Roanoke College awards honorary degree to Heywood Fralin
May 05, 2026
Heywood Fralin, a visionary philanthropist, education advocate, and civic and business leader, was awarded an honorary degree during Roanoke College’s 2026 Commencement ceremony at Salem Stadium on Saturday.
A lifelong resident of Roanoke, Fralin has played a central role in advancing collaboration among higher education, industry and government across the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Roanoke Valley. He has helped shape the region into a thriving center of innovation, economic growth and biomedical research.
"Roanoke is a better place because Heywood Fralin chose to pour his energy, his resources, and his imagination into it — and higher education is no exception,” said Roanoke College President Frank Shushok Jr. “His investment in biomedical research has opened real doors for students across this region, including our own, and his lifelong belief that education, business and community thrive together is one we share deeply at Roanoke College. We are proud to recognize him with an honorary degree this year."
Fralin practiced law in Roanoke for more than 28 years before transitioning to business leadership as co-chairman of Retirement Unlimited, Inc., a Virginia-based senior living company that he continues to lead today, and as chairman of Medical Facilities of America, which was sold in 2019.
He has long championed the role of education in strengthening communities and economies. As chairman of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, he promoted expanded access, affordability and innovation across the state. He also served on the boards of the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech and Virginia Western Community College.
“His investment in biomedical research has opened real doors for students across this region, including our own, and his lifelong belief that education, business and community thrive together is one we share deeply at Roanoke College."
President Frank Shushok Jr.
Fralin has also served as chairman of both the Virginia Business Council and the Virginia Business Higher Education Council. He helped launch GO Virginia, a statewide initiative that supports regional collaboration and workforce development.
In 2018, Fralin made a $50 million gift through the Fralin Family Trust to establish the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion. That transformational investment began a partnership with Dr. Michael Friedlander, the institute’s founding director. Together, they elevated the region’s profile in medical research and continue to expand opportunities for institutions across the region—including Roanoke College—through student internships, research and career pathways in health-related fields.
Friedlander collected an honorary degree from Roanoke College during the 2025 Commencement exercises.
Fralin has received numerous honors, including the William H. Ruffner Medal from Virginia Tech and the Gordon and Llura Gund Leadership Award from Research!America. In 2024, he was named Roanoke’s Citizen of the Year and presented with a key to the City of Roanoke.
Fralin attended Jefferson High School in Roanoke before earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and a law degree from the Washington College of Law at American University.
Fralin’s family connection to Roanoke College spans generations, with his late older brother having served on the board of trustees and his youngest son, Robert, serving today.