From Roanoke College:
Virginia Western Community College President Robert Sandel was presented with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at Roanoke College during its Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 4, in appreciation for his immense contributions to education across the region. For decades, Sandel has been a champion for expanding access to higher learning and building regional partnerships to support student success.
Virginia Western and Roanoke College are longtime allies in that pursuit. Nearly 7% of Saturday’s graduates started their college journey at Virginia Western before transferring to Roanoke College to earn a four-year degree. Roanoke College presented degrees to 406 students Saturday.
The two schools recently announced plans to expand on that good work with Rapid Maroons, a new initiative designed to create a seamless transfer path for Virginia Western students.
“Bobby has long held Roanoke College in his heart,” said Roanoke College President Frank Shushok Jr. “Time and time again, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to our institutions’ mutual success and, more importantly, the success of all students.”
“I’m just thrilled that today he is officially a Maroon.”
Sandel, after being bestowed with the recognition, led the crowd in the signature call-and-response that can be heard often on campus: “Here we go … Maroons!”
The following is the citation’s text:
Dr. Robert Sandel is a native of Orangeburg, South Carolina. He earned a bachelor’s degree from The Citadel, a master’s degree from South Carolina State University, and a doctorate from the University of South Carolina.
Dr. Sandel has been an educator for more than 50 years, and he has dedicated his career to serving community colleges. He previously served as president of Mountain Empire Community College in Big Stone Gap, Virginia. He became president of Virginia Western Community College in Roanoke, Virginia in 2001.
An innovator, Dr. Sandel has transformed higher education in the region, expanding access, promoting workforce and economic development, fostering community engagement and establishing regional partnerships, including a close collaboration with Roanoke College. In fall 2023, this shared mission and commitment to access, academic excellence and student success became the foundation of the Rapid Maroons Program, a joint venture that allows students accepted to Roanoke College to start their college careers at Virginia Western, experience a smooth transition and ultimately graduate from Roanoke College.
Dr. Sandel has been recognized for his vision and accomplishments, including being named Roanoke City’s Citizen of the Year in 2013 and receiving the Roanoke/Blacksburg Technology Council’s prestigious Ruby Award. He has chaired the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Pre-K Committee for Smart Beginnings, and the committee that developed Achieve 2015, the six-year strategic plan for Virginia community colleges. He has also served as board president for the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and for the LewisGale Medical Center, and is currently serving as a trustee of the Friendship Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Throughout his decades in education, Dr. Sandel has shown how a deep belief in the power of learning can transform lives and communities.
Dr. Sandel and his wife, Jane, a retired educator, are the parents of four children and have 11 grandchildren.
Roanoke College honors Dr. Robert Sandel for his life of learning, service, leadership, academic innovation and regional development. The Roanoke College Board of Trustees confers upon Robert H. Sandel on this day, May 4, 2024, the Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, with all the rights and privileges pertaining thereto.
