When a College President Enrolls as a Freshman: A Talk by Author and Lifelong Learner Roger Martin

Thursday, March 5, 2009
6:00 p.m., Everett Theatre

"Student Consumerism and the Ivory Tower: An Address by a College President and Author Who Went Back to School"

Dr. Roger Martin, Retired President, Randolph-Macon College and Author, Racing Odysseus

Randolph-Macon College President Roger H. Martin had just survived a life-threatening battle with cancer and was nearing retirement from his much-loved post in academia when he did a radical thing: enrolled as a first-year student. Racing Odysseus, his poignant chronicle of a freshman year as a near senior citizen, is full of insight about lifelong learning. Martin shared these insights and more in his talk at Southern Vermont College on Thursday, March 5, in Everett Theatre. A book signing and reception followed in the Burgdorff Gallery.

Martin’s address, “Student Consumerism and the Ivory Tower: An Address by a College President and Author Who Went Back to School,” focused on the respective responsibilities of students and the institution necessary to make the college experience meaningful. 

In a recent article in the New York Times, Martin wrote about the value of his life-changing decision to enroll as a freshman at St. John’s College in Maryland where he re-read classic works of literature and even tried out for the crew team. “During my voyage at St. John’s, studying and rowing with my classmates, I discover that even in the evening of my life, I can go back to college and learn new things.”

“Dr. Martin’s journey, from his many roles in academia to a near death bout with cancer and then emerging as a new student, offers lessons in learning for all of us of any age who love to teach and love to learn,” said SVC Provost Al DeCiccio. “We were so honored to host him here at SVC.”

Prior to heading up Randolph-Macon College as the 14th president, where he helped move the institution towards its status as a top, nationally ranked liberal arts and sciences college, Martin served for 11 years as president of Moravian College in Bethlehem, Penn. He also served as associate dean of the Divinity School and a lecturer in church history at Harvard University. Martin also spent time in Vermont as executive assistant to the president and assistant professor of history at Middlebury College.

A 1965 graduate of Drew University, he studied for a year at Edinburgh University before receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from Drew University, a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Yale University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Oxford University.

Lectures at Southern Vermont College are free and open to the public. For more information, please call the Office of Communications at 802-447-6388.