Randolph-Macon College’s Fifty Years of Diversity commemoration kicks off with a panel discussion on September 20, 2016 at 7 p.m. in the Dalton Room, Birdsong Hall (106 E. Patrick Street). This event is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the Committee on Assemblies and Special Events (CASE), the McGraw-Page Library, the History Department, and the Black Studies program.

Virginia Tech scholar Peter Wallenstein and RMC Professor Emeritus James Scanlon will join some of RMC’s first African American graduates to discuss the desegregation of the college, which began 50 years ago. This is the first of many events planned for 2016-17 to commemorate 50 Years of Diversity at RMC. Future events include lectures, drama productions, film presentations, and dance performances.

Wallenstein is a historian whose research areas include desegregation, civil rights, and higher education in the South.

Scanlon, the author of a two-volume history of Randolph-Macon College, joined the faculty in 1968. He served as chair of the history department from 1982 to 1988 and was a member of the planning committee for the restoration and renovation of Washington-Franklin Hall, one of the six buildings on RMC’s campus listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Scanlon, who serves as RMC’s historian, earned his A.B. (cum laude) from Georgetown University, his M.A. from the University of Wisconsin (Madison), and his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. He is the author of numerous articles and reviews.

Dennis Howard, Class of 1972, was the first African American four-year graduate of the college, and Yvonne Wallace Brandon, Class of 1976, was a member of the second fully coeducational graduating class at RMC.

RMC Commemorates 50 Years of Diversity
September 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of desegregation at Randolph-Macon College. During the 2016-2017 academic year, RMC will offer a rich lineup of cultural events and programs to commemorate this historic milestone.

Randolph-Macon College celebrates its diverse community and ever-changing campus culture. In 1971 the college became coeducational, and today the campus is comprised of students, faculty and staff who represent a wide variety of ethnic and social backgrounds.

Cultural Arts and Events at RMC
Randolph-Macon College offers a Cultural Arts & Entertainment calendar full of events for everyone to enjoy. Come to campus to experience exceptional music and theatre productions, thought-provoking lectures and internationally recognized artists and filmmakers.