THE
IRON BLADE Vol. 60, No. 8
SINCE 1955
60 Years of Ferrum College News
February, 2017
Martin Luther King, Jr. Remembered At Ferrum College by AnnGardner Eubank On January 16, Ferrum College honored and celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. with a convocation in his honor. The featured speaker at the event was Dr. Walter Fluker, the editor of the Howard Thurman Papers Project, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Professor of Ethical Leadership, and the Director of Martin Luther King, Jr. Initiative for the Development of Ethical Leadership at Boston University School of Theology. Fluker, who seemed very proud of his culture and history, spread the word of the Reverend in his honor, speaking of justices and equality for all people. King is remembered for his strides and efforts towards the Civil Rights Movement and the fight for equality. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 along with many other decorations and awards. His strong and fearless leadership is much of what made for a stronger and more united America. Fluker spoke about the influence and leadership of King, along with present day issues facing minorities. Fluker spoke about the Civil Rights Movement and how much it had accomplished, and noted how powerful and inspiring leaders in the black community were
and still are in present day. He took a stance on the current political thoughts and worries that have been evident through the course of the recent presidential election. He used references and examples from the Civil Rights Movement to make comparisons and analysis of the present-day political spectrum. He talked about strong issues still facing African Americans, such as police brutality and limited opportunity in comparison to their white peers, similar to the times of Martin Luther King, Jr. He also spoke about the recent presidential election and how he thought it was harmful to the black community to have Trump in office. Alluding to foreign policies and borders and saying, “one injustice anywhere, is injustice everywhere.” Fluker was praised for his strong and emotional words. Hailey Meyer, a sophomore at Ferrum College, recalled the speech in a very positive and impactful manner, saying, “I thought Photo by Bobbi Guire it was very powerful and emotionally spiritual.” Fluker spoke passionately about King and his Not everyone was so positive. Ferrum message. senior, Tristan Ousterhout, said in regards of the political messages sent through the presentation, political messages, freshman Hunter Campbell “I understand that there’s issues going on right said, “I thought it was very left-winged and antinow, but he began generalizing all cops as being Donald Trump.” racist. As a criminal justice major, it just kind of The Iron Blade was unable to reach Fluker for a hit me the wrong way.” Also with thoughts on the response.
by AnnGardner Eubank On Thursday, January 19, Ferrum College President Joseph (Jody) Spooner addressed students, families, faculty, and members of the Ferrum community in Vaughn Chapel. Spooner hopes the address will become an annual tradition. The address covered what he hopes to see at Ferrum in the years to come. President Spooner spoke of his hopes to see the community come together as a group of prideful students, professors, alumni and staff. He wants his mantra, “Ferrum Forever,” to become a state of mind. He spoke about how tolerant, accepting, and special the community at Ferrum is, saying, “no one is a number at Ferrum,” and that each individual has a purpose and a place in this community. Along with the harmony found at Ferrum, he praised the civility of the community. President Spooner emphasised how proud he was of the students of Ferrum and how the world needs to be made aware of what Ferrum has to offer. He said the skills and civility embedded in students over the course of their time at Ferrum translates into the workplace, and overall, leads to success. He began speaking about the unique opportunity of learning at a liberal arts school. “We teach young people to be flexible and versatile,” Spooner said. He praised the college’s mission, “not self, but others,” by sharing his pride for serving some of the most vulnerable students in the nation, in regards to economic and
social backgrounds. President Spooner is filled with pride for the community, but is also aware of the challenges the college faces. He praised the financial aid staff for their work with families to make higher education a possibility for all students. However, he noted the retention rate at Ferrum College is not where it needs to be. The retention rate for students has been on a steady decline over the course of the past twenty five years. He said the return rate of students is down to 52% and that Ferrum’s geography limits student recruitment; it’s difficult for a liberal arts school in the mountains of southern Virginia to gain exposure. However, he did say that the geography is one of Ferrum’s greatest attributes to those familiar with the area, noting the incredible beauty and outdoor opportunity the college has. He noted that the greater majority of non-returning students are male students. “You cannot pinpoint a certain type of person,” he said, in regards of the declining returning student rate. The president urged faculty to develop strong relationships with their students, saying that simply taking time to know the students could make a huge impact. President Spooner wrapped up his address by saying how happy he was to be at Ferrum and how much potential he sees in the college. He plans on forming a student-advisory committee and a staff-advisory committee to help enhance different aspects of the college. He also encouraged
President Jody Spooner Holds Address in Vaughn Chapel:"State of the College"
campus-wide involvement and promotions to let the world know about Ferrum and all it has to offer. He urged everyone, regardless of position or age, to share ideas and thoughts with him. “It’s my job to lead, but it’s all of our jobs to share,” he said. The President seemed very optimistic about how Ferrum can grow and how with such a strong group of students and faculty, anything is possible.
Photo courtesey Felicia Woods
Jody Spooner delievered Ferrum College's first State of the College Adress on January 19th.