vita spring 2025

Connecting Cultures: Randolph’s Quillian Visiting International Scholar shares Sri Lankan heritage 

Sudesh Mantillake performs Kandyan dance in Houston Memorial Chapel. The photo is shot from the side, so you see his profile, with one hand raised above his head.

Sudesh Mantillake’s time at the College has wrapped up, but the connections he’s made here remain. ... READ MORE >>

Genia Livings Welburn ’95 Fellows honor legacy of giving back

Cameron Goulde, Nafi Thiam, and Arielle Barfield meet in her office.

“College is a really safe, comfortable space where students can think and begin to form ideas. So when they do get out into the world, they understand what it means to serve in their communities, celebrate the gifts they have, and really put them to good use.” ... READ MORE >>

2025 Alumni Achievement Award winners announced

Stacey Robbins Kennedy ’95, Lesley Morgan ’75, and Alison Keller Townsend ’75 pose with President Sue Ott Rowlands after receiving the Alumni Achievement Award

Lesley Morgan ’75, Alison Keller Townsend ’75, and Stacey Robbins Kennedy ’95 will receive the award during a special event during Reunion. ... READ MORE >>

A Perfect Fit: Two Randolph grads share their passion for teaching at Nelson County High School

A collage photo featuring teachers Madi Tyree and Jack Dolan with their students

Madi Tyree ’23, ’25 MEd teaches family and consumer sciences and is head coach of the girls’ varsity basketball team, while Jack Dolan ’21, ’23 MAT teaches special education and coaches football, girls’ basketball, and softball. ... READ MORE >>

Randolph College Gospel Choir offers community, connection for students

Randolph College's gospel choir performs on stage

To hear Charles  E. Gibson III and Charmayne Wyche tell it, the creation of Randolph’s gospel choir was meant to be.... READ MORE >>

Adulting 101: Randolph professors use senior seminar to teach skills beyond the classroom

Sarah Sojka and Elizabeth Parsons cook together over a stovetop.

“One of the things I love about Randolph is that we prepare students for life, not just jobs.”... READ MORE >>

New telescope, renovations cast new light on College’s observatory

A group of volunteers installs a new telescope inside Winfree Observatory

Randolph’s Winfree Observatory is giving a nod to its unique history this year with the addition of a new telescope and a building refresh.  Back in 1900, the College’s first observatory was built on front campus, near where Smith Hall now stands. The one-story, domed observatory was named in honor of a prominent Lynchburg citizen... READ MORE >>

Randolph student takes advantage of opportunities for hands-on experience in the art field

Elizabeth Bailey poses for selfie in front of the National Library of Wales while conducting research there

Elizabeth Bailey ’25 got a taste of independent research over winter break when she visited the United Kingdom to research the life of Welsh artist Gwen John for her senior project. ... READ MORE >>

Lasting Legacy: Farah Marks’ unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit leave transformational mark on Randolph

Photo of Farah Marks sitting at her desk

“There have been so many changes, but within that, one thing that really has not changed is the support and loyalty of our alums. We have a group of very dedicated alums and donors. I feel like we stand on the shoulders of these women.” ... READ MORE >>

Nomadic Art: Ann Holsberry ’65 returns to alma mater for exhibition of art

Artist Ann Holsberry works with students to install her work

Museum and heritage studies students joined Holsberry and Maier staff to help hang the exhibit and create a site-specific installation, on view through June 1. ... READ MORE >>