A Journey with Rooney Coffman and Capturing St. Andrews By Martin Brossman
When I joined the St. Andrews Alumni Council, I made it clear that my time was limited. Like many of us, I had plenty of commitments already, but I still wanted to find a meaningful way to give back to the school that had given me so much. I didn’t just want to be another name on a list—I wanted to contribute in a way that would truly make an impact.
That’s how the idea of Capturing St. Andrews: A Photo Journey was born.
For those who don’t know, St. Andrews University (formerly St. Andrews Presbyterian College) is a small but extraordinary school in Laurinburg, North Carolina. It’s a place that values students as individuals, where personal growth is nurtured, and where lifelong connections are made. Like many smaller institutions, St. Andrews faces challenges that larger universities with deep pockets don’t. The Alumni Council’s mission was clear: reconnect past graduates, not just to donate, but to actively engage in supporting the school’s future.
So, what connects every generation of St. Andrews alumni? The campus itself. And if there’s one person who has documented the spirit of that campus longer than anyone else, it’s Rooney Coffman.
Rooney has been a fixture at St. Andrews for decades. He was known as ‘The Man Behind the Science Lab’ because he was the one who kept everything running there, but he was also the school’s unofficial historian through photography. He had captured the essence of St. Andrews over the years, preserving its beauty and character in a way that no one else had. The idea hit me—why not work with Rooney to create a book of his photographs as a visual love letter to the place we all hold dear?
The project began as a way to simply help the school. We faced certain challenges, such as determining the book’s layout, deciding which photos to include, navigating publishing logistics, and, of course, making sure that the project actually got completed. We had volunteers come and go, unexpected roadblocks, and countless decisions to make along our journey. But despite our hurdles, the book came to life. And within the first week of its release, we had already raised over a thousand dollars for the university—a number that continues to grow and contribute to St. Andrews’ future, particularly its capital campaign.
Here’s the part I didn’t expect.
I didn’t expect the profound impact this project would have on me.
Watching Rooney’s reaction as the book came together was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Rooney is the kind of person who takes immense pride in his work. He’s responsible, reliable, and deeply committed to the school. Over the years, he’s seen many projects start with enthusiasm only to fizzle out before they ever came to fruition. I didn’t want this to be another one of those. I wanted to make sure his work—his artistry—was not just appreciated but celebrated.
Seeing the joy in Rooney’s face, the sense of fulfillment in having his work honored in this way, was something I can’t quite put into words. It was a reminder that giving back isn’t just about fundraising or making a difference for the institution—it’s about people. It’s about recognizing those who have dedicated their lives to something bigger than themselves and ensuring they know their contributions have mattered.
I’ve always believed in the power of giving, but this experience took that belief to a whole new level. I thought I was simply volunteering my time at the school, a place that had shaped so many wonderful memories for me. But there was this moment—standing in line at Belk with the other Alumni Council members, seeing the rows of mailboxes I used to use—when I noticed a student conversing with another student behind me. He was not looking at his phone! He was open to talking with me about his passion for his field of study at St. Andrews. In that instant, I realized I wasn’t just giving back; I was receiving something priceless—the chance to see my past and future connect in a way I never expected.
If there’s one thing I want to leave you with, it’s this: Sometimes, when we set out to give, we end up receiving more than we ever imagined. And when we take the time to acknowledge and uplift those who have quietly given their lives to something meaningful, we create something even more powerful—something that lasts.
So, if you haven’t yet, I invite you to pick up a copy of Capturing St. Andrews: A Photo Journey. It’s not just a book—it’s a testament to the legacy of St. Andrews, to the people who have shaped it, and to the power of giving back.
I also want to mention the importance of supporting the UKnighted Capital Campaign, with restoring Belk as a top priority. This will ensure that the students have a place to get their meals and an area to hold events.
If you are a St Andrews alumni and find this post valuable, please share it with other alumni.
Get your copy of the book here: Capturing St. Andrews: A Photo Journey
Learn more about the St. Andrews Capital Campaign: UKnighted Campaign
