Our Community

We're lucky to be part of such a diverse and welcoming community, and are committed to enhancing the lives of its citizens and the learning of our students. We want to connect our school and community in ways that benefit all parties. We encourage students to participate in the rich experiences the Roanoke Valley has to offer, and invite community members to participate in the life of the College through lectures, athletic events, and artistic exhibits and performances. We'd like to build on relationships offered by businesses, government agencies and nonprofits to provide our students with internships and service-learning experiences, and offer the support of our faculty, staff and students to help strengthen community organizations. 

We believe the Roanoke Valley can be a laboratory for student/community learning and engagement. To that end, we are working to broaden our relationships with citizens in the Valley and strengthen partnerships with its many organizations:     

  • We welcome the community to our many lectures, exhibits and performances.
  • We focus College resources where they can best help address local issues.
  • We encourage faculty to engage students in local fieldwork and urge students to participate in service projects that will benefit the community.
  • We work with local organizations to provide internships for students and employment for graduates.
  • We work with local entrepreneurs to strengthen their ventures and act as mentors to student entrepreneurs.

Upcoming Events

Juneteenth Celebration

Monday, June 19, 2023, is Juneteenth, a day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States and celebrated since the late 1800s. 

Learn more

Date | Time: Thursday, June 15, 2023 | 11:30 AM
Location: Wortmann Ballroom - Colket Center

Leander McCormick Observatory Visit

Please join the Charlottesville Alumni Chapter for a visit to the Leander McCormick Observatory.

Learn more

Date | Time: Friday, July 28, 2023 | 9:00 PM
Location: Charlottesville, VA

Roanoke College Summer Party

You're invited to a Roanoke College summer party in Arnold, MD!

Learn more

Date | Time: Saturday, August 5, 2023 | 3:00 PM
Location: Arnold, MD

Roanoke students are serving the community through local nonprofits, including:

  • Samaritan Inn
  • Roanoke Rescue Mission
  • Micah's Backpack
  • West End Center
  • Head Start
  • Lincoln Terrace Elementary School
  • Star City Foundation
  • Family Promise of Greater Roanoke
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Commonwealth Catholic Charities

Thank you for offering our students internships

Logos of: WSLS10, Roanoke Civic Center, Planned Parenthood, Center in the Square, Red Cross, HopeTree Family Services, Virginia State Police, FBI, YMCA, Salem City School District, Taubman Museum of Art, Mill Mountain Zoo, and Virginia Museum of Transportation

We all pitch in.

Watch Video three students building a Habitat house
Each year, Roanoke students work with the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate to build a home for a needy Roanoke Valley family.