the environmental studies program at Randolph-Macon College and he still offers courses in this area (Atmospheres & Weather and Alternate Energy Sources). His most recent interdisciplinary effort wasteam-teaching a course, 'The Human Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina,' with colleagues from sociology and religious studies. The course included atwo-week service learning component where the students and faculty traveled to Louisiana and assisted those directly impacted by the storm.

Franz' research interests include instrumentation, alternate energy analyses and the physics of sports. Along with Dr. George Spagna of the physics department, Franz is the author ofan annual column analyzing the federal budget by comparing it to a number of often unusual spending alternatives.

Randolph-Macon College will begin anational search for a permanent dean in the coming months. Franz's appointment follows the departure of the college's previous dean, Robert Holyer, who accepted a new position as provost of Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, as of July 1, 2006.

For more information, contact Holly Clark at 752-3712 or hclark@rmc.edu or Anne Marie Lauranzon at 752-7317 or alauranz@rmc.edu.

In the last decade, we have seen growing coverage of the healing powers of pets. Increasingly, scientific research is indicating that not only do pets help to keep you healthy, but they also may help people with mental illnesses by improving their quality of life and their social interaction skills. This summer, Randolph-Macon College student Chelsea Coleman is putting these people and pet theories to the test by way of the 2006 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Va.

Media invited to the following: Three times a week this summer, Coleman is working with a group of adults with mental retardation referred by Hanover Arc. This Tuesday, June 11, at 11 a.m., Coleman and this group of special adults will visit a farm in Caroline County to work with miniature donkeys, goats and ducks. Media are invited to the farm to watch as these adults learn to care for these special animals ' while at the same time improving their social skills and enhancing their overall happiness.

Through these farm visits and other various one-on-one and group scenarios, Coleman will study the effects of animal interactions on the quality of life and social interaction skills of these adults. The group also will meet Coleman's pet guinea pig, Rocko. In addition, they're currently working on paper-macheing and painting a life-size wire mesh donkey belonging to the Ashland Feed Store.

'I think this program has been a great experience for all those involved,' said Coleman, a rising junior and Williamsburg resident. 'We're having a lot of fun and I've already noticed a change in the group's overall happiness when working with the different animals. I am looking forward to spending more time with everyone and watching the group grow and develop. I'm also looking forward to sharing the results of my SURF project with others in an effort to show one of the many positive ways to improve the quality of life of this special population.'

This partnership with Hanover Arc continues a relationship that began more than a year ago by way of a First-Year Experience (FYE) course, 'The Minding Class.' The course, which combined the disciplines of psychology and philosophy, highlighted the intricacies of the human mind and required students to reach out into the community. In turn, students paired with a group of adults with mental retardation ' some of whom returned for this summer's SURF program ' and quickly made special connections with their 'guest students' and within themselves.

'Chelsea was one of the students in The Minding Class,' said psychology professor Alva Hughes, who taught the FYE class and also is overseeing Coleman's SURF project this summer. 'She has continued her relationship with The Minding Class guests students in a third class and now in her SURF project. I think that one of the things we do best at R-MC is to involve our students in service learning and in practical research projects. In addition to the benefits to our participants, I hope that this experience will also show Chelsea that designing and evaluating the effectiveness of social programs is one of the ways that the science of psychology can make a difference.'To participate in SURF, Coleman had to write a proposal and apply for grant money to fund her research. Additionally, she is earning a stipend and receiving room and board. Coleman is one of 30 students conducting cutting-edge research this summer in more than 10 disciplines, and projects truly are all over the academic map. R-MC senior Susan Borowski, for example, is investigating ways to remove sulfur from coal and accordingly, squelch one of the primary causes of acid rain. Junior McKenzie Myers will study the impact of parenting styles on children's ability to delay gratification, while junior Sara Tittermary will use fruit flies to study the effects of two proteins, one of which can lead to the development of chronic myelogenous leukemia, on cell migration.

"SURF gives undergraduates the rare opportunity to revel in the freedom and independence of research that usually leads to new discoveries,' said Kelly Lambert, chair of the psychology department and co-director of the SURF program. 'Students also have to deal with the challenges and difficulties of original research, which more often than not pay off in a new work ethic. In addition, SURF students have the opportunity to share their results with the Randolph-Macon community, as well as present their work in national and international forums. All in all, this research adventure builds resilience and confidence in our students as they embark on subsequent discovery missions throughout their lives.'

In addition, as students dive into their research, everyone can ride the waves of adventure by way of six R-MC student online blogs. Throughout the summer, six SURF students will be posting online diaries with updates on their research, discoveries and exciting experiences. Visit http://www.rmc.edu/currentstudents/surf/ to SURF through summer with these students!The SURF program was established in 1995 by the Schapiro Research Program, an endowment fund that supports scholarly undergraduate research by Randolph-Macon College students in all disciplines.

For more information, please contact Holly Clark at (804) 752-3712 or hclark@rmc.edu or Anne Marie Lauranzon at (804) 752-7317 or alauranz@rmc.edu.

'We are all very proud of what Megan has accomplished in her career at Randolph-Macon College,' said R-MC head women's basketball coach Carroll LaHaye. 'She is a perfect example of all that you can achieve when you believe in yourself, and in your team. She has an incredible work ethic and is an amazing talent on the court. Megan is a true team player and has notably contributed to our team's success during her four years at the college. I have been very fortunate to have coached Megan.' Silva, Randolph-Macon College's 5'6' senior basketball star, graduated in May and also was named this year's Division III WBCA National Player of the Year. The 2005-2006 female winner of the Jostens Trophy, Silva is a three-time Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) 'Player of the Year' and tournament MVP, and a three-time All American who led Division III in scoring. In addition, she led the ODAC with 23 points per game, 6.1 assists per game and 3.5 steals per game. Silva finished her college career with 2,371 career points, 700 assists and 446 steals, currently higher than any other male or female player in ODAC history. She also broke the ODAC single game free-throw record with 16 for 16 and the assists record with 15. Silva was named this year's Division III player of the Year by DIII News and D3hoops.com as well.An economics major with a 3.69 GPA, Silva was named a College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) All-American and also recently was named the ODAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Additionally, Silva led Randolph-Macon to three ODAC tournament championships, three NCAA Division III tournament appearances, four straight seasons with 20 or more wins, and a 2004-2005 NCAA tournament runner-up finish. A Phi Beta Kappa honor society member at Randolph-Macon, Silva was featured in Sports Illustrated's 'Faces in the Crowd' in April 2006.Also a Dean's List student and R-MC honors program participant, Silva is a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa honor society and served as the school newspaper's business and advertising manager. Outside of the classroom, Silva shared her time as a volunteer, running basketball clinics for underprivileged children in the summer, working in the nursery of a church during services and providing individual basketball instruction to children. Recently, Silva received Randolph-Macon's Susan B. de Nagy Award, which is presented each year to the school's top senior female athlete for excellence in athletics, academics, leadership and sportsmanship.For more information, please contact Holly Clark at (804) 752-3712 or Anne Marie Lauranzon at (804) 752-7317.

This past spring on the mound, Beazley's numbers included a program single-season record 108 strikeouts, a 1.94 earned run average, and a 9-3 record in 88.0 innings pitched. He struck out an ODAC and R-MC single-game-record 17 batters in the season finale against Newport News Apprentice School May 2nd, picking up a win over 8.2 innings in the 9-2 affair, and also broke the school career strikeout record that day, finishing with 216. His nine victories tied the program's record for wins in a season. Beazley was first in the ODAC in strikeouts and innings pitched, tied for first in wins and games started (12), and second in opponent-low batting average (.224). In the NCAA, he was ranked ninth in victories and 16th in strikeouts per nine innings. On the R-MC team, Beazley was first in earned run average, opponent-low batting average, wins, innings pitched, strikeouts and games started.Also R-MC's top offensive player, Beazley batted a team-leading .378 (34-for-90), with five doubles, three triples, one home run and 22 RBIs, and also had four stolen bases and 23 runs.As a junior in 2005, Beazley was named first-team all-ODAC, honorable mention all-state, and honorable mention all-South Region as a third baseman. He was also the conference Pitcher of the Week once last season.To go along with his athletic honors, Beazley was also named a 2006 College Sports Information Directors/ESPN The Magazine first-team District 3 college division all-academic selection. District 3 includes schools in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia, and the award is based on both athletic and academic excellence. A business/economics major, Beazley was a Dean's List student at R-MC, a member of the ODAC all-academic squad, and an R-MC Presidential Scholarship recipient.The 2006 R-MC baseball team finished 22-18 overall and 11-7 in the ODAC. The 22 wins tied the program's season record (22-7 in 1977 - records date back to 1949-50). After finishing with no more than 15 wins overall and six Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) victories the previous five seasons, 2006 was an incredible turnaround for the Yellow Jacket baseball program under second-year head coach Ray Hedrick. Besides the record-tying 22 wins, other achievements for the team included: an overall winning record for the first time since 1996 (15-12); the first conference winning record since 1997 (9-7); and the best conference record since 1995 (11-5 - teams started playing an 18-game schedule when Roanoke baseball began competition in the ODAC in 2003). The 2006 team was picked to finish seventh in the ODAC preseason coaches poll, but ended up fourth in the conference regular season and competed in the ODAC tournament for the first time since 1997. Hedrick is a 1997 R-MC graduate and former Yellow Jacket baseball player, as is assistant coach Brian Toland '96. First-year assistant coach Evan Brannon rounded out the 2006 staff.

For more information or to contact Travis Beazley or R-MC head baseball coach Ray Hedrick, call (804) 752-7303 or (804) 380-7949.