Alumni News – January 2026

Roanoke alumnus Dustin DeMaria ’12, senior analyst for Icahn Enterprises, has been appointed to the board of directors for Centuri, which partners with regulated utilities to build and maintain critical energy infrastructure across the U.S. and Canada. DeMaria brings his extensive experience of the public equity market to provide strategic recommendations for the future of the company.  

At Roanoke College, DeMaria studied economics. His macroeconomics class with Professor Garry Fleming had a distinct impact on him and acted as the catalyst for DeMaria starting to invest his own money. Through this, he discovered his desire to pursue a career in investments and finance. After graduation, he worked a few years at Fitch Ratings in Chicago before earning his MBA from Cornell, later landing at Icahn Enterprises.  

DeMaria cites professors as the differentiating factor in his Roanoke College education. He fondly remembers talking to professor emeritus Garry Fleming and professor Edward Nik-Khah about economics and discussing stocks with late professor Peter Lynch.  

Alexandra J. Rogers, Ph.D. ’70 published “Your Journey to Successful Parenting: Ages 2-11, A Stress-Free Guide to Effective Behavior Change.” In this book, Rogers uses her expertise to support parents in understanding and addressing their child’s behaviors in a positive way.  

Rogers is a clinical psychologist who has spent her career serving children and families. In her retirement, she’s focused on sharing her knowledge of mental health through books and articles, expanding mental health access for those without the means to pursue it when needed. 

Gastón Ocampo ’20 has been named a Schwarzman Scholar in the class of 2026-2027. Ocampo was 1 of 150 individuals selected from 5,800 global applicants. The selected scholars earn a master’s in global affairs from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, over the course of a year. The program focuses on expanding participants’ knowledge of China and bolstering international collaboration.  

Ocampo said is especially appreciative of Dr. Teresa Hancock-Parmer, Dr. Andreea Mihalache-O'Keef and the late professor Jenny Rosti for making this opportunity possible through their support and teachings.  

Ocampo is currently secretary general at the Institute for the Promotion of Latin America. In addition, he is an Atlantic Dialogues Emerging Leader Fellow, Doha Debates Ambassador, and ICDD-USA.org  board member. At Roanoke College, he earned degrees in both international relations and business administration, and he co-founded the International Club.