Alumni News – December 2025

Michelle Gill ’97  said her segue into creating Buffalo Creek Designs was quite natural. She spent many years of her career working in fundraising and events, and some of this work included building websites. “Eventually I had people requesting I build their websites,” Gill said. “Word of mouth recommendations built my business.”

As a political science major, Gill said her classes “revolved around research, thought and discussion,” which helped prepare her for entrepreneurship. She went on to say, “The Political Science Department helped me shape my skills in understanding voters, businesses and governments, which developed an asset in understanding clients and focusing their intentions for internet presence.” Her concentration in written communications also bolstered her business skills. In addition, experiences with local political campaigns kicked off her career.  

Gill’s daughter is a freshman at Roanoke College this year.

Crystal Gibson ’00 began Happy Little Kitty in 2018 after spending years in fundraising. Happy Little Kitty is an online shop dedicated to selling products curated for her “fellow cat enthusiasts.”

 “I wanted a project that offered a true creative outlet allowing me to explore design, marketing and entrepreneurship in an enjoyable way,” said Gibson. “The company became a natural intersection of my love for cats and my desire to expand my skills and push myself beyond my professional comfort zone.”

When reflecting on her time at Roanoke College and how it prepared her for entrepreneurship, she highlighted how Roanoke taught her to think for herself.

“The academic rigor demanded critical thinking, analytical problem-solving and the ability to communicate effectively, all skills that have been invaluable in every stage of building a business.” She went on to note that perseverance was instilled in her as a Maroon. “I learned to approach obstacles with tenacity rather than hesitation.”

Gibson graduated with a degree in political science from Roanoke.

Ryan Hunt '18 may have a degree in music from Roanoke College, but behind the lens is where he makes his living as owner of Ryan Hunt Photography. After purchasing a nice camera and lens, he started taking pictures of everything he could and built a portfolio. While at Roanoke, he took photographs for athletics.

“I love having my own business because I get to work with so many great clients around the area and foster personal relationships in addition to traveling for different projects,” said Hunt. “As a business owner, I get the best of both worlds with the stability and kindness of recurring clients whose business means a lot to me, as well as the flexibility of taking on new projects both locally and afar.”

While studying at Roanoke, Hunt was also interested in business and pursued marketing courses. He feels his success is because of all his professors, not just those in business.

“I still stay in touch with many of my professors to this day,” he said, “and I’m incredibly fortunate for the wonderful community that Roanoke College has for its students and alumni.”