McConnon Discovery Center
The McConnon Discovery Center’s interactive study spaces, high-power research labs and collaborative spaces all contribute to the type of experiential learning that leads to higher levels of student success. We know that Roanoke students are 10 times more successful in their chemistry courses when they work in groups. Imagine the impact when students of all majors come together in a space built specifically to foster this powerful peer-to-peer engagement.
The McConnon Discovery Center is a pivotal project that will benefit each and every Maroon on campus.
Did You Know?
The new McConnon Discovery Center will impact every single Roanoke student, whether or not they are majoring in the sciences.
- Every Roanoke student, regardless of major, takes at least three courses from the programs in the McConnon Discovery Center.
- 33% of all courses on campus will be taught in the McConnon Discovery Center.
- Three of Roanoke’s 10 most popular majors—psychology, biology and environmental studies—will be in the McConnon Discovery Center.
- Each year, approximately 75% of student summer research experiences are mentored by faculty in the sciences.
- Approximately 50% of student research experiences each academic year are offered by programs in the sciences.
Why Support the McConnon Discovery Center
"I’m hoping that my donation and my story will help other alumni think about how Roanoke College may have helped and inspired their lives and careers. I felt that at this point in my life, after a rewarding career, I would give back to Roanoke College. I am asking all alumni to consider donating to the future of the College and the McConnon Discovery Center. It will be rewarding for them, the College and future students who aspire to greater things."
Shaun McConnon ’66, Executive Chairman of the Board, BitSight
Construction Progress
Placing an evergreen tree on the final beam is a time-honored tradition among builders that some believe symbolizes good fortune and prosperity for the building.
"This is just the beginning," President Frank Shushok Jr. said during the topping out ceremony, a tradition in the construction industry that celebrates the raising of a project’s last beam.
"May this center be a new place at dear old Roanoke where curiosity is honored, truth is pursued, and lives are transformed," Chaplain Chris Bowen said in his blessing.
Names of benefactors who made the project possible were handwritten on the final beam during an advance event held July 16, 2025.
Retired professor Ron Oetgen (left) signs his name on the final beam on July 16, 2025, while alumnus Jakob Chandler '22 writes additional names of donors who were unable to attend the event.
Dr. Ken Garren '62 and his wife, Sheila Garren, prepare to sign the final beam of the discovery center during an event held July 16, 2025. Dr. Garren is a former vice president and dean of Roanoke College as well as president emeritus of the University of Lynchburg.
In total, support from 1,057 donors made the state-of-the-art discovery center a reality, expanding opportunities for a new generation of students.
Retired Vice President for Business Affairs David Mowen (left) and Associate Vice President of Facilities Management Ben Irvin '94 gave the order to the crane to lift the final beam.
Placing the last beam is a major milestone in construction that marks the momentous progress made since a project's beginning.
The ceremony brought together the campus community and the hard-working team at The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company to celebrate the occasion.
With a big smile, a crew member of The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company signals that the beam installation was a success.