“As we mark this milestone together, it feels right to pause and say clearly: This moment is also a reaffirmation of what we hold most dear at Roanoke College—the values, and the value, of higher education for the lives of graduates, their communities, the nation, and the world.
Recently, I joined hundreds of college and university presidents in signing a national statement affirming this commitment. Like other colleges and universities, Roanoke stands for open inquiry, free expression, and the pursuit of truth. We contribute to the vitality of our region, foster creativity and innovation, and prepare graduates to lead, serve, and sustain our democracy.
You may have noticed faculty and staff wearing maroon ribbons today. These ribbons symbolize their commitment to these values: values they live every day at Roanoke College, and from which you, our graduates, have richly benefited.”
See more from the 2025 Roanoke College Commencement.
Roanoke College Commencement was one of seventy campuses participating in From Campus to Community a new national campaign to champion civil discourse and democratic engagement in this year’s commencement season. More from President Frank Shushok Jr..
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