Micah Allen ’22 Traced the History of the Black Student Union for His Senior Year Internship at Stanley Library

Micah Allen ’22 majored in History and Political Science and traced the history of the Black Student Union (BSU) at Ferrum College and the inclusion of Black students in general for his Stanley Library Internship. He mined old, bound volumes of the campus newspaper, The Iron Blade, from the late 60s to early 80s, identified anything related to the BSU, and then scanned and transcribed the articles.

“I found some editorials written in The Iron Blade in the early 80s dealing with the Black Student Union getting more funding than other groups on campus,” he said. “I found them interesting just to see the individual arguments being made for why they are getting more money than other school organizations.”

At some point, he said, the BSU apparently disbanded on campus. “I have not found if or when the BSU dissolved,” Allen said. “I was told that there was a point where they kind of just disappeared, but now I have seen that they are back. I hoped the further I went into my research, I would be able to find the answer.”

Assistant Professor of History Nicole Greer Golda echoed the sentiments. “Micah really blossomed in his years at Ferrum and developed a deep knowledge of our recent past, especially African American history.”

Ferrum College senior and Boone Honors Program (BHP) member Jess Bollinger ’23 had the opportunity to study abroad in Italy, Ireland, and England last year supported in part by a BHP travel scholarship.

In addition to supporting these international learning opportunities, Bollinger credits the honors professors— being globally aware of different customs and issues in other nations—with challenging her to ask questions and be open to differences, and with teaching her skills she can apply in the real world.

“I absolutely love learning, especially pertaining to different languages, cultures, and societies. [Honors] classes, as well as the opportunity to study abroad, are very beneficial for me,” said Bollinger, who also received the Richard L. Smith Academic Enrichment Scholarship.

Bollinger is double majoring in History and Political Science and has three minors: Psychology, Sociology and International Studies, with an emphasis in human rights. While she is undecided about all she wants to do in the future, she recognizes the importance of using her education to help better the world. She plans to join the Peace Corps upon graduation for at least a two-year term. It is also her desire to go into the United Nations and work in the Humanitarian Aid department.

First-year student-athlete and Ferrum College baseball team member Steven Ritchie stands out on the field for more than his athletic ability. Ritchie, a native of Chesapeake, Virginia, purchased a customized pink glove three years ago near Mother’s Day. The glove, which is embroidered with “Mom” on the back, honors Ritchie’s mother who is a breast cancer survivor.

Rather than choosing his mother’s name, Ritchie recognized that “Mom” meant something to a lot of people. Ritchie recently expanded his support platform to include his 33-year old autistic brother, Chet. With the addition of a blue Wilson-brand Autism Speaks glove to his collection, Ritchie hopes to raise autism awareness.

Admitting to some goading from opposing teams in the past about his pink glove, Ritchie used it as a teaching moment and educated others on its significance. Some see him as an inspiration and feel comfortable sharing stories with him about loved ones who have battled cancer.

Last summer, Ritchie was approached by a coach, the husband of a breast cancer survivor, who was moved by Ritchie’s awareness campaign. “It means a lot to me that what I’m doing means something to someone other than just myself,” said Ritchie.