Randolph-Macon College celebrated Commencement on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at the R-MC Frank E. Brown Fountain Plaza.
Following tradition, the Class of 2009 marched across the “Red Brick Road,” located on the college’s historic campus, where the name of each graduate is imprinted on a brick. The Janet Harvey Trivette Alumni Walkway was established, with the help of family and friends, by her husband, Dr. George A. Trivette ’76, a newly appointed member of the R-MC Board of Trustees, in memory of his wife, who lost her courageous fight against cancer in 2007. This walkway honors all R-MC alumni and will eventually contain the names of every graduate dating back to the early 1900s.
Virginia Secretary of Education Dr. Thomas R. Morris delivered the 2009 commencement address, telling graduates, “With completion of your studies, you have arrived. You are privileged, joining only one third of Virginians who have earned a bachelor’s degree." Morris ended his speech by giving the “three S’s” to success: self education, self evaluation and self awareness. Prior to his appointment as Secretary of Education, Morris served as president of Emory & Henry College, in southwest Virginia, for more than 13 years and was a celebrated faculty member at the University of Richmond for 21 years.
Honorary Degrees were conferred to four distinguished leaders in education, government, business and the arts:
- Macon F. Brock, Jr. ’64 (Honorary Doctor of Laws degree), is the chair of the R-MC Board of Trustees, philanthropist and co-founder of Dollar Tree, Inc.
- Joan P. Brock (Honorary Doctor of Laws degree), is a philanthropist and leader in the arts, education and the community
- The Honorable James W. Dyke, Jr. (Honorary Doctor of Laws degree), is a former Virginia Secretary of Education and is currently a partner with the law firm of McGuireWoods
- Professor Emerita B.J. Seymour (Honorary Doctor of Humanities degree in absentia), is a retired R-MC religious studies professor and advocate for equal opportunities for women at the College
This year’s senior speaker, Joel Bolton, shared experiences and stories of growth during his years at the college to include a life-changing trip to South Africa during R-MC’s January Term and also spoke of the close faculty, staff and student connections he made while at R-MC. In addition, Brandon Nunnally ’09 announced that this graduating class spearheaded a student-driven fundraising campaign with a record-breaking participation rate of 72%. The class of 2009 raised $5,896.80.