Timeline: 1976-2000
1976
The College introduced women's basketball to the line up of intercollegiate athletics. John Lee Pratt, a long-time General Motors executive who attended R-MC for one year in 1899-1900, bequeathed $2.4 million to the college � the largest gift by a single donor to that date. CIA Director (and later U.S. President) George W. Bush addressed the audience at R-MC's commencement exercises May 30.
1977
The College embarked on the five-year, $7.17 million "Challenge Campaign." Dr. Alan J. Chenery, Sr., donated most of the funds to construct a modern press box at Day Field.
1979
Dr. Ladell Payne was brought from California to be the college's 13th president.
1980
The National Science Foundation awarded R-MC a grant of $250,000 to upgrade computer use at the college. Washington and Franklin Hall, Old Chapel, and Pace Hall were named state and national historic landmarks.
1981
The College's endowment exceeded $10 million and Estes Dining Hall opened. The college formed a Board of Associates to serve as ambassadors for the college and consult with the Board of Trustees.
1982
The Bassett Internship Program began modestly. (It now extends to every academic department.) A new Honors Program was established. Estes Dining Hall was dedicated in May, and 29 women became pledges of Phi Mu, the College's first sorority.
1984
Gail Gugel became the College's first female student government president. The capital campaign, "Our Heritage, Our Future" was kicked off. The goal was set at $15 million.
1985
The College received a gift of $1.056 million from the Gerard B. Lambert Memorial Foundation to restore Washington and Franklin Hall. (The foundation belonged to Mrs. Paul Mellon, granddaughter of Jordan Wheat Lambert, class of 1871, who had spearheaded the fundraising to build the building.)
1986
The College established a study abroad program with sites in France and Spain.
1987
Washington and Franklin Hall reopened after 30 years, and the college completed its $15 million campaign, "Our Heritage, Our Future." The endowment exceeded $20 million.
1988
The McGraw-Page Library was dedicated, with author Tom Wolfe as the speaker. A holiday fire destroyed the 100-year-old Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity house. There were no injuries since most students were gone for the Christmas holiday.
1989
After years of playing a split-division athletic program, R-MC sports were united in the NCAA Division III. The Society of Alumni marked its 150th anniversary.
1990
Nearly 800 students, faculty, and staff received immunizations against measles when two cases were confirmed on campus.
1993
Randolph-Macon defeated Hampden-Sydney College 17-10 in the two colleges' 100th anniversary football game on Day Field. Beverley E. Dalton of Altavista, Va., became the first female chair of the Board of Trustees. Three students placed second in a national robot-building contest, behind a group of professional Ph.Ds.
1992
The College offered new majors in environmental studies, international relations, and international studies. The endowment exceeded $30 million.
1994
The Hugh Stephens Baseball Field was dedicated; new townhouse apartments were opened, and the Carnegie Foundation again rated R-MC as a Baccalaureate College I, placing it among the most elite colleges in the nation. A women's studies major was added, and the Butler Language Laboratory opened.
1995
The College launched a $41.5 million campaign, "Shared Values - One Vision," with Olympic gold medal winner Cathy Rigby as guest speaker.
1996
The College became affiliated with the Agora Excavation in Athens, Greece; dormitories and offices were wired for the Internet; and the college created its first World Wide Web home page. The Yellow Jackets women's basketball team competed in the "Sweet 16" tournament of the NCAA Division III. The College's first Athletic Hall of Fame was created. A 10-week, summer undergraduate research program was established and an accounting major was approved.
1997
Dr. Roger Martin came to Randolph-Macon as the College's 14th president. Renovation of Pace Hall into a center for the arts began with a $1 million gift from Mr. and Mrs. William Armistead. An endowment fund of more than $500,000 was created in honor of retiring R-MC President Ladell Payne and Presidential Associate Jean Payne. The college's total endowment reached $50 million.
1998
Roxane Gilmore, a member of the R-MC faculty, added "First Lady of Virginia" to her title when her husband, James Gilmore, was elected governor of the state. The College held its first presidential inauguration in 18 years with the installation of Roger Martin as the 14th president. The Brock Center for recreation and fitness was dedicated. Joan and Macon Brock '64 provided the signature gift for the facility.
1999
Ten-year-old Greg Smith matriculated as the college's youngest-ever freshman, attracting worldwide attention. A new strategic plan identified five goals for the college's future.
2000
The College celebrated the conclusion of the "Shared Values - One Vision" campaign, in which $51 million, $10 million more than the goal, was raised for capital projects, endowment, scholarships, faculty professional development, professorships, and the annual fund.
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