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Darius Saunders '15 |
1/4/13“My first impression of Randolph-Macon College was wonderful: I saw a tranquil and serene community in which I could flourish academically,” says Randolph-Macon College student
Darius Saunders ’15. “I was here for a football
visit and as soon as I stepped on campus I felt like I was a part of a community.”
Saunders, a
communication studies major from Martinsville, Virginia, plays
football for the Yellow Jackets and is a member of One Change at a Time (formerly Brothers for Change). The
organization, founded in 2005, works together with Hanover Social Services, Hanover Safe Place, and local churches. In April 2011, the One Change at a Time organization received the
Pepper and Stuart Laughon Commitment to Community Award. The award is given annually to an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to enrich the lives of others.
“We do
service projects such as providing Thanksgiving baskets for those in need,” explains Saunders. “We also volunteer at Henry Clay Elementary School and serve as mentors.” Each week, several One Change at a Time members work with children in the school’s Positive Action Club, a prevention program for children in grades K through 5. R-MC students help the children with homework, play games with them and teach them life skills.
Saunders chose communication studies as his major because of its global reach.
“My Principles of Public Communication class with Professor John Mingus helped me solidify my decision to become a communication studies major,” he says. “In his class I got over my fear of speaking in front of people and I learned how to write speeches and sharpen my speaking skills. I plan on eventually becoming an officer in the Army or Air Force, and in the military you have to be able to give precise orders and say exactly what you mean.”
Saunders is the recipient of the Irving Groves Scholarship. The Irving M. Groves Memorial Scholarship was established in 1996 by Irving Groves ’50 and Ruth Groves Chaney in memory of their father, a distinguished banker and member of the R-MC Class of 1916. The scholarship provides financial assistance to students from the Virginia counties of Patrick and Henry.
“The
scholarship means a great deal to me,” says Saunders. “I come from a single-parent home, and my sister is also in college, so this scholarship helped immensely. My entire family is grateful.”
Click on
Student Experience to read more stories about Randolph-Macon students.
For more information about the breadth of programs and opportunities available at Randolph-Macon or to schedule a campus visit, contact our Admissions Office at (800) 888-1762 or at admissions@rmc.edu.