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Barclay has been a beacon of light for the students at RMC. I came in the Fall of 1992. I was 800 miles from home and she made me feel loved and like I had known her forever. She called me “Mandie from Memphis”. She is deserving of every honor and accolade. Her legacy lives on in all of us Alumni who have had the gift of being loved by her. Best wishes Barclay on your retirement! You are loved.

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Barclay invariably knew the name of everyone who walked into the Bookstore and those she saw around the campus, but also an amazing array of facts about everyone. She has been an absolute gift to RMC, and is much loved by all!

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RMC could not ask for better cheerleader for the school, its people, and its community. Now, let's get that bookstore named after her!

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Barclay always enthusiastically spoke with me and other students about our research, our classes, and more. She not only learned our interests but acted on them; she made sure I got a ticket to Bill Bryson's talk at RMC, and I will never forget her doing that for me, nor will I forget the experience of attending the talk. Barclay always enthusiastically spoke with me and other students about our research, our classes, and more. She not only learned our interests but acted on them; she made sure I got a ticket to Bill Bryson's talk at RMC, and I will never forget her doing that for me, nor will I forget the experience of attending the talk. I can't thank Barclay enough for her innumerable contributions to make Randolph-Macon an enthusiastically warm and welcoming environment.

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I vividly recall the day I met her when I transferred to RMC. A few months later, after making daily visits, I was offered a position at the Campus Store as a student employee, just two minutes after receiving a phone call from my parents informing me that I needed a summer job. Since then, I haven’t left. I am eternally grateful to Barclay for her role in shaping me into the person I am today. You will be missed, but we will stay in touch!

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To celebrate our son’s matriculation at RMC as a freshman, we bought t-shirts for the three of us. I strongly prefer 100% cotton clothing, so I asked Barclay to find me some selections. She pulled several shirts for me to choose from, and I found just the right t-shirt. Thanks for the excellent service Barclay.

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Barclay, you made my son’s freshman year an easier transition and for that we are eternally grateful to you. Selfishly…we don’t want you to retire but you deserve it and more!!! Carter Chapin, a sophomore now will miss you checking in with him and his friends. Making sure he continues on the right path. The Chapin’s wish you nothing BUT happiness and health. Love always, Susan Chapin 🙏❤️🎊

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The Smith family cannot imagine the bookstore without Barclay in her office or directing traffic from the entrance of the store during special events. Barclay's care for our students, faculty, and staff has shaped the lives of countless Yellow Jackets. With gratitude and admiration, we wish you every joy in retirement and look forward to seeing you around town and at ball games.

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Jodi Turner Smith, '94, Nate Smith '95 (Barclay's 'boyfriend'), Noah Smith, '22, Caroline Smith, '26

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Barclay is a gift to all of Ashland…not just RMC!

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Congratulations on your retirement! Thank you for always being such a wonderful friend to my family and me over the years. While I will miss your energy and enthusiasm at the bookstore, I know that our paths will cross again!

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Barclay,

It’s impossible to know where to start! I can so vividly recall when you told me “you’re hired!” before I even began school. You graciously let me start my work in the bookstore before orientation, then excitedly introduced me to everyone I really needed to know. Whether you were letting me sit in your office while I needed to cry or you were pushing me to try new things, your support and encouragement helped me build my confidence and inspired me to be the best I could be. You have been such an important part of my life and I am so grateful to you and to Rob for all you have done for me. There is so much more I can say, but the most important thing is that I love you and I always will!

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Barclay, Congratulations on a truly well-deserved retirement! Our family absolutely adores you, and you were always at the top of the “must say hello” list whenever my parents visited Nash and I for football games. Thank you for always being so welcoming and for being such an important part of what made Macon feel like home. We cherish our time on campus dearly, and I know those memories will continue to be just as special for you in this next chapter. Best wishes!!

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Congrats on 40+ years and your retirement. You have and will always be an icon for the school. Thank you!!!

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Barclay, you are the heart and soul of RMC. Your presence holds memories for all of us. Your spirit created a place on campus where we all felt welcome and loved. The campus will not be the same without you there. Wishing you a wonderful and well-deserved retirement!

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Barclay,

I feel so blessed to have had you in my life. I am not sure I would have made it through RMC without having you as my resident mom. I would seek you out almost daily for your guidance, and great sense of humor. When Tad came to RMC, I was even happier, I found a companion I could corrupt. You, Tad, Rob, and Rand are a big part of who I am today and the great and difficult memories of RMC.

I love seeing the photos of you online and miss your incredible energy and smile, but hopefully I can get back to see you in 2026. Congratulations!

Love you!

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Barclay - after all these years etched in the memory of thousands who began their journey into adulthood confronting the frenzy and stress of a new world, you always looked out for the students. This was no small task - in addition to managing the business of the bookstore, so many looked to you for guidance and direction in the midst of chaos. When all any of us had was a pay phone in the dorm (and the line was always too long!) we did not have “face time” there were no cell phones, there were no computers, “email” did not exist - you were the fallback for so many confused, anxious and now undoubtably grateful students.

Know that we have never forgotten this. We remember you because of who you are and the profound importance of your role in helping us to get to where we are today. Please know how grateful so many are (including myself ofcourse) for your unremitting commitment to all those who have passed through your doors at RMC. May God bless you and thank you!

Kevin Ofchus

Class of 1991 Compton Award winner.

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My favorite Barclay story is 26 years in the making. When I was moving onto campus for my freshman year in Fall of 1999, I met Barclay for the first time. During that encounter she also met my twin sister (also an incoming freshman), my mom, and my dad. During our conversation my dad asked her something. I can't remember what, but it was something financial that embarrassed me and my sister...but Barclay thought it was hilarious. From that moment on she would ask about "Harry" any time we saw her. After we graduated, whenever we visited her in the campus store she would always ask us about Harry before she checked on how we were. Last spring, during the strawberry festival, my dad and Barclay saw each other for the first time in 20+ years and it was such a great reunion! I just love that one moment 26 years ago bonded them for life.

I also have to acknowledge how in awe I am that Barclay knows every student past and present, and not just by name, but what they are studying or what they are doing with their life. It's incredible . Thank you, Barclay, for your love and support throughout the years. I will so miss walking into the campus store to your joyful cry "it's my Day girls."

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Alum (Maria, Carter, Jenny, Jen, & Lisa) with Barclay after the choir reunion concert in May 2010

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Kathy & Jenny Day during their 10th reunion weekend in October of 2013

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Kathy & Jenny Day with our Barclay ornaments. December 2024

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Barclay will always be RMC’s Football biggest cheerleader. It doesn’t matter how many years go by, she will never forget a face. She is loved by everyone. 

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In 2012 we visited Randolph Macon College. It was an amazing visit and felt like it was a top contender for the place our son would attend college. After meeting Barclay, the deal was sealed in this mom's eyes. Then a few years later our daughter followed and called this college home. Barclay is the face of RMC and she has made so many nervous parents feel more at ease about leaving their kids at college than one can count, we are sure. Each time we stepped into her office she has made us feel as if she is right there in our world. She has shared times of joy, pain and sorrow. She truly cares about each person as an individual.

Barclay, thank you for being you! Thank you for giving your all to so many. If we wrote a book it still would not be enough.

We love you and we will miss our drop in visits to grab a new flag, hat, shirt, mug and hug when traveling through Ashland. Don’t worry though, at some point we will see you on campus we know.

Again, thank you.

Sincerely,

Abe and Jennifer Darling

( our RMC kids- Austin and Jami-Reese Darling Robertson)

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As I step onto the campus of RMC, my first stop is always to see Barclay! A conversation with her is always the best, and nothing beats walking into the campus store on home football game days and being greeted by Barclay at the front. She is truly a blessing to our family!

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Barclay joined Randolph-Macon during my time as a student and quickly became a resource, a confidant, a calming presence, and — most importantly — a friend to us all. In those early years, she took photos of students and lined the walls of the old Brown Campus Center bookstore with our pictures, instantly making every visit feel personal (and required - did you make the wall? We all did).

Barclay leaves behind an extraordinary and lasting imprint on Randolph-Macon, and she made our college experience richer simply through who she is, what she brings, and how deeply she cares for all of us.

Thank you, Barclay, for 40 years of heart, care, and unforgettable impact.

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The first day we (Parkhurst) arrived at RMC, Barclay was the first to provide us a HUGE RMC welcome. She immediately made us feel right at home, and wanted on campus. We all had heard about her (similar to like hearing about Miss Connie) but to know her is something even more special. Her care for people & her care for RMC is something you just don't find in everyone. In my two years at RMC, going into her office always felt like home and safe. We could talk about anything & I know everyone feels the same way. No matter where I end up, I know there will never be another Barclay in the world, so to be able to say I know her personally, I feel very lucky. Best of luck to you Barclay! Thank you for making my time at RMC extremely memorable!

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Dear Barclay,

I wish you happiness in your retirement, and I have enjoyed all the times I have been able to talk to you during and after my time in college! Two of my favorite memories in spring 2017 or spring 2018 were when you were on the basketball court during one of the basketball games (I think that was the day we got coupons to Papa John’s) and when I ate your cake outside of the campus store!

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Barclay, you embraced me from the first moment I walked into the bookstore back in 1985, until the last time I saw you a year ago. You are truly one-of-a-kind. Thank you for your undying love, support and acceptance for so many years.

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In the fall of 1994 I'd set foot in the bookstore, not to get books or CDs (for once), but to say hi to my best friend Alec Vitarius who worked there. He was chatting and laughing with Barclay DuPriest and introduced me. When Alec passed unexpectedly before we could graduate together, Barclay would become a wonderful friend, shoulder to lean on, and biggest fan in the front row of all my plays in Old Chapel. Little did I know that more than thirty years later I'd be back at the bookstore with my daughter Addison, a senior at RMC, laughing and smiling with Barclay with her as Addy's biggest fan (her little brother and sister not far behind). Some of my closest friends have Barclay stories - some out loud and some private. She represents the best of RMC's family: unfailing wisdom, optimism, and love - no matter what the world throws at us. I am so thankful that she has shared her heart with generations of our family and the Browells are proud to love her right back.

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Dean Browell '98 and Addison Browell '26

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I have known Barclay since she and Rob came to Ashland. A great friend and she always greets me from her office as I come in the store. I will miss your voice and our conversations. Have a wonderful retirement!

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Barclay, thank you for always being your joyful, amazing, and wonderful self!! I will always remember the way you said "MICHAEL" each and every time I walked into the school bookstore to spend some money or see what was new in or to check out the clearance section! I am so grateful to have been one of your "school children"! I did not have any living grandparents when I attended RMC, but to me Barclay was the closest thing I got, and I am truly grateful to have gone to RMC! Thank you for always finding a way to make my days better at school!!

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We are so grateful to you for taking such good care of Mathieu during his stay at Randolph-Macon. Enjoy your retirement. A big hug from Belgium.

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Barclay is the heart and soul of Randolph-Macon College. She's been a friend to every student who ever stepped foot on the campus and made everyone feel at home. It would be great to see a statue of her or maybe an oil painting commissed to honor her.

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Nicole Nicholson '18 & Nash Nicholson '20 at Class of 2018 Ring Ceremony

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Nicole Nicholson '18 at Class Ring Dedication

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Barclay, you told me I would come to RMC when I was in middle school visiting campus with my brother. As I walked out of the campus store (in the portable while Commons was being built!) you told me not to forget about our little college. Little did I know that you were making one of the biggest blessings in my life happen! Campus won’t be the same without you, but I know that your mark there will never fade. Thank you for the years of encouragement and love!

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Barclay-

You have given everything (and then somehow given even more) to RMC. There will never be enough ways to thank you for all you’ve done for every student, every colleague, and every life you’ve touched. You took me under your wing from the very beginning and became a mom-away-from-home, just like you have been for so many others.

When I first toured RMC, I was told it was a special place with so much to offer. But it didn’t take long for me to realize the real magic wasn’t just the campus or the classes - it was you. RMC had something no other school could compete with: it had Barclay. Always smiling, always welcoming, somehow knowing everyone’s names (and flawlessly pretending when you didn’t), and always finding a way to make us laugh. You made it feel like home - and that is rare, precious, and irreplaceable.

Fast forward to my time working in the bookstore… even though my coworkers insisted I mainly worked for you (and honestly, they weren’t wrong), I am grateful for every single moment. I got to witness your warmth, your humor, and the genuine love you poured into every person who walked through those doors.

You were there for me when I needed it most - cheering me on during tennis matches, nudging me about my grades, offering the perfect advice at the perfect time. And it didn’t stop after graduation. You kept showing up for me, checking in, supporting me in my career, and reminding me always how loved I was. You never missed a beat. You never stopped being my biggest cheerleader.

You are, without question, one of the greatest blessings in my life. RMC, and the world, is better because of you, Barclay.

Before you “officially” depart from the payroll, please know this: we are all so incredibly lucky to have known you. RMC will never be the same without you… but it will forever be better because of the love, joy, and heart you poured into it.

Enjoy every single moment of your well-earned retirement, you deserve it more than anyone I know. Congratulations!

I love you, Barclay!

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Aubrianne Thoms Physics/Astrophysics 2025 Alumni and Barclay

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The first time we met Barclay, it was with our oldest daughter Aubrianne during one of the freshman orientation events back in the summer of 2021. Of course, it wasn’t the first time someone in our family had met her. Aubrianne’s aunt, my younger sister, graduated from RMC back in 1989. The family resemblance must be strong because even though I didn’t mention it at first, Barclay quickly followed her greeting with a “you look familiar.” I explained that my sister was an alumni and mentioned her first name and before I could get our last name out Barclay quickly made her way back to her office where she returned with the 1989 yearbook. She showed Aubrianne that her Aunt Georgi was president of Alpha Gamma Delta, in the Honors program and very active on campus. I was floored that she remembered not only my sister but the year she graduated - with all the students who she’s met over the years that’s impressive! Since then we’ve had two more students enter RMC and they graduate this year. We are crossing our fingers that Barclay will come to graduation!

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Barclay- you hold a special place in each of our hearts 💕 You touched our lives in countless ways and made our four years at RMC unforgettable. You supported our Phi Mu sorority with genuine care, knew every student by name, and had a rare gift for making everyone feel seen, valued, and truly at home!!! We love you Barclay!

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Courtney Kelley, Jenny Janson Cooke, Kari Reinke Gomez, Jillian Noyes DiFazio. Class of 1990

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Barclay, as you know, I graduated from RMC right as you were arriving in 1985. I first met you many, many years later in the campus bookstore. I was with my former RMC football position coach, Russell Gray, and somehow you addressed both of us by our names! Since then, i have always enjoyed our conversations, as you have always had a very positive attitude and a big welcoming smile on your face!! You are like a human encyclopedia, as you always seem to know everybody and everything going on at RMC. Most importantly, you are a beautiful, warm and caring person. I really hope you take some time to enjoy your retirement, but I suspect we will be seeing you quite often on campus! Love you Barclay!!!!! ❤️

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I will never forget when Barclay was giving out a large selection of books from her personal collection. She talked with me as I got to pick through and encouraged me to get whatever I wanted and to enjoy them for my own collection. I ended up with an F Scott Fitzgerald classic, a collection of Shakespeare works, and a historical fiction about Zelda Fitzgerald, which is now on the list of one of my favorite books in my personal library. I will never forget Barclay’s kindness and for expanding my love of reading.

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I remember how Barclay always seemed to know when I needed some cheering up! She always checked in on me and even held my spot in a busy Birdsong Café once or twice! She really made my time at R-MC special, and I wish her the most relaxing of retirements. <3

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I first met Barclay when I came up to Macon to buy “college gear” shortly after deciding to attend. Little did I know in that brief meeting that I had made a lifelong friend and advocate.

Whether she was serving as my “Ashland” mom or gently prodding my boys to make the right college decision (none of them did!), her smiling face and calming presence always made every visit back to school feel complete.

I am so excited for Barclay and this next chapter, but I know her ties to Ashland will always keep her close. Thank you for everything.