Makayla Fincanon ’24 and JaQuice Sydnor ’23 Speak to Giving Societies Members Gathered to Celebrate Giving Impact

Ferrum College Arthur, 1913, and Beckham Giving Societies members gathered in September to celebrate the impact of the $3.2 million the College received during the 2021–2022 fiscal year. Donors met two students—Makayla Fincanon and JaQuice Sydnor—who shared how the donors’ ongoing financial support made their college experience possible.

Fincanon, a junior Political Science major, explained how the sense of community at Ferrum has equipped her to dream big and pursue a career as a criminal law attorney. “Ferrum made me believe no dream is too big [and that] the sky truly is the limit when you have such a strong foundation of people rooting for you,” said Fincanon.

Attendees also heard from Sydnor, a senior Recreation Leadership major, who shared his inspirational story of overcoming a difficult childhood to being a senior at college. He detailed how he has learned much more than academics during his Ferrum College experience, including the importance of perspective, financial responsibility, and mental health. “Ferrum put great people in my life to hold expectations for me and point out the greatness I had inside of me. I would like to thank Ferrum for accepting me as one of their own and pushing the boy in me to become a man. The values I now carry with me everyday were born in this very place. I know that my possibilities are endless,” said Sydnor.