Randolph marks 128th anniversary with Founders Day celebration

Students sing school songs around the Sundial

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

Sophomores show their support for their sister class

The brief ceremony included speeches by President Bradley W. Bateman and Class President Libby Exline ’19, 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.

“The College has changed over the years to adapt to the needs of generations of students; however, even more has stayed the same,” Bateman said. “Most importantly, we continue to have a wonderful faculty, academic excellence, and a passion for the liberal arts at the center of everything we do. Our future today is just as bright as our history, thanks to the close community of students, faculty, staff, alumnae, and now alumni who call Randolph College their alma mater.”

Exline said that she is both excited and apprehensive about graduating from Randolph in May.

Senior Class President Libby Exline gives remarks during the Founders Day ceremony

“We’ve all accomplished so much in our time here,” she said. “We’ve had internships, jobs, research opportunities, played on sports teams, been in clubs—sometimes too many clubs. We’ve all had a wonderful past four years by making the most out of our college experience and living the Life More Abundant.”

Exline also challenged underclass students to continue to press on when life gets difficult, do something out of their comfort zones, and to be a little selfish and learn more about themselves.

“It is this great institution within this Red Brick Wall that has granted us these opportunities and made us each into the leaders we are today,” Exline said. “So I say thank you to Randolph for all the ups and downs we’ve shared, and the memories that will last a lifetime.”

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