Digging New Spaces

In March, the College hosted Pulitzer Prize winner and best-selling author Barbara Kingsolver (left) and co-founder of The Origin Project (TOP) and New York Times best-selling author Adriana Trigiani (right) in celebration of the 10th anniversary of TOP. The Origin Project is a program that helps second to 12th graders find their voices through writing about their family and regional roots. Trigiani brings in outstanding authors to talk with students participating in TOP each year. Teachers and high school students who participated in The Origin Project were invited to campus for the unique opportunity to spend time with Trigiani and Kingsolver. Kingsolver discussed her latest book, Demon Copperhead, a modern-day story set in Southwest Virginia. The event was a pre-event of the Virginia Festival of the Book.

Business faculty will be moving into their new digs in July, while classes are being scheduled to start in Carriger Hall on August 10. During the past Board of Trustees spring meeting, the board room was named for the 21st president, Jake B. Schrum (read more on page 6). A grand opening will be held in August and tours will be available to guests on Homecoming Day, October 14. New, paved parking will be added behind the building for guests, leading to the walkway through the beautifully designed courtyard.