Why Do YOU Support Ferrum College?

Our donors give for a variety of reasons. A common thread seems to be that Ferrum College, at its core, is a community that helps students realize their potential and achieve professional success. Meet some of our loyal donors below, and learn more about why they support Ferrum College.

Alexandria Dixon ’19

What degree did you earn at Ferrum College and what do you do now?

“I was a business administration major with concentrations in management and finance. I minored in philosophy. Aside from spending time with family and participating in Ferrum College alumni tennis tournaments, I spend my days living in Northern Virginia as a program manager for SAP Concur and my evenings as a Peloton bike rider.”

Why do you support Ferrum College?

“I support Ferrum College to honor those that helped me during my college journey, to support students that will become future caring and skilled professionals, and because I believe in the motto and future of Ferrum College: Not Self, But Others.”

What is your favorite Ferrum memory?

“While I have many favorite memories from being at Ferrum, I have to say one that I will always remember is when I was a freshman and my very caring science professors, Drs. Carolyn Thomas and Bob Pohlad, invited the whole class over to their house to connect with each other and make homemade pizzas! This experience really opened my eyes to how important it is to make a personal connection to those around you and how tasty food can bring people of all cultures and backgrounds together. I was also able to try chia seeds on pizza which has become a new favorite!”

Clark Childers ’80 & Susan Childers ’81

What degrees did you earn at Ferrum College?

“Clark earned a Bachelor of Science in recreation administration. He spent 37 years in the manufacturing industry, retiring from Yamaha Motor and Manufacturing Company in 2017. Susan earned a Bachelor of Social Work and spent 27 years in the healthcare industry. She retired in 2015.”

Why do you support Ferrum College?

“We support Ferrum College as it gave us the foundation and education to become successful adults in our careers. We feel this is a way of “giving back” in helping students achieve their education goals.”

What is your favorite Ferrum memory?

“We have many memories of our time spent at Ferrum College, which include the relationships we made with others who have become lifelong friends, celebrating the 1977 football championship, intramural sports (Clark) and serving as a president’s aide (Susan), and of course meeting each other.”

Why do you support Ferrum College?

“One of the great joys of our lives has been watching our daughter, Alexandria, grow into a successful young woman, receive her degree from Ferrum College and begin a rewarding career.

We’re sure fellow Ferrum parents also have fond memories of their child’s time on campus, whether at graduation, watching them compete in athletics, or perhaps perform on stage.

We are grateful for the wonderful memories Ferrum has created for our family and for all it has given to Alex, and, for that, it will always hold a special place in our hearts. That is why we continue to support Ferrum College.”

Clay Wiley ’06

What degree did you earn at Ferrum and what do you do now?

“I earned a Bachelor of Science in business management and marketing. I work for Donegal Insurance Group as a business relationship manager. I also serve as president for Ferrum’s Alumni Board and I’m Young Agents chair and board member for Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia.”

Why do you support Ferrum College?

“I support Ferrum College because Ferrum supported me and provided the foundation that has led to my success both personally and professionally. I very much value the relationships I’ve developed over the years while a student at Ferrum and since, with both faculty and friends.”

What is your favorite Ferrum memory?

“A Ferrum College sponsored whitewater rafting trip in West Virginia with friends and students. It was an incredible experience connecting, exploring the river, and trying something new!”

Scott Showalter ’73

What degree did you earn at Ferrum and what do you do now?

“An associates degree in 1973; afterwards, I went to University of Richmond. I serve as the chair of Ferrum’s Board of Trustees. I am also a professor of Practice and director of the Master of Accounting Program in the Jenkins Graduate Program at North Carolina State University. I also volunteer in numerous roles.”

Why do you support Ferrum College?

“Ferrum was a turnaround experience for me. The two years I spent at Ferrum got me headed in the right direction and, as they say, the rest is history.”

What is your favorite Ferrum memory?

“I met my wife, Elizabeth A. Showalter, at Ferrum. The College gave me more than an education.”