Campus Activities

So much fun we do them every year

Tables full of students eating at Friday on the Quad

FOTQ

FOTQ (Friday on the Quad) happens every Friday of first semester, as long as the weather permits. FOTQ brings students, faculty and the whole campus community together for a barbeque-style buffet to celebrate good weather, food, entertainment and friends.

Student sitting on a bench with her family

Family Weekend

Family Weekend is a chance for families to visit and see what life is like at Roanoke College. They can attend classes, meet with their academic advisor and discuss internship and mentoring opportunities with Career Services. Of course, there are lots of fun things to do — enjoy BBQ buffet at Fridays on the Quad, see Maroons sports in action or participate in dozens of campus events.            

Students having fun at the fall concert

Fall Concert

In 2019, B.o.B played a memorable concert in Bast Gym for almost 800 students. Over the years, popular artists like Kanye West, John Mayer, John Legend, Kelly Pickler, COIN, Wale and Asher Roth have also played on campus. In 2016, Wacka Flocka Flame played a legendary concert with almost 1,300 students in attendance.

Row of students spelling out "Roanoke" on their chests

Maroon Madness

The annual Maroon Madness event kicks off the basketball season. The basketball team members, coaches and staff are introduced. Then, the fun and games begin with relay races, dunking contests, three-pointer contest and half-court shot, with awesome prizes for the winners. Free t-shirts are handed out to the first students in line.

David Bittle's grave/tombstone

Bittle's Bash

The History Department leads the College in celebrating the birthday of our first president, David F. Bittle. A bonfire is hosted on the back quad where students and faculty sing the Alma Mater Hymn, followed by a torchlight parade to Bittle's grave.  Back on campus, the night wraps up with a party in the Colket Center.

Students having fun and posing for pictures at The President's Ball

President's Ball

The President's Ball is a semi-formal event held every November that allows the whole campus community to get together and have a little fun. The event features several live bands and DJs, great food, and a cash bar. The event inspires students to dress up and come for a magical night of music and fun.

Students smiling and drinking at the 100 Days party

The 100 Days Party

The 100 Days Party is an event that is held for all seniors who are over 21. It's a night of socializing with classmates, dancing, karaokeing, and drinking; all beer is free with a $5 donation to the Senior Class Fund.  This party is held on the 100th day before graduation, when seniors can officially start their graduation countdown!

Students holding up Relay For Life t-shirts

Relay for Life

Relay for Life brings friends and family together for a "walk for a cure." Money raised from the event goes to the American Cancer Society. The walk is a celebration of survivors, as well as those we've lost, hoping to inspire everyone to dedicate themselves to help fight back. The back quad is filled with fun events to enjoy during the walk. Everyone camps out, has a good time and works to defeat this terrible disease!

Alumni posing for a selfie

Alumni Weekend

Alumni Weekend brings Roanoke alumni back to their alma mater for official meetings of the Board of Trustees and the Alumni Executive Council; Alumni recognition events, like the Society of 1842 Luncheon; the Roanoke Medalist Induction and Ceremony; the Hall of Fame Induction; and, of course, all of the fun activities you'd expect for class reunions and general homecoming!

Plays, films, lectures, performances, athletic events, social events, outings—there are dozens of activities at Roanoke each week. 

So much to do on campus

Students talking and smiling outside
Students performing at a concert
Students walking past a bouncy house on the quad
Students posing with President Maxy in front of a building
Students playing games on the quad
Rooney out by the Kerr Field
Students sitting in the bleachers at a game smiling
Students sitting on the quad and talking
Students participating in the play
Students showing off their Maroon pride
Students posing for a picture while covered in paint
Students dressed up for an event
Students participating in a dance
Students laughing and talking
Students laughing and talking
Students having fun at a dance
Students out on a hike
Students out on a hike
Student kayaking in the pool
Students talking in the art gallery
Students attending a presentation by a guest speaker
Students playing tug-of-war
Students attending a live concert