Darius Saunders ’15 is a young man with a bright future who has his priorities straight. He was admitted to RMC, UVA, VT and ODU based on superb academics. As a stand-out high school football player, though, Darius selected Randolph-Macon, not only for the academic challenge but also because he wanted to play football. Furthermore, in RMC he sensed a community that felt like a family, and this type of environment was what was most important to him. 

Meeting the Challenge

Darius likes the fact that at RMC he has been challenged both athletically and academically. Like all first-year students, Darius was required to take a class described as the “First-Year Experience”, whereby he joined a small group of other freshmen and two professors from different disciplines for a yearlong exploration of the topic. Darius describes it as a “wonderful and interesting experience” having selected the combination literature/physics module.

He found Professor Mark Malin, who taught the Spanish literature component of the course, to be one of his favorite professors during his first-year. A communications major, he has also been inspired by Professor John Mingus who makes each class a unique experience because, as Darius observed, he creates a great atmosphere in class and is passionate about both the subject and teaching. Darius stays busy both in and outside of the classroom. Not only does he play football and take a full credit load, but he also works on campus managing the weight room to help meet college expenses. He has student loans and scholarships but as he began his sophomore year he found himself in need of additional funding. He was thankful for all the support that he received from several local civic and church scholarships from his hometown community of Martinsville, but much of this financial assistance covered only his first-year. But, when the Martinsville community heard of his predicament, several RMC alumni from that area generously provided Darius with the help he needed to return for his second year of study. Darius is very grateful to these individuals who stepped in to help him succeed. 

Making Plans

This scholar-athlete has already made plans for his next step. Upon graduation he wants to join the military and become an officer. His older brother is career army and has set the example. He describes the military as a “forever brotherhood” of which he wants to be a part. Darius deeply appreciates his family and in particular his Mother who “has been through a lot.” His goal is to eventually do something special for her to recognize the sacrifices she has made for him. Given Darius’ academic and athletic accomplishments to-date, it’s safe to assume that his continued success is gift enough for his proud mother! When you next attend a Randolph-Macon football game look for the offensive lineman wearing jersey number 59 and cheer for Darius, who does indeed have extraordinary potential.