Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
During Alumni Weekend 2026 earlier this month, Roanoke College awarded its highest alumni honor, the Roanoke College Medal, to Mike Haley ’73, a Martinsville based businessman recognized for his lifelong commitment to community service.
The Roanoke College Medal is the institution’s highest honor bestowed upon Maroon alumni.
Also recognized at the awards event were Pat Kenney ’99 and Cara (Bayersdorfer) Kenney ’98, who received the Emerging Alumni Award, and Tom and Marty Murdock, who were presented with the Maroons by Choice Award.
Haley, a business administration graduate, was named conference golfer of the year in 1972-73 and led the program to its first College Division NCAA Golf Tournament appearance. He later built a career in furniture manufacturing and sales with American of Martinsville before moving into private equity, serving as an operating partner with firms including Fenway Partners, Investcorp and Caxton-Iseman.
In addition to his business career, Haley has been active in civic leadership in Martinsville, serving on boards such as Memorial Hospital of Martinsville and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Following the hospital’s sale in 2002, he helped establish The Harvest Foundation, which focuses on long-term investments in education, health and economic development. He served as the foundation’s first board chairman.
Born in Stanleytown, Haley was the youngest of eight children and was raised by his mother after his father’s early death. He has credited his upbringing and his experience at Roanoke College with shaping his values and enabling him to give back to his community. Haley served on the college’s board of trustees from 2013 to 2023 and recently rejoined the board.
College President Frank Shushok Jr. highlighted Haley’s connection with students and his philanthropic impact, noting his lasting contributions to the institution.
During the event, Shushok also announced a new gift to the Michael P. Haley ’73 and Joy Haley Golf Endowment Fund, made in Haley’s honor by Albert Prillaman ’68 and Glenn Prillaman ’93.
Pat and Cara Kenney were recognized with the Emerging Alumni Award for their extensive volunteer leadership and philanthropic support. Pat Kenney served as chair of the Roanoke Alumni Chapter for 10 years and has been active with the Alumni Executive Council since 2017. Cara Kenney has held leadership roles including president of the Alumni Association and Alumni Executive Council and served as an ex-officio member of the board of trustees from 2022 to 2025.
Though not alumni, Tom and Marty Murdock were honored with the Maroons by Choice Award for their dedication to the college’s mission. Their philanthropic efforts are focused on helping students overcome barriers to completing their education.
The event also included the induction of four former student-athletes into the Roanoke College Athletic Hall of Fame: Marc Dinkel ’15 (soccer), Chris Gordon ’97 (lacrosse), Kelly Higbie ’15 (softball) and Harrison Toney ’16 (cross country/track and field).
Additionally, four individuals were inducted into the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Hall of Fame: Dustin Fonder ’94 (basketball, soccer), Gerald Holmes ’83 (basketball), Amy Layman Bayse ’01 (softball) and Robin Yerkes St. Cyr ’10 (track and field).
