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Randolph marks 127th anniversary with Founders’ Day celebration

Sophomores carry the banner and lead the procession to the Sundial

Sophomores carry the banner and lead the procession to the Sundial

Randolph students, faculty, and staff gathered next to the front steps of Moore Hall Wednesday afternoon for the annual Founders’ Day celebration.

The brief ceremony included speeches by President Bradley W. Bateman, Student Government President Tetiana Poliakova ’18, and Class President Aubrey Fane ’18, as well as musical performances by the campus a capella groups Songshine and Voices. The College was officially founded March 10, 1891. However, since this date usually falls during spring break, the College celebrates Founders’ Day later in March.

In his remarks, President Bateman said the Founders’ Day tradition allows students, faculty, and staff to pay homage to the rich history of Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, and now, to the accomplishments of Randolph College.

“By honoring our past, and those so instrumental in laying the strong academic foundation of this College, we can assure that the spirit of the women who came before us will live on, so that generations of students to come may also achieve their dreams behind, and eventually outside, the College’s Red Brick Wall,” he said.

Tetiana Poliakova '18

Tetiana Poliakova ’18

Poliakova talked about how far the College has come in its 127-year history, and how its students are eager to go forth and change the world.

“Randolph College has been moving forward together with the world,” Poliakova said. “The founding of Randolph-Macon Woman’s College gave women the opportunity for women to receive the gift of education. However, the gift was only offered to a limited number of groups. Now we are proud of our diverse student body, including people of different genders, races, ages, religions, and economic statuses. Our differences are what make this community stronger and allow us to learn from each other.

“It’s difficult to even begin to grasp how many issues and problems humanity has to face nowadays,” Poliakova continued. “But you know what I believe in? I believe that each and every one of us, past or current students of Randolph College and Randolph-Macon Woman’s College have been equipped with the necessary tools and skills to tackle the problems of the world. The value of liberal arts education is enormous, and it is especially important in modern times.”

Aubrey Fane '18

Aubrey Fane ’18

Fane described how he has grown as an individual during his four years at Randolph. Specifically, he recalled how he has changed since his first year.

“Randolph was a place that I could truly be confident to let my colors be brighter than ever before and meet the people that I know today, and paint the world with my vibrant, loud colors, to finally let my true self out and thrive,” he said.

Following the brief ceremony, seniors and sophomores participated in the traditional sister class serenade by the Sundial.

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