Ferrum College Magazine 2015

Annual Issue 2014–15

M A G A Z I N E

Ferrum College students during their 2014 E-Term course: Ireland’s Natural History–Interaction of Nature and Culture.

Quantifying “The Ferrum Way”

p. 11

Empty Bowls

p. 65

98th Annual Commencement

p. 50

LEADERSHIP

Dear Friends of Ferrum College, Welcome to 2015! At “100 years and counting,” as we move forward into Ferrum’s next century, we do so with confidence, commitment and clarity of purpose.

We are confident moving forward because you have assured us of your continuing faith in our work through your extraordinary and ongoing support of the Centennial Campaign. The campaign has exceeded the overall monetary goal, especially in the area of scholarship support. Your generous gifts for our college and our students are tangible evidence of your dedication to Ferrum.

We remain committed to our mission as evidenced by our ability (thanks to your generosity!) to provide more than $20 million annually in financial assistance to students, many of whom represent today’s “students of promise.” These young men and women include first-generation and minority students to whom we offer opportunity, accessibility and affordability.

Our clarity of purpose has never been more defined. Our strategies to sustain enrollment and increase retention are bearing fruit in terms of improved incoming student GPAs, test scores and efforts to fully engage students in the life of the College. Ferrum’s “Ask Me 1st” initiative aims to educate incoming students, even before they arrive on campus, about all that Ferrum has to offer, not only in outstanding academic programs but also in multiple support services and extracurricular activities.

I have no doubt that the challenges faced by the founders of Ferrum Training School were no less daunting than those facing small private colleges today, but I also believe that our opportunities in the 21st century are limitless.

While time and circumstances are vastly different, the visionary Methodist women and men who welcomed students into John Wesley Hall in 1913 were as secure in their objective to educate underserved youth as our faculty, staff and administrators are today. Even in this fast-paced world, the historic mission, the message and the meaning of Ferrum College continue to resonate on our campus in a powerful and spiritual way. Today’s students need this experience and environment now, more than ever.

With your support, we will surmount the challenges faced by all institutions in the current higher education environment, and continue to succeed at what we have always done best—evolve, adapt and grow responsibly while educating our students in an atmosphere of quality teaching and learning and abiding faith.

Our motto, “Not Self, But Others,” is a phrase that continues to inform all that we do and inspires the generous members of our Ferrum Family. We are so thankful.

Sincerely yours,

Jennifer L. Braaten President 3 FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

LEADERSHIP

Ferrum Magazine is a publication of the Ferrum College Office of Institutional Advancement.

Please send news and address changes to:

TABLE OF CONTENTS....................... Winter 2014–2015 Leadership...................................................................5

Board Welcomes New Trustees 5

Ferrum College Business Advisory Board 6

Estate Planning Council 7

In Residence Program 8

Blair Selected for National Leadership Program 8

MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTORS Editor Kathleen O’Malley Contributing Editors Theresa Potter Kristin Waters

Feature: Quantifying “The Ferrum Way”........................ 11 Academics.................................................................. 19

Faculty Profiles 20

E-Term: Ireland in May 26

A Celebration of Survival: A Holocaust Conference 32 Extolling the Triumph of the Human Spirit

Future Farmers of America 34

Criminal Justice Association Conference 36

Campus Theme: Roots & Routes 38

p. 11

p. 32

Philanthropy............................................................... 39

Message from the VP of Institutional Advancement 39

Centennial Campaign Report 40

Jones Family Legacy Runs Deep 42

Beatty Building Dedication 44

Foundations and Grants 46

Ross Family Benches Beautify Campus 48 On Campus................................................................. 49

98th Annual Commencement 50

Ribbon Cutting for New Ferrum Mercantile 52

Blue Ridge Institute and Museum News 54

Sprucing Up on Campus 58

Student Life 62

Gill: Artist, Teacher and Instrument of Change 66 Methodist Connections................................................. 67

The ”Word” from Campus Ministries 68

The Endowed Chaplaincy $1 Million Priority Met! 69

Parents of Alumnae Receive Methodist Peace Award 70

Recent Grad Takes Pride in Ferrum Sense of Community 71 Sports......................................................................... 72

New Coaches and Staff 72

Rollins Happy to be a Member of the Squad 75

Sports Roundup 76

Panther Scoring Honors 79

Student-Athlete Profiles 82 Alumni....................................................................... 84

Distinguished Alumni Award 2014 84

Alumni Board of Directors 86

Sports Hall of Fame 2014 87

Golden Panthers 96

Out and About 98 Tracking Panthers......................................................102

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Printed on recycled paper with 10 percent post-consumer waste.

FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

Ferrum College Alumni Office P.O. Box 1000 Ferrum, VA 24088-9000 1-877-FERRUM1 alumni@ferrum.edu

Contributing Writers Miranda Beck Roddy Moore Joanna Coleman Kathleen O’Malley Beth Cross Theresa Potter Gary Holden Kristin Waters Tracy Holley ’96 Vaughan Webb Contributing Photographers Sam Dean Ken McCreedy Gary Holden Kathleen O’Malley Tracy Holley ’96 Bob Pohlad David Hungate Kristin Waters ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERS

p. 42

President Oden L. Cornwell, III ‘02 Vice President Wilson T. Paine ‘07 Golden Panthers President James L. Clark, Sr. ‘62

p. 50

p. 76

p. 84

Design: Access Printing: Bison Printing Ferrum College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran status, gender, sex, disability, or any other protected status in admission to, access to, treatment in or employment in its programs and activities. Ferrum College affirms the dignity and worth of every individual regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and will not tolerate harassment or discrimination toward any individual.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Director of Human Resources, John Wesley Hall 208, Ferrum College, P.O. Box 1000, Ferrum, VA, 24088-9000; (540) 365-4235. Inquiries concerning the application of nondiscrimination policies may also be referred to Office for Civil Rights, D.C., U.S. Department of Education, P.O. Box 14620, Washington, D.C. 20044; (202) 208-2545, TDD; (202) 208-7797. OCR encourages use of e-mail or fax to communicate with OCR whenever possible.

Also, complainants may file a complaint with OCR online or by email (ocr@ed.gov).

John Phillip Cougill ’69

A nnita Palmer Nelson

D. Scott Showalter ’73

Irma Hermes Smart

Richmond, VA

Ferrum, VA

Raleigh,NC

Axton, VA

LEADERSHIP

Board Welcomes New Trustees

Hon. M artin (M arty) Edward Williams Richmond, VA

John Phillip Cougill ’69 of Richmond, VA, played football and track at Ferrum Junior College and was a member of the 1968 NJCAA National Football Championship team. After receiving his AA at Ferrum, he transferred to RandolphMacon College, earned a football scholarship and graduated with a BA in history. He taught in the Hanover County school system before starting his real estate career in 1977, eventually founding Seven Hills Realty, Inc., a company focused on small to medium income-producing property, residential sales and property management. John is a past member of the Museum District Association, past president of the Society of Alumni at Randolph-Macon and past Chairman of the school’s Presidents Society, and served four terms on the Randolph-Macon Board of Trustees. John and his wife Alison have two children and attend Reveille UMC in Richmond.

They make frequent trips to Deltaville, VA, where they fish, read and enjoy boating and hunting.

Annita Palmer Nelson of Ferrum, VA, is the newest UMW appointee to the Board. She attended the Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in Nashville, TN, and received her BS in nursing from Jefferson College of Health Sciences in Roanoke.

Now retired from Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital in Rocky Mount, she serves on the boards of the Ferrum Rescue Squad and the Henry Fork Service Center, and as president of the Danville District UMC. She is a member of the Association of Women’s Health Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses and the Sons of Norway Blajfell Lodge. The mother of three, Annita is a member of St. James UMC in Ferrum.

D. Scott Showalter ’73 of Raleigh, NC, is an awardwinning professor of practice in the Accounting Department at the Poole College of Management at North Carolina State University. After graduating from Ferrum, Scott earned his BS in business administration from the University of Richmond. Prior to his academic career at North Carolina State, he was an audit partner with KPMG, LLP, one of the “Big Four” auditors. Accounting Today named Scott one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting.”

His affiliations include the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s Standing Advisory Group, the Three Fires Council of the Boy Scouts of America and service as an elder in the Presbyterian Church. He belongs to the American Institute

of Certified Public Accountants and the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants. Scott and his wife, Elizabeth Allison Showalter ’73, who met when they were students at Ferrum, have three children.

Irma Hermes Smart of Axton, VA, graduated from Roanoke College, earning degrees in both education and psychology. She taught elementary school in Virginia and Florida and worked at Martin Processing, Inc. in the textile division before becoming owner and president of Smart Machine Technologies, Inc., an international company located in Ridgeway, VA. The company is a world-class designer, fabricator and manufacturer of custom-made machinery for varied industries, including film, brewing, textiles, energy, food, furniture, mining, transportation, tobacco and the environment. Irma holds a U.S. patent for a relaxed dryer used in the textile industry and was the first woman to sit on the Executive Board of the Virginia Manufacturers Association. Now retired, Irma has served on the boards of Patrick Henry Community College, the Carlisle School, Adult Day Care and Chatmoss Country Club.

She was the first woman president of Forest Park Country Club, and is a member of Chatmoss and Water’s Edge country clubs and Women in Philanthropy. The mother of five, she attends Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

The Hon. Martin (Marty) Edward Williams ’72 of Richmond, VA, was elected to the Newport News City Council in 1990 and served two terms in addition to his selection as vice mayor. He was elected to the Virginia Senate in 1995 and was chairman of the Senate’s Transportation Committee, serving three terms until 2007. In May 2014 he was appointed by the governor to serve on the Commonwealth Transportation Board. Marty has received many leadership awards, including LEAD Hampton Roads’ Courage in Leadership award and the Virginia Transit Association’s Public Transportation Leadership Award. He was named the Virginia Association of Municipal Wastewater Agencies’ Clean Water Legislator of the Year and the Treasurers Association of Virginia Legislator of the Year. He currently works as a consultant for River City Strategies, LLC. Marty and his wife, Stephanie, have four children and are active in St. James Episcopal Church.

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LEADERSHIP

FERRUM COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015 OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Mr. Samuel L. Lionberger, Jr., Chair of the Board, Penhook, VA Mr. Harry G. Norris, First Vice Chair, Roanoke, VA Mr. Glenn F. Thomsen, Second Vice Chair, Lexington, KY Mrs. Lou C. Talbott, Secretary, Blacksburg, VA Mr. S. Kelly Herrick ’84, Chair, Academic Affairs Committee and Immediate Past Board Chair, Danville, CA Mrs. Phyllis Quinn Karavatakis ’76, Chair, Audit Committee, Union Hall, VA Mrs. Betty J. Forbes, Chair, Business Affairs Committee, Chester, VA

Mr. Robert W. Todd ’67, Chair, Institutional Advancement Committee & Chair, Centennial Campaign, Williamsburg, VA Mr. Walter C. Ayers ’62, Chair, Investment Committee, Stuart, VA Mr. Don L. Wilson ’68, Chair, Student Affairs Committee, Glen Allen, VA Mr. Aubrey L. Mason ’70, Member-at-Large, Lynchburg, VA Dr. Marvin M. Phaup, Jr., Member-at-Large, Washington, DC

Ferrum College Business Advisory Board Mr. Douglas R. Monk, Chair Retired, Tredegar Corporation Midlothian, VA

Mr. Kevin W. Holt Gentry, Locke, Rakes and Moore LLP Roanoke, VA

Mr. Gene Bailey ’69 Fredericksburg Regional Alliance Fredericksburg, VA

Mr. Mark Hudzik Member One Federal Credit Union Glade Hill, VA

Mr. James B. Currie YMCA, Moneta, VA

Mr. William D. Jacobsen Carilion Clinic Rocky Mount, VA

Mr. Allen W. Dudley, Jr. Furrow and Dudley PC, Rocky Mount, VA Dr. Theodore J. Edlich, III Total Action Against Poverty (TAP) Roanoke, VA Mr. Justin Forry Mod-U-Kraf Homes, Inc., Rocky Mount, VA Mr. Kenneth M. Gassman, Jr. Retired, Davenport & Company Glen Allen, VA Mr. Peter Gawley McAirlaid’s USA, Inc., Rocky Mount, VA Mr. Jay R. Greeley, Jr. ’02 Defense Energy Support Center Woodbridge, VA Mr. Phillip E. Hager ’65 Hager Insurance Agency, Inc., Moneta, VA

Hon. Russell P. Johnson Former member, Franklin Co. Board of Supervisors | Hardy, VA Mr. Christopher Lawson Lloyd, Pettit, Lawson and Associates Merrill Lynch, Roanoke, VA Mrs. Joan H. Litton The Litton Team, Moneta, VA Mrs. Melissa Mason HomeTown Mortgage, Salem, VA Mr. Gilbert W. McGeorge, Jr. Retired, Associated Asphalt Equipment Moneta, VA Mr. John A. Missell Spectrum Design PC, Roanoke, VA

BAB Fall Meeting

D

uring the November 2014 meeting of the Business Advisory Board, Caitlyn Deaton ’15 spoke regarding her successful internship with American Electric Power (AEP) and the support she received from Frank Simms, manager of Hydro Generation for Appalachian Power and AEP, in conjunction with her advisor, Delia Heck, associate professor of environmental science. Members and guests were also honored to hear about the innovative Positive Relationships + Image Enhancement = Employment (PIE) program from Marilyn H. Wes, whose firm specializes in management, planning and education services.

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L to R: Frank Simms, Caitlyn Deaton ’15 and Delia Heck.

FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

Mr. Berkley M. Mitchell ’81 Thalhimer, Fredericksburg, VA Mr. Todd Morgan MB Contractors, Inc., Roanoke, VA Mr. Harry G. Norris Howell’s Motor Freight, Inc., Roanoke, VA Mr. Samuel G. Oakey, III ’82 Oakey’s Funeral Service, Inc., Roanoke, VA Mr. Ken Randolph Rockydale Quarries, Roanoke, VA Mr. René Reiner McAirlaid’s USA, Inc., Rocky Mount, VA Mr. William Robert Scarborough ’90 Valley Bank, Roanoke, VA Mr. James C. Sears Center in the Square, Salem, VA Mr. Joel Shepherd Virginia Furniture Market, Rocky Mount, VA Mr. Michael K. Smith ’73 Martinsville Speedway, Martinsville, VA Mr. David F. Sulzen Ferrum College, Floyd, VA Mr. John T. Wilson ’83 Delta Dental of Virginia, Roanoke, VA

Mr. D. Scott Showalter ’73, Raleigh, NC Mrs. Irma Smart, Axton, VA Rev. Kathleen Overby Webster, Roanoke, VA Hon. Martin Williams ’73, Richmond, VA Mrs. Joyce C. Winston, Hampton, VA

LEADERSHIP

MEMBERS Mr. Raymond A. Booth, Lynchburg, VA Mr. Harvey D. Brookins, Roanoke, VA Mr. W. Clay Campbell, Ridgeway, VA Bishop Young Jin Cho, Glen Allen, VA Mr. Oden L. Cornwell, III ’02, Rocky Mount, VA Mr. John Cougill ’69, Richmond, VA Mrs. Ernestine Dunnings, Staunton, VA Mr. Kenneth M. Gassman, Jr., Glen Allen, VA Dr. Elizabeth M. Hairfield, Staunton, VA Mrs. Olivia T. Hinton, Portsmouth, VA Rev. Dr. Janine W. Howard, Martinsville, VA Rev. Elizabeth H. Lazenby, Rocky Mount, VA Dr. Esther G. Mabry, Roanoke, VA Mrs. Annita Nelson, Ferrum, VA Mr. Baxter F. Phillips, Jr. ’66, Manakin Sabot, VA

TRUSTEES EMERITI Mr. William B. Bales, Williamsburg, VA Mr. Maury Carter, Orlando, FL Mrs. Patricia O. Compton, Richmond, VA Mr. Robert A. Cox, Jr., Richmond, VA Mr. C. Henry Jones, Norfolk, VA Mr. Sid D. Mason, Rocky Mount, VA Dr. M. Douglas Newman ’42, Roanoke, VA Mrs. Ida B. Powell, Lynchburg, VA

Ferrum College Estate Planning Council Mr. John W. “Jay” Inge, IV ’73, Chair Capital Strategies of Virginia, LLC Roanoke, VA Ms. Susan Ackley, CPA Brown, Edwards & Company, Lynchburg, VA Mr. Nick A. Ammar, Jr. Spilman, Thomas & Battle, PLLC Roanoke, VA Mr. Roger Anglin Brown, Edwards & Company, Roanoke, VA Mr. Jeff Barbour, CPA Brown, Edwards & Company, Roanoke, VA Mr. Neil V. Birkhoff Woods, Rogers PLC, Roanoke, VA Mr. Robert E. Bryant National Bank of Blacksburg, Blacksburg, VA Ms. Nan L. Coleman Coleman & Massey, P.C., Roanoke, VA Mr. Glenn G. Dillon Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc. Lynchburg, VA

Mr. Courtney Hoge, CLU Courtney Hoge, CLU, Roanoke, VA

Ms. Lynanne Newman BB&T Wealth, Martinsville, VA

Mr. James Paul Kent, Jr. Kent & Kent, PC, Altavista, VA

Mr. J. Lee Osborne Woods, Rogers PLC, Roanoke, VA

Mr. Alton L. Knighton, Jr. Woods, Rogers PLC, Roanoke, VA

Mr. Bill Pullen Bill Pullen & Associates, Ferrum, VA

Mr. Stephen W. Lemon Martin, Hopkins & Lemon, P.C. Roanoke, VA

Mr. Alexander I. Saunders Woods, Rogers PLC, Roanoke, VA

Mr. Ryan McEntire Brown, Edwards & Company Lynchburg, VA Mr. Brad E. Mullins The Trust Company of Virginia Roanoke, VA

Mr. Ricky L. Scott BB&T, Ferrum, VA Mr. Charles E. Troland, Jr. Glenn, Feldman, Darby & Goodlatte Roanoke, VA Mr. Chris Wingfield Brown, Edwards & Company, Roanoke, VA

CA M P B E L L S H A R E S S P E E DWAY I M PAC T W I T H E S TAT E P L A N N I NG COU NC I L

Mr. Wayne M. Epperly First Citizens Bank, Roanoke, VA Mr. Eric H. Ferguson Rhodes, Ferguson & Stone, Ltd. Rocky Mount, VA Mr. David A. Furrow Furrow & Keen, Attorneys at Law Rocky Mount, VA Mr. Chris Gibson Franklin Community Bank, Moneta, VA Mr. John C. Gurley ’89 Premier Advisors, Roanoke, VA Mr. James E. “Jim” Hall, Jr. Dixon, Hubbard, Fineour, Roanoke, VA Mr. Eddie F. Hearp, CLU National Financial Services, Inc. Roanoke, VA

L to R: Chair of the EPC Jay Inge ’73, Director of Planned & Principal Gifts George Seals, Guest Speaker, Trustee, and President of the Martinsville Speedway Clay Campbell, Chair of the Board of Trustees Sam Lionberger and Alex Saunders.

I

n December 2014 the Ferrum College Estate Planning Council (EPC) gathered for its annual fall semester meeting at the Shenandoah Club in Roanoke, VA. Members and guests were pleased to learn about The Business of NASCAR and the impact of the Martinsville Speedway on the regional economy from special guest speaker and FC Board of Trustees member Clay Campbell, president of the Martinsville Speedway.

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LEADERSHIP

T

he Ferrum College In-Residence initiative is designed to bring the real-world experience of current and retired professionals to the classroom. Guest speakers tour campus, meet with classes, interact with students and faculty and are asked to deliver a lecture sharing their personal experiences and philosophies. Speakers offer insight on the knowledge, skills and leadership qualities necessary for a successful career.

FALL 2014 SEMESTER Amie Stepanovich | Senior Policy Counsel, Access | Mon., September 8 Stepanovich

Amie Stepanovich is senior policy counsel at Access, an international human rights organization that defends and extends the digital rights of users at risk around the world. She is an expert in domestic surveillance, cybersecurity and privacy law. At Access, Stepanovich leads projects on digital due process and responds to threats at the intersection of human rights and communications surveillance.

Stepanovich has a JD from New York Law School, and a BS from Florida State University. She is a member of the New York and Washington, D.C. bars, as well as the Federal Communications Bar Association. n My E. Chung | President and CEO, Luna | Tues., October 7 My E. Chung joined the Luna Innovations, Inc. team as president, chief executive officer and a member of the Board of Directors in April 2011. He has served as an executive in both private and public companies in the communications industry, and has experience building strategic corporate direction and a history of leading multifaceted organizations to profitability. He possesses a strong marketing background with expertise in capitalizing on high-potential commercial opportunities and bringing technologies to fruition.

Chung

Chung received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology. n Matt Lohr | Director of the Knowledge Center, Farm Credit of the Virginias | Tues., November 11 Matt Lohr served in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2006 to 2010, representing the 26th District in the Shenandoah Valley, made up of the city of Harrisonburg and part of Rockingham County. From May 1, 2010, until December 16, 2013, he served as the 14th commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services under Governor Robert F. McDonnell. Lohr currently works for Farm Credit of the Virginias as director of the Knowledge Center. In this position he facilitates the sharing of knowledge and resources for the betterment of all farmers.

Lohr received his bachelor’s degree in agricultural teacher education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1995. n

Lohr

BLAIR SELECTED FOR NATIONAL

K

im Blair, vice president for institutional advancement, was one of 20 senior

college administrators selected for the year-long Presidential Vocation and Institutional Mission program for prospective college and university presidents.

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The seminar-based program is designed to help individuals with the potential to serve as college and university presidents to understand the alignment between their personal and professional goals and the missions of institutions that they might FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

lead in the future. With a wave of retirements of university presidents on the horizon, it is especially important that individuals who become new presidents are well suited to the needs of the institution.

The program aims to produce presidencies that are longer

lasting, highly effective and satisfying to both the individual and the institution.

Along with the other participants, Blair engaged in two seminars, participated in consultations with experienced mentors and undertook a series of readings

As chief executive officer of Patriot Group International, Inc. (PGI), Greg Craddock is engaged in operational leadership across the organization and provides strategic vision to ensure that the company delivers consistent, outstanding services to customers while achieving its financial goals.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, he has more than 15 years of special operations, intelligence and security operations experience.

Gregory S. Craddock ’92 CEO, Patriot Group International Wed., February 9

In 2009, Craddock led a group of private investors that acquired PGI. Under his leadership, PGI earned over $10 million in revenue within two years of operation. In 2013, PGI earned over $24 million and was recognized by Inc. magazine as one of the fastest-growing privately owned companies in the United States, finishing as number 6 in the state of Virginia and number 106 nationally. Additionally, PGI has won supplier excellence recognition from Ted Edlich is the former president and CEO of Total Action for Progress and served at the helm of the nonprofit community action agency for 40 years. He was only the second head of the organization in its nearly 50-year history.

Edlich came to Roanoke in 1964 as a Presbyterian minister. After two years in the pulpit, he took a job leading 11 Presbyterian congregations in Roanoke in the founding of an urban ministry in southeast Roanoke. That ministry is still there today, the Presbyterian Community Center.

Ted Edlich Former President and CEO, Total Action for Progress (TAP) Thurs., April 16

He went to TAP, which was then called Total Action Against Poverty, in 1968 as director of its Head Start program for preschool readiness. Seven years later, Edlich moved into the top spot. During his tenure, the agency grew from a $6 million annual budget to three times that. He helped to create numerous

Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and a host of other government contracting companies.

Before joining PGI, Craddock served as an anti-terrorism force protection consultant to the U.S. government and managed sensitive programs worldwide. Prior to his time as a consultant, he served in the intelligence community and was among the first boots on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq. During his time with the U.S. Army, Craddock served as a Ranger and Special Forces soldier.

LEADERSHIP

SPR I N G 2015 SEM ESTE R

Craddock earned a bachelor’s degree from Ferrum College and a Master of Business Administration from Liberty University. He lives in Warrenton, Virginia, with his wife and two children. Craddock is an active supporter of a number of charities that support veterans. n

efforts at addressing community needs, some of which remained as departments of TAP and some that branched off into their own agencies.

Edlich serves on a variety of boards related to community action. He has received many humanitarian awards and honors, including an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Washington and Lee University. He has written numerous articles and professional works including a curriculum for a course on nonprofit leadership and his recent book on how to successfully run a nonprofit.

Edlich received his BA from the University of North Carolina, his MA in education from New York University, an MDiv from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA, and a master’s degree in sacred theology from Yale Divinity School. n

LEADERSHIP PROGRAM about the vocation of college presidents and the role of vision and mission in institutional leadership.

participants achieve great things for their institutions and to avoid being ‘the right person in the wrong place.’”

“The alignment of personal vocation and institutional mission emphasized in this program addresses a common pitfall of presidencies,” said Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) President Richard Ekman. “The program aims to help

This approach to the preparation of new presidents has proven itself highly successful in the short period that the program has been operating. Since 2005, 29 program participants (nearly 30 percent) have been named to college presidencies.

“The knowledge and insight to be gained from the CIC program curriculum and facilitators represents an unparalleled opportunity for anyone fortunate enough to be accepted,” said Blair. “The needs in higher education are significant and will continue to challenge our leaders every day. The pressures will surely intensify as the demands of regulation and accountability increase, and questions of

value are heightened. In the current landscape of higher education, a college president must have resolve, commitment and conviction, coupled with a deep abiding faith in the concept of vocation intertwined with the mission of the institution one may be called to serve. I am honored and humbled to have been chosen to participate.” n

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LEADERSHIP

Ferrum College Invited to White House College Opportunity Day of Action L

eaders in higher education business and nonprofit met with President Barack Obama to expand college access through new action plans.

Ferrum College president Jennifer Braaten joined President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Vice President Joe Biden at the White House last December, in the company of hundreds of college presidents and other higher education leaders.

Ferrum College’s new Ask Me 1st initiative to promote retention, under way in the fall semester of 2014, begins even before accepted students enroll at Ferrum. The program provides first-generation, at-risk and underserved students with clearly defined and integrated access to multiple support services, and extra assistance from faculty along with staff in developing the skills necessary to successfully navigate the college experience, aspects of which can be daunting to this student population.

The White House College Opportunity Day of Action helps to support the President’s commitment to partner with colleges and universities, business leaders and nonprofits to support students across the country to help our nation reach its goal of leading the world in college attainment. Ferrum College’s participation in the Day of Action included topics of building networks of colleges around promoting completion, and increasing the number of college graduates in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“It was a tremendous experience to be in Washington D.C., and represent Ferrum College as part of this important day,” said Dr. Braaten. “Ferrum’s mission of opportunity, accessibility and affordability is directly in keeping with President Obama’s ideas for actions to help the kind of students who have long been served by Ferrum throughout our evolutionary history.”

Expanding opportunity for more students to enroll and succeed in college, especially low-income and underrepresented students, is vital to building a strong economy and a strong middle class. Today, only 9 percent of those born in the lowest family income quartile attain a bachelor’s degree by age 25, compared to 54 percent in the top quartile.

In an effort to expand college access, the Obama administration has increased Pell scholarships by $1,000 a year, created the new American Opportunity Tax Credit worth up to $10,000 over four years of college, limited student loan payments to 10 percent of income and laid out an ambitious agenda to reduce college costs and promote innovation and competition. n

2015 FORUM ON CRITICAL THINKING, INNOVATION & LEADERSHIP

U.S. HOUSING FINANCING REFORM:

Can we manage and control taxpayer risk while ensuring continued innovation in the market?

Through the Forum, Ferrum College raises the level of public discourse about trending issues that require the country’s best critical thinking skills, practical innovations, and business and civic leadership. The fifth annual Forum examined the causes of market weakness and possible solutions to restoring the vitality of the U.S. housing finance system while reducing taxpayers’ risk of potential future losses. Panelists included Edward DeMarco, senior fellow in residence at the Milken Institute Center for Financial Markets at Vanderbilt University, Gretchen Morgenson, Pulitzer Prize–winning assistant business and financial editor and columnist at The New York Times, and Michael Stegman, counselor to the secretary of the treasury for Housing Finance Policy.

In addition to the Ferrum College EARL & MYRTLE SKEENS LECTURE SERIES ENDOWMENT, we are grateful to the following participating sponsors: Access, Inc. | AEP | American National Bank | BB&T | Berkshire Hathaway | Blue Dog Properties | Boxley Brown, Edwards & Company | Carter Bank and Trust | COTA | Farm Credit of the Virginias | Law Offices of David Furrow Freedom First Credit Union | Gentry Locke | Howell’s Motor Freight | Lanford Brothers Lionberger Construction/Consulting | Martin, Hopkins & Lemon P.C. | McAirlaid’s | MB Contractors | MemberOne Millennium Advisory Services, Inc. | NorthWestern Mutual | Roanoke Gas Company | Southern Trust Mortgage | SunTrust Trust Company of Virginia | Valley Bank | Wells Fargo | Woods, Rogers PLC

DeMarco

Morgenson

Stegman

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Liberal Arts & Professional Studies Programs | WWW.FERRUM.EDU FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

FEATURE —QUANTIFYING “THE FERRUM WAY”

QUANTIFYING

Dr. Katie Jordan Goff spending time with students in biology class.

Being at Ferrum College exposes you to a variety of things and opens up your mind to think about things you never thought of before. For example, I was so into a math class that I thought about a minor in math as well as history and teaching both subjects. I had a really good math professor. He was probably the greatest math teacher I’ve ever been around because he made it so easy and so fun.

I was an average student who got an A in a math class because the professor and the experience inspired me.

–Matthew Woods ’11, assistant principal at Woodrow Wilson Middle School

A

s we move from our centennial celebration and begin “100 Years and Counting,” the Ferrum College motto—“Not Self, But Others”—echoes throughout the whole of the campus. It resonates through the actions of the faculty into the hearts of students who carry the simple tradition of giving the gift of oneself, one’s time, to others.

From the professors and professor-advisors who share their time and talents to the programs that have been developed by the College to enrich and help the lives of the students, opportunity intertwined with compassion abounds for students on campus.

What began as a mission to enrich communities in the Blue Ridge Mountains over a century ago continues today in an institution dedicated to lifting students into echelons they might not have reached otherwise, lifted up in spirit and in knowledge, mostly with one-on-one interactions.

Their efforts, along with many options for developing high-tiered careers, make Ferrum, a college that serves a broad range of students, a unique place for students from near and far to thrive.

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FEATURE —QUANTIFYING “THE FERRUM WAY”

During Darryl Tarver’s time at Ferrum I was his professor, academic advisor and club advisor for the Minds-n-Medicine Club. As I do for many students, I wrote Darryl a letter of recommendation to be included in his application packet when he applied to Howard University College of Dentistry.

Darryl’s subsequent successful entry into Howard’s dental program is extremely exciting for Ferrum—and for me—but is not too terribly surprising to those of us he left behind after graduation.

Darryl was the kind of student that every faculty member loves to have. He was naturally intelligent, curious and gregarious, but also not afraid to put in the vast amount of hard work needed to achieve his professional goals.

–Dr. Katie Jordan Goff | Associate Professor of Biology

DARRYL TARVER ’12

I

“ n my third week of dental school, a girl who went to UNC [The University of North Carolina] asked me where Ferrum was,” said Darryl Tarver ’12, a graduate of JR Rucker High School in Richmond. “She said she’d never heard of it, and that it wasn’t significant.”

Graduating from Ferrum will only advance—never inhibit—your future goals,” Tarver said.

skyrocketed. She told me there wasn’t anything I couldn’t do if I put my mind to it. She gave me that extra push.”

Along with many undergraduate students who take Organic Chemistry, Tarver was floored when he saw his first exam grade.

When it came time to apply for graduate schools or dental schools and figure out which way to go, Tarver, whose goal it was, and still is, to be a dentist, found another dedicated ally in his advisor, Dr. Katie Goff.

In that moment, however, he realized how very little her comment mattered, since they “were in the exact same place” in space and time, and especially in their educational pursuits.

“It was one of the lowest grades I ever got in my life,” he said. Tarver almost immediately went to Dr. Laura Grochowski’s office to see what he needed to do to understand the course.

“Regardless of what you want to do at Ferrum, if you put the work into it, you can go anywhere you want to go.

“She took time out of her schedule just to teach me, and I went to her office two or three times a week. My grades

I took a lot of literature classes—I took ’Harry Potter Literature,’ and that was my favorite class that wasn’t science.

I also took Ethics, which is actually helping me in dental school—we have an Ethics class here at Howard University College of Dentistry which taught us many of the same things.

Liberal arts helps you to be more well-rounded.

I also took Literature of the Bible, which was really interesting— reading the Bible as a book, un-interpreted, which is very different from how you read it in church, as interpreted passages.

–Darryl Tarver ’12, Doctor of Dental Surgery candidate, Howard University College of Dentistry Class of 2018 12 FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

“I spent at least an hour in her office and went through all my extracurriculars, my activities. She told me which teachers to get letters of recommendation from. It was a big deal,” Tarver said. And even though he didn’t end up going to dental school right after he graduated, he did have the skills to confidently, and successfully, apply to Howard University with letters of recommendation from his professors.

“Even with a 4.0 grade point average [at a larger university], your teachers don’t really know who you are. Because I went to Ferrum where my classes were no more than 30 people, the teachers knew me one on one, my strengths, my weaknesses.

They were able to write very detailed letters of recommendation that apparently looked really, really good.”

B

efore studens decide or not to attend graduate school, they must decide on a career direction. Sometimes students have only a general idea of what they’d like to do and how to get there, like

Both Tarver and Redifer participated in the Minds-n-Medicine Club, a group that focuses on service as well as professional development. In addition to volunteering in the community, through activities such as blood pressure clinics and campus blood drives, Minds-N-Medicine members reach out to Ferrum alumni who are attending or have attended a professional school for an advanced degree in a health-related field to return to campus as speakers.

Some science majors are “extremely broad,” Tarver said. “You have such a wide variety of choices within the science field and then with the direction you want to go.”

Tarver continued, “Our experiences at Ferrum really opened up our horizons. For instance, when I began I had no idea that there was such a thing as a podiatry school.”

Redifer, who in 2014 worked as a certified nursing assistant and chiropractic assistant while deciding where to attend school for a physician’s assistant (PA) degree, found that Minds-n-Medicine had a part in helping narrow down her educational choices.

“In 2012, a few alums in professional graduate programs came to talk to us.

Again in 2014, a different group came to campus to speak to us at Ferrum … this gave me great contacts for when I had (and have) questions,” Redifer said.

Paige Redifer demonstrated early on that she was a serious student by virtue of her classwork. What set her apart was her growing desire to be involved in helping others with the knowledge and skills she was developing. She became a true humanitarian during her OMNI medical mission trip to Africa and realized how much she could do to help others less fortunate than she was. She is the hallmark of what we would hope all Ferrum graduates would be.

There are simply not enough superlatives to describe what an amazing young woman Paige is.

–Dr. Chris R. Aylesworth | Retired Assistant Professor of Biology “It really put schools with faces, faces with names, and helped get us going in the right direction,” added Redifer, who originally wanted to be a forensic scientist, and then focused on studying to be a dentist. “People from all different careers came to share their experiences, especially from healthcare fields that may not be as popular or as widely known.”

PAIGE REDIFER ’14

For Redifer, a 2013 humanitarian medical mission trip with Orphan Medical Network International (OMNI) to Ndola, Zambia, Africa opened her eyes to her true calling to help people hands-on.

She helped to serve over 4,000 people while on the OMNI medical team with a fellow student, Andrew Hayes ’14. The experiences she had on that trip are what ultimately changed her chosen field from dentistry to studying to be a PA, just before her senior year.

In last year’s edition of Ferrum Magazine, Redifer said: “I cannot explain the impact that this trip has had on me … In Africa, I saw people who had almost nothing.

Even though they had so little, they acted as if they had the world, because they had each other.”

“Once I got home and was able to reflect on the trip, I was amazed that we’d been able to spend individual time and attention on each patient. I decided dentistry wasn’t my vocation.

FEATURE —QUANTIFYING “THE FERRUM WAY”

Tarver. Others, like Paige Redifer ’14, have a clear idea of the path they need to take.

“Obviously, my interest was in medicine, I just didn’t know which specialty,” Redifer said. “Dr. [Chris] Aylesworth was instrumental in helping me piece things together… He encouraged my process and the realization that I didn’t want to be a dentist. It wasn’t so much of him giving me suggestions, he just helped me understand what my options were.”

Redifer will be attending graduate school at Campbell University in North Carolina, pursuing dual master’s degrees in physician assistant practice and public health. She is far from the only Ferrum College student whose future career path was helped along, or nurtured by caring faculty.

In the Boone Honors Program, classes are usually taught by two different professors who come from two different disciplines. One of the classes is Religion and Science— those are two very different topics. When I took the course, Dr. David Howell and Dr. David Johnson taught the class together. You were able to listen to two totally different perspectives. It really helped us in a new way of thinking, because you had to consider the subjects, such as evolution, from two sometimes opposing perspectives.

–Paige Redifer ’14, future physician’s assistant (Master of Public Health) candidate | currently a certified nurse’s assistant (PRN) and a chiropractic assistant FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

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FEATURE —QUANTIFYING “THE FERRUM WAY”

Along with a robust liberal arts core curriculum, Ferrum’s 33 areas of study provide a broad range of academic options that encourage the shaping of an education toward a fulfilling career path. For the last century, the College’s dedicated faculty and staff have helped to provide students of promise with broad learning opportunities and important connections.

Deaton, who is currently studying for her GRE in hopes of attending the University of Redwinds in California for a one-year intensive GIS program, has narrowed her career path toward environmental remote sensing and GIS, which helps with urban planning, military routing and logistics, and many other applications.

“I made a personalized plan with my professors and my advisors,” she says.

They really helped me find what I wanted to do—they helped me gear into those subjects and pushed me toward my goal.”

L to R: Dr. Delia Heck and Caitlyn Deaton ’15.

CAITLYN DEATON ’15

“

W

hen I came to Ferrum, I had a slight idea of what I wanted to do, but those views changed after I started growing and maturing and finding my place here, in society and the world itself,” said Caitlyn Deaton ’15, a studentathlete (the women’s soccer goalie) from Woodbridge, VA. Worried about attending a large university and not being able to focus in a large classroom, Deaton was drawn to Ferrum because of the small class sizes and the close-knit feeling of campus.

She decided on a major in computer science before she even began her freshman year, but she had no idea she’d change majors or even that she’d totally hone in on a career path within her first two years.

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“I found where I wanted to be, what my calling was,” said Deaton. Once I took those courses, everything fell into place.

The experiences helped me figure out what I wanted to do, where I wanted to go.”

After taking a Geographical Information System (GIS) class with her advisor, Dr. Delia Heck, she loved the work so much that she switched to a major in environmental planning and development with a focus on environmental science.

That interest was nourished by Ferrum College’s Water Quality Monitoring Program after one summer and then an internship with Appalachian Power’s Smith Mountain Lake Shoreline Management Project the next, each program facilitated by the College and by her advisors.

FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

Ferrum College is a liberal arts school. It might be tough, and some people might not like it. You get to experience a wide variety of classes that you might think don’t jive with your major courses.

Some people might think that’s a waste of time, until they realize that communication skills like writing and speaking or thinking logically will benefit them in any career.

I’m taking a history class in Western civilization. I don’t have to for my major, but I’m taking it because core classes like that help you to have a broad background and be able to interweave ideas.

Learning about the beginning of civilization from the first hominids through 1500–1700s is good because you get a perspective that wouldn’t otherwise have. Subjects do crisscross, and you find topics relating in and out of other classes.

–Caitlyn Deaton ’15

Sean Duff ’12

Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent for Virginia Cooperative Extension Franklin County, VA Duff is also a graduate of the Ferrum College agriculture program. In his work as an extension agent he assists local farmers with crop production needs, and provides expertise on agriculture marketing and policy to local and regional stakeholders. Says Duff, “I truly believe that my time at Ferrum College fully equipped me for my career by providing a diversity of undergraduate coursework,

“Do you think I’m a good fit in the Teacher Ed. program?” he asked her. “I really want to teach. I want to help kids, but maybe this isn’t the best thing. I know I don’t fit the mold of the typical teacher.”

But then, “Dr. Norman pretty much said, ‘I don’t see what that has to do with anything,’” and she nonchalantly kept passing out papers. It wasn’t a big deal to her at all. She didn’t know that because of the way she acted, she really lifted my spirit. Ever since then, I know I’ve been extremely blessed.”

“It also helped that, in my opinion, Ferrum has the very best teacher education program. I know for a fact it’s better than other schools in the region, large or small.”

At 25, Woods is an assistant principal at Woodrow Wilson Middle School in Roanoke, with hopes to become a principal in a few years, earn a PhD, and eventually become a college professor. The story of Dr. Norman’s “nonchalant” reassurance is one that Woods now tells his students whenever he gets the chance.

MATTHEW WOODS ’11

M

atthew Woods ’11 of Franklin County knew in high school that he wanted to follow in his mother’s footsteps as a teacher and an administrator, but there was a period of time when he had serious doubts. Those concerns made him consider leaving the education program.

“I went through a time where someone told me I could never teach because I had tattoos on my hand,” said Woods, “and I thought maybe I should adjust my dream.”

He took that criticism to heart—it almost knocked him off course.

When I first had Matt Woods in class, I noticed his quick wit and charm—and his lack of seriousness and ambition to reach his maximum potential. With some nudging, Matt began to step up his work with efforts that reminded me that sometimes a student simply needs someone to say, ‘Hey, you can do better!’ He is an incredible human being! I adore his willingness to be pushed for greater success!

FEATURE —QUANTIFYING “THE FERRUM WAY”

Sometimes a student doesn’t need help planning or getting plugged in, but professors who get the opportunity to individually know developing young adults can then guide them and help them to personalize their studies. Small gestures of support and an encouraging atmosphere mean the world to a student with a dream.

Once Matt began the road to higher achievement, there was no stopping him. He went on to get his master’s from Virginia Tech and I anticipate that someday, I will be attending his “robing” for his PhD. He is one of those students I will always treasure as part of the success opportunities here at Ferrum College.

–Dr. Mary Ann Norman | Assistant Professor of Teacher Education

J

ohn Puckett ’13, is currently an auditor with Virginia’s State Corporation Commission, where he audits banks chartered with the state of Virginia, with assets ranging from $100 million to $8 billion.

That’s when he approached Dr. Mary Ann Norman. from agriculture subject matter to public speaking and economics.”

Puckett discovered his love for numbers, accounting in particular, in high school in nearby Bassett. Double-majoring was an easy choice for him. Being away from his family was not—and Ferrum gave him the chance to pursue his studies while staying close to his roots.

Duff echoes a popular sentiment among Ferrum College graduates, saying, “Ferrum’s motto, ‘Not Self, But Others,’ was revealed countless times throughout my undergraduate experience at Ferrum.”

He believes that Ferrum provided the foundation for a career that offers him a new facet each day, including scouting fields, instructing classes, designing and implementing farm research trials, and speaking with local and state governments.

JOHN PUCKETT ’13

“I decided to combine both accounting and criminal justice into what I’m doing right now,” Puckett said. He sees himself possibly working with the Federal Reserve in the future. (Continued, next page.)

15 FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

FEATURE —QUANTIFYING “THE FERRUM WAY”

Although Puckett’s father was a police officer, he wasn’t interested in pursuing a career in street-level law enforcement.

While he attended Ferrum, he watched corruption scandals abound in large-scale corporations and banking institutions affecting America’s financial system in the beginning of the country’s Great Recession.

Dr. Demitri Tsanacas, his advisor and professor in many courses, played a major role in pushing him toward his goal and expanding his focus. “He tried to help me learn more about accounting,” said Puckett, “to understand a wider view of what accounting actually is, making money and economics.”

Another rewarding experience that he participated in was ENACTUS (Entrepreneurial Action Us, formerly Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE).)

Chaired by Tsanacas, ENACTUS played, a vital role in Puckett’s preparation and education.

“We visited local entrepreneurs and businesses to help with a variety of projects,” he said, “developing products and giving marketing advice; we also went out to different schools to do entrepreneurial presentations.”

“Professors are careful, holding your hand a bit, but then they intend for you to take steps on your own toward your goals, such as master’s programs and any other ventures you have in mind.”

“Ferrum was a perfect match for me. It also offered the programs that I was really interested in while being close to home, and I felt like I needed to be at home.” he said.

John Puckett took full advantage of the opportunities that the SIFE/ ENACTUS program offers to Ferrum students. He is patient, easygoing, a hard worker and ran our team very well for two years!

He built his confidence, sharpened his business and leadership skills, made solid connections, and traveled to exciting and interesting places. John was shy and reserved at the beginning and full of confidence by the time he graduated.

–Dr. Demetri Tsanacas | Professor of Business and Economics, Advisor to ENACTUS

Some students choose Ferrum because it’s close to home, and others choose Ferrum because they know it will become home.

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recent transfer and firstgeneration college student, football quarterback Harvey Taylor ’16 started his studies at Ferrum in the fall of 2014 after attending Old Dominion University in Richmond for two years.

He has a solid idea of his career path—a major in social work with an emphasis on prevention—and then a master’s degree in the same field.

HARVEY TAYLOR ’16 One of the things I like about Ferrum is just how small it is.

If you see a person a few times a week, you start to recognize them, and you gain different kinds of friends. At ODU, you might see the same person once every two to three weeks, so it’s harder to become friends.

By [Ferrum] being so small, I’m becoming friends with a much more diverse group of people.

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–Harvey Taylor ’16 FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

The Magna Vista High School graduate’s main reasons for transferring were to be closer to home and to play ball (a good friend of his, Dylan Christian, also plays on the team). While Taylor works to adjust to the new environment, he has noted a few key positives regarding his

choice to attend Ferrum over the larger university he once knew.

“One of the things I like about Ferrum is just how small it is,” he said. “If you see a person a few times a week, you start to recognize them, and you gain different kinds of friends. At ODU, you might see the same person once every two to three weeks, so it’s harder to become friends.

By [Ferrum] being so small, I’m becoming friends with a much more diverse group of people.”

“Also with Ferrum, the class sizes are smaller and you meet with your advisors sometimes three or four times within a couple of weeks. You see them a lot,” Taylor said. “Overall, I’m happy with the switch.”

–Dr. Michaela Gazdik | former Associate Professor of Molecular Biology

GRANT WALDROP ’14 “

T

he first time that I toured the College, I knew that it was home. I felt like a person, and I felt like I mattered, and I wasn’t just some number, or some paycheck, for the College,” said Grant Waldrop ’14. “Ferrum has a small-town atmosphere with teachers willing to be there for you. Just hearing that there was a group of faculty members so dedicated and who cared so much about each student really drew me to Ferrum.”

Waldrop, a graduate of Brassfield High School in Chesapeake, VA, majored in biology and pre-professional sciences with a chemistry minor while at Ferrum.

He is working at Virginia Tech’s Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine toward a PhD in biomedical and veterinary sciences with an emphasis in infectious diseases. He then plans to get his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.

Waldrop, who is currently studying vaccinations for feral swine that will affect livestock, decided he wanted to be a veterinarian at age 6. In high school, he wanted to be both a practicing veterinarian and a researcher in the same field. For that, he had to compete for admittance into dual degree programs like Virginia Tech’s, which accept only one or two students a year.

FEATURE —QUANTIFYING “THE FERRUM WAY”

Grant is a highly motivated young man who took advantage of independent research opportunities that Ferrum provided early in his undergraduate career. I had the pleasure of watching him grow and mature into a bright, enthusiastic young scientist during the four years he worked in my research lab. By graduation, Grant was working independently on his own self-designed study, and had gained the research, analytical and communication skills that will allow him to continue to be successful as he pursues not one, but two degrees in the Virginia Tech DVM, PhD dual degree program.”

“I was actually kind of worried. It was a faith battle for me, because I knew that the odds were not in my favor, and I was worried about my choice for undergraduate work,” Waldrop said.

“Ferrum’s not a university or a big-name school, and I was concerned that some of my work would not hold coming from a school that was not well known.”

He found a mentor in his advisor, Dr. Chris Aylesworth, who helped him to secure a place researching tuberculosis and other projects with Dr. Michaela Gazdik.

My second semester of freshman year, as soon as I started going to worship services, Bible studies and game night, I knew that Sigma Chi, the Christian fraternity, was my new extended family.

I served as president for two years. The Greek fraternity life at Ferrum was such an integral part of my life. Until the end of time, I will keep in touch with my classmates. They are literally family members, not only to me, but to my actual family.

–Grant Waldrop ’14, working toward a PhD in biomedical and veterinary sciences at Virginia Tech’s Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine

“Without those four years of doing research with Dr. Gazdik, I wouldn’t know half of the things I’m doing right now. It put me so much further ahead in my current program because I was able to hit the ground running,” said Waldrop.

“After graduating from and experiencing life at Ferrum, I know that there’s no need for anyone to worry about the amount of respect you may or may not receive coming from a smaller college. If you work hard and you look for what you need at Ferrum, Ferrum will be able to deliver it above and beyond. You will be able to go anywhere and everywhere from Ferrum.”

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FEATURE —QUANTIFYING “THE FERRUM WAY”

FERRUM COLLEGE STUDENTS 1,500 26%

First generation college students

60%

Percentage of students eligible for Pell Grants

1:16

Ratio of faculty to students

1150–1470 91%

Percentage of Freshmen Receiving Financial Aid by Type

Average number of students each year

63%

100%

97%

Ferrum College Grant

Student Loans

75%

Average SAT score range of 2014 freshman class Federal Grant

Percentage of students who live on campus

Gender

State/Local Grant

Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded in 2014

47%

n All Other n Business Marketing n Health Professional & Related Programs n Liberal Arts/ General Studies n Education

53%

8%

10% 11%

59%

11%

Freshman Class 2014 – Geography 12% 11% 2% 4% 9% 3% 12%

Central Region North Central Region Northern Neck Region Shenandoah Valley Region Southside Region Southwest Region Tidewater Region

Maryland 5% Arlington & Fairfax Alexandria 1% Co. 4%

North Central 11%

1% Arlington and Alexandria 4% Fairfax County 5% Franklin County 8% Richmond 4% Roanoke Area 5% Maryland 9% North Carolina 11% Other

Shenandoah Valley 4%

Other 11%

Richmond 8%

Central 12%

Northern Neck 2%

Roanoke 4%

Lee

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Southwest 3%

Franklin Co. 5%

Southside 9%

North Carolina 9%

Tidewater 12%

ACADEMICS The Ferrum College Holocaust Garden was established in 2001 as a College-community partnership to honor and memorialize victims and survivors of the Holocaust.

The garden is maintained by Assistant Professor of Sociology Susan Mead and Ferrum students, along with members of the Franklin County Master Gardener Association.

See Holocaust Conference, p.32.

ACADEMICS p. 20

p. 24

p. 26

p. 30

p. 33

p. 34

p. 36

p. 38

Faculty Profiles.............................................................................20 New to Ferrum..............................................................................24 Boone Honors Program................................................................24 2014 Salzburg Global Seminar......................................................25 E-Term: Ireland in May..................................................................26 Globalizing Religion Together with Service Learning

and Christianity.....................................................................28 From Ferrum College to Zambia...................................................30 A Celebration of Survival: A Holocaust Conference

Extolling the Triumph of the Human Spirit............................32 Ferrum Hosts University Students from Abroad...........................33 Future Farmers of America.......................................................... 34 Criminal Justice Association Conference......................................36 Campus Theme: Roots & Routes..................................................38 Ferrum College Internship Opportunities Benefit

Floyd Businesses and Organizations......................................38 FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

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ACADEMICS

SCHOOL OF NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATH

Real-World Skills from Agricultural Innovations Tim Durham, Assistant Professor of Agronomy

F

arming was a rite of passage for Tim Durham, assistant professor of agronomy at Ferrum, and for multiple generations of his family. Durham was raised on his grandfather’s 30-acre vegetable farm on Long Island in New York and Virginia is his family’s third home since the early 1900s. Each move was designed to head off the inevitable urban sprawl. Now the Durhams are solidly anchored in this area, and conservation easement has ensured that the current family homestead will remain open space.

Although Durham deeply respects his farming heritage, he decided that teaching was the most effective way to serve agriculture. He earned a Doctor of Plant Medicine degree from the University of Florida and held several short-term teaching posts before coming across the agronomy position announcement at Ferrum College. “There were two main selling points,” says Durham. “Both the opportunity to shape a diverse agriculture program and the small liberal arts college atmosphere were appealing to me.”

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As one of three institutions in Virginia that offer a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Ferrum differentiates itself through a distinctive educational model.

An internship and two practica are embedded in the curriculum, placing students in real-world situations and putting classroom theory into actual practice. The nearly 800-acre campus serves as a living laboratory. Students participate in the day-to-day management FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

of the Titmus Agricultural Center, including working livestock, tending the garden and greenhouse facilities and overseeing the campus arboretum. A direct outcome of the campus garden is the “Fields to Ferrum” or farm-to-table program, which provides seasonal produce for the campus dining hall. The recently opened Ferrum Mercantile plans to house a farmer’s market, which will give students the opportunity to participate in direct sales to the community.

With these facilities, Durham believes that Ferrum is poised to offer opportunities in several nontraditional areas such as agroecology, silvopastoral systems and biomass production. Agroecology, put simply, is about tapping ecological processes that enhance the farmer’s bottom line; silvopastoral systems are a marriage between trees and livestock pastures. Biomass production is not a new idea on campus; Ferrum’s biomass boiler is a state-of-the-art initiative in

green energy production. In the future, Ferrum could be positioned to explore broadening the agriculture program to include minors in public health, nutrition and equine science. These offerings could complement operations at the Titmus Agricultural Center, coalesce into faculty/ student research opportunities and create a premier hub for community outreach.

The agriculture program actively supports several innovations that allow students to take ownership of projects which directly benefit the agriculture community. Of particular interest are cover crop mixes, plants that help suppress weeds, improve soil and help control pests and diseases.

These are also being evaluated for their biomass potential, value as animal feed and contributions to overall soil health.

Because research in this area is still emerging, Durham notes that “Ferrum students can be pioneers in this arena by working with progressive local farmers.”

Additionally, agronomy students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with crop variety trials, underutilized and niche crops, best management practices, slow-release fertilizers and reduced-risk pesticides. In conjunction with industry partners, Durham has recently begun work with soil “probiotics ” in an effort to discover whether soil health can be enhanced with a cocktail of beneficial microbes.

All of these efforts tie directly into Ferrum’s educational ethos. According to Durham, “Today’s graduates are Renaissance men and women: broadly educated, technologically savvy entrepreneurs and professionals.”

He notes that students often “crosspollinate” their coursework. For instance, agriculture students may minor in environmental sciences, and vice versa.

“Our students are refreshingly pragmatic in this regard. They don’t see agriculture and environmental science as adversarial; they view them as complementary when it comes to a job search.”

The agriculture program isn’t all about academics, though. Durham notes that the Agriculture Club is a social support network for students. The club is also linked with Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers program, which provides an outlet to develop and refine leadership skills.

Durham believes that an agriculture degree from Ferrum favorably positions

students in the workplace and as future leaders in their communities. This big picture approach provides the intangibles that differentiate Ferrum graduates from other institutions, he said “By enrolling at Ferrum, you’re joining a fraternity of likeminded individuals with their eyes on the future—a commitment to food security, sustainability and fellowship.” n

ACADEMICS

Green roofing is yet another ongoing project. Portions of the roofs at both Garber Hall and the “eco” building at the Titmus Agricultural Center have been designed to accept modular plant trays; these help insulate the buildings in the winter and dissipate heat in the summer, while providing a visual aesthetic.

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

Broad Skills Keep Art Relevant

Durham Attends Annual Legislative Banquet

Dr. Tim Durham (second from left) attended the Virginia Agribusiness Council’s Annual Legislative Banquet, a premier networking event to recognize the contributions of distinguised individuals and match influential industry stakeholders with policymakers. He was seated with Secretary of Agriculture Todd Haymore (third from right) and discussed Ferrum’s unique role as a private four-year institution with an agriculture program.

Other notable dignitaries in attendance included Governor Terry McAuliffe, members of the General Assembly, and members of Congress. Durham attended the banquet as a Virginia Agricultural Leaders Obtaining Results (VALOR) fellow.

VALOR is an intensive two-year program that brings together a broad cross-section of individuals to hone their leadership skills and to more effectively promote the interests of the agricultural sector.

David Eichelberger, Assistant Professor of Art

A

lthough he has not been teaching at Ferrum College for long, David Eichelberger believes he is part of an art program that offers students a broad, complete education in art. Eichelberger grew up in Roanoke, VA, and attended Virginia Tech, initially pursuing a degree in architecture. Finding that architecture was not the right course of study for him, he changed his major to art, and earned a degree in 2000. Eichelberger enjoyed the rich tradition of local craftsmen in the Blacksburg area and took advantage of a smaller degree program with serious art students.

(Continued, next page)

FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

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ACADEMICS

Following graduation, he attended Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina, a non-degree school offering two-week sessions in summer and two-month sessions in the fall. Classes offered at Penland have both a technical and conceptual focus, based on the individual teacher, and range in topics from glassblowing to ceramics to iron work. Penland is the oldest school of its kind in the United States and welcomes students of all levels. From Penland, Eichelberger moved to Santa Fe, NM, where he worked and studied at the Santa Fe Clay Company. There, he set up gallery shows and taught classes in exchange for studio time, in which he produced items he sold to support himself during his residency. On the weekends, he and a roommate started an “underground” restaurant of sorts, serving brunch on the porch of the home they rented. Eichelberger crafted ceramics on which to serve the food and his roommate was the chef; eventually, the weekend restaurant attracted too many customers, and they had to shut it down.

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Shortly thereafter, Eichelberger left Santa Fe to take a residency position at EnergyXchange in Burnsville, NC. EnergyXchange is an energy recovery project, utilizing landfill gases from a closed landfill to produce energy supporting incubator art studios.

Extracted landfill gases are used to run kilns, heat facilities and fire glass shop furnaces, among other functions.

Residencies run for three-year periods and are subsidized. “It was a great environment, and close to Penland, where I really started,” he says.

Upon returning from Australia, Eichelberger was granted a fully funded residency at Tennessee Tech University’s Appalachian Center for Craft near Smithville, Tennessee. He and his family spent a year there, while he taught, mentored students and worked on his craft. Another residency followed, and Eichelberger returned to Penland for a three-year full time studio residency.

He was able to spend all his time in his

studio, with his only responsibility to be visible and available to students. At the end of the residency, and when another daughter was added to their family, the Eichelbergers moved to Floyd, VA. Here, Eichelberger learned of the job opening at Ferrum. In an interesting twist of fate, it turned out that while his wife was a student at the Rhode Island School of Design, she met Jeff Dalton, the retiring professor Eichelberger would be hired to replace. A phone call later the Eichelbergers had a personal tour and introduction to professors at Ferrum College.

Now at Ferrum for just over a year, Eichelberger sees the art program as a blend of classical and contemporary art formats. He and Jake Smith, assistant professor of art, work closely together to ensure that the program is not a “jumble of classes, but a smooth and logical progression of art instruction,” says Eichelberger. The department is excited about keeping art relevant, not only with rapidly applicable techniques and skills needed to get a job after college, but also

with the fine arts necessary to understand and appreciate the craft. Eichelberger notes that many of the programs and processes are carried over from his predecessor, Dalton. “I am very pleased to be working with the Empty Bowls at Ferrum program, which was started by Professor Dalton,” he says. The direct impact and local focus appealed to him, as well as the connection to other Empty Bowls programs in the area. The original model for this program was created by two of Eichelberger’s former neighbors at Penland, John Harden and Lisa Blackburn. “Working with Empty Bowls at Ferrum feels like the perfect fit for the model.” he says.

ACADEMICS

At the close of his residency there, Eichelberger had to choose between a resident artist position in Montana and graduate school. He attended the University of Nebraska—Lincoln and graduated in 2010. For Eichelberger, graduate school turned out to be much more than a place to earn a degree; here he met his wife, and their first daughter was born just weeks before his senior thesis show. After graduation, he received a grant to study at the Australian National University; he and his wife took their four-month-old and spent six weeks traveling and studying in Sydney and Canberra.

Eichelberger believes strongly in the department philosophies and direction of the art program at Ferrum. “As digital media remains relevant and mastery of this skill is vital in our world, handmade goods continue to increase in value in our culture,” he says. He feels Ferrum offers both aspects of the current art world to students, creating a broad education in the arts. n

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ACADEMICS

NEW to FERRUM FACULTY

ACADEMIC STAFF

Cherie E. Bond Assistant Professor of Biology • BA, University of Southern Maine • PhD, Indiana University–Purdue University at Indianapolis

Aaron Ray Conover ’93 Director of Ferrum Outdoors Program • BS, Ferrum College • MS, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign

David Eichelberger Assistant Professor of Art • BFA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University • MFA, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Ursa B. Johnson Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness • BA, Georgia Southern University • MS, Capella University

Christopher Robert Harnish Assistant Professor of Health and Human Performance • BS, Ithaca College • MS, University of South Carolina • PhD, Virginia Commonwealth University

Marina Nasif Fulbright Program of the Department of State Foreign Language Teaching Assistant • Bachelor’s degree in English, Universidad de Santiago del Estero • Teacher of English, Instituto San Jose Santiago del Estero

Giuseppe Ritorto Assistant Professor of Dramatic and Theatre Arts/Musical Theatre • BA, Catawba College • MFA, New York University

Kimberly J. Police Instructional Design and Technology and Online Learning Administrator • BA, Juniata College • MEd, Purdue University

Eric M. Vanden Eykel Assistant Professor of Religion • MDiv, Emory University • BA, MA and PhD, Marquette University

Donna Winge Office Manager, Academic Support Specialist • AAS, Dabney Lancaster • BA, James Madison University

2014 Honorees

Boone Honors Program

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Celebrating 10 Years of Boone Honors

he Boone Honors Program was established in 2004 in honor of former president Dr. Jerry Boone and his wife Shirley. It is an interdisciplinary, liberal arts program committed to challenging students to strive for excellence. To achieve this purpose, the program contains curricular and extracurricular components designed to enrich the student experience by attracting and retaining gifted and motivated students interested in the pursuit of knowledge and the exploration of issues from a variety of perspectives and disciplines. It is our hope that through the program we will stimulate intellectual, social and ethical development in honors students and focus the attention of the campus community on issues of excellence, honor and service. n Top: Honors graduates meet for a reunion at Homecoming 2014. L to R: Sam Belcher, Jessa Elizabeth King, Kevin Daniel Reynolds, Deanna Reid, Professor of English and Director of the Boone Honors Program Lana Whited, Grant Waldrop, Whitney Scott, Billie Quesenberry.

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2014 Salzburg Global Seminar The international seminar, held annually at Schloss Leopoldskron in Salzburg, Austria, brings together current and future leaders from a variety of fields to discuss and seek solutions to worldwide issues of concern. The Ferrum College professors’ attendance was made possible with Mellon Foundation funding received through the Appalachian College Association (ACA).

Education for Global Citizenship: What, Why and How? Tim Durham, Asst. Professor of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences According to the program abstract, the goal of the gathering “is to foster deep and sustainable institutional change that will allow our partners to become 'sites of global citizenship.” Through plenary lectures and discussions that included an address by U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy, seminar participants developed a better understanding of the meaning of global citizenship education and its importance, and explored ways to more effectively promote global citizenship education.

“Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines are more than textbook facts—they provide a universal framework for problem-solving,” said Durham, who is also the College’s Agriculture Program Coordinator. “The question is how to bridge seemingly unrelated fields and think ‘glocal’—linking global events with a local relevance.”

Durham’s future plans include working to strengthen Ferrum College’s global citizenship educational opportunities. “As a follow-up to the Salzburg experience, I plan on developing an E-Term course in Costa Rica. If students can see a sliver of the familiar in the challenges faced by their international peers, hopefully this can spur them to action back home as global citizens,” he said.

ACADEMICS

FAC U LT Y R E P R E S E N T F E R RU M AT T H E

Symposium on Holocaust and Genocide Education: Sharing Experience across Borders David Howell, Professor of Religion Attendees at the program examined the challenges and successes in the teaching and remembrance of the Holocaust and other genocides outside of North America and Europe.

According to the session report, found online at www. salzburgglobal.org, the five-day program was designed to foster open and candid discussion among all participants.

“One of the challenges of teaching about the Holocaust, and by extension other genocides, is finding ways for students to place themselves imaginatively in the history of the Holocaust,” Howell explained. “Questions about the ‘uniqueness and universality’ of the Holocaust reveal how deeply contextualized genocides are, and yet we study them so that the cry ‘Never again’ might become realized. We want to avoid ways of teaching that set up a competition of comparative suffering, but the study of genocide should allow students to see patterns from the past that can illumine the future.”

“I have been involved in Holocaust education for over twenty years now and have learned much from my Ferrum College colleagues in many programs across campus who help teach in the College’s multidisciplinary Holocaust course,” continued Howell.

“The chance to go to Salzburg and participate in a seminar with educators and activists from around the globe—there were 47 participants from 29 countries and five continents—about the Holocaust and genocide was a particularly rich experience.”

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ACADEMICS

E-Term: Ireland in May

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A walk in Burren National Park with a local farmer.

The Burrens are a lunar-like landscape of rocks and cliffs with thin layers of grass in some areas and bare rocks in others, filled with unique wildflowers.

Ireland’s Natural History—Interaction of Nature and Culture: A 2014 E-Term course studying the unique natural history of Ireland and its effects on the Irish people and their culture. Ferrum students joined Dr. Bob Pohlad and Dr. Carolyn Thomas as they traveled through the countryside of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland exploring natural areas such as the Burrens and Connemara, but also castles, abbeys, farms and monasteries throughout both countries on the island of Ireland. They visited modern cities, such as Dublin, Cork and Belfast, 6,000 year old Paleolithic sites such as the Ceide Fields and UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Giant’s Causeway. n

A unique carnivorous Sundew plant from the bogs of Connemara.

A visit to the early medieval monastic settlement of Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains, established in the 6th century.

ACADEMICS

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Walking the rocky shores at the Hook Head Lighthouse in County Wexford.

The beautiful gardens of Glenveagh Castle in Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal.

Cutting turf (peat) the traditional way at Killary Sheep Farm in Connemara along the shores of Killary Fjord.

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GLOBALIZING RELIGION Together with SERVICE LEARNING and CHRISTIANITY Dr. Patty Suppes and Dr. David Howell with students outside of a school in the city of Cuernavaca, where they spent the day working in the community center. They painted an activity room and performed their play, taking time to play with the children and teach them to make puppets of their own.

Students are buying crafts from a vendor near the Templo Mayor in Mexico City.

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Dr. Howell and members of his class in front of Diego Rivera’s famous mural Historia de México in the Palacio Nacional in the center of Mexico City. This mural depicts the history of Mexico and is embedded with symbols that emphasize the dignity of the Mexican people and the richness of the culture.

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in Mexico

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efore traveling to Mexico for their E-Term courses, participating students completed required readings and research regarding Mexican culture and history as well as about pilgrimage. Planning the service learning component, they wrote a bilingual puppet show, created puppets and the background scenery, rehearsed and presented the show in schools and orphanages in Mexico City, Cuernavaca and the village of Tepoztlán.

In partnership with Por un Mejor Hoy, an organization that connects U.S. colleges with local service programs, Ferrum faculty and students had the privilege to meet Mexican people from many different places and situations. They spoke with clergy from various denominations, practitioners of indigenous religions, archaeologists, teachers, families, docents, vendors and children. They visited museums and archaeological sites, climbed pyramids, learned Aztec dances, took a boat ride in the Xochimilco floating gardens and participated in a Temazcal, a ritual steam cleansing ceremony.

Learning opportunities like these in Mexico during Experiential Term (E-Term) enable Ferrum College students to develop an understanding and respect for diverse cultures. Courses help students engage with their peers and professors and enable them to broaden their global perspectives. n Right: Ferrum students perform our play, Snowbear Whittington, for a group of students in a girls’ home in the village of Tepoztlán.

ACADEMICS

What Courses Are Offered for

ACC 407: International Accounting Instructor: Professor David F. Sulzen Travel: Abroad (England and Belgium) AGS 218: Regional Experiences in Agriculture Instructor: Dr. Nancy Brubaker Travel: Regional Virginia (Eastern Shore to Blue Ridge Mountains) BIO 123: Introduction to Entomology – Insects and Society Instructor: Dr. Glen Stevens Travel: Local/regional travel COM 211: Radio Broadcasting Methods Instructor: Dr. Karl Roeper Travel: Local/regional travel CSC 230: Web Design Instructor: Dr. Samuel Olatunbosun Travel: Regional (Virginia) CJU 497: Special Topics in Criminal Justice – Comparative International Law and Justice Instructor: Dr. David Nicholson Travel: Abroad (England, Netherlands, Belgium France) in conjunction with PSC 491 CJU 497: Special Topics in Criminal Justice – Topics in Institutional Corrections Instructor: Dr. William Osborne Travel: Local/Regional (Virginia and Eastern Tennessee) EDU 147: Selected Topics – Diverse Student Populations as Portrayed in Visual Media Instructor: Professor Nancy Beach Travel: Regional (Virginia)

ENG 207: Representations of the Holocaust through Literature and Film Instructor: Dr. Melvin Macklin Travel: Local ENG 210: World Folktales and Literature Instructor: Dr. Tina L. Hanlon Travel: Local ENG 213: Literature and Film of the American Frontier Instructor: Dr. Allison Harl Travel: Local ESC 205: Tropical and Marine Ecology Instructor: Dr. Bob Pohlad and Dr. Carolyn Thomas Travel: Abroad (St. John, USVI) HIS/ART 220: Introduction to Museum Studies Instructor: Professor Vaughan Webb Travel: Local/Regional (Virginia, North Carolina) HIS 304: Civil War Battlefields Tour Instructor: Dr. Michael Trochim Travel: Regional (Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland) MTH 106: Math Manipulatives Instructor: Dr. Bryan Faulkner Travel: On Campus

PSY 438: Science of Sleep Instructor: Dr. Megan St. Peters Travel: No travel REC 372: Eco-Adventure Instructor: Dr. Dan Caston Travel: Regional (Virginia, on the James River) REL 207: Selected Topics: Globalizing Religion: Ritual and the Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela Instructor: Dr. David Howell Travel: Abroad (Spain) in conjunction with SPA 451 SCI 244: Introductory Forensic Science and Forensic Anthropology Instructor: Dr. Katie Goff and Professor June Minter Travel: Regional (Virginia, Tennessee) SOC 392/EPD 392: Eco-Social Justice: Issues and Applications Instructor: Dr. Susan Mead Travel: Regional (Virginia, West Virginia) SWK 299: Introduction to Community Services Instructor: Professor Jennie B. West Travel: None as a class SPA 451: The Camino de Santiago de Compostela Instructor: Dr. Patricia Sagasti Suppes Travel: Abroad (Spain) in conjunction with REL 207

PSC 491: Topics in Political Science– Comparative International Law and Justice Instructor: Dr. Sandra Via Travel: Abroad (England, Netherlands, Belgium THA 205, 305, 405: Applied Summer France) in conjunction with CJU 497 Theatre – I, II, III Instructor: Professor Wayne Bowman PSY 298: Pre-Professional Placement Travel: On Campus Instructor: Dr. Angie Dahl Travel: None as a class

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ACADEMICS

FROM FERRUM COLLEGE TO

Zambia

Brittany Gale ’14 is currently in her second semester at Virginia Tech, working toward her master’s degree in life science with an emphasis in entomology. She is set to graduate in May 2016 and intends to continue her education in forensic entomology. When not in class, she also participates in Help Save the Next Girl, and serves in the Graduate Student Association, hoping to improve communication and opportunities available to graduate program students at Tech. This is an excerpt from the blog she wrote while she and classmate Blake Sproles ’14 were working with the Orphan Medical Network International (OMNI) last year during the spring E-Term.

Changing the world may be as simple as passing by someone on the sidewalk and saying “hello” just to make them feel appreciated, or it could be cracking a joke and making them smile or laugh. We do not always understand how much those things can change someone’s day, but coming from such a small campus, many cannot imagine changing the world one person at a time half a world away in an area where nothing is like the “norm” that we are used to in the United States. It is that once-in-a-lifetime experience that pushes someone to recognize the amount of objects and opportunities that we have placed in front of us. So what can we learn from experiences like this? Yes, it is lifechanging and makes us appreciate what we have, but most of all, it pushes us to come back and give everyone we have in our lives a much-deserved thank you for everything they have done for us.

From October 2013, Blake Sproles and I were in close competition with several other students to be selected by a panel of professors who had been pushing us and making us grow as students to earn the two spots for the trip. For the second time, Ferrum College had made its selections and narrowed it down to just a few students who would then go on to have a phone interview with Karen ReMine.

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After the phone interview, all of those who had talked to Karen were nervous, and we exchanged our thoughts about what we would do if we got to go. Once Blake and I got the call back from Karen, we could not help but celebrate and express our joy to everyone.

On the flight there, I had the great pleasure of celebrating my birthday with the OMNI team. Before that day were just people on the team, but from the time we walked into the airport and boarded the plane, we became family. Several hours later, we finally reached Ndola Airport and saw that this airport was not much like those in the States. Instead, there were only one or two guys actually pulling our luggage from the plane to the building and hand-throwing the luggage to us. Woo! The beginning of a new experience.

with eight clinics in several different communities and tribal areas. During those clinics, we triaged almost 4,000 patients ranging from newborns to some that were over 100 years old. We each had the chance to triage patients, work in wound care, pharmacy, lab, fit some patients for glasses, and shadow doctors with several ranges of specialties. Some of the stories that I walked away with are hard to tell others, but they hold a meaningful spot in my heart no matter what is going on in my life.

Over the two weeks, there were thousands of smiles, broken hearts and tears, but most importantly, thousands of people who love one another and work together to get through one day at a time. Although some cases broke us down, there was always one way to brighten our day and make us laugh, and that included the children of the villages. The best smiles I can remember were from the OMNI schoolchildren singing songs as we pulled into the school on that very first day.

At that moment, everything became so surreal and moving to know that these children are here because they wanted to learn and thank us for helping them.

The trip has helped me realize that I will always want to help people, and even though I may be taking the long road currently, I want to go to medical school and become a doctor like those who have inspired me from the trip.

Within the many stories that I can tell, there is one piece of advice I can offer, and that is that if you are asked if you would like to participate in something that may benefit your future, try it at least once.

There will always be lessons to learn and events that help you grow as a person. n

As we left the airport, we got to meet our wonderful bodyguards, who were very helpful, and we began our journey for the next two weeks filled

To read Brittany’s entire blog (and many others), please visit http://ferrumcollege.blogspot.com.

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ACADEMICS 1 and 2. The Saari Faculty House. 3. Ribbon cutting at the Saari House including L to R: Tian Liu ’18, Amanda Cholko ’14, Elizabeth Dunn ’13, Sasha’s son Ian Saari, Trustee Kelly Herrick and Associate Professor of Environmental Science Delia Heck.

Faculty House Dedicated in Memory of Sasha Saari

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he dedication of the Saari Faculty House on September 19, 2014, brought to campus family, alumni, colleagues and students to honor and memorialize much-beloved professor Sasha Saari. Condolences came from as far away as Pskov State University in Russia and included notes from Rector Yury Demyanenko and many of Sasha’s former students.

Sasha Saari

Sasha’s remarkable life of service began in the United States Peace Corps in Kenya in 1966 and culminated at Ferrum College, where she taught from 1978 until 2013.

During those years she instilled the love of Russian language and culture in legions of students and helped countless international students realize their dreams of a global education. Sasha’s spirit lives on in her family, her friends and colleagues, and the students whose lives were enriched by her wisdom, kindness, curiosity and joy. n

A scholarship fund in memory of Sasha Saari has been set up to honor her 35 years of contributions to Ferrum College. If you would like to contribute to this fund and assist the Ferrum International Studies program, please contact Kim Blair at 540-365-4210 or kblair@ferrum.edu.

You may also contribute online at www.ferrum.edu/give or mail your gift to Ferrum College, Institutional Advancement, P.O. Box 1000, Ferrum, VA 24088.

D

r. Yanfen Fang was in residence for a month at Ferrum College, visiting classes and making research presentations, one for the NSM Friday Seminar and the other at the Virginia Tech Center for Critical Technology and Applied Science.

Dr. David Johnson, professor of chemistry and environmental science and coordinator of the campus sustainability program, was largely responsible for the visit, having worked with Dr. Yanfen Fang for over 10 years and coauthored several papers with the Chinese professor. Fang’s paper on photocatalysis was chosen as the “Technical Paper of the Year” in 2010 by the prestigious American Chemical Society journal, Environmental Science and Technology.

Ferrum Partnership with Chinese University Benefits Faculty and Students

A student exchange program between Ferrum College and China Three Gorges University (CTGU) in Yichang was developed while Johnson was on sabbatical leave at CTGU in 2010. Johnson was first invited to visit China in 2004 and has returned every year since.

The first two Chinese exchange students were at Ferrum in residence during the spring semester of 2011. One or two CTGU students have enrolled at Ferrum each semester since that time. Five Ferrum College students have participated in the CTGU summer program, and one of those students, Rachel Taupier ’12, completed a research internship that resulted in two publications co-authored with her Chinese colleagues.

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ACADEMICS

A C E L E B R AT I O N O F S U R V I VA L :

A Holocaust Conference Extolling the Triumph of the Human Spirit SATURDAY, MAY 23, to SUNDAY, MAY 24, 2015 | 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Sponsored by Ferrum College E-Term Class, ENG 207 Representation of the Holocaust through Literature and Film.

C ON F E R E NC E E V E N T S : • Two days of informative, lecture-discussion and educational break-out sessions • Special sessions for teachers of the Holocaust • Jewish Children Victims: Resistance, Resilience, and Recovery— A special group discussion session for middle school and high school students The Conference is free and open to the public; however, seating is limited.

RSVP on or before March 30, 2015, by mail to Dr. Melvin L. Macklin, Room 113, Britt Hall, Ferrum College, P.O. Box 1000, Ferrum, VA 24088; by e-mail to mmacklin@ferrum.edu; or by calling (540) 365-4313, (540) 365-4321 or (540) 206-4249 after 4:00 pm.

K E Y N O T E S PE A K E R S : • Holocaust Survivors Halina and

Alan Zimm (May 24) • Holocaust scholar Nancy Beasley,

author of the best seller Izzy’s Fire

(May 23) • Dr. Charles Sydnor, author and

executive director of the Virginia

Holocaust Museum • Dr. Marcia Horn, researcher and

creator of the Holocaust program at

Ferrum College • Megan Ferenczy, director of

education, Virginia Holocaust

Museum, and professor of

Holocaust history

Macklin Attends Jack and Anita Hess Faculty Seminar at Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C.

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elvin Macklin, assistant professor of English at Ferrum College, attended the Jack and Anita Hess Faculty Seminar held Jan. 5–9, 2015, at the United States Holocaust Museum’s Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Center for Advanced Holocaust Studies in Washington, D.C. The 2015 Hess Faculty Seminar, Using Film and Media to Teach about the Holocaust, was led by Stuart Liebman, media studies professor emeritus, Queens College, City University of New York, and Steven Carr, associate professor of communication, Indiana University–Purdue University, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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The 2015 Seminar explored the use of film and media to teach about the Holocaust in the university classroom with programming designed for faculty of all academic disciplines. Through lectures, discussions and pedagogy sessions, participants studied the many different FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

Twenty-five Holocaust professors at the Jack and Anita Hess Holocaust Faculty Conference at the United States Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C.

types of Holocaust film and media, focusing on those that instructors can utilize most effectively in the classroom.

According to Macklin, the Hess Seminar was one of the most productive and informative seminars he has attended in many years. “The leaders were two scholars at the forefront of their field

who brought new pedagogy and practical methodology for teaching the Holocaust at the college level,” he said. “It was a week of in depth discussion, hands-on training, and learning and sharing that was of great benefit to all of the participants involved.

I truly gained new insights and a broader understanding of the role of the Holocaust professor.” n

tudents and faculty from the Universidad Nacional de Agricultura, Catacamas, Honduras, visited the campus in fall 2014. The Central American group visits selected agricultural programs abroad each year, and chose Ferrum College for the second time since 2012. Campus tours, bowling, pumpkin carving and time spent at the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival were among the activities enjoyed by the Hondurans during their visit.

ACADEMICS

Ferrum Hosts University Students from Abroad S

Honduran Students Enjoy Fall at Ferrum

All the Way from Japan

In August 2014, Ferrum College hosted students participating in a cultural exchange program between Ayoma Gaukin University in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, and Ferrum College.

The visitors engaged in many local and regional activities throughout their stay, including a tour of the EMT facility at Jefferson College of Health Sciences (shown at left). They closed their trip with a visit to Washington, D.C. Guided by English instructor Beth Dantonio, the students included Yuta Nishio, Yukie Mamiya, Masahiro Matsuzawa, Aya Komecani, Eisho Watanabe, Natsuki Niwa, Ryo Magaribuchi and Yuka Kitazawa.

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ACADEMICS

Students Hammock, Pannill and Shepley Awarded Future Farmers of America Degrees

The Highest Award Bestowed to an FFA Member

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errum College agriculture science students­—senior Mary Hammock, sophomore Virginia Pannill and junior Alex Shepley— were awarded Future Farmers of America (FFA) degrees during the National FFA Convention & Expo held Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, 2014, in Louisville, KY. The highest award earned by a member, the FFA degree is given to students based upon their development of practical knowledge and skills during supervised agriculture experience activities, as well as their demonstrated willingness to promote the agriculture industry in the future. Approximately 3,500 members are presented FFA degrees each year, representing less than half of one percent of all FFA members.

In addition to active participation in the National FFA Organization and the College’s agriculture programs, Hammock, Pannill and Shepley are involved in Collegiate Young Farmers activities through the Virginia (l to r): Virginia Pannill, Mary Hammock and Alex Shepley.

Farm Bureau. Hammock represents the Gretna FFA Chapter in Gretna, VA; Pannill represents the Eastern View FFA Chapter in Culpeper, VA; and Shepley represents the Millbrook FFA Chapter in Winchester, VA. The National FFA Organization was formed in 1928 to provide networking opportunities for young men interested in agriculture.

Today, the National FFA Organization is one of the largest youth organizations, with a membership of more than 610,000 young men and women. As FFA members, students have the opportunity to promote premier leadership, personal growth and career success.

Students can also earn numerous degrees based on their accomplishments and knowledge of the FFA over their years of membership.

Dairy Fitting Show Awards Semester of Work

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ast year’s annual Dairy Fitting & Showmanship Spring 2014 Show, held at the Titmus Agricultural Center, is the finale for the ASI 150 course, which offers students hands-on experience with livestock. Student learn practices associated with livestock fitting and showing, and the art of animal display.

The class of weaned heifers was provided by Burnt Chimney Dairy and had an average weight of 500 pounds. Ferrum College students worked hard over the semester to care for, train and groom their heifers for the show.

This year’s top three exhibitors were first place winner Emily Nelson of Ivor, VA, as well as Mary Hammock of Gretna, VA, and Billy Mac Halsey, of Independence, VA. Other exhibitors included Jessica Banton, Ian Gordon, Robert Iriby, Virginia Pannill and Evan Vaus. n

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Inquiring Minds

ACADEMICS

Each Wednesday afternoon, the campus community is invited to take a break from the routine—share refreshments and stimulating conversation! The new Inquiring Minds series, directed by Karen Duddy, offers lively, informal presentations and activities on a variety of interesting topics.

What Do Inquiring Minds Want to Know?

MARCH 11 German Women and the Long Shadow of National Socialism presenter : Ms. Chris Nugent, Library Director,

Warren Wilson College MARCH 18 What Is Happiness? The Fictions and the Facts presenter : Ms. Beth Dantonio MARCH 25 Game of Thrones: “Winter Is Coming” and So Is Season 5! presenter : Mr. Jake Smith APRIL 1 Jesus: A Messiah in Our Image? presenter : Dr. Eric Vanden Eykel APRIL 8 Stand and Deliver! Ferrum Students Perform Monologues and Scenes presenter : Mr. Giuseppe Ritorto

Ferrum College Students Present Research Results at Chicago Conference

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olitical science majors Carey Kimbrough and Jesse Shively received grants to attend the conference in April.

Two Ferrum College political science majors traveled with Ed Hally, associate professor of political science and public administration, to present their undergraduate research during the Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA) Conference held in April 2014 in Chicago. Senior Carey Kimbrough, of Mechanicsville, VA, and junior Jesse Shively, of Ferrum, VA, each received a FUSE grant from the College that covers travel, lodging, food and conference fees for students presenting research at professional conferences with a faculty member.

“My single biggest regret in graduate school was that I never had any serious research experience as an undergraduate,” Hally said. “The FUSE grant at Ferrum gives an opportunity to our students to work hand in hand with their professors on researching, writing and presenting professional research before embarking

into graduate school, law school or their chosen profession.”

Since hearing about the grant opportunity a few years ago, Hally

makes the MPSA Conference a regular event for the College’s most promising political science students. He collaborates with interested students on research ideas in the fall, typically submitting two or three proposals to the Conference by the October deadline. “We hear back about the acceptance of our proposals in December and at that point, we divvy up the research and writing load to begin over winter break and continue into the spring semester,” he explained.

Hally worked with Kimbrough to use a basic experimental design to see if classes that utilize student-designed games retain basic political science concepts better.

Hally’s project with Shively used a film analysis to interpret and make an argument about the relationship of the three Dark Knight movies to public opinion about terrorism. Both students helped conduct the research and then assisted with writing the papers that were presented at the conference. “This is an opportunity that I wished I had when I was in college, and I can think of no better preparation for people interested in graduate school," said Hally. n FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

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COL L EGE HOST S R EGIONA L A M E R ICA N CR IMI NA L J UST ICE A S SOCI AT ION CON F E R E NCE

Front row, L to R: Rachel Scott, Logan Hodges and Megan Getz; back row, L to R: Katie Delph, Taylor Noblett, Brandon Noonkester, Kaye Woods and Gretchen Whitlock.

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he Ferrum College Criminal Justice Department hosted the Region 4 Conference Oct. 16–18, 2014. More than 70 participants from nine schools took part in the event, which was themed “21st Century Change in the Moral Order of Policing” and included competitions in knowledge testing, physical fitness agility, firearms and crime scene investigation.

“ Overall, I am proud of this group of students … when our students come together as they did and complete a challenge, it makes me proud to be the advisor of this club.”

– David Nicholson, club advisor and assistant professor of criminal justice

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Eight Ferrum College students and one faculty member competed during this year’s Conference, achieving high placements in numerous categories. Participants competed in lower and upper divisions based on the number of semester hours completed in school. Contestants who are compensated for their work in the criminal justice field competed in the professional division.

“Overall, I am proud of this group of students along with the others from the club on the work they put in to getting this conference set up and ready, as well as competing and placing in the competitions. When our students come together as they did and complete a challenge, it makes me proud to be the advisor of this club,” said David Nicholson, club advisor and assistant professor of criminal justice. Nicholson notes that several students will travel to Nashville, TN, in March to compete at the ACJA National Conference.

In addition to Ferrum College, the ACJA Region 4 Conference participants were: • University of New Haven (CT) • West Chester University (PA) • Delaware Technical College (DE) • Radford University (VA) • Longwood University (VA) • Danville Technical Community College (VA) • Marshall University (WV) • Walden University (MN) n

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ogan W. Hodges ’16, a criminal justice major from Carroll County, VA, won second place in the American Criminal Justice Association (ACJA) National Scholarship Competition last spring at the ACJA National Conference in Overland Park, Kansas.

A National Scholarship Committee representing all six ACJA regions presented first-, second- and thirdplace awards to students in three categories: Lower Division (freshmen and sophomores), Upper Division (juniors and seniors) and Graduate Students.

The Scholarship Committee selected scholarship recipients based upon the quality of their overall grade point average, their grade point average in criminal justice courses and the quality of an essay outlining each applicant’s career and educational goals. Hodges competed in the Lower Division.

Hodges is the president of Ferrum College’s Delta Xi Omega Chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association and a member of the Boone Honors Program. In addition, he served as president of the College’s Criminal Justice Club during both the 2013–14 and 2014–15 school years.

ACADEMICS

Logan Hodges Garners Second Place in National Scholarship Program

“Having Logan as both a student and club member makes it apparent that his dedication, hard work and willingness to step forward and take charge serve him well,” said Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice David Nicholson, who serves as Club advisor.

Hodges will use the ACJA scholarship to help finance the continuing cost of his education, primarily that of his textbooks.

He is the son of Ms. Susan Hodges and the grandson of Ms. Elaine Cox, each of Carroll County. n

CRIMINAL JUSTICE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Online Degree Completion Program

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he Ferrum College Criminal Justice Online Degree Completion Program is targeted toward two specific audiences: police officers and correctional officers who have an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science in Criminal Justice and who have not been able to complete a Bachelor’s Degree because of either work and/or life schedules. Our goal is to provide you with a quality online education that will enhance your ability to achieve your long term professional goals.

If you have an Associate’s in Applied Science in Criminal Justice from a regionally accredited community college, you are guaranteed admission provided you meet all other admissions criteria. If you do not have an Associate’s Degree you must have at least 60 semester hours from an accredited institution of higher education.

Need More Information?

Email wosborne@ferrum.edu or visit www.ferrum.edu/CJ_online.

Liberal Arts & Professional Degree Programs | WWW.FERRUM.EDU | FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

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ACADEMICS

ROOTS & ROUTES

Where Have We Been? Where Are We Going?

Both the “Roots” and “Routes” can refer to topics in several areas, such as math, botany, music, literature or international studies. This year’s Campus Theme allows Ferrum College students to explore their own roots, both in terms of family and geography and as a way of mapping out their own journeys. They are encouraged to find connections with many different kinds of people, and learn to value their stories and life journeys. Academically, they are ascertaining where human beings have come from and where we're going, biologically, materially, spiritually and culturally.

Dozens of theme-linked events are scheduled throughout the year.

The Roots & Routes Passport Contest promotes the collection of passport “stamps” for attending related events. At the end of each semester the student who has accumulated the most stamps will win a major prize. Theme events include guest speakers, performances, Executive in Residence keynote addresses, symposiums and fitness promotions, to name just a few. n

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errum College representatives visited a Floyd County Chamber of Commerce quarterly lunchtime meeting last fall to share information about student internship opportunities available for Floyd-area businesses and organizations. Members learned that internship programs offer a multitude of benefits, including increased productivity and access to new ideas and specialized skill sets. In turn, employers utilizing interns help the community by supporting students who gain valuable work experience, makes connections, learn new skills and strengthen their resumes.

Ferrum College Internship Opportunities Benefit Floyd Businesses and Organizations

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“Internships are becoming more and more critical for the students, but also offer much to the host organizations,” said the College’s Assistant Director of Career Services Leslie Holden. “Internships are a very affordable way to bring fresh perspectives into the workplace, allow an organization to complete short-term projects, help with special events and serve as try-outs for full-time positions.”

Holden explained that paid and unpaid internship opportunities can come from any of the Ferrum College academic departments, which include but are not limited to: accounting, agricultural sciences, art, biology, business, computer information systems, criminal justice, environmental science, health sciences, journalism, media and communication, political science, pre-professional science, psychology, recreation leadership, religion, social work, teacher education and theatre arts.

Some internships offer students college credits while others do not.

Chamber member Derek Wall has benefited through the use of college internships at Hotel Floyd and plans to utilize the opportunities offered by Ferrum College. “I have had great results with marketing- and operations-related internships, and they have been a win-win for both Hotel Floyd and the interns,” said Wall. Local nonprofit organizations such as The Jacksonville Center, Floyd County Historical Society and New River Community Action have also successfully utilized college internships. n

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t’s hard for me to believe that 2015 is well under way and it’s the spring semester already. It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming you to campus to celebrate the Centennial—but that was almost a year and half ago!

Now that we are “100 Years and Counting,” I hope you enjoy this issue’s articles focusing on success as well as the inspiring student, faculty, alumni and donor profiles. We share these with you in the hope that, as part of the Ferrum Family, you will continue to be proud of the College, stay connected and support the exciting forward momentum.

PHILANTHROPY

Greetings from the Ferrum College Campus!

People often look puzzled when we try to explain what we do in Institutional Advancement or our work in development, alumni relations, fundraising and marketing. Our entire team is dedicated to advancing Ferrum College education because we believe that we are making positive contributions not only to individual students but also to our community.

I was struck by an article by John Lippincott, president of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) in the May/June 2014 Currents magazine. He wrote:

Message from the Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Ours is a noble profession—and a mystery to those outside advancement … We turn possibilities into realities at schools, colleges, and universities. And we do that by forging connections between the visions of our institutions and the passions of our donors, the dedication of alumni, the aspirations of students, and the ambitions of our communities.

We are ambassadors, matchmakers, bridge builders, and translators. We bring the wider world into our institutions, and we bring our institutions out into the wider world. In so doing, we not only engender much-needed external support—moral, political, and financial—we also guide internal developments that are socially responsive and responsible.

Our work is happily all about building relationships, or, as Lippincott says, “forging connections.”

We are Ferrum Proud and privileged to have the opportunity to promote and maintain the mission that is as relevant today as it was 100 years ago.

It is our joy to update you on the progress of this great institution and to thank you for being an active member of the Ferrum Family. Please know that through your participation and contributions, you truly do keep this momentum going.

If you have questions or concerns or just want to visit, please call on us. We are just a phone call or an email away!

Kimberly P. Blair

PHILANTHROPY p. 40

p. 45

p. 42

p. 45

p. 46

p. 48

Centennial Campaign Report............................................................... 40 Jones Family Legacy Runs Deep........................................................... 42 The Beatty Building Dedication........................................................... 44 Arthur Society – A Society of Visionary Leaders.................................. 44 Ferrum College Presents R. Rex Stephenson

Archive to Franklin County Public Library.................................... 45 Ferrum Represented at NAICU Annual Meeting

and Advocacy Day....................................................................... 45 Ferrum College’s Local Foods Initiatives Receive a Boost.................... 46 Mary Morton Parsons and B. Carter Foundations Underwrite............ 46

ADA Compliance Steps for Swartz Gymnasium Pool Ferrum College Awarded $21,872 Jessie Ball duPont Fund Grant........47 Blue Ridge Institute Meets Challenge from Titmus Foundation...........47 Ross Family Benches Beautify Campus................................................ 48 Making a Gift to Ferrum College Has Never Been Easier..................... 48 FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

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PHILANTHROPY

MESSAGE FROM THE CENTENNIAL CAMPAIGN CHAIR

Commemorating Our Past, Creating Our Future The end is truly a beginning…

The Centennial Campaign Steering Committee Mr. Robert W. Todd ’67 Mrs. Barbara H. Todd Chairs of the Centennial Campaign Williamsburg, VA Mrs. Kimberly P. Blair Vice President IA, Ferrum College Ferrum, VA Dr. Jennifer L. Braaten President, Ferrum College Ferrum, VA Professor R. Anthony Giesen Faculty Representative, Ferrum College Ferrum, VA

As we recognize and celebrate the Ferrum College Class of 2015, who will conclude their time on campus in May, we also celebrate another conclusion. In March 2013, we kicked off the Ferrum College Centennial Campaign.

And now we end this challenging—and successful— journey begun over two years ago. This spring, we bring to a close the formal celebration of our first 100 years as well as the Campaign to mark this centennial.

In acknowledging the efforts and contributions of so many of you who made the Centennial Campaign such an achievement, I reflect on this time just as I view the graduation of the Class of 2015—as a commencement.

The end of our Campaign is truly a beginning for our College. With the momentum this Campaign has generated, we are so much better prepared to embark on the journey into the next century as a strong and viable institution. I believe that our graduates leave Ferrum in much the same way—stronger and better prepared for the next phase of their lives.

Mr. Samuel L. Lionberger, Jr. Mrs. Lorinda G. Lionberger Penhook, VA

All fund-raising campaigns are challenging, and I realize that the College’s needs compete with so many other demands on your resources. However, I do not believe it an understatement to say that through your support, we are stronger than at any other time in our history and are poised to grow even stronger.

Dr. Joseph D. Stogner Mrs. Jane D. Stogner Faculty Emeriti Representatives Callaway, VA

Thank you for supporting Ferrum College at this beginning of a new century for our College—100 Years and Counting!

Ms. Joan “Evelyn” Tyree Staff Representative, Ferrum College Ferrum, VA

Robert W. “Bob” Todd ’67, Ferrum College Trustee Chair of the Centennial Campaign

Centennial Campaign Surpasses $25 Million Goal!

We are happy to announce that you have helped to raise $28,127,256* in support of academic programs, student scholarships, capital improvements and building endowment for the future. We are all grateful for your participation!

Your investment in Ferrum College students will secure the future for many men and women as they become professionally capable, concerned citizens of their communities, the nation and the world.

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*Final figure available June 30, 2015.

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n n n n n n

Academic Programs Scholarships Academic Capital Projects Faculty Support General Endowment Ferrum Fund

$507,137

$1,460,372

$3,571,377

$5,319,409 $16,507,578

$761,383

PHILANTHROPY lease accept the sincere gratitude of Ferrum students, faculty, and staff— “ Thank you for Ppresent and future—for supporting the Centennial Campaign, the most successful supporting Ferrum fund-raising effort in the College’s history. At the time the Campaign closed on 28, 2015, we tallied thousands of gifts from alumni, parents, friends, and College at this February members of the Ferrum College family. Our combined efforts will continue the century-old mission of education and excellence, forging a strong foundation for the beginning of a new century for our next 100 years! have already helped to add millions of dollars of financial aid for College—100 Years Contributions worthy students, make many state-of-the-art renovations and additions to classrooms, support a qualified and inspiring faculty, establish an endowed Chaplaincy, build the and Counting!”

Norton-Tolley press box at the W.B. Adams stadium and much, much more!

– Robert W. “Bob” Todd ’67

THE COMPLETE

Centennial Campaign HONOR ROLL OF DONORS CAN BE VIEWED AT

ferrumcentennial.com 41 FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

PHILANTHROPY

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lthough he may not be a graduate of Ferrum College, C. Henry Jones is a prominent and valuable part of the Ferrum family. Jones first became associated with Ferrum through a fellow Virginia Methodist Home Board of Directors member, who suggested that his business experience could be of great service to Ferrum. She went so far as to talk to Dr. Joseph Hart, then president of Ferrum, on his behalf. Jones grew up in Norfolk, had several friends and acquaintances who attended Ferrum College and was aware of the College through his work with the Methodist Church. Appointed by the Board of Global Ministries, Jones began the first of many terms on the Ferrum College Board of Trustees in 1979. When his daughter, Susan Jones Childers ’81, began her freshman year at Ferrum, Jones and his wife, Ruby, were asked to be a part of the Parents’ Council, later serving as chairs. From 1979 to 1987, he served two consecutive terms as the Chair of the Business Affairs Committee.

Following a short absence, Jones returned to serve another four-year term from 1990 to 1994; he was named trustee emeritus in 1999, in recognition of his years of service and dedication to the College.

C. Henry Jones with his daughter, Susan Jones Childers ’81 at Ferrum College graduation in 1981 (left), and now (right).

Jones Family Legacy Runs Deep What the timeline of Jones’ service to Ferrum doesn’t tell, though, is the depth of the fondness he has for Ferrum College.

Upon the passing of Jones’ wife in 1983, a friend on the Ferrum Board of Trustees discussed with him a gift in memory of his wife. Jones decided to fund and name a scholarship in her honor: The Ruby Lawson Jones Memorial Scholarship.

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“I’m so proud of my daughter and grandson as Ferrum scholars and the relationship we have with Ferrum,” says Jones. This statement is echoed in his continued support of Ferrum College projects over the years, including campus improvements, the library and faculty support.

Susan Jones Childers ’81, her husband, Clark Childers ’80, and their son Josh ’09.

“Ferrum is just where I wanted to be,” says Childers. The fact that her professors knew students by their names and were genuinely interested in students’ wellbeing, Childers believes, is a defining quality of Ferrum College. Her father’s continued involvement and the quality education she received have kept Childers

involved in Ferrum as well. But her connections run deeper than even this— she met her husband, Clark Childers ’80, while at Ferrum; they were introduced by mutual friends. He had come to Ferrum to play tennis for Coach Bud Skeens.

Following in the family footsteps, their son, Josh Childers ’09, also attended

FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

Ferrum. His path was slightly different, however, as he tried a larger university setting before realizing a smaller, more intimate setting was what he needed.

While at Ferrum, Josh met his wife, Amanda Hardnack Childers ’09, and the Ferrum family connections multiplied.

PHILANTHROPY Josh ’09 and Amanda Hardnack Childers ’09.

Currently, Childers and her husband reside in Georgia, where she is putting her degree in social work to good use as a social worker in a skilled nursing facility.

Her husband earned a degree in recreation and leisure and is a senior buyer for Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company.

Their son, Josh, earned a history degree and is currently an assistant director at non-profit shelter in Gettysburg, PA. “What a coincidence it was to realize that one of my son’s professors was Dr. Richard Smith, who was also one of my professors when I was at Ferrum!” says Childers. Amanda Childers, Josh’s wife, is employed as a phlebotomist in Hanover, PA. “No matter whether you are working in your college field of study or not, it is so important to achieve the goal of attaining a college education,” notes Childers.

Childers remains close with her college roommate, Mary Lynn Yengst ’81; the two worked as aides to Ferrum College President Joseph Hart while they were students. Childers fondly remembers her days as an aide; in one particular instance, the aides had a surprise 50th birthday party for Dr. Hart. Another aide at the time, Sam Oakey ’82, presented Dr. Hart with gifts of Geritol and dentures.

“What a fun group we had!” she says.

Recently, Childers had the opportunity to talk with Dr. Hart at the Beckham Society Luncheon. “He hasn’t changed a bit!” she notes. She hopes the same is true of Ferrum’s basic principles in the future. “I hope Ferrum continues to grow, but keeps its sense of purpose, offering quality education to students who choose to pursue a degree at Ferrum,” she says.

The bond between the Childers family and Ferrum College is strong, rooted in what she believes Ferrum has done for her family and its role in their lives today.

“None of this would have been possible without my father,” she stresses. She proudly states that she feels he is the true example of the Ferrum motto, “Not Self,

C. Henry Jones, his grandson, Josh Childers ’09, and President Jennifer Braaten.

“ I’m so proud of my daughter and grandson as Ferrum scholars and the relationship we have with Ferrum.” – C. Henry Jones But Others.” She recalls his service to his church, where he was at one time the longest active member, and to numerous organization boards, many of which were part of the Methodist church. “He has been such a wonderful role model, teaching me so much about life and

providing for me a quality education so that I could be successful in my life.”

Childers believes in Ferrum College and sees a lasting relationship in the future: “My family will continue the legacy my father began in honor of my mother.” n 43 FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

PHILANTHROPY

T H E BE AT T Y BU I L DI NG DE DICAT ION

L to R: Ribbon cutting with Alise Culbertson, former executive director, Free Clinic of Franklin County, Bernard Healthcare Center, Suzi Beatty, Jennifer L. Braaten, president, Ferrum College, Tressie Mitchell, clinic patient, Betty Beatty, Jeanne Bernard, Gail Abbot, Jeff Powell, Tina Rush, Steve Angle, mayor, Town of Rocky Mount, Bill Jacobsen, CEO/president, Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital, and Pat Cundiff.

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ast summer’s ribbon cutting ceremony was hosted by Ferrum College President Jennifer Braaten, the Board of Directors of the Free Clinic of Franklin County, Inc., and the Bernard Healthcare Center staff. The Center’s new home is named in honor of the late philanthropist Guy Beatty and his wife, Betty, of Northern Virginia, who have built clinics around the world in order to provide access to quality health care for rural residents. Mr. Beatty’s interest in Franklin County stemmed from his family ties to this area, dating back to the Continental Congress, and his longtime friendship with President Braaten.

Betty and Suzi Beatty.

The clinic is located at the Schewel’s Plaza in Rocky Mount and was made possible by a $1 million gift from the Beattys and the donation of the clinic site by Marc Schewel of Schewels Furniture in Lynchburg, VA. The Free Clinic receives no federal funds. Through partnerships with the Virginia Association of Free & Charitable Clinics, Rx Partnership Foundation, Virginia Health Care Foundation, United Way and Carilion, as well as the generosity of private donors, the Free Clinic is able to offer quality health care at a sharply reduced cost. n

The Beatty Building of the Bernard Healthcare Center.

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amed after the Reverend Dr. C. Ralph Arthur, Ferrum College’s seventh president, for his legacy of fundraising, the Arthur Society honors alumni and friends who give at least $1,000 annually to the Ferrum Fund, academic programs and capital projects. This funding provides financial resources necessary to respond to the immediate challenges of the College along with Board-endorsed priorities. Areas impacted by these gifts include financial aid for students, resource materials for Stanley Library, renovation, preservation and maintenance of our buildings and grounds, funding of student research projects, and retention and attraction of exceptional faculty.

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A SOCIETY O F V I S I O N A RY L E A DE R S

We are grateful to the benefactors who have demonstrated their commitment to the Ferrum College mission through their generosity. To view the complete list, please visit www.ferrum.edu/giving_to_ferrum/giving_societies/arthur_society.html.

If you would like to join the Society or renew your membership for fiscal year 2014–2015, please make your gift before June 30, 2015. You may do so online at www.ferrum.edu/give or by calling the Institutional Advancement office at 540-365-4210.

FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

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ast fall Ferrum College presented the Franklin County Main Library with copies of the R. Rex Stephenson Archive, a collection of 35 Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre productions in DVD format, during an event held October 15 at the library in Rocky Mount. To celebrate the collection, Stephenson, Ferrum College professor emeritus, engaged the audience with help from ghosts in the forest, a haunted house, farm animals, and the ever-inventive “Jack” as he recounted a selection of Halloween stories based on the ever-popular Jack Tales, with assistance from Kristina Stump and Jody D. Brown, Ferrum College professor emerita.

Ferrum College President Jennifer Braaten praised Stephenson and his contributions to higher education and theatre. “Ferrum College students were fortunate for decades to have an individual of Rex’s national renown as their professor and mentor, and loyal audiences have long been entertained by this gifted actor, storyteller and playwright. The College is proud to make available to the public this remarkable collection of his original plays and adaptations of classic works,” she said.

TA PE ST RY GIF T

The Stephenson Archive features a variety of historical productions, including Too Free for Me, Charity for All, Roar of the Silence and A Movement to Lead; adaptations of major

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PHILANTHROPY

Ferrum College Presents R. Rex Stephenson Archive to Franklin County Public Library

Kristina Stump, Jody Brown, professor emerita, Rex Stephenson, professor emeritus, and President Jennifer Braaten.

literary works such as Alice in Wonderland: The Musical, Kipling’s Just So Stories, Little Women, A Musical and Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper; and biblical stories like And the Rains Came and Cam and The Littlest Shepherd, along with numerous others. In addition to the copies housed at the Franklin County main library, the Stephenson Archive is also available at the College’s Stanley Library on campus. Patrons of either library may use these productions for their personal enjoyment or to support educational efforts. n

Ferrum Represented at NAICU Annual Meeting and Advocacy Day

Tomac’s artwork now hangs in Stratton House, the Ferrum College president’s residence.

he crewel work pictured above was made by Eleanor Barbara Tomac (right) in 1943 and gifted to Ferrum College last year by Anita Bailey. Mrs. Tomac was a lifelong and talented devotee of needlework and rug hooking. She ordered the kit, entitled Romance, from Ladies’ Home Journal and framed it immediately upon completion. Before finding its way to Ferrum College it hung in her homes in Connecticut and later in Martinsville.

Presidents and senior staff representing the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) member institutions recently met in Washington, D.C., for a series of discussions regarding challenges and opportunities facing today’s educators. With the new Congress in session and reauthorization of the Higher Education Act pending, it is critically important for members to learn and share crucial information that will affect higher education administration.

The Virginia delegation from private colleges and universities at the NAICU Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill are L to R: Doug Clark, Ferrum College vice president for Enrollment Services, N. L. Bishop, president of Jefferson College of Health Sciences, Kim Blair, Ferrum College vice president for Institutional Advancement, Senator Tim Kaine, Tracy Fitzsimmons, president of Shenandoah College, Senator Mark Warner, Ken Garren, president of Lynchburg College, Robert Lindgren, president of Randolph-Macon College, Pamela Fox, president of Mary Baldwin College, Sheila Garren, first lady of Lynchburg College, and William Franz, Provost of Randolph-Macon College.

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PHILANTHROPY

Ferrum College’s Local Foods Initiatives Receive a Boost

About the photo: The flash freezer and storage freezer, made possible in part by both the recently awarded AFID and TIC grants, will be housed in the new Ferrum Mercantile, a college-owned business across from the campus on Route 40.

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planning grant recently awarded to Franklin County will help the College double its purchase of local foods.

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe awarded a $15,000 Agriculture & Forestry Industries Development (AFID) planning grant to Franklin County, which will be used to help Ferrum College implement a shared plan to make locally produced food part of the County’s economic development strategy.

Included in the project is the operation of a flash freezer and storage freezer that will allow the College to double its purchases of local foods, increasing local sourcing for campus food from an already impressive 30 percent to 60 percent from Virginia producers. The roughly $100,000

project is also benefiting from $49,402 in Tobacco Commission funds. The College is also working with Franklin County Public Schools on a pilot basis to provide fresh, local food to them as well.

“Supporting Virginia’s diverse agricultural and forestry sectors is a great way to expand and diversify our economy,” said Governor McAuliffe.

“Assisting localities in identifying potential new projects and implementing programs that strengthen agriculture and forestry in their communities will contribute to building a 21st century Virginia economy.”

The AFID planning grant program encourages local governments to work with the agricultural community to identify projects and opportunities that can bring important benefits to local producers and the community as a whole. The planning grants are part of the governor’s larger AFID program, an economic development tool specifically for agriculture and forestry value-added or processing projects.

“Partnering with local governments to leverage their resources and innovative ideas on growing and supporting Virginia’s agriculture and forestry industries, like we do with our AFID program, is good policy,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd P. Haymore. n

MARY MORTON PARSONS AND B. CARTER FOUNDATIONS

Underwrite ADA Compliance Steps for Swartz Gymnasium Pool

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ith the assistance of the Virginia College Fund and generous gifts from the Mary Morton Parsons and B. Carter Foundation, the College was able to purchase removable stairs for the Swartz Gymnasium pool, which are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Not only does this give the swim team regulated use of the pool, it also allows the pool to be accessible to others during open swim hours. The pool is available at designated times for Ferrum College students, faculty and staff as well as community YMCA members. n

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PHILANTHROPY

“ We are extremely grateful to the Jessie Ball duPont Fund for once again placing its trust in Ferrum’s proven ability to make a difference and create opportunities for the betterment of our region.”

– Jennifer Braaten Ferrum College President

Ferrum College Awarded $21,872 Jessie Ball duPont Fund Grant

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errum College received a $21, 872 grant from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, which will be used in conjunction with LeadershipPLENTY®, a Virginia-based leadership development program, to identify and train leaders from Franklin County and three surrounding counties with close ties to Ferrum—Floyd County, Patrick County and Henry County.

Using the LeadershipPLENTY training model, Ferrum College convened 30 individuals from the region to receive leadership training this semester. Building from modules that teach civic skills, LeadershipPLENTY is a powerful tool designed to help diverse groups in both large and small communities work together to solve problems and assess the results. There is additional potential for College faculty, staff and students, as well as other students from the multicounty area, to become involved with this program.

LeadershipPLENTY, created by the Pew Partnership for Civic Change and now overseen by Civic Change, Inc., provides a course on civic engagement that has been proven effective in communities across the country. According to the Civic Change website, “the theory behind LeadershipPLENTY is simple—broadbased community leadership is critical for long-term, positive community change.

LeadershipPLENTY is an experiential and practical tool for training emerging leaders that builds on individual experience and adult education principles.

The goal is to make civic leadership training available to those who may not consider themselves leaders but have much to offer their communities and to strengthen the skills of those who hold leadership positions.” n

Blue Ridge Institute Meets Challenge from Titmus Foundation

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n the fall of 2014 the Titmus Foundation issued a one-to-one challenge grant to raise $47,000 to build an authentic 1800s-era smokehouse to complement the interactive homestead at the Blue Ridge Farm Museum. Used for curing and storing meat and root crops, the log smokehouse will expand the museum’s interpretation of regional foodways in the 19th century.

Thanks to the generosity of the Titmus Foundation, several donors, and Rindy and Sam Lionberger, chair of the Ferrum College Board of Trustees, construction will begin on the Lionberger Smokehouse project in spring 2015. n 47 FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

PHILANTHROPY

ROSS FAMILY BENCHES

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ogether the Ross family has donated four benches to honor various members of the family and their connection to Ferrum College. The benches are located on Wiley Drive in a peaceful area overlooking Adams Lake.

Dr. Rebecca Ross remembers that her parents, P.J. and Eva, were always interested in Ferrum College and its success, mostly because of their mutual connection to the Methodist Church. Her father was a friend of Dr. Benjamin Beckham, Ferrum’s founder and first president, and attended Ferrum in 1915 and 1916 before he served in the First World War. Ross’s mother, along with her fellow church members, was involved with the annual Blue Ridge Folklife Festival for many years.

Both of Ross’s brothers attended Ferrum Junior College—Bill prior to finishing his education at William and Mary College, and David, who went on to Virginia Tech. Bill Ross also became a member of the College’s Board of Trustees during Dr. Joseph T. Hart’s tenure as president. The family legacy with Ferrum also includes two cousins, Jean Ross Draper ’51 and Ruth Ross Dandridge ’52, who graduated from the College, as well as Dr. Ross’s sister-in-law, Joyce T. Ross.

Dr. Rebecca E. Ross

Dr. Ross did not go to school at Ferrum, but after receiving her master’s degree from the University of Virginia, she came to campus to teach and still serves as an adjunct instructor of natural science.

Dr. Ross’s sister-in-law Suzanne Davis Ross is a pleinairist (an artist who executes her work out of doors to take advantage of natural light and a “live” scene) and one of the Women of Distinction artists whose works are displayed in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room in Franklin Hall. While her husband, Bill, served as a member of the Board of Trustees, she became good friends with former president Hart and his wife, Carolyn, also an artist.

Ross sums up the family’s choice to provide the benches: “We’ve had a long relationship with Ferrum College and many happy memories associated with the campus. It seems a natural, beautiful, relaxing place for my family to have a special site to reflect on our lives, the impact of a good education, nature, the beauty of the lake and whatever the future might bring.” n

Suzanne Davis Ross

MAKING A GIFT TO FERRUM COLLEGE HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER! Giving online is a fast, easy and secure way to support Ferrum College. Visit the College website anytime to get the latest Ferrum news and show your support at the same time.

And while you’re there, check out the online HONOR ROLL OF DONORS for fiscal year 2013–2014 at www.ferrum.edu/honorroll.

To make sure your name is included in this fiscal year’s Honor Roll, please make your annual gift before June 30, 2015!

Watch for information on the next Ferrum College Giving Day— 48

TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2015!

FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

Save time and money by making a gift online now at

www.ferrum.edu

ON CAMPUS

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98th Annual Commencement.......................................................50 Ferrum Holds Ribbon Cutting for New Ferrum Mercantile...........52 FloydFest 2014..............................................................................53 Blue Ridge Institute and Museum Exhibits................................................................................ 54

First McBroom Student Assistantship...................................56 Workshops............................................................................56

41st Annual Folklife Festival..................................................57 Sprucing Up on Campus...............................................................58 Stop Hunger Now New Student Orientation Event.......................61 Maeang Selected for myActions™ Intern Position.......................61 Student Life...................................................................................62 Empty Bowls.................................................................................65 Gill: Artist, Teacher & Instrument of Change............................... 66 Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day........................................ 66 FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

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Ferrum College Celebrates

98th Annual Commencement

A

fter a brief sprinkle of rain, the forecasted storms held off and 217 graduates received their diplomas during the 98th annual Commencement ceremony in Hart International Plaza. Included were the presentation of student, faculty and alumni awards and a keynote address by Burdett K. “Burt” Thompson ’82 U.S. Army brigadier general and current U.S.A. deputy director for strategic planning and policy, U.S. Pacific Command. The senior class speaker was Anthoney D. Hill ’14.

“Celebrating the accomplishments of these wonderful young men and women is a wonderful way to mark our Centennial year,” said President Jennifer Braaten. “I am incredibly proud of our graduates, as well as our faculty and staff who taught, nurtured, mentored and supported them throughout their undergraduate years.”

50

In an address during which he discussed the qualities that make a good leader, such as moral courage and self-reflection, General Thompson told the students, “It has been said, ‘Talent is a gift, but character is a choice.’ We have no control over a lot of things in life. We don’t select the location or circumstances of our birth and upbringing. We don’t get to pick our talents or IQ. But we do choose our character every time we make choices.

Men and women of character are trusted.

And without trust you cannot lead. The FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

bedrock of leadership is character on which the whole edifice of leadership rests.”

General Thompson, a 2009 Ferrum College Distinguished Alumnus Award recipient, also taught the graduates, friends, family, faculty and other onlookers how to cheer “Hooah,” an all-purpose exclamation used by soldiers.

“The word is an expression of high morale, great strength and absolute confidence. When powered by an overwhelming proud and a usually loud tone of voice, HOOAH seems to stomp out any possibility of being bound by the written word,” he explained.

“You entered Ferrum to learn, to grow as individuals, to expand your horizons. But as you depart this place later today, know that your college, your community, our nation—in fact the world—needs you to make a difference, we need you to lead,”

Brigadier General Burdett K. “Burt” Thompson ’82

Senior class speaker Anthoney D. Hill ’14

T H E BE C K H A M SOCIET Y LU NC H E ON

Among the day’s award recipients was Ed George ’68, who received the Ferrum College Beckham Medallion. Named for the College's first president, Dr. Benjamin M. Beckham, the Beckham Medallion is the highest honor bestowed upon an alumnus. George’s passion for and commitment to his alma mater began during his first days on campus as a football player, and remain strong more than 40 years later. “Ed lives by the College’s motto, ‘Not Self, But Others,’ and is a model of selfless service to family, community and alma mater,” said S. Kelly Herrick ’84, the immediate past chair of the College’s Board of Trustees during his introduction of George.

The graduation ceremony was followed by a picnic lunch on the lawn for graduates and their guests.

The weekend celebration also included a traditional Baccalaureate service on Friday evening in Vaughn Chapel, followed by a candlelight ceremony at Hart International Plaza to symbolize the light of knowledge that the new graduates will carry forth into the world. n

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said Thompson before he led the crowd in a rousing “Hooah” in honor of the Class of 2014.

The College held a luncheon in honor of Beckham Society members. L to R: Jud Mason '67, chair of the Beckham Society, Hank Norton, Ed George '68, Beckham Medallion recipient, President Jennifer Braaten, George Seals, director of planned & principal gifts, Betty Forbes, trustee, Bob Todd '67, trustee and chair of the Centennial Campaign, Georgia Mosier and Gene Mosier.

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eld on the afternoon prior to the 2014 Baccalaureate and Candlelighting services, the Beckham Society Luncheon brought members together with trustees, faculty, staff, student leaders and fellow major donors to the College. Chair of the Society Judson P. (Jud) Mason, Jr. ’67 welcomed guests and introduced guest speakers, including President Jennifer Braaten, Trustee Betty Forbes, SGA President Melanie Rooks ’15, and graduating senior Paige Redifer ’14. The students expressed their and their classmates’ gratitude to Beckham Society members for supporting scholarships and financial aid for those working to earn a degree from Ferrum College.

The Beckham Society recognizes alumni and friends who have made Ferrum College a beneficiary of a deferred gift through their wills, trusts, life insurance policies, gift annuities or other deferred gift arrangements.

The Beckham Society is named in memory of Ferrum’s first president, Dr. Benjamin Beckham. n

Ed George '68, the 2014 Beckham Medallion recipient.

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FERRUM COLLEGE HOLDS RIBBON CUTTING FOR

New Ferrum Mercantile

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ibbon-cutting festivities for the new Ferrum Mercantile brought local dignitaries, faculty, staff and special guests to the College-owned business across from the campus on Route 40. Guests were treated to live music, a presentation by Blue Ridge Institute & Museum Director Roddy Moore, a sale of plants from the College’s Titmus Agricultural Center, and a wood turning demonstration by Ferrum faculty emeritus Joe Stogner.

Since being acquired by the College in summer 2013, the former Happy Pappy’s (and Fud’s before that), has undergone extensive renovations. The Mountain Creek Café, with comfortable seating both inside and out, features Metro Deli and Papa John’s Pizza franchises and Homestead Creamery ice cream. The Mercantile’s retail area offers morning coffee and doughnuts , Homestead Creamery dairy products and Blue Ridge–style gifts, local artwork and crafts.

“In the spirit of the first businesses established in Ferrum in the late 1880s, when Ferrum’s proximity to the railroad enabled it to become a commercial hub in western Franklin County for decades, we are proud to bring more opportunity and community development to the Village of Ferrum,” said Ferrum College President Jennifer Braaten.

“The Ferrum Mercantile complements local businesses, while generating added revenue for the College. Visitors along the Crooked Road Music Trail will be more encouraged to stop and spend time in Ferrum, which will help promote the College’s visibility and viability as the major economic driver at this end of the

county,” continued Braaten. “The benefits to the College include student internships and employment opportunities. Simply having an attractive and welcoming amenity such as the Mercantile at the College’s front door will aid in recruitment and retention.” n

Guatemalan Artist Promotes Peace through Shared Culture

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ené Dionisio is an indigenous visual and hip-hop artist who works to promote his native culture and bring peace to his country of Guatemala.

During his week on the Ferrum campus, he spent time visiting with students and faculty, and working with them on a mural project.

As part of the Ferrum College “Roots & Routes” Campus Theme, Dionisio, also known as Tz'utu B'aktun Kan, performed in his native language of Tz’utujil and shared a Mayan ceremony on the patio outside of Franklin Hall. n

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René Dionisio with Ferrum students on the Hart Plaza.

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FloydFest2014

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Blue Ridge Institute & Museum Peeling Tomatoes at R. L. Howard & Sons Cannery, Elliston, VA (Montgomery County), 1954.

The BRI&M’s Latest Exhibition: Virginia’s Forgotten Canneries Below: Label for Pippin Terrace white cherries from the Pippin Terrace Orchards Cannery, Dillons Mill, VA (Franklin County), 1910.

Ferrum College— Virginia Canneries Connection TRIVIA QUESTIONS botanical fruit was Q: What grown for a local cannery

on the land where Ferrum College was built?

A: Tomato.

(Yes, even though the United

States Supreme Court ruled tomatoes are vegetables in Nix v. Hedden, every botanist knows the tomato is a fruit.)

current Ferrum Q: Which College vice president

has an uncle who came to Ferrum with money he earned working for a cannery?

President for Institutional A: Vice Advancement Kim Blair. Ms.

Blair’s uncle, Edgar DeHart ’64, enrolled at Ferrum with money he earned hauling locally canned produce for the R. L. Howard & Sons Cannery in Elliston, VA.

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hough little evidence can be seen driving rural roads today, hundreds of small canneries once dotted the Virginia countryside. This was especially true in central Virginia. Botetourt County alone had 193 commercial canneries in 1915; by 1950 nearly all of them had closed. The Blue Ridge Institute & Museum explores this agricultural legacy in its new gallery exhibition Virginia’s Forgotten Canneries: A History in Labels.

For more than half a century local canneries connected Virginia’s farmers to the rapid industrialization of America. The canneries supplied vegetables, fruit and meat to the growing number of people living and working in cities. At the same time they offered rural residents an opportunity to earn cash wages and enabled farmers to grow crops that, unless canned, would bruise and spoil on the way to market. Indeed, if a farmer could grow it, it could be canned—even cantaloupe and chicken gizzards. Through the canneries, Virginia foods sold across the nation.

Goode Canning Company, Goode, VA (Henry County), c. 1900–1925.

ON CAMPUS The completed exhibit in History Museum of Western Virginia.

Label for Davis Mill tomatoes from the Dinwiddie Canning Company, Moneta, VA (Bedford County), 1925.

Commercial art is the visual driver in Virginia’s Forgotten Canneries. The exhibition features several hundred vintage Virginia canning labels along with historic photographs and canning equipment. The exhibition draws from two remarkable collections: the Charlie Woods Collections and the Piedmont Label Company Collection. Mr. Woods has spent 35 years gathering Virginia labels. The Piedmont Label Company of Bedford, VA, formed in 1916 to serve the cannery market, and in 2014 the firm (now Smyth Companies) donated approximately 10,000 of its pre-1960 labels to the BRI&M. Research for Virginia’s Forgotten Canneries: A History in Labels has been funded by a grant from the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities. The exhibition runs through 2015 in the Jessie Ball DuPont Fund Gallery. n

Preparation for installing the Virginia Dulcimer Exhibit. L to R: Co-Directors of the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum Roddy Moore and Vaughan Webb during installation.

THE VIRGINIA DULCIMER: 200 YEARS OF BOWING, STRUMMING & PICKING

Dulcimer History on the Road One of the most popular BRI&M exhibits continues logging miles around the Commonwealth. Its most recent stop is the History Museum of Western Virginia in downtown Roanoke’s Center in the Square. Featuring over 40 dulcimers, the exhibition adds an important, little-known chapter to Mid-Atlantic musical history and highlights the role of Virginians in spreading and structurally changing the instrument. The Virginia Dulcimer exhibit is expected to finish its Roanoke run this summer. n 55 FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

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Blue Ridge Institute & Museum CHELSEA FURROW ’16 Receives BRI&M’s First McBroom Student Assistantship by the June M. McBroom Charitable Trust.

The McBroom Assistantship currently enables one student each year to work full-time at the Institute for 10 weeks.

The student gets frontline museum experience in living history interpretation, event planning, group programming, heirloom gardening and heritage livestock management.

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ant to know about Blue Ridge farm life in the opening years of the 19th century? Just ask junior Chelsea Furrow. And while you’re at it, you might also ask her about the care and feeding of hedgehogs. Ms. Furrow is well versed in both.

In 2014 Ferrum awarded Ms. Furrow its first McBroom Student Assistantship, a BRI&M summer staff position endowed

Majoring in biology and minoring in education, Chelsea plans to teach school for a few years and then move toward a career as a zoologist. Of course, Chelsea’s pet hedgehog, Penny, is along for the journey.

Ferrum seeks to grow the McBroom Student Assistantship endowment to give more students professional handson museum experience as part of their Ms. Furrow took to the living-history educations. For more information on the museum environment like some proverbial program, contact the Blue Ridge Institute indomitable mountain woman. Cook & Museum. n meals in costume over the open hearth?

No problem. Wrestle down a sheep and trim its hooves? No problem. Teach a 12-year-old to make a traditional broom?

No problem. Herd 30 high-stepping first graders through a field of ox manure and safely across Route 40? Done!

Ms. Furrow is the third generation in her family’s Ferrum legacy, and she grew up five minutes from the College. Her grandfather, Julius Jamison ’59, worked for Ferrum after graduation. Chelsea’s mother, Jannie Jamison Furrow ’85, is employed by the Franklin County public school system.

BRI&M WORKSHOPS

Jake & Jay-Jay Join the Blue Ridge Farm Museum Team

A Clatter of Looms?

Oxen Jake & Jay-Jay with Trainer Heather Howard and BRI Education Director Rebecca Austin

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The BRI&M had been on the lookout for a pair of young oxen since the passing of Nip in 2012. (Nip’s partner-in-yoke, Tuck, is currently enjoying retirement on the museum grounds.) In September, Pennsylvania ox trainer Heather Howard delivered the museum’s new team, Jake and Jay-Jay. Each of the 3½-year-old Milking Shorthorns weighs about 1,500 pounds, heading for a full adult weight of 2,500 pounds. Calm, slow and historically accurate, Jake and Jay-Jay look forward to the spring season of educating and entertaining visitors about 1800 Blue Ridge farm life.

FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

Sarah Saulson Teaching at the 2014 BRI Weaving Workshop

If there were a scientific name for a gathering of looms, it would probably be a “clatter.” The sound of 15 weavers from the Handweavers Guild of the New River Valley throwing shuttles and pulling beaters filled the BRI&M’s activity room in a September workshop. Sarah Saulson, weaving instructor at Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, led the training. The BRI&M and the HGNRV periodically partner to offer weaving workshops.

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Blue Ridge Folklife Festival 2014

41ST A N N UA L

Clear Skies 70˚ Temps The Best of Blue Ridge Heritage 12,000 People Be sure to mark your calendar for the 2015 Festival on October 24!

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Enrollment Services One-Stop Shop Ferrum’s new Enrollment Services Center is located in the lower level of John Wesley Hall and includes the offices of the registrar, financial aid and student accounts. Now that the services are located together, it’s much easier for staff members to work together to serve students’ needs in a welcoming and easily accessible environment.

on CAMPUS New Home for Ferrum Outdoors

Saari Faculty House Landscaping 58

The landscaping of the newly commissioned faculty retreat was designed by Horticulture graduate Jonathan Witt ’14 and implemented by current Ferrum College students.

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Ferrum Outdoors engages students in unique activities to enhance their college experience and to help develop personal and leadership skills. The programs take advantage of the abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the region surrounding campus.

Headquarters for Ferrum Outdoors recently moved to a renovated location near the Ferrum Mercantile at the entrance to the College on Route 40. From here, the campus’s outdoors connection will continue to offer guiding service, equipment rental and programs emphasizing safety, learning and fun.

ON CAMPUS Back to front: Senior Jamez Clements, senior Janna Hite, sophomore Deniz Isik and senior Mariam Bowman.

L to R: Senior Mariam Bowman, sophomore Deniz Isik and senior Janna Hite.

Britt Hall Mural Ferrum College students created this largescale painting using photographs from the College’s archives as part of the “Roots & Routes” academic theme for the 2014–15 school year. It is approximately 7'x14' acrylic on canvas, and was primarily painted during the fall 2014 semester by Senior Seminar students, including Mariam Bowman, Alex Cain, Jamez Clements, Angelique Delarosa, Elizabeth Dunn, Natasha Hilt, Janna Hite, Daniel Reynolds, Melanie Rooks and Jessica Warren. Sophomore Deniz Isik is working to complete the painting during the spring 2015 semester as part of a directed study. It will hang in Britt Hall when completed.

The project was overseen by Assistant Professor of Art Jacob Smith, with Assistant Professor of Recreation Leadership and Program Coordinator for Recreation Leadership Chris Mayer researching the photographs used in the painting as part of his role on the academic theme committee.

Adams Lake Riparian Buffer Zone Students in both the hydrology and landscape design classes worked on designing a demonstration riparian buffer zone for Adam’s Lake on the Ferrum College campus. These photos were taken

by Dr. Bob Pohlad during the early construction of the zone in fall 2014.

The zone is a planted strip near the water which helps shade and partially protect it from pollution, stabilizes the bank against erosion and makes a viable wildlife habitat corridor.

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New Student Orientation Event

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STOP HUNGER NOW

S

top Hunger Now 2014 brought together more than 600 Ferrum College freshmen along with other students and local church and community volunteers to package 53,000 nutritious meals for those in need. The annual event was part of the new student orientation program held last August and was preceded by a service in Vaughn Chapel designed to familiarize attendees with the College motto, “Not Self, But Others.”

This year’s efforts benefited the Mission of Hope, which serves meals to children in schools and orphanages throughout Haiti. n

Maeang Selected for myActions™ Sustainability Campus Intern Position

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errum College senior Megan Maeang was selected last fall to represent the College as a sustainability campus intern for the myActions Second Annual Campus Challenge “to engage students and deliver real world impact of green, caring, and healthy actions.” For her internship, Maeang works to encourage students to live an environmentally conscious lifestyle through the use of social media, interactive events and classroom education.

“I hope to make Ferrum College a greener, more sustainable campus. All of my progress is tracked on the myActions website, where students are encouraged to make a profile and share how they are making a difference. Collectively, we have the ability to create positive change,” said Maeang, an environmental science major from New Windsor, NY. Ferrum College’s Sustainability Coordinator Chekka Lash notes that Maeang has been an active contributor to the Office of Sustainability for the three years she has been studying at Ferrum. “Megan is a tremendous asset to our sustainability program on campus. I am proud that she was chosen for this internship through myActions. She embodies sustainability through her work and her choices and actions in her daily life,” said Lash. n As stated in its promotional materials, myActions on Campus™ is a national sustainability technology platform that supports student leaders with technology, tools and skills development to collaborate and empower initiatives and programs across campus, clubs and classes. Last year 75 universities participated in the myActions Campus Challenge, driving over 100,000 sustainable actions on campus and in local communities.

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N COLOR RU

Put Cuffs on Cancer “Chalk It Up” 5K run benefited the American Cancer Society, the YMCA and the Ferrum College Criminal Justice Club.

N F R E SHM A NCE CON FE R E

rnity: e t a r F w e N I DE LTA CH The men of Delta Chi represent the only national fraternity on the Ferrum College campus. Throughout the year, members participate in volunteer events, raising funds and goodwill for a wide variety of philanthropic ventures.

G M A RCHIN BA N D The former FC band circa 1986.

Yes! There Will be a Ferrum College Marching Band

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Due to the overwhelming positive response to our online survey, we are currently recruiting current (and future) Panthers to become the first members of the re-formed Ferrum College marching band. If you know anyone interested in participating in this exciting venture, please contact Assistant Director of Student Leadership & Engagement Justin Muse in the student affairs office at 540-365-4501 or jmuse@ferrum.edu. Help bring some real Panther spirit back to campus!

FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

N F R E SHM A NCE CON FE R E

Ferrum College freshmen gathered at the end of their first semester to share initial efforts on their projects of interest.

All work had to relate in some way to the 2014–15 Academic Theme, “Roots & Routes.” Freshmen worked in teams to research a topic and present conclusions through posters displayed in Franklin Hall.

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I ST S I ST E R S 4 S

ERS

Brother4Brother (B4B) and Sisters4Sisters (S4S)

B4B and S4S are two peer mentoring programs in which upper-class students provide personal, academic and social mentoring for freshman students at Ferrum College.

Students learn to conduct themselves in a mature manner, discover ways to engage themselves in the Ferrum community and beyond, and develop the skills and attitude required to be successful—both at Ferrum and in their chosen career.

Map Pinning

Last fall, members of the Ferrum College community were invited to pin their “Roots & Routes” on four maps representing our presence in the world.

Students, faculty, staff and alumni each used colored pins to indicated their birthplace or hometown, present home and where they received their degree(s).

M A P PI N N

CLUB T E G R A T CL AY

ING

T HE R O R B 4 R E BROTH

B4B photo, left side, top to bottom: Thomas Betts, Kennsel Anderson, Henry Holden, Hisaun Yates, Anthony Orton.

Front row, middle: Xavier Grant-Stovall. Right side, top to bottom: Deion Pressley, Tony Francis, Carl “CJ”Craft, Tevin Flood, Tyronn Gilliam, Brandon Greene. Not Pictured: Chris Rogers, Umar Peterson and Marzai Terrell.

Clay Target Club One of the newest and largest clubs on campus, the Ferrum College Clay Target Club was formed to promote the high standards of excellence in every aspect of the sport of shooting, from safety to coaching, performance and competition.

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A LU TE SE N IOR SR DA NCE & DIN N E

PI E Positive Relationships + Image Enhancement + Employment = PIE The innovative PIE program produces individuals who are educated, experienced and empowered. It was devised to provide a hands-on opportunity for growth for students

by Marilyn H. West, whose firm specializes in management, planning and education services.

The Senior Salute is held every April and allows graduating seniors to gather all the information, including caps and gowns, that they’ll need prior to commencement. The Senior Dinner Dance is held soon afterward and allows classmates a great night of food, music and dancing to celebrate their last days on campus.

Working in partnership with Ferrum faculty and staff, PIE provides supplementary tools and resources to boost traditional models of education, resulting in accelerated and sustained employment.

According to West, “PIE is more than an educational program, it is a pathway to help guarantee success for the future minds of tomorrow. Catering to Ferrum students’ talents and lifelong potential, PIE equips them with soft skills and demonstrates how these apply to real-world situations.”

Marilyn West, founder and CEO of M.H. West Co., was recently nominated for the YWCA 2015 Outstanding Women Award. She has broken through cultural, geographic and gender barriers in her 24 years of management consulting. Her public service has included mentoring and coaching for executives, other professionals, students and at-risk populations. She leads the board of the Black History Museum & Cultural Center and serves on the Bon Secours Richmond Health Care Foundation Board and the advisory board of the Metropolitan Business League.

IN N DE A N’S D

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256 students were honored during the Ferrum College Dean’s List Dinner, held in January in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room in Franklin Hall on campus. Speakers included Professor of Philosophy Gary Angel and President of Rotaract Club Brian Eckley ’15.

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There is such a strong sense of community on Ferrum College’s campus, and it was that sense of community that drew me back after graduating with my doctorate.

I knew that I wanted to be a part of the community that helped me to realize my potential, and in turn help future students do the same.

Sandra Via ‘04, Assistant Professor of Political Science FOLLOW US!

FER RUM CO LLE GE

Read more stories at www.ferrum.edu/myferrum and tell us about your #MyFerrum experience!

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undreds of people enjoyed a meal of homemade soup and bread served in a handcrafted souvenir bowl of their choice during this year’s popular Empty Bowls event on Sunday, February 8, 2015. College students, professors and Blue Ridge Potters Guild members made over 300 unique bowls for the event. In addition, there was a silent auction featuring original works of pottery, including larger bowls, platters, casseroles and vases, generously donated by members of Floyd County’s 16 Hands collective, the Blue Ridge Potters Guild and other local artists. Proceeds support the Panther Packs program, which provides food for hungry children at Ferrum Elementary School. The Empty Bowls project is designed to educate students about how they can make a positive difference in their communities.

“The Empty Bowls event is a special opportunity for students, professors, area artists and many more volunteers to come together to contribute to an event that benefits our immediate community. Our efforts parallel Ferrum College’s motto, ‘Not Self, But Others,’ and it feels like the right way to help our young neighbors at Ferrum Elementary,” said Assistant Professor of Art David Eichelberger, who organizes and facilitates Empty Bowls with Assistant Professor of Biology and Environmental Science Dr. Glen Stevens. n FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

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Joel Gill with Assistant Professor of Sociology Susan Meade’s Sociology class

GILL­ ARTIST, TEACHER & INSTRUMENT OF CHANGE Black History Month Speaker Joel Gill Promotes “28 Days Are Not Enough”

Below: Adjunct Instructor of Art Jacob Smith, President Jennifer Braaten and Joel Gill

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oel Christian Gill visited Ferrum College to celebrate Black History Month and to share his belief that one month out of the year isn’t enough to acknowledge African-American cultural heroes. He refers to black history as not separate from, but essentially coequal with American history—and emphasizes that we should share all tributes to ordinary people doing extraordinary things in the quest for freedom to make our own choices.

Gill’s graphic novels include Strange Fruit, Volume I: Uncelebrated Narratives from Black History, which is a collection of stories from African-American history that show uncelebrated men and women who succeeded in spite of great hardships, and Strange Fruit, Volume II: Bass Reeves: Tales of the Talented Tenth, an account of an escaped slave who became one of the most successful lawmen of the Old West and the rumored inspiration for the Lone Ranger.

Gill is, as he says, “the chairman, CEO, president, director of development, majority and minority stockholder, manager, co-manager, regional manager, assistant to the regional manager, receptionist, senior black correspondent and janitor of Strange Fruit Comics.” He is also the associate dean of student affairs at the New Hampshire Institute of Art and member of the Boston Comics Roundtable. He received his MFA from Boston University and a BA from Roanoke College. n

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esidence Hall Educator and Brother4Brother Advisor Michael Williams (left) and student Hisaun Yates (right) visit with CBS anchor chair Vic Carter (middle), who was on campus for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration events held Monday, January 19, 2015, on the Ferrum College campus.

Carter, who is the primary anchor for CBS–WJZ–TV in Baltimore, MD, shared his “Wake Me from the Dream” speech during the convocation held in Vaughn Chapel. At the conclusion of his remarks, Carter received a standing ovation from the hundreds of students, faculty, staff and other community members in attendance.

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Also during the event, Dean of the Chapel Jan Nicholson gave a welcome, followed by Sociology Professor Susan Mead, SGA President Melanie Rooks, Assistant Director of Student Leadership & Engagement Justin Muse, a video essay by American rapper and activist Richard Williams (aka Prince Ea), a reading by Yates of Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If,” and a final message of hope from President Jennifer Braaten. n

METHODIST CONNECTIONS

METHODIST CONNECTIONS p. 68

p. 69

p.70

p. 71

The ”Word” from Campus Ministries.............................................................68 The Endowed Chaplaincy $1 Million Priority Met!.........................................69 Parents of Alumnae Named Recipients of

2014 World Methodist Peace Award.......................................................70 Recent Grad Takes Pride in Ferrum Sense of Community...............................71

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METHODIST CONNECTIONS

from Campus Ministries

W H AT ’S H A PPE N ING IN VAUGH N CH A P E L & MOR E !

• Chapel Services: In addition to weekly worship, the Chapel is the site for popular special events, including Ferrum College’s annual Christmas Lessons and Carols, a joint effort between Campus Ministry and the music department to which the campus and surrounding community are invited.

• Logos (Greek for “word”) Worship Team: Students, faculty and staff gather weekly in Vaughn Chapel to experience the Living Word of Jesus Christ and put their faith into practice through music, technical support, mime, sign, dance and the weekly message. The Logos choir has performed for the Board of Trustees and at the College’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation.

Logos members also volunteer and kicked off the fall semester by painting, cleaning and sprucing up the grounds at the Henry Fork Center, a UMCaffiliated mission outreach program serving rural Franklin County.

• Women’s Bible Study: “Namesake” is a women’s group in which students study the transformational power of God through various characters of the Bible who, after encountering God, received a new name.

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• NOOMA: A series of short Christian films forming the basis for a coed study group meeting weekly in Franklin Hall.

• Interfaith Dialogue: This small student group gathers twice monthly over breakfast to learn more about other religious faiths, with a focus on respecting different faith backgrounds and encouraging understanding of the diversity of beliefs in the Ferrum College community and the world.

• Act 2 Continuing the Story: Popular campuswide gathering featuring weekly fellowship, free hot dogs/hamburgers, live music, speakers and games.

• Mu Sigma Chi (MEX): A Christian Greek fraternity that encourages community service and spiritual

growth among its members.

MEX members sponsor a weekly campuswide small-group Bible study and raise funds for cancer research.

METHODIST CONNECTIONS

• Not a Fan: Originally a men’s study group, Not a Fan kicked off fall 2014 with interest from both male and female students and now meets weekly as a coed group. This study group challenges young people on their relationship with God. Are they just fans? Or are they fully committed to the game?

• US2s: Ferrum College campus ministry will be blessed later this year to receive two United Methodist Global Missionaries (US2s), whose purpose will be to seek ways to further enhance the College’s connection to local community needs.

• Spiritual Formation Program: A pilot program scheduled for fall 2015 designed by “The Upper Room,” an interdenominational ministry of the UMC. Ferrum has been chosen as one of five colleges and universities nationwide to participate. n

The Endowed Chaplaincy $1 Million Priority Met!

Please accept our gratitude— and the gratitude of all future students, faculty and staff …

for providing our campus with the ability to sustain a College Dean of the Chapel in perpetuity.

Through your gifts you have helped demonstrate your ongoing commitment to a strong-enduring relationship with our Methodist heritage.

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METHODIST CONNECTIONS

PA R E N T S OF A LU M NA E R E CE I V E

2014 World Methodist Peace Award

Kabylian (a Berber language), as well as preaching in French, Dr. Johnson wanted there to be no barriers between the Word and the people.

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r. Hugh and Mrs. Shirliann Johnson, the parents of two Ferrum College alumnae, Kathy Johnson ’83 and Lynda Johnson Lopez ’87, have been recognized by the World Methodist Council for their lifelong work in the UMC in North Africa.

Previous recipients of this prestigious award have included Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter and Desmond Tutu. The Johnsons are indeed in good company!

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For more than 40 years Dr. and Mrs. Johnson operated under a simple motto: The church has to be where the needs are the greatest. This philosophy carried their ministry. As missionaries in North Africa, the Johnsons served during times of great

unrest. From their beginnings with the General Board of Global Ministries in Algeria, the couple served throughout the nation during the country’s war of independence and the following turbulences.

Serving first in Larbaa Nath Irathen in the Kabyila Mountains and later in Algiers, the couple’s tireless drive to connect the gospel with the lives of the people of the Maghreb region led them to become fluent in Arabic and

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In 1972, the Algerian government closed orphanages, hospitals and other diaconal institutions of the church. In response, Dr. Johnson helped establish an English-language library, which served as a meeting place for people in the region and an unofficial place for Christian fellowship.

Dr. Johnson also regularly appeared on Algerian radio, often in dialogue with a Muslim representative. He was a mediator who crossed the lines for the cause of reconciliation and mutual understanding.

Shirliann Johnson often visited refugee camps in the desert, coordinating humanitarian aid and teaching young women to lead kindergarten classes in the camp in order to help children and families who were affected by the war.

Through numerous disputes with the government and even expulsions from the country, Dr. Johnson always returned to Algeria to help the small Christian community that had formed there. He acted as a calming influence within the small community of believers in the country and lent an open ear and voice to Muslims in the area. Upon retirement, Dr. and Mrs. Johnson left the nation, but their hearts and spirits are still with the people in North Africa. n

About the World Methodist Peace Award First awarded in 1977, the World Methodist Peace Award is given semiannually to a person or persons who have displayed courage, creativity and consistency in pursuing peace and equal rights for individuals throughout the world. Nominations may be made by leaders of the World Methodist Council’s member churches by submitting a letter highlighting the reason for the nomination and giving evidence of the fruit of the nominee’s efforts toward peace.

Wythe County native who had heard about Ferrum College his entire life, TJ Stafford ’14 fell in love with the campus the first time he visited. His guidance counselor at Fort Chiswell High School talked to him about the numerous scholarship opportunities Ferrum had to offer. “Ferrum was my first choice, really, and the only school I could see myself attending,” says Stafford. He graduated in December with a degree in political science and a minor in history and religion, and is currently exploring the job market.

“From the professors to the residence life staff, everyone on campus is involved in building relationships.

There is always someone there to help when it’s needed.”

METHODIST CONNECTIONS

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Recent Grad Takes Pride in Ferrum Sense of Community philosophy and the many opportunities this program provides for Ferrum College students. “It was one of the highlights of my college career,” he remembers.

Once at Ferrum, Stafford became involved with the Campus Ministries program, the campus organization that offers opportunities for students to blend their college experiences with their spiritual beliefs. He worked extensively with the dean of the chapel, Dr. Jan Nicholson, on programs such as the creation of the Interfaith Prayer Breakfast in the spring of 2014.

This program developed out of the nationwide Collegiate Day of Prayer observed each year on college campuses across the country. Stafford suggested to Nicholson that Ferrum participate in this program; as a result, the two developed an interfaith dialogue connecting people of different faiths and cultures.

At each meeting, the group focuses on a different religion or culture, in hopes that the Ferrum community will continue to learn and grow in this regard.

Stafford was also involved in a program started by Nicholson called Act 2 Continuing the Story. This program mixes music with stories of faith and its effects on the lives of the participants and is open to all students, faculty and staff. His dedication to the Campus Ministries program and its offerings to students is evidenced in the fact that Nicholson asked Stafford to be the keynote speaker at the United Methodist Women’s Conference in November 2014. He spoke about the Campus Ministries

In addition to the Campus Ministries program, Stafford and current Ferrum student Brandon Greene ’15, ran a weekly Christian talk show on the campus radio station, offering listeners gospel music and faith-based discussion. Additionally, Stafford was a resident advisor for two years, the last semester of which he held the position of head resident. He and current student Layne Dillon ’16 were also selected to speak before the Administrative Council on the topic of academic pride.

“Our discussion centered on the fact that we hope students will continue to take pride in Ferrum as a whole, the campus community and the academic opportunities available,” says Stafford. As a second chair mentor, Stafford worked with students who had been placed on academic warning to assist them in getting back on their feet. Says Stafford, “At a lot of larger schools, struggling students fall through the cracks because no one is looking out for them on an individual basis.

That doesn’t happen at Ferrum.”

Although Stafford has not been away from campus for a long period of time, he admits that he does miss his walks across campus, seeing the lake and the beauty of the area. He believes the sense of community at Ferrum is what is so valuable to the student body. “From the professors to the residence life staff, everyone on campus is involved in building relationships. There is always someone there to help when it’s needed,” says Stafford.

He hopes that the College will continue to grow and remain strongly rooted in its faith background. “I would like to see that current and future Ferrum students take pride in their campus community and remain involved in it,” he notes. To those for whom Ferrum may not be a familiar name, Stafford notes that “Ferrum is a place of opportunity where there are many people who care about you and your success.” n FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

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Rod Baker ’03

Cassie Donahue

Ruthanne Duffy

Carrie Hanshue-Austin

F E R R U M COL L E GE AT H L E T IC S

New Coaches and Staff

Rod Baker ’03

as head men’s soccer coach, from 2006 through 2008 and four years as head women’s tennis coach, from 2005 through 2008. Baker replaced Josh Parmenter, who resigned in October.

Rod Baker ’03 has been named head tennis coach at Ferrum. Baker graduated from Ferrum with a bachelor’s degree in art. As a student-athlete, he played tennis and soccer four years each for Ferrum.

As a senior, he served as captain of the men’s tennis team and led the Panthers to a 15–3 team record and a third-place finish in the USA South. Baker is a native of Maumee, OH. Baker has served as assistant men’s soccer coach the past three seasons and is in his fifth overall season in that role. He will continue in that role, working with head coach Andrew Pauly.

Baker previously served three seasons

Cassie Donahue

Men’s & Women’s Tennis Coach, Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach

Assistant Athletic Trainer Cassie Donahue joined the Ferrum sports medicine staff as assistant athletic trainer in August 2014. She came to Ferrum from California University of Pennsylvania, where as a grad student she served as head athletic trainer at Penn State Fayette.

Her coverage sports included women’s volleyball, cross-country, men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling, softball and baseball. Donahue’s experience included managing the budget for athletic training supplies, administration of

ImPACT testing development of EAP. She also performed evaluations and applied therapeutic modalities and rehab protocols for injured studentathletes. Donahue earned her master’s of science degree in athletic training from California-PA in 2014. Prior to her arrival there, she served six months as a fulltime athletic trainer at Frostburg State University after earning her bachelor’s of science degree in athletic training from Frostburg State in 2012. Her coverage sports included men’s basketball, softball, women’s lacrosse and women’s soccer.

Donahue is a member of the Eastern Athletic Trainers’ Association and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.

She is licensed as a BOC-certified athletic trainer in the states of Maryland and Pennsylvania. Donahue is also a performance enhancement specialist.

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Rollins Happy to Be a Member of the Squad...................................75 Fall Semester Roundup....................................................................76 Winter Sports Update......................................................................77 Panther Spring Outlook...................................................................78 Panther Scoring Honors...................................................................79 Ferrum College Mourns Loss of Swim Coach Tom Calomeris..........80 Swartz Gymnasium Renovations.....................................................80 Student-Athlete Profiles...................................................................81

SPORTS

James Lofton

Bill Nesselt

Ruthanne Duffy Head Volleyball Coach

Ruthanne Duffy joined the Ferrum volleyball coaching staff in August 2011 as assistant volleyball coach. Duffy was named head coach In February of 2015 when her predecessor Jessica Flanagan resigned to take a teaching position in Roanoke.

Duffy, a native of New Castle, VA, earned a four-year scholarship playing volleyball at the University of Virginia at Wise, starting as an outside hitter. Duffy helped lead the Cavaliers to the 2007 NAIA Region XII title and a berth in the 2007 NAIA National Tournament. A starting outside hitter for UVA Wise and captain in her senior season, Duffy earned second-team All-Tournament at the 2008 Converse Tournament, and was a Dean’s List honoree in the spring of 2007.

Duffy’s coaching experience includes working as an assistant volleyball coach at Appalachia High School in the fall of 2012, where she helped lead the Bulldogs to their first-ever VHSL Regional appearance. She also served a year as a student assistant volleyball coach at UVA Wise. She graduated in 2010 with a BA in physical education with a concentration in sports management.

Carrie Hanshue-Austin Field Hockey Coach

Carrie Hanshue-Austin joined the Ferrum athletic staff as field hockey coach in January 2014. Hanshue-Austin comes to Ferrum from Appalachian State University, where she has served as associate head field hockey coach from 2007 through 2013. She assisted with all facets of running an NCAA Division I field hockey program, including player development, practices, recruiting, team travel, equipment, budgeting, fundraising,

Caitlyn Richbourg

John Zubal

community service, alumni relations, camps and clinics. Prior to Appalachian State, Hanshue-Austin was assistant field hockey coach at West Chester (PA) University during the 2006–07 school year. She served in July 2013 as a Junior National Team Selection Camp volunteer and observer for U16, U19 and U21. Hanshue-Austin was also the futures program head coach and site director from 2003–11. As a member of the NorPac Field Hockey Conference, she recorded minutes for all conference meetings from 2011–13. HanshueAustin’s camp and clinic experiences include work at Appalachian State, Wake Forest University, Temple University, West Chester University, Saint Joseph’s University and the Red Rose Field Hockey Camp. Hanshue-Austin is a 2006 graduate of West Chester, where she earned her bachelor’s of arts degree in political science. She was a four-year starter as a goalkeeper for the Golden Rams. In 2004, she led the Atlantic 10 Conference in save percentage and earned NFHCA AllRegion second-team honors.

James Lofton

Head Women’s Soccer Coach James Lofton joined the Ferrum athletic staff as head women’s soccer coach in the summer of 2014. He previously served as head boys’ soccer coach at Rappahannock County High School, assistant men’s soccer coach at the U.S. Naval Academy and assistant men’s soccer coach at Shenandoah University. He has also been director of coaching for the Monticello United Soccer Club, where he trained and coached both girls and boys. He holds an NSCAA National Coaching Diploma and is certified as a strength and conditioning specialist and CrossFit trainer. He focused on government and psychology at the College of William & Mary and in sports leadership in the M.Ed. program

Brian Zyglocke ’00

at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Lofton began his collegiate soccer career as a defender at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he helped the Spartans to a Southern Conference title. Lofton transferred to the College of William & Mary, from which he graduated cum laude and where he played on a Tribe team that won the regularseason and conference championships in the Colonial Athletic Association.

Lofton made it to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament twice, first when UNCG advanced to the finals and fell to the University of South Florida, and then when William & Mary fell to Southern Methodist University. Lofton was listed as one of the top 100 freshmen to watch by College Soccer News in 2007. He was also named an NSCAA All-America selection, one of 78 players nationally and one of four in Virginia to earn the award. He was a four-time All-Conference selection and earned All-State and All-Region honors twice as a Virginia high school player. He played club soccer for Braddock Road Premier, helping the squad to the Virginia State Cup championship and a No. 12 national ranking by GotSoccer. com. He was a Super Y and Region I ODP participant and played internationally with the D.C. United U-17 squad, traveling to Spain. He also played on a U.S. team in an international tournament in France. Lofton is married to Mary Elizabeth Lofton, a fellow William & Mary graduate, who teaches high school environmental science and biology.

Bill Nesselt

Assistant Football Coach Bill Nesselt joined the Ferrum athletic staff in the spring of 2014 as an assistant football coach. He previously coached at the University of Massachusetts. Nesselt has extensive experience using DVSport and HUDL software for opponent FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

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breakdowns, self-scout breakdowns, and personnel and play-type cutups. Nesselt was a full-scholarship football player at UMass as a defensive lineman.

Caitlyn Richbourg Assistant Athletic Trainer

Caitlyn Richbourg joined the Ferrum sports medicine staff in August 2014 as assistant athletic trainer. She came to Ferrum from the University of Virginia, where she spent the past year as a graduate assistant with the Cavalier athletic training staff. While there, she was primarily assigned to work with the softball team but also assisted with the daily operations of the athletic training room. Richbourg’s experience included evaluation and rehabilitation of student-athletes, working with insurance needs and coverage, documentation of demographics, insurance, injury reports and coaches reports. She also taught undergrad level students in topics of athletic training and supervised undergrad athletic training volunteers.

Richbourg earned her master’s degree in athletic training from UVA in June 2014.

Prior to her arrival at UVA, Richbourg was a student athletic trainer at James Madison University, where she did her undergrad work. She earned her bachelor’s degree in athletic training from JMU in May 2013. Richbourg also worked during the summer of 2012 as an athletic training student intern with the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

Richbourg is a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, the MidAtlantic Athletic Trainers’ Association and the Virginia Athletic Trainers’ Association.

She is licensed as a BOC-certified athletic trainer in the state of Virginia.

John Zubal

Head Athletic Trainer John Zubal joined the Ferrum athletics staff in August 2014 as head athletic trainer. Zubal came to Ferrum from Clayton State University, where he previously spent 24 years as director of sports medicine/head athletic trainer.

Zubal earned the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) 25-year award in 2011, and his Clayton State staff earned the Peach Belt Conference Training Staff of the Year Award in 2007.

Zubal was named Clayton State’s Staff Person of the Year in 2002, and he earned the NATA Athletic Trainer Service Award in 2005. Zubal earned his bachelor’s degree in athletic training from the University of Pittsburgh in 1987, going on to earn his master’s degree in athletic administration from the University of Utah in 1990. Prior to his work at Clayton State, Zubal served as clinical athletic trainer from 1991–96 at Physiotherapy Associates in Jonesboro, GA. He also served as an assistant athletic trainer at the University of Utah from 1987–90 while working toward his graduate degree. Zubal’s past work experience

BLACK and GOLD

A History of Athletics at Ferrum College

By Gary Holden Ferrum's sports program dates back to its days as a training school in the 1920s. Read about the school’s rich history, including its four football national championships, its coaching pioneers, funny stories, little-known facts, facilities, retired jerseys and legacies.

The book includes a foreword by Hank Norton, who coached the Panther football program for 34 years and led Ferrum to national championships in 1965, 1968, 1974 and 1977. Norton also served as director of athletics, assisting Ferrum with the transition into the NCAA Division III era.

Purchase your copy of BLACK and GOLD online today at www.eventbrite.com/e/black-gold-a-history-of-athletics-atferrum-college-tickets-14602832465?ref=ebtnebtckt. n 74 FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

includes working with the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and Seattle Seahawks, the NBA’s Washington Wizards, and the Atlanta Trojans of the U.S. Basketball League. He has authored a number of professional articles. Zubal oversees a staff of three assistant athletic trainers and one parttime insurance coordinator at Ferrum. n

Brian Zyglocke ’00 Assistant Football Coach/ Defensive Coordinator

Brian Zyglocke ’00 rejoined the Ferrum football staff in February 2015 after eight years as defensive coordinator at the Catholic University of America. He served as recruiting coordinator and strength & conditioning coach his final seven seasons at Catholic and assistant head coach for football operations his final six seasons.

Prior to that, Zyglocke spent two seasons as assistant coach at McDaniel College, handling the defensive secondary and special teams. He made his coaching debut at Ferrum in 2001 under then Head Coach Dave Davis. Zyglocke worked with Ferrum’s linebackers and wide receivers, and also was employed as a Residence Hall Educator.

Zyglocke played football four years at Ferrum from 1996–99, and earned his Bachelor of Science in History in May 2000 with a minor in Psychology.

Zyglocke and his wife Kasey have two sons, Henry and James.

SPORTS

Rollins Happy to Be a Member of the Squad

Coach Dave Harper ’89 and Rollins on campus.

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n the spring of 2014 Daronte Rollins and his mother, Katrina, were on their way to Ferrum College for a freshman orientation when their car was involved in a crash that left the football recruit a paraplegic. Through force of will and a lot of hard work, Rollins began classes in January and plans to major in criminal justice.

When asked about life on the Ferrum campus, Rollins states that there are a lot of reasons why he feels at home here. “I love being here with my ‘brothers’—brothers being my teammates. They’re my family away from home. Anything I need, all I have to do is ask. I wouldn’t trade them for anything on this earth. I see me staying in contact with them even after my time here at Ferrum is over.”

Head football coach Dave Harper ’89, who recruited Rollins and has gotten to know him quite well since the accident, sees something remarkable in his tenacity, his positive attitude, his faith and his sense of humor—firmly believing that “he will be a leader of men one day.”

Rollins is also big on a social life and says that he tries to interact with everyone on campus. “I know every person here has a story, and I have one too. The Lord has blessed me to still be here, so I want to share that with the world and I am starting that here at Ferrum.” He sees Coach Harper every day, and if he happens to miss a day, he “hears it like any other player—because every young man needs to be held accountable.”

And Daronte Rollins wouldn’t have it any other way. n Right top: Daronte Rollins ’18 with the world at his fingertips! Shown here hamming it up with the globe on Hart Plaza.

Right bottom: Rollins on the field last fall, serving as honorary captain with Panthers Anthony Orton, Jatavious Adams, Tim Reynolds, Dominique Lesine and Chris Shelton.

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SPORTS

roundup FALL ’14 SEMESTER

The women’s soccer team ended the season at 7–11 overall and in the hunt for a berth in the USA South Tournament. Junior Morgan Funck was in first place in the USA South in points and assists and third in goals. For the second straight year, Funck was named a Capital One Academic All-District first-team selection. She was an All-Conference first-team selection and an All-State second-team pick.

After a stellar 2013 season in which the Panther men’s soccer team posted a 12–8 record, Ferrum was in a rebuilding year for 2014. Opposing coaches know the program is not to be taken lightly, with six of its 10 losses by one goal.

The Panthers ended the season at 4–13–2, and freshman Keith Ricks was an All-Conference honorable mention this year.

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The Ferrum men’s golf team closed out fall action with five straight top-10 finishes, including four of five tournaments in which the Panthers finished fourth or better. Perhaps more impressive is that four different players claimed top-10 individual finishes. Brandon Bailey finished third of 123 golfers at the Transylvania Fall Invitational, then equaled the feat when he finished third of 74 golfers at the Ted Keller Memorial. As a team, Ferrum placed first of 18 teams at the Tom Kinder Memorial. The Panthers placed fourth at the 25-team Transylvania Fall Invitational, fourth at the 11-team Virginia State Intercollegiate and fourth at the Ted Keller Memorial. Coach Adam Crawford’s team is ranked 36th in the nation in the Golfstat NCAA Div. III rankings.

Ferrum’s football team picked up its first and only win of the season October 25 on the road, beating Averett 26–14 in Danville. The Panthers had two players earn All-Conference honors.

Freshman Montel Lee was an All-Conference first-team selection and the USA South Defensive Rookie of the Year. Lee also earned All-State firstteam honors and was the Virginia Small College Defensive Rookie of the Year. Junior Bryan Smith was an All-Conference second-team pick.

The volleyball team improved tremendously this year, with a program that boasts many excellent young players who are likely to help the Panthers to great success in the next few years. The team’s record for fall 2014 was 7–22.

FOR UP-TO-DATE PANTHER SPORTS NEWS AND SCORES, PLEASE GO TO:

FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

www.ferrumpanthers.com

Ferrum’s Equestrian Club has begun competing under the guidance of Coach Margaret Cornwell ’02.

The Panthers practice at Healing Strides of Virginia, a therapeutic riding facility in nearby Boones Mill.

Cornwell’s group competed in four IHSA shows this past fall. She recently earned certification as a United States Hunter Jumper Association certified trainer.

Field hockey made a return to campus this past fall, with Carrie Hanshue-Austin at the helm of the program. Hansue-Austin has 21 women participating this season. The Panthers picked up their first win, a 2–1 triumph over Sweet Briar College, on September 4 on the road. Ferrum closed the year at 1–13.

SPORTS

The men’s and women’s tennis teams each completed two dual matches. The men competed at the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Southeastern Regional September 26–28. The men then beat Southern Virginia University 6–3 October 13 on the road to close out fall action with a 1–1 record. Ferrum’s women took their 0–2 record into the spring season. Coach Josh Parmenter resigned to pursue a position in St. Louis, and Rod Baker ’03 was named head coach for both programs. Baker will continue in his role as assistant men’s soccer coach. He was a four-year standout in soccer and tennis at Ferrum from 1999 through 2003.

The men’s swimming team earned its first program win with a 94–86 win over Gallaudet University October 4 on the road. The Ferrum women lost a heartbreaker to Gallaudet the same day, falling 97–75. Overall records were 3–6 for the men and 3–11 for the women.

Both teams showed great composure and determination even after the loss of their coach, Tom Calomeris.

WINTER SPORTS Update The men’s basketball team closed out the year with a 8-17 record. Senior Jamal Pullen was named to the USA South All-Conference second team after earning a pair of Player of the Week honors.

Pullen closed his career at No. 5 on Ferrum’s alltime scoring list, with 1,466 career points.

The women’s basketball team closed out the season at 18–9. Senior Jacole Hairston was named USA South Player of the Year, and freshman Zarkia Mattox was named Rookie of the Year.

Hairston earned All-Conference first-team honors, Mattox was a second-team pick and junior Kemani Crawford earned honorable mention. Hairston became Ferrum’s all-time leading scorer, closing her career out with 1,641 career points. She was named to the D3hoops.com Team of the Week twice and earned three USA South Player of the Week honors. Mattox earned three USA South Rookie of the Week honors this season.

Jamal Pullen

Jacole Hairston 77 FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

SPORTS The wrestling team closed out the season at 8–10. The Panthers placed second at the Builder Invitational, fifth at the Virginia Duals and 10th at the Pete Willson-Wheaton Invitational. Austin Jenkins was the Champion of Champions at the Builder Open, and Nick Rodriguez was the Outstanding Wrestler at the Virginia Duals. Ferrum was selected to host the 2015 NCAA Division III Wrestling East Regional. The NCAA Championship qualifier took place Sunday, March 1, at the Berglund Center in Roanoke. Three Ferrum wrestlers earned All-Region honors: Paul Biggs, fifth, at 149 lbs.; Nick Rodriguez, fourth, at 197 lbs.; and Tate Dulany, fifth, at 285 lbs. The Panthers finished seventh overall in the 18-team regional.

Panther SPRING Outlook

For the most current news on all the sports from Ferrum College, check out FerrumPanthers.com!

The Panthers baseball team has been picked to win the USA South crown after earning a share of the title a year ago. They opened the season with a 1–2 record against Hampden-Sydney February 7–8.

The men’s golf team is predicted for a number four finish.

Ferrum’s softball team is picked to finish fourth this season.

Head coach Vickie Van Kleeck will be retiring after 24 years at the helm.

Men’s and women’s tennis are picked to show at number eight and 12, respectively.

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In lacrosse, the women’s team is picked to finish third, with the largest group of seniors ever (11). The men’s team opened with a win over Huntingdon on February 8.

HONORS

SPORTS

PA N T H E R S S COR I NG Morgan Funck has been named a Capital One Academic All-District first-team selection in women’s soccer. Funck is now in contention for Academic All-America honors.

Jamal Pullen was named USA South Men’s Basketball Player of the Week two times.

MORGAN FUNCK

Jacole Hairston earned three USA South Women’s Basketball Player of the Week honors, and was also named to the D3hoop.com Team of the Week twice.

She scored a career-high 39 points vs. Piedmont in January, then upped that mark with 41 points against Greensboro February 8.

Zarkia Mattox was named USA South Women’s Basketball Rookie of the Week three times this season.

JAMAL PULLEN

Nick Rodriguez won the Pembroke Classic 197-lb. title in November. Rodriguez was also named Outstanding Wrestler at the 2015 Virginia Duals in January.

Austin Jenkins won the Builder Invitational 141-lb. title and was the event’s “Champion of Champions.”

He also came in first at the Casperson Classic Open.

Montel Lee earned All-Conference first-team honors and was the 2014 USA South Defensive Rookie of the Year. Lee was also an All-State first-team selection as well as the 2014 Virginia Small College Defensive Rookie of the Year, as named by the Virginia Sports Information Directors Association.

JACOLE HAIRSTON

AUSTIN JENKINS

ZARKIA MATTOX

NICK RODRIGUEZ

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errum College and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics mourns the loss of head men’s and women’s swimming coach Tom Calomeris, who died unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 4.

Calomeris came to Ferrum in October 2012 from Lexington, VA, to serve as women’s swimming coach. At the time of his hiring, Calomeris also began recruiting for a men’s swimming program, which launched in the fall of 2013.

Calomeris coached at Catholic University from 1987 through 2004, producing four Capital Athletic Conference championships (1994, 1995, 1999, 2000) with the Cardinals. His 1994 and 1995 men's teams won National Catholic School Division III championships, hosted at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.

Calomeris' women's team took the 1995 NCS national championship.

Ferrum College Mourns Loss of Swim Coach Tom Calomeris

Calomeris had eight individuals qualify for the NCAA Division III National Championships, including three who earned NCAA All-America honors.

Calomeris earned Capital Athletic Conference Men’s Swimming Coach of the Year four times (1994, 1995, 1999, 2000). He was the 1994 and 1995 National Catholic School Men’s Swimming Coach

of the Year in 1994 and 1995, as well as the women’s NCS Coach of the Year in 1995.

Calomeris served as Paralympics Games assistant swimming coach at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, helping lead Joyce Luncher to four gold medals and four world records for the United States.

He was also Paralympics World Trials Assistant Coach for the Atlanta Games.

A former police officer with the Prince George’s County Police Department in Maryland, Calomeris eventually earned the rank of detective. He retired after 20 years on the force. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 89 and held professional membership in the College Swimming Coaches Association of America and the International Swimming Hall of Fame.

Calomeris is survived by his wife, Mollie; son, Patrick (10); daughter Maria (6); two adult daughters, Tina and Jill; and six grandchildren. The Calomeris family resides in Lexington, VA. n

Swartz Gymnasium Renovations

S

wartz Gym underwent major improvements over the summer with the additions of new lighting and a new floor. The installation of new lighting provides a brighter and more even atmosphere, which enhances the playing and viewing experience. After the original playing surface was torn out and portions of the subfloor were repaired, a new wood floor was installed.Complete with updated graphics, the floor represents a significant upgrade for our studentathletes. The new atmosphere created by these projects benefits our volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling, and cheerleading teams directly in their competitions and practices. And all of our visitors to Swartz Gym enjoy the enhanced experience as well. n

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SPORTS

Devyn Bayes ’10 is now serving as the Head Volleyball Coach at Emory & Henry College.

W Ferrum Wins “Cans Across the Conference” With a grand total of 6,592 items, the Panthers are champions for the second consecutive year!

Members of the USA South Athletic Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) worked during the holiday season to help others in their communities through the Cans Across the Conference effort.

SAAC organized the canned food drive as a community service competition among the 13 institutions in the USA South. Each campus SAAC collected cans and other nonperishable items on their campus to benefit a local charity.

Overall, the USA South institutions collected 25,505 items during the 2014 contest. Over the 11-year history of the program, USA South Conference institutions have donated 305,187 items to various organizations. n

hile at Ferrum, Bayes earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in Russian studies. She went on to earn a pair of master's degrees: a Master of Arts from American University in ethics, peace and global affairs and a Master of Education in physical education and coaching from Arkansas-Monticello.

Prior to the head position at Emory & Henry, Bayes spent two seasons as the graduate assistant volleyball coach at the University of Arkansas-Monticello, where she helped guide the team out of the bottom of the Great American Conference, going from three wins in 2010 to 12 wins this past year. In addition to her duties as a coach, she taught a weight training class and also was a teaching assistant in UAM’s political science department, where she specialized in Middle East and African politics.

Bayes also spent time as head coach for the women’s club volleyball team and as assistant coach for the men’s club volleyball team at American University.

Bayes has also been involved in youth volleyball in the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia as a camp director with STAR Volleyball Camps for the past eight years. As part of her duties, she traveled across the country directing both skills and team camps for ages 10–18 and also worked with the head administrator in program development and implementation. n

The Athletic Turf Project At W.B. Adams Stadium Your gift will level the playing field for future generations of Panthers.

The new Turf Project will enable our varsity field sports and intramural programs to utilize the field in almost any kind of weather at all times of the day. It will also keep Ferrum competitive with non-conference opponents and other NCAA Division III institutions, especially within the USA South Athletic Conference.

OUR GOAL: To raise $1.2 million for the Athletic Turf Project in the W.B. Adams Stadium before December 31, 2015.

For more information visit www.ferrum.edu/athleticturf

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SPORTS

Student-Athlete

PROFILES

COM PETING ON TH E F IEL D, ON TH E COU RT A N D IN TH E CL A SSROOM KEEGAN HOWVER ’16 From: Bishop Sullivan Catholic School | Orange, CA Major: Business Sports Management Career Plans: Work in golf industry Campus Activities: Men’s golf team I came to Ferrum to fulfill my goal of playing collegiate golf. Ferrum is pretty much as opposite as possible when compared to my hometown of Orange County, California. It is a good fit for me because of the small size. With the professors being so involved and interested in student success, you aren’t just a number to them. With golf we miss a lot of class, and the professors have been great with working around that and helping stay on top of work. I have always been in a bigger environment, being surrounded by city life at home, so Ferrum was a big adjustment for me but it was a decision I’m so glad I made.

JORDAN LINK ’15 From: Auburn High School | Pilot, VA Major: Accounting Career Plans: Earn a CPA and eventually do taxes and/or work in Marketing Insurance Sales Campus Activities: Volleyball team, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Leadership Fellows I came to Ferrum because I wanted to play volleyball and also be a part of turning the program around. It was far enough away from home, but also close enough to where my parents could come to all my home games to support me. Along with those things I was attracted by the small classes so you could become closer with the professors and get help when needed and not just be counted a a number.

KASEY SHEETS ’16 From: Great Bridge High School | Chesapeake, VA Major: Undecided Career Plans: Career in Physical Therapy or Criminal Justice Campus Activities: Field hockey team I came to Ferrum to play the sport I love, field hockey. I have been playing for five years now, and I am very happy with my decision to continue to play in college. Ferrum is a good fit for me because it gave me the opportunity to play at the collegiate level. I also love the small campus atmosphere of Ferrum. It was very easy for me to make friends and talk with my professors on a personal level.

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From: Western Branch High School | Chesapeake, VA Major: Liberal Arts Minor: Elementary Education Career Plans: I hope to become a second-grade teacher after graduation.

Campus Activities: Women’s swimming team, Delta Phi Epsilon sorority, Lambda Sigma National Honor Society

SPORTS

LAUREL SKINNER ’16

I picked Ferrum because I am in love with the mountains. I am very lucky to attend Ferrum because all my professors take time to know me as a student. The professors at Ferrum have helped me in so many ways to get me where I want to be in the future.

BRYAN SMITH ’16 From: Altavista High School | Altavista, VA Major: Web Design Career Plans: Work for a web design firm and hopefully one day own my own company Campus Activities: Football team When I was in high school, I always dreamed of playing football in college. I only heard about Ferrum College when Coach James came to my high school to recruit me. When I came on my visit to see the campus I loved everything about it. When it came to narrowing down the schools that I wanted to go to, Ferrum was the only college that I really wanted to attend. I believe that if I would have attended any other college or university, I would not have the same feeling that I do here.

Ferrum is a place that I would want my children to attend in the future because it is a great school with great professors.

JAE WHITE ’16 From: Eastern Mennonite High School | Keezletown, VA Major: History and Social Work (double major) Career Plans: Attend graduate school and then become a paralegal to help women and children in need Campus Activities: Men’s soccer team, intramural basketball, hanging out with friends and exploring the area around our campus via the hiking trails I came to Ferrum mostly because of soccer. I really love the setting, and I enjoy being so close to nature. I come from a very small high school, so I’ve always had a close community relationship and Ferrum fits that very well. Overall the school just felt “right” when I arrived here.

JUSTIN ZIMMERMAN ’17 From: Fluvanna County School | Troy, VA Major: Health Sciences Career Plans: Physical Therapist Campus Activities: Wrestling team I first heard about Ferrum when I met Coach Yetzer over the summer about three years ago and he convinced me to do a visit. One of the things I liked most about Ferrum when I visited was how small the school was. I knew at Ferrum I would not be just another number. Getting to be a part of the wrestling team for its first official year and getting to start traditions and set the bar for the years to come was another reason I chose Ferrum.

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ALUMNI SPORTS

Danny M. Perdue ’66 received the Ferrum College Distinguished Alumni Award during the Alumni Awards Ceremony held during the September Homecoming festivities.

President Jennifer Braaten presented the award to Perdue in recognition of his exceptional service to the community, as well as his longtime support of his alma mater.

FerrumCollege 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award

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Alumni Board News .................................................................... 86 Sports Hall of Fame 2014..............................................................87 Hoskin Promoted to Brigadier General........................................ 90 Ferrum a Perfect Fit for Both Mother and Daughter.....................91 Ferrum Alumni Say It All...............................................................92 Golden Panthers.......................................................................... 94 Out & About................................................................................ 96 Panthers Come in Pairs................................................................ 99 Homecoming & Family Day 2014................................................100 Tracking Panthers.......................................................................102 In Memoriam.............................................................................. 110

Perdue began working in a grocery store at the age of 14 and was in Ferrum Junior College’s class of 1966. He followed his passion for serving others and became the owner of the Franklin Minute Market and Franklin Shopping Center. Today, the list of Perdue’s business involvements is extensive. He is a partial owner and

president of Redwood Minute Markets, Inc.; and a partial owner of First Minute Markets, LLC; FFH Operations, Inc.; and FFH Investors, LLC. Perdue also owns Redwood Fuel Oil & Propane, Redwood Petroleum Products, Ferrum Petroleum Products, Franklin Petroleum Products, 604 Petroleum Products and Penhook Petroleum Products. He is vice president of Perdue Properties, Inc. In addition, Perdue owns the only laundromat in the area and was instrumental in bringing the Dairy Queen restaurant and the Dollar General store to the Ferrum community. These businesses serve the Ferrum community residents and Ferrum College students in new and progressive ways.

Perdue exemplifies the College’s motto, “Not Self, But Others,” through his extensive service to the community, evidenced by the fact that the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and Smith Mountain Chamber of Commerce have also honored him with awards for his efforts. Perdue is a director of Franklin Community Bank, N.A. and Mainstreet Bankshares. He is currently active in the Rocky Mount Rotary Club and is a past member and president of the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce, the United Way in Franklin County, past president of Franklin County YMCA and a past member of the board of trustees at Ferrum College. He was a founding member of the Burnt Chimney Volunteer Fire Department and also served as a board director for The Bank of Ferrum (a community bank in Franklin County) from 1994 to 1999 and an advisory board member for BB&T in Franklin County from 1999 to 2001, which brings financial institution governance to BankShares’ board.

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“Danny Perdue truly embodies the best qualities of a Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. His volunteer and civic activities are exemplary, as is his longtime support of the college and the local economy,” said Braaten. “Ferrum College is proud to present Danny with this much-deserved award.”

Perdue is a loyal Ferrum College supporter and created a scholarship aiding local students with tuition. He contributes to a variety of projects on campus and demonstrates his love for his alma mater through leadership and participation. n

Panther Alumni Have a New Home on Campus!

When you are in the neighborhood, please stop by the “new” Alumni House at 615 Ferrum Mountain Road and check out our renovated facility. Adjacent to the Norton Center and the Norton-Tolley Press Box, the Alumni House (formerly the Christian Ministries office) has room (and kitchen facilities) to host your reunion receptions, pregame tailgating or any gatherings you’d like. Contact Director of Alumni & Family Programs Tracy Sigmon Holley ’96 at 540-365-4216 or alumni@ferrum.edu for more information. n FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

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ALUMNI

Dear Fellow FC Alumni – Our Alumni Board of Directors (ABOD) is responsible for serving as the liaison between your Alumni Association and the College.

We are your representatives and encourage you to stay involved with Ferrum both on- and off-campus. I’m happy to share with you the work that board members have been doing to further the mission of our alma mater.

Members of ABOD are assigned to one of six working committees. In collaboration with College faculty and staff, they develop and implement plans to help serve Ferrum students in a variety of ways.

Angela Conroy ’97

Dana Ayers Kelley ’94

Mr. Oden Cornwell, III ’02 President Boones Mill, VA

The Career Services Committee works with the Career Services Office to increase the number of available internships and positive job-seeking experiences for students. They participate in workshops, mock interviews and resume reviews, and attend career fairs.

Mr. Wilson T. Paine ’07 Vice President Reston, VA

Each year the Nominations Committee recommends individuals for membership in the ABOD. They seek alumni of all ages who will bring creative ideas and energy to the board. They are also tasked with helping to select a worthy candidate for our Distinguished Alumni Award.

The Philanthropy Committee encourages alumni to be consistent donors and support the annual Ferrum Fund, specific capital or academic projects, and the newly organized ABOD Endowed Scholarship. Members assist staff with fundraising communications, solicitations, and participation ideas.

The Recruitment Committee assists the Ferrum College Admissions Office in its efforts to bring new students and families to campus. They may meet with prospective students to share their own experiences, discuss the advantages of the applied liberal arts curriculum or assist individuals with their applications to the College.

Our ABOD members are an involved and dedicated group, and I am proud to be the president of this board. If you have an interest in joining us in any of these efforts, or others, please let us know.

We are not only here to serve the College but also YOU! Sincerely, Joey Cornwell ’02 | ABOD President FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

Holly Stitham ’97

A LU M N I BOA R D OF DI R E C T OR S

The Executive Committee consists of ABOD officers. They oversee the committees and assist them in reaching their stated annual goals.

The Chapter Development Committee is tasked with expanding communications and involvement in the alumni chapters. They are currently securing leadership for each chapter as well as obtaining hosts for regional events.

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New Board Members

Mrs. Joyce Bernice Cobbs ’98 Past President Rocky Mount, VA Mr. Ronald E. Singleton ’70 Secretary Fredericksburg, VA Mr. James L. Clark, Sr. ’62 Golden Panthers Chairman Martinsville, VA Ms. Anna E. Bowser ’12 Roanoke, VA Mr. Samuel L. Camden ’66 Roanoke, VA Mr. Michael S. Condrey ’95 Rustburg, VA

Mr. Steve D. Harmon ’96 Mechanicsville, VA Mrs. Dana Ayers Kelley ’94 Glade Hill, VA Mr. Walter Paul Matthews ’06 Virginia Beach, VA Ms. Trasan Moore ’11 Bethesda, MD Ms. Holly Stitham ’97 Virginia Beach, VA Mrs. Twyla Stephen Tatum ’04 Haymarket, VA Mr. Steve Walker ’70 Union Hall, VA Mr. Jeff A. Wilson ’85 Hobe Sound, FL Mrs. Amanda Cobler Witt ’04 Collinsville, VA LIFETIME MEMBERS:

Ms. Angela Conroy ’97 Buchanan, VA

Mr. Donnie L. Brown ’66 Staunton, VA

Mrs. Hila Maxey Foutz ’96 Rocky Mount, VA

Mr. Bruce A. Griffith ’66 Stuart, VA

Mr. Cory L. Guilliams ’02 Penn Laird, VA

ALUMNI

Sports Hall of Fame 2014 Inductees exemplify the highest ideals of small-college athletics, sportsmanship and the spirit of the Ferrum College motto, “Not Self, But Others.”

Michael D. Bradley ’68 Manchester, NH

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ike Bradley was a two-year starter for Ferrum’s football team and helped the Panthers finish the 1966 season as the National Junior College Athletic Association National Runner-Up. After graduating from Ferrum College in 1968, Bradley transfered to Southern Illinois University and averaged 8.2 yards per carry as a running back in his first season. In his dual role as a placekicker for SIU he connected on seven field goals of over 40 yards.

Bradley and his wife, Diane, have four children, Janet, Cathy, Darrell and James, plus six grandchildren.

He retired after 33 years as a service technician for a fuel company.

Although he was unable to make it back to campus to accept his Sports Hall of Fame induction certificate, Bradley’s longtime friend Renso “Rock” Perdoni ’69 was present at the ceremony to accept the award for his former teammate and to speak on his behalf.

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ALUMNI

Steve Gallagher ’73 Roanoke, VA

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teve Gallagher played tennis at Ferrum from 1972 to 1973 under Coach Bud Skeens. He helped the Panthers win two conference championships and was undefeated at #1 singles (1973) and #2 singles (1972), and was the 1973 Ferrum College President’s Cup recipient. Later he transferred to Oral Roberts University and played #5–6 singles for the NCAA Division I program. In his post-college career, Gallagher

Kelly Caputo ’87 Williamsport, PA

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elly Caputo was a rare three-sport athlete at Ferrum College from 1983 through 1987. She was a member of the first class of NCAA Division III student-athletes at the College.

Caputo was a four-year starter for the women’s basketball team and team captain for three of those years. During the 1986–87 season, she and her teammates competed in the ECAC postseason tournament.

Caputo was also a four-year starter and team captain two years for the Panther volleyball team as well as a four-year starter and team captain two years for the women’s tennis team. She received Women’s Sports Foundation All-America honorable mention in 1987, the Ferrum College Female Athlete of the Year Award in 1984, the President’s Cup in 1985, and the Bob Wilson award in 1987.

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Caputo returned to her alma mater to serve 17 seasons as assistant women’s basketball coach, 16 years as head volleyball coach, and eight seasons as head women’s tennis coach. Her record includes winning the 1995 Dixie Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament and advancing to the NCAA Division III Tournament for the first time in College history. She led her Panthers to a runner-up finish at the 1992 Dixie Conference Tournament and coached the volleyball team to a runner-up finish in both the 1990 and 1992 Dixie Conference Tournaments.

She was named the 1990 Dixie Conference Volleyball Coach of the Year. She also led Ferrum to a 1994 Dixie Conference Women’s Tennis Tournament runner-up finish. Her outstanding players included 25 All-Conference and two All-Region volleyball players, Ferrum’s only All-America in volleyball player, and 15 AllConference tennis players, including five individual conference champions and two Ferrum President’s Cup recipients.

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won the Roanoke Valley Invitational Men's Open Singles three times (1973, 1975 and 1978). He ranked tenth in Men's Singles in the Mid-Atlantic in 1980 and had wins over No. 1 players from both Virginia and Maryland. Gallagher served as a head pro at College Hills Swim & Racquet Club in San Angelo, TX for 14 years with his former hitting partner of nine years, Cliff Richey, and Richey’s wife, Nancy, both former United States No. 1 tennis players.

Gallagher served two years as head tennis coach at NCAA Division II Angelo State University then three years as head men’s tennis coach at Oral Roberts, leading the Golden Eagles to two NCAA Division I Tournament berths. He was ranked No. 1 in Texas Men's 35 Singles in 1990 and won the Virginia State Men’s 50s Singles Indoor and Clay Tournaments in 2005.

During his illustrious tennis career, Gallagher also earned a bachelor’s degree from Oral Roberts and master’s degree from Angelo State. He currently works as the tennis pro at Hunting Hills Country Club in Roanoke, VA.

ALUMNI

Grant Renfrow ’90 Manassas, VA

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rant Renfrow started at first base for Coach Abe Naff’s baseball teams from 1985 to 1989. He helped Ferrum reach NCAA Division III playoffs in 1988 and 1989, serving as team captain his senior year.

His awards include: 1989 AllAmerica selection; 1987 and 1989 All-Region selection; 1986 and 1987 All-State selection; 1989 All-Conference selection; 1987 All-District selection; team batting champion in 1986 and 1989; and team fielding Champion in 1989.

Renfrow played for several semipro baseball teams from 1988 through 1990 and several Division B-D softball teams from 1990 to 1999. He was hitting instructor for the 1990–91 season at Woodson High School.

Renfrow has been employed for more than 20 years with Marriott International, where he implemented several environmentally conscious community programs for waste reduction and energy consumption in Marriott hotels in the Washington, D.C., area. His volunteer activities include Habitat for Humanity and USO/Wounded Warrior projects, Volunteers of America, girls youth soccer league, boys Little League baseball, and Northern Virginia Select Travel baseball programs.

Sherman Thomas Shifflett ’64 Louisa, VA

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native of Charlottesville, VA, and a U.S. Army veteran, Sherman Shifflett was a football and track standout at Ferrum College from 1962 to 1964. He played linebacker for Panther football and competed in the half-mile and mile relay, setting the school record for half mile, serving as co-captain of the track team and earning an All-Conference honorable mention in football.

After earning his associate degree from Ferrum College, Shifflett went on to earn a bachelor’s degree at East Tennessee State University and a master’s degree from the University of Virginia, eventually landing at Louisa County High School, where he started the cross-country and indoor track programs and spent 31 years as a teacher coach and administrator.

Shifflett’s accomplishments include coaching for the Louisa County high school football, track and cross-country teams for 11 years; leading track teams to five district titles and one regional title (with one team member making it to the VHLS state championships); serving five years as athletic director and 30 years with the athletics booster club; founding the Varsity Club; and serving four years as a Virginia Coaches’ Association board member.

Shifflett’s most recent involvement includes serving his third term with the Louisa County School Board, 18 years with the Louisa County Recreation Advisory Committee (including 10 years as chairman), 14 years as a Louisa Crimestoppers board member, four years in a court-appointed position on the Community Diversion Incentive Program board, four years on the Louisa Industrial Development Authority Board (one year as vice chair), co-chair of the Mineral Historical Foundation Archives Committee for 10 years, and vestryman for four years at the Church of the Incarnation.

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ALUMNI

Hoskin Promoted to Brigadier General

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fter graduating from Ferrum College in 1986, Michael D. Hoskin was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Army ROTC program and began his military career as an armor officer at Fort Lewis, WA. He served at various levels of command and staff positions throughout his career, assuming command of the U.S. Army Expeditionary Contracting Command (ECC). In September 2014 he was promoted to the rank of brigadier general.

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The ECC provides expeditionary contracting across the full spectrum of military operations for Army service component commands and federal agencies. Along with acquisition programs in support of soldiers, civilians and their families at Army installations outside of the continental United States, the office also plans and performs expeditionary contracting during military and humanitarian operations.

Prior to becoming the ECC commanding FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

general, Hoskin served as the division chief, Operational Contract Support and Services Division, J-4, Joint Staff, the Pentagon. His military decorations and awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and numerous other awards and decorations. He is Airborne qualified and wears the Army and Joint Staff badges. He was recognized as the Acquisition Commander of the Year in 2012, Federal Executive Board Best Command of the Year in 2010, DCMA Army Commander of the Year in 2007

U.S. Army Cadet Hoskin at Ferrum College.

and Federal Executive Board Leader of the Year in 2003.

Both of Hoskin's parents were U.S. Marines. His mother served in the Corps before leaving to raise their two daughters; his dad retired as a master gunnery sergeant.

To see an in-depth interview held just after Brigadier General Hoskin’s promotion, please go online to www.army.mil/article/138671 n

ALUMNI

Ferrum a Perfect Fit for Both Mother and Daughter

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other–daughter alumnae Margaret “Marti” Moore Phillips ’93 and Suzanne Robertson Smith ’98 share a passion for art, technology, teaching and Ferrum College.

Phillips recalls her experience of coming to Ferrum Junior College as a freshman, “I attended Ferrum the first time after my graduation from high school in 1971.

I enjoyed spending my freshman year at Ferrum, but like so many students, I did not know ‘what I wanted to do when I grew up.’ I got married and completed my sophomore year at Virginia Western Community College, but options for completing a bachelor’s degree in our area were very limited at that time.”

“Fast-forward 15 years. I had two children, Suzanne and Kristin, and worked in the residential construction business. In the early 1990s, a recession hit and our construction business plummeted. Of course, when you are self-employed, there

are no unemployment benefits, and I was desperately trying to figure out how to pay bills and support our family. I’d wanted to finish my bachelor’s degree for a long time, and I decided that completing my degree was the best solution. Ferrum was by this time a four-year college, and on the spur of the moment I decided to drive to Ferrum and see what my options might be. This day truly turned my life around.”

“I was initially nervous about going back to school after being out for almost 20 years, but my professors were so supportive and my classmates were very friendly. I decided that my first choice of a career would be to work at a college. My years at Ferrum turned my life around 180 degrees, and I wanted to work in a place where I could help others do the same.”

Phillips is a professor of information systems technology at Patrick Henry Community College. “I think that being a nontraditional student has been an advantage to me at PHCC because so many of my students are in the same situation. I also think that going back to school later helped my daughters see how important an education is. The only decision they had to make when they were in high school was where to go to college.

There was never any doubt that they would go, and both of them took their educations very seriously” In 1994, Suzanne graduated from high school and enrolled at a public university.

She looked to her mother for advice when the school did not feel like the right fit.

Suzanne wanted a smaller and more personal college experience, and her mother suggested she transfer to Ferrum.

Smith excelled at Ferrum and majored in business with a double emphasis in management and marketing. She was a member of Students in Free Enterprise (formerly SIFE, now ENACTUS), yearbook editor and a founding member of the Kappa Alpha Sigma sorority. After graduation, Smith served on the Ferrum College Alumni Board of Directors (ABOD) for more than 10 years, a tenure

that included the leadership roles of board vice president, president and ad hoc member of the College’s board of trustees.

Smith has fond memories of growing up around the family’s construction worksites and found that those experiences helped her gain an understanding of the many facets of running a business. Suzanne and Kristin assisted with painting and other projects and learned from their mother’s willingness to embrace challenges without fear of failure. The experience fostered self-confidence and independence in Smith and inspires her still. Smith says her mom “gave us wings so that we could fly.”

She says, “Technology was always important to Mom. When my sister and I were children, Mom rented a computer and taught us basic programming.

Technology was exciting to us.”

Smith works for Carilion Clinic in academic technology services as an instructional designer and held a similar role at Clemson University. She has also been an instructor at several local community colleges. Her Twitter tagline perfectly describes her personal philosophy, “Always trying to find ways to add art and creativity to technology.”

Phillips says, “Suzanne inherited my love for technology, and it’s been fun to watch her evolve into a career that involves both technology and teaching. I really enjoyed watching her thrive at Ferrum College.

She’s so good at immersing herself in projects that interest her, and she became very involved with a wide variety of Ferrum activities. Ferrum was the perfect fit for her, too—her degree gave her the skills needed to be successful in a variety of fields.” n

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ALUMNI

Ferrum Alumni Say It All! “Panther Pride” not only refers to our pride in Ferrum College but also to our pride in the dedication and initiative in our community—of our students, faculty, staff and alumni! We’re proud of the great successes achieved by our students and how their journeys from Ferrum College have led them to be caring and concerned citizens of their community, nation and world.

They embrace our motto, “Not Self, But Others,” and their passion inspires us and those around them!

Read more alumni profiles at www.ferrum.edu/myferrum and tell us about your #MyFerrum experience!

Alumnus Works to Ensure that ENACTUS Is Sustained

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eff Davoud ’97 was a high school senior considering his various college options when he received a phone call from a Ferrum admissions counselor, enticing him to make a personal visit to the campus. Not sure what he might find as he made his way off of Route 40 and onto Wiley Drive and then looped around Adams Lake, Jeff was surprised when he felt an immediate connection to the College. It just felt right. Thankfully, his college choice became clear, and his decision obvious. Jeff chose to be a Ferrum College Panther, and, as they say, he’s never looked back!

During his junior year, Jeff was in Dr. Demetri Tsanacas’ investment class and joined Students in Free Enterprise (now called ENACTUS­—Entrepreneurial Action Us). As a SIFE member, he competed with his team in both regional and national events and had the opportunity to meet business leaders with global recognition. He now credits the program with helping him develop and grow as both a person and a business leader and says it further strengthened his foundation as an entrepreneur.

Jeff is currently president of Old Dominion Insulation, Inc. Founded in 1981, Old Dominion Insulation is one of the leading contractors for commercial, industrial and refrigeration insulation in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. He also serves as owner/managing partner at Old Dominion Abatement and Demolition and owner/managing partner at Old Dominion Firestopping. In his roles, Jeff is committed to mentoring and training the future leaders of his field. Recognizing and developing talent, as Dr. Tsanacas’ classroom lectures suggested, is a key to long-term business success.

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Jeff has been instrumental in the effort to build an ENACTUS endowment fund for the College. Once endowed, the fund will FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

finance the travel and projects of Ferrum’s ENACTUS teams. It will also ensure the ENACTUS program will be sustained at Ferrum College in the future.

He is passionate about supporting charities and organizations that make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Closest to his heart are programs that assist veterans, children with cancer and seniors. As chairman of the Chesterfield Senior Center, Jeff is heavily involved in advocating for the members of the center in their effort to lobby and seek funds for a permanent facility.

Some of Jeff’s other passions include support of the Swing for Sight Golf Tournament, the Challenge America Golf Tournament for Wounded Warriors, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Rotary Club, and the Assistance Support and Kindness Foundation at MCV, which provides direct support annually to 1,000 children with cancer in central Virginia.

Jeff is currently the chairman of the board for the Virginia chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., and he is also a member of the Southeastern Insulation Contractors Association, National Insulation Association and Firestop Contractors International Organization.

Jeff credits his wife, Ferrum alumna Kelly Seal Davoud ’98, and his two sons, Kaleb and Kelan, with keeping him grounded and focused on what’s really important in life. While Jeff is managing the efforts of 500 employees at work, no one is doing more important work than his wife, who is taking charge of raising two beautiful children and helping them develop the same sense of responsibility, value system and commitment to being the best people they can be that Jeff developed here at Ferrum more than 20 years ago. Jeff urges people to “Work hard, be positive and find ways to be an asset to a company.

Stay humble. Get involved. Commit yourself to excellence. Give something back. Acknowledge the contributions of others. Be a difference maker. Oh, and as we say here at Ferrum College, be a lifelong learner!” n

Matthew Hull, PhD ’00

President/Founder, NanoSafe, Inc. Program Manager, Nano-Bio Interface and Nanoscale Science and Engineering, Virginia Tech Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science (ICTAS)

Much of my professional experience has been in the area—from investigating the uptake of engineered nanoparticles by aquatic biota, to founding a nanotechnology environmental health and safety company, to managing an investment portfolio at Virginia Tech that seeds cutting-edge research at the interfaces of nanotechnology, biology and the environment. Most important, my story is a great illustration of how a “bluecollar liberal arts perspective” can serve as a critical element of interdisciplinary teams tackling society’s high-tech challenges of the future.

In my current position, I manage the NanoScale Science and Engineering and Nano-Bio Interface research portfolio at Virginia Tech’s ICTAS. I am also president and owner of NanoSafe, Inc., a provider of nanotechnology human and environmental health and safety (EHS) services, founded in 2007 and

ALUMNI

It’s been 14 years since I left Ferrum College with an environmental science degree in one hand and not a clue in the other. And while the path that brought me to where I am today has been anything but typical, it’s a path that I was uniquely prepared to take thanks in large part to my time at Ferrum—and to the Robert H. Moore Endowed Scholarship that was so important to my being able to attend the College at all. headquartered in Blacksburg, VA. My background in nanotechnology EHS risk management includes co-editing Nanotechnology Environmental Health and Safety: Risks, Regulation, and Management first and second editions (Elsevier, London, 2009, 2014); a 2007 appointment to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s (OSTP) Nanotechnology Technical Advisory Group (nTAG); and a decade of experience developing federal/commercial research programs focused on topics including Web-enabled nanotechnology EHS risk management systems, nanotechnology waste recovery and recycling processes, and life-cycle ecotoxicological studies of nanomanufacturing. I received my PhD in civil and environmental engineering and MS in biology from Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA), and my BS in environmental xcience from Ferrum College. n

Kevin Bradley ’95

Associate Professor in the division of Plant Sciences, University of Missouri

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radley believes his degree in agriculture from Ferrum College gave him a broad background in agricultural sciences. He has experienced both the small educational environment at Ferrum and the large university setting, earning his PhD in plant physiology, pathology, and weed science from Virginia Tech. “At Ferrum, I was exposed to a little bit of everything in the agriculture field, which allowed me to appreciate how the aspects of agriculture with which I currently work interact with the big picture of the entire industry,” says Bradley.

In his current position, Bradley’s responsibilities include research, extension and teaching efforts in the area of weed management. His research examines areas such as herbicide-tolerant crops and new methods and chemical practices for weed control.

Bradley’s work is shared with growers, giving them an unbiased recommendation on what is best for them and strategies for optimal weed management. Research isn’t Bradley’s only function at the University of Missouri, however; he also advises a group of graduate students each year. Under Bradley, students complete intensive research projects and may earn a master’s degree or PhD upon completion of their course of study. “I’m most proud of helping those young men and women earn a degree and go on in life to begin successful careers in this field,” says Bradley. n

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Golden Panthers 2014 s THE NEWEST CLASS OF GOLDEN PANTHERS!

Inducted into membership during a Homecoming ceremony last fall, the group enjoyed catching up with classmates, touring the campus and attending all the weekend’s festivities.

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The most active and involved of all Ferrum College alumni groups, the Golden Panthers are a distinguished group of men and women who graduated at least 50 years ago. Led by Chair Jim Clark ’62 from Martinsville, VA, the GPs meet several times each year, on- and off-campus, and enjoy events as diverse as golf tournaments, concerts and trips to the racetrack.

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THE GOLDEN PANTHERS STEERING COMMITTEE s The Committee, pictured from left to right: Chair Jim Clark ’62, Rich Lyons ’63, Shirley Spencer Horton ’57, Janet Robey Stewart ’63, Suzanne Booth Bell ’62, Tommy Harris ’62 and Ed States ’57. Missing from the photo is Rebecca Brammer Houchins ’62.

ALUMNI

Golden Panthers at the Friday Night Jamboree s

Winning Golf Team s

A trip to the Friday Night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store in Floyd, VA, included dinner, music and lots of fun! GP attendees included Rich Lyons ’63, Jeneane Webster, Alice Shelton, Glenn Shelton ’57, Mary Ellen States, Ed States ’57, Mary Ann Clark, Jim Clark ’62, Shirley Spencer Horton ’57, Richard Horton, Janet Robey Stewart ’63, Richard Stewart, President Jennifer Braaten, and Director of Planned & Principal Gifts George Seals.

The winning team at the Forest Park Country Club “Golf & Gather” in Martinsville, VA, were “Bo” Henson ’62, Bill Booker ’61, Joe Davis ’61 and “Slick” Andrews ’61.

THE GOLDEN PANTHERS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Giving Back to Help Today’s Graduates Achieve Their Goals

Golden Panthers at the Roberts Hall Reunion s

Established in 1982, this scholarship provides financial assistance to deserving Ferrum College students. Because of the generous contributions and bequests of so many Golden Panthers, the fund continues to grow and delivers financial aid for more and more Ferrum students each year.

s

Rebecca Brammer Houchins ’62, Suzanne Booth Bell ’62, Annie Mae Dowdy Rose ’57, Ann Melton Journell ’57, Shirley Spencer Horton ’57 and Carol Boyd Carroll ’60.

Golden Panthers at the Rives Concert Series

Golden Panthers enjoyed a special Christmas performance by After Jack at the Bluegrass Rives Concert Series in Martinsville, VA. Sitting in the front row were Clark Vandergrift ’62, Becky Brammer Houchins ’62, Director of Planned & Principal Gifts George Seals, Glenn Shelton ’57, Alice Shelton, Shirley Spencer Horton ’57 and Richard Horton.

5.

If you are interested in becoming more active in Golden Panthers activities or contributing to the scholarship, please contact Director of Planned & Principal Gifts George Seals at 540-365-4299 or gseals@ferrum.edu.

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ALUMNI

CHARLOTTESVILLE RECEPTION

Gene Mosier, Beckham Society chair Jud Mason ’67, Coach Hank Norton and Board of Trustees Chair Sam Lionberger at the reception in Charlottesville.

MODEL T IN PARADE

President Jennifer Braaten with Hank Norton and Ed George ’68 and Roe George, hosts of the Charlottesville Alumni Reception.

Board of trustees member Baxter Phillips ’66 enjoyed lunch on the steps of John Wesley Hall.

MARTINSVILLE RECEPTION

Ferrum College was represented by the Model T Ford driven

by Allen Alderman, purchasing manager of Physical Plant, in Christmas parades in both Rocky Mount and Martinsville.

ORIGINAL FC GOLF TEAM

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Members of the original Ferrum College Golf Team made up a foursome once again at the Martinsville "Golf and Gather" last fall: H. Ellsworth Haley ’54, Elmer Hall ’56, Rudy Johnson ’55, and Charlie Rinker ’56.

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Adam Lynch, ABOD member, Dana Ayers Kelley '94, host of the Martinsville Alumni Reception, Board of Trustees member and President of the Martinsville Speedway, Clay Campbell, ABOD member, Hila Maxey Foutz '96, and Jon Snead.

Layne Dillon ’16 and TJ Stafford ‘14 enjoyed mingling with other alums at the Martinsville Speedway.

Last August Ferrum College President Jennifer Braaten and members of the administrative council, including Vice President of Academic Affairs & Dean of Academic Planning and Programs Gail Summer, Vice President for Student Affairs Andrea Zuschin, Vice President for Administration Doug Clark, Vice President for Business and Finance Barb Hatcher, Vice President for Operations Jeff Gring, and Vice President for Institutional Advancement Kim Blair, along with head football coach Dave Harper, participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge with the Student Government Association officers.

ALUMNI

ALS ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE

STUDENTS AT TAUBMAN MUSEUM OF ART On Sunday, November 9, 2014, a group of Ferrum College students attended College Night at the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke, VA. The event— Designing Details: Cars, Clutches & Collections: College Edition —featured three prominent women from the world of design, fashion and architecture. The commanding roster included Sandy McGill of BMW Group, Designworks USA; Jana Matheson of Judith Leiber Couture; and Juliet Kinchin of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The students were accompanied by Vice President for Institutional Advancement Kim Blair and Director of the Learning Opportunities Program & Special Assistant for Student Success Ronda Bryant.

STUDENTS AT GRANDIN THEATRE SHOWING OF SELMA

In celebration of Black History Month, Ferrum College students, faculty and staff joined others from Hollins University, Jefferson College of Health Sciences, Radford University’s DPT, Roanoke College and Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine at a screening of the movie Selma at the Grandin Theatre in Roanoke.

ALUMNI HOUSE OPEN HOUSE

The “new” Alumni House was opened for the first football game of the year last September. Front row: Director of Alumni & Family Programs Tracy Sigmon Holley ’96, President Jennifer Braaten, Trasan Moore ’11, Randal Doss ’94 and Vice President for Institutional Advancement Kim Blair; back row: Conrad Braaten, Vice President for Enrollment Services Doug Clark, Timothy White and ABOD President Joey Cornwell ’02.

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ALUMNI

DECADES OF DEDICATION

SNOW ON CAMPUS 2015

1.

Gathered on the steps of Beckham Hall are faculty and staff members who have served Ferrum College for at least 30 years. Front row : Roddy Moore, Carolyn Thomas, Gail Holley and Diane Bernard; middle row: Gilda Woods, Micky Naff, Felicia Woods and Richard Smith; back row, President Jennifer Braaten, Wayne Bowman, Vaughan Webb, Gary Angel, Bob Pohlad and David Johnson.

2.

Missing from the photo are Tony Giesen, Joan “Evelyn” Tyree, Hilda Smith, Edwin Phillips, Margaret Drakeford, Mary O’Neal, Coral Helms, Abe Naff, Ruben Altice and Michael Trochim.

3.

As beautiful as it was, the February snow cancelled classes but didn’t completely halt life on campus. Teams were out clearing pathways and staff were busy making sure that roads were accessible and students were fed and safe.

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Pictured (top to bottom): 1. Adams Lake 2. Flags on campus after the storm 3. Members of the Panther football team shoveling snow 4. Vaughn Chapel

4.

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ALUMNI Caroline and Lauren Born on June 20, 2006 Dana Ayers Kelley ’94, and husband Joseph (an employee of Ferrum College) Glade Hill, VA (one big sister, Ainsley)

Eli James and Jonah Frederick Born on April 23, 2009 Joel ’97 and Sarah Wampler Burgess ’00 Rocky Mount, VA

Madalyn Pearl and McKinley Rea Born on September 11, 2013 Bryson ’98 and Lori Ward Smith ’98 Staunton, VA (one older brother, Jackson)

PA N T H E R S COM E I N

PAIRS Kayla and Hannah Born on August 23, 2010 Jay ’02 and Karen Helton Greeley ’02 Woodbridge, VA (one younger brother, Brayden)

Fallon Marie and Samantha Grace Born on November 22, 2012 Curtis Curry ’05 and wife, Rhyannon Charlottesville, VA

After receiving numerous notifications of the birth of twins among young alumni, we thought we’d share a few of them with you. Note: these pairs of Panthers are only the ones who have been brought to our attention. Please don’t forget to send in YOUR announcements to Ferrum College Classnotes!

Carter Graham and Jackson Charlie Born on February 10, 2013 Shannon Robinson Ramsey ’08 and husband, Jeremy Ferrum, VA (one younger brother, Everett)

Audrey Elizabeth and Victoria Jane Born on December 5, 2012 Michael Beno ’05 and wife, Alison Kohler, WI

Nathan Brian and Asher William Born on August 1, 2013 Thomas James ’06 and wife, Jen Alexandria, VA

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ALUMNI

Homecoming & Family Day 2014 A Ferrum College celebration for all, with picnics, reunions, parades, music, tailgates, athletic events, alumni awards and lots of fun!

Mark your calendars now for the 2015 festivities on

October 2, 3 and 4!

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TRACKING PANTHERS

Tracking Panthers 1960s

Gerard Taylor ’63, of Petaluma, CA, is retired and moved to California in June 2014.

Mickey Keys Freeman ’68, of Dickson, TN, sang at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN.

Jan Yount Meriwether ’74, of Lynchburg, is employed by Randolph College as vice president of institutional advancement.

Brian C. Little, Sr. ’86, of Richmond, is employed by the city of Petersburg as cultural affairs manager.

Steve Robinson ’78, of Chapel Hill, NC, has been appointed to the Radford University Board of Visitors

by Governor McDonnell.

Kelly Caputo ’87, of Fort Lauderdale, FL, is employed by Deerfield Beach High School science department. She was selected as 2013–2014 Teacher of the Year and is in her ninth year with the school board of Broward County, FL.

Peggy Pillis McLenagan ’79, of Beaufort, SC, and her husband, Will, are the owners of The Foolish Frog restaurant in Beaufort, SC. She does the marketing for the restaurant and also works for Atlantic Marine Corps Community as a property manager for the military. They have three furry children: King, Sabre and Gizmo.

1980s Clyde Gantt ’80, of Virginia Beach, retired from the Virginia Dept. of Environmental Quality after 27 years. He has worked with water quality monitoring and water pollution control for 34 years.

Gail Wanner Carr ’81, of Crimora, is employed by Bridgewater College as student accounts coordinator.

Her husband, Sam ’82, is retired.

Linda Scott Handy ’69, of Callaway, is retired.

Sam G. Wilson ’69, of Roanoke, retired from the United States District Court in August 2014. He will spend a year in Taipei with his wife, Pendred, teaching American criminal justice at National Taiwan University.

1970s

Ronald Paxton ’70, of Newport News, released his second novel, Deep Water. The novel is being published by World Castle Publishing and is available through www.worldcastlepublishing.com and on Amazon.

Janis Smith-Goschke ’72, of Oxford, GA, is retired.

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Marty Williams ’73, of Richmond, has been named by Governor McAuliffe as a member of the Commonwealth Transportation Board.

Allen B. Crowder ’82, of Williamsburg, is employed by the College of William and Mary as a turf equipment specialist.

Walter Southall ’82, of Farmville, is employed by the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service as an area resource conservationist.

Byron Chafin ’88, of Richmond, is employed by Waste Management as director of the education department.

Mark D. Hodges ’88, of Kill Devil Hills, NC, is employed by Dare County as a magistrate.

Mark L. Roberts ’88, of Richmond, is employed by The Steward School as athletic turf and field manager.

He made Steward School history when he won Field of the Year in the school/parks and recreation category from the Sports Turf Managers Association for the baseball field.

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M. “Wesley” Furrow ’92, and his wife, Rebecca “Becky” Winesett ’05, of Ferrum, announce the birth of their daughter, Ainsley Elizabeth, on July 11, 2014. She joins big brothers Adam and Levi.

Rob Monolo ’92, and his wife, Christy, of Beaverdam, announce the birth of their son, Alexander Conway, on October 29, 2014. He joins big brother James.

1990s

Nicole Strach Parris ’92, of Richmond, was recently featured in the Richmond Times-Dispatch for her work with Special Clothing for Special Babies-Inspired by Wrenn, a company she founded to provide rompers for newborn babies, toddlers and children who have central lines, gastrostomy tubes (G-Tube, GJ-Tube, J-Tube), ostomy bags, heart monitors, or IV tubing and receive post-surgical procedures specific to hospitals. Nicole’s threeyear-old daughter, Wrenn, has a rare genetic lung disease called ABCA3 Surfactant Deficiency. She is only the fourth person in the world to receive this diagnosis. Nicole is also an author and published The 8th Journal in 2006.

Jeb James Bradbury ’90, and his wife, Lauren, of Richmond, announce the birth of their son, Rhett Wilson, on July 30, 2014. He joins big brother Rhys.

David Dunavant ’93, of Glen Allen, is employed by Henrico County Public Schools as an instructional technology resource teacher/trainer.

Robert Smith ’83, of Hampton, is employed by the Social Security Administration as an assistance manager.

Clayton Higgins ’85, of Centreville, finished his 27th year working as a case analyst at the Supreme Court of the United States.

Paul Scott White ’90, of Bena, is employed by Newport News Apprentice as head football coach.

Teresa Benjamin ‘88, of Boones Mill, is employed by Franklin County High School as a special education teacher. She is currently enrolled in a graduate program at Old Dominion University.

Ree Hassett Cinelli ’83, of North East, MD, is employed by Cecil County Public Schools as a behavior coach.

Teresa Arquelles Hale ’85, of Henrico, is employed by ECPI University as a program director of the criminal justice and business department.

Bob Scarborough ’90, of Roanoke, is employed by Valley Bank as senior vice president wealth group manager. He was inducted into the Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame in January 2015.

William “Bill” Moore ’95, of Wade, NC, is employed by the U.S. Army as a military intelligence officer. He is married to Liz Moore.

Darlene Dalay Wonggaew ‘95, and her husband, Choosak, of Tustin, CA, announce the birth of their daughter, Kayleigh, on June 21, 2014.

Jim Wade ’97, and his wife, Amy Hodges Wade ’97, of Reidsville, NC, announce the birth of their son, Conner Rhys, on August 21, 2014. He joins big sisters MacKenzie and Kiersten.

Michael T. Yergey ’95, and his wife, Mary, of Warrenton, announce the birth of their daughter, Violet Mae, on December 31, 2015.

Diane Hailey ’98, of Roanoke, is employed by American National University as a director of programmatic and agency approvals. In 2013, she adopted a son, Austin, who joins her three birth children in their home in Old Southwest Roanoke. She completed her master’s degree in teaching at Hollins University in 2012.

Tessie Rose Bailey ’96, of Billings, MT, was honored along with a small group of outstanding faculty for their achievements in teaching, scholarship, engagement and service.

Lorinda Hodges Gibbs ’96, of Wirtz, is employed by Carter Bank and Trust, Inc. as assistant vice president and managing officer.

Amanda McCauley ’98, of Roanoke, is employed by Quest Diagnostics as a medical laboratory scientist.

Michael “Chris” Glascock ’96, of Glen Allen, is employed by Anthem, Inc. as a developer advisor-IT telephony.

John Reffit ’98, of Broken Bow, OK, is employed by the U.S. Forest Service at Ouachita National Forest as a natural resources specialist.

TRACKING PANTHERS

Kevin Sherman ’92, of Lafayette, IN, has accepted the position of wide receivers coach at the University of Pittsburgh. He has 24 years of collegiate experience in coaching along with an NFL coaching internship with the Denver Broncos. Sherman was most recently coaching at Virginia Tech and was inducted into the Ferrum College Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. He was a wide receiver at Ferrum from 1988 to 1990 helping the Panthers win South Region Championships in 1988 and 1989 and leading them to the NCAA Division III national semifinals both years. Sherman was named team captain in 1990 and won the team’s Most Valuable Player Award.

Todd Overstreet ’96, of Wirtz, is employed by The Auto Connection as general manager.

T. Heath Cockerham ’94, and his wife, Genna Fuchs Cockerham ’96, of Monroe, announce the birth of their daughter, Kathryn Glee, on December 29, 2013.

Jon D. Morris ’94, of Roanoke, is employed by Family Preservation Services of Virginia as chief executive officer.

Chris Pike ’96, of Powhatan, is employed by DachZoom as vice president of client strategy and talent acquisition.

Tiffany D. Patton ’95, wed Mike Morgan on March 13, 2014. They reside in Richmond. She is employed

by Fareva Richmond as a supervisor.

Julie Shifflett Thomas ‘96, and her husband, Charles, announce the birth of their son, Nevan Charles, on November 19, 2014.

Kari A. Williams ’96, of Philipsburg, PA, is employed by SKILLS of Central PA Inc. as a psychiatric rehabilitation worker.

J. Bryan Davis ’97, of Wilmington, NC, has been selected by Patrick Henry High School as the new football coach.

Michael Condrey ’95, and his wife, Kim, of Rustburg, announce the birth of their daughter, Addison Harper, on August 1, 2014.

Kevin Keatts ’95, of Louisville, KY, is employed by the University of North Carolina at Wilmington as the head men’s basketball coach.

Erik Mollin ’95, of Rocky Mount, received the 2014 Valor Award from the Virginia Sheriff’s Association for his conduct during an armed robbery that progressed into a shootout with police officers at a residence. He is employed as sergeant with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

James Richardson ’95, and his wife, Jackie, announce the birth of their daughter, Alden Elizabeth, on March 31, 2014.

Kevin Salvilla ’97, and his wife, Jennifer, of Lancaster, TN, announce the birth of their son, Andrew Michael, on September 3, 2014.

Lt. Michelle Vandergrift ’95, of Vinton, was promoted after 16 years in the Roanoke Police Department (RPD), making her the highest-ranking woman there. She is only the second woman in the RPD ever to hold the lieutenant title.

Shannon Sayre-Johnston ’97, of Mechanicsville, MD, is employed by Breton Veterinary Hospital as a a licensed and registered veterinary technician. She is married to Kade.

Justin D. Sigmon ’98 and Ollea “Rita” Sigmon ’00, of Henry, announce the birth of their daughter, Brystal Hope, on April 2, 2014. She joins big sister Brooklynn.

Robert Vanselow ’98, of Panama, is employed by German-Tec (Panama), S.A. as a director of sales and operations.

John McClintic ’99, of Purcellville, received the certificate of valor for his ingenuity and tenacity during the investigation of a crash on Belmont Ridge Road in August 2013.

Valerie Overstreet ’99, of Somerville, MA, is employed by LNS Research as an operations manager. She was editor-in-chief of Iron Blade during her time at Ferrum.

Heather M. Schulz ’99, of Fredericksburg, is employed by Rappahannock Goodwill Industries in Fredericksburg, as executive assistant. She is also the secretary of the Fredericksburg Area CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Project. She participated in two art festivals in Fredericksburg: Art Attack and Via Colori.

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TRACKING PANTHERS

2000s

Gretchen Hager Tipps ’00, and her husband, Ryan, of Vinton, announce the birth of their daughter, Josephine (Josie) Beatrice, on November 20, 2013.

Donna Lynch White ’01, of Axton, is employed by Franklin County Public Schools as a fourth-grade teacher at Snow Creek Elementary School.

Oden “Joey” Cornwell ’02, and his wife, Margaret Johnson Cornwell ’02, of Boones Mill, announce the birth of their daughter, Martha Ellen, on June 2, 2014. She joins big sister Gracie.

Margaret is employed by Ferrum College as equestrian coach.

Amelia English-Brown ’02, and her husband, Stuart, announce the birth of their daughter, Stasia, on June 21, 2014. She joins big brothers Justice and Alijah.

Meagan Carter Gilliam ’02, of Appomattox, is employed by Buckingham County Middle School as a teacher. Meagan and her husband, James “J.T.” Gilliam ’02, have three children, Benjamin, Luke and Anne Kate.

Tony Quist ’02 is the assistant administrator at the Christian Heritage Academy in Roanoke, VA. With five Ferrum graduates working at the elementary and secondary-level private school, a full 25 percent of the faculty are Ferrum College alumni. From left to right are: Benny Wengi ’14, Ashley Rutrough ’00, Abigail Bennett ’11, Tony Quist ’02 and Maryann Castaneda ’13.

Robert Blair Mastin ’02, and his wife, Ginni Matern Mastin ’04, of Fredericksburg, announce the birth of their daughter, Ava Blaire, on July 15, 2014.

Alison Mitchem Satterlee ’02, and her husband, Eric, of Charlotte, NC, announce the birth of their daughter, Esa Ann, on September 26, 2014.

Patricia Randall Saunders ’02, and her husband, Samuel, of Brooklyn, NY, announce the birth of their daughter, Lucy Walker, on October 25, 2014.

Brad Dalton ’03, and his wife, Heidi, of Henry, announce the birth of their son, Rhett Bowen, on May 9, 2014. He joins big brother Huckleberry. Brad is the owner of the 77 Restaurant in Ferrum.

Former Teammates Now Competing Coaches Ferrum College alumnus and former men’s tennis player Bob Dill ’10 is in his first season as head coach of the girls’ tennis team at Walsingham Academy in Williamsburg, VA. He has held the assistant coaching position with the boys’ team since last spring.

Hailing from West Point, Dill played men’s tennis at Ferrum from 2007 to 2010 and was named to the USA South Athletic Conference’s AllSportsmanship team for men’s tennis in 2009. A four-year student employee in Ferrum’s Sports Information Office, he was named Student Employee of the Year in April 2009; earned USA South Academic All-Conference laurels in 2007, 2008 and 2009; was a Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) Academic All-State choice in 2008; and earned a pair of National Scholar-Athlete citations from the International Tennis Association (ITA) in 2008 and 2010.

Dill and tennis teammates Chris Brown ’09 and Matt Mellone ’09 are all currently coaching high school tennis teams. The three played for the Panthers’ 2007–2008 club under former head coach Gary Holden. Brown and Dill’s girls’ teams recently faced each other in a high school matchup.

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Brown, who played from 2007 to 2009, is the head coach for the girls’ and boys’ teams at Trinity Episcopal School in Richmond. He previously was the assistant coach for the boys’ and girls’ tennis squads at his high school alma mater, The Steward School in Richmond, from 2011 to 2013 and was the junior varsity girls’ coach at Trinity for one season. Mellone, who played for Ferrum from 2008 to 2010, is in his second season as head coach of the boys’ tennis team at his alma mater, Space Coast High School in Cocoa, FL. Former teammates now coaching are Bob Dill and Chris Brown, front row far left and second from left, respectively, and Matt Mellone, second from left in the back row.

Did you meet your husband or wife while at Ferrum? Tell us your story!

The Ferrum College Sweetheart Society is a special group of alumni couples who met on campus and eventually married their college loves!

Would you like to meet other FC Sweethearts? Contact the Alumni office (540-365-4216) for more information.

TRACKING PANTHERS

ALUMNI SWEETHEARTS OF ALL AGES— Share Your Sweetheart Story with Us!

Mark Phillips ’95 first met the love of his life, Alyson Alamo ’95, in Mrs. Corron’s accounting class at Ferrum College. Two of their friends, Mike Condrey ’95 and Jenny Hodges, introduced them, and the rest was history. Mark proposed on one knee in the private dining room at the Hotel Roanoke. They were married on October 11, 1997, in upstate New York. Shelli Blankenship Amow ’95 was a bridesmaid, and Condrey was a groomsman. Brian Wilkins ’95 and Heather Smith ’95 were also present for the wedding.

Mark and Alyson have three children: Ashtyn, 14, Aynslee, 9 and Ethan, 6. They reside in Rustburg and are surrounded by many close Ferrum friends and alumni in addition to Condrey—Chad Maddox ’95, Matt Jordan ’95, Courtney Stauffer Mayberry ’96, Andy Calohan ’93, Brian Calohan ’96 and Laura Hodges Sprouse ’97.

Baxter Phillips ’66 and Sharon Lee Phillips ’66 met at Ferrum in 1964 and became fast friends. They remained friends throughout their time on campus, ended up dating and falling in love, and were married in 1969. Forty-six years later, Sharon says, “We are still married and going strong. We love to support Ferrum, as it is quite special to us. What a wonderful place to find a soul mate!”

Mark ’95 and Alyson ’95 Phillips shown with their family.

Baxter and Sharon Lee Phillips ’66

Joanna Bosik Eddy ’04, and her husband, Morgan, of Wilmington, DE, announce the birth of their daughter, Mae Asbury, on September 10, 2014. She joins big sister Vivian.

Patricia Moyer Haskins ’03, and her husband, Chris, of Chatham, announce the birth of their son, Levi Garrett, on January 26, 2015.

Travis Nowlin ’03, and his wife, Christina McBride Nowlin ’03, of Hampton, announce the birth of their son, Joshua Travis, on July 31, 2014. He joins big sister Janelle.

Vonettia Calloway ’04, of South Chesterfield, is employed by Chesterfield County Public Schools as a teacher. She started with the class of 2000 and has traveled the U.S. and abroad since returning in spring 2004 to graduate.

Chris Edwards ’04, and his wife, Amie Wilson Edwards ’06, of Chesterfield, announce the birth of their daughter, Leah Elizabeth, on

December 17, 2013. She joins older siblings Abigail and Jake. Chris is employed by Robbins Landscaping, Inc. as account manager.

Sandra Southard Kalamaras ’04, of Midlothian, is employed by Starbucks as the assistant manager.

Carrie Jones Altice ’05, and her husband, Brian, of Wirtz, announce the birth of their son, Michael Branson, on January 21, 2014. He joins big sisters Callie, Catherine and Brylie.

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TRACKING PANTHERS

Lindsay Rutherford Fanney ‘06, and her husband, Jordan, announce the birth of their son, William Jordan “Wills” Fanney, II on November 19, 2014.

Kaitlin Peterson Hairston ’07, and her husband, Yuji ’09, of Lynchburg, announce the birth of their son, Yuji Keith, on June 20, 2013.

Ryan Hambright ’06, of Roanoke, is employed by Hidden Valley High School as the head boys’ soccer coach.

Lori Ekstein Barber ’05, and her husband, Tim, of Richmond, announce the birth of their son, Graham Henry, on December 27, 2013. He joins big brother Caleb.

J. Cason Garrison ’05, and his wife, Kitska, of Warrenton, announce the birth of their son, Grant Hammond, on August 10, 2014.

Lucia Grant-Owen ’05, of Virginia Beach, is employed by ForRent.com as a partnerships and lead generation coordinator.

Lorrie Ann Hale ’05, of Ferrum, wed Jason Betterton ’11 on July 21, 2014.

Mariah Koptis ’05, of San Antonio, TX, is employed by SunTrust Mortgage as a data analyst.

Kelly Phillips Kidd ’06, of Ridgeway, is employed by MPowering Kids as a therapeutic counselor.

W. Paul Matthews ’06, of Virginia Beach, wed Natalie McHale, on Sept.

10, 2014, in the town of Saqqarah just outside of Cairo, Egypt. They visited the Giza pyramids the day of their wedding, and then the ceremony was held at the pyramids of Abusir.

Wilson Paine ’07 wed Rosa Tapia on April 5, 2014. They reside in Washington, DC.

Cody Matthews ’07, and his wife, Amy Baxter Matthews ’07, of Kernersville, NC, announce the birth of their daughter, Ryleigh Renee, on October 8, 2013. She joins big sister Madison.

Yayoi Nakagawa ’06, of Nagasaki, Japan, wed Michael Lane on May 21, 2014.

Wilshannoa McMullen Wells ‘06, of Waynesboro, is employed

by Woodrow Wilson Rehab Center as a program support tech senior.

Her husband, Carlton Wells ‘06 is employed by the Virginia Department of Corrections as a counselor and is the owner of Waynesboro Bargains.

Adam M. Pickeral ’07, and Sarah Palastro Pickeral ’08, of Christiansburg, announce the birth of their daughter, Elnora Josephine, on June 27, 2014. She joins big brother Luca.

Julie Anderson Ritenour ’07, of Woodstock, is employed by W.W. Robinson Elementary School as a second-grade teacher.

Ashley Nolen Moore ’07, of Moneta, and her husband, John, announce the birth of their son, John Liam, on September 2, 2014.

Brett Thomas ’07, of Danville, is employed by Hargrave Military Academy in alumni development and is the head baseball coach.

Ty’Nesha Jamison Scales ’05, and her husband, Javon, announce the birth of their son, Avery Alexander, on June 26, 2014.

James Schindler ’05, is employed by the city of Lexington Fire Department as a firefighter/paramedic.

Amanda Sullivan Adams ’06, and her husband, Brian, of Sandy Hook, announce the birth of their daughter, Hayden Grace, on December 16, 2014.

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Bryce Burnette ’06, of Roswell, GA, is employed by Chick-Fil-A as a supplier quality.

Boyd Clay Wiley ’06, and his wife, Lauren, of Richmond, announce the birth of their daughter, Regan Leigh, on February 28, 2014.

Laura Boone ’07, of Richmond, is the executive director at Arthritis Foundation.

Jessica Hodges Hacker ’07, of Ferrum, is employed by Franklin County Public Schools as a kindergarten teacher at Rocky Mount Elementary School.

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Ashlee Heyward ’13 performed in The Color Purple at Virginia Repertory Theatre in Richmond, VA. Shown here are Heyward with Ferrum College professors Susan Mead, Tina Hanlon and Lana Whited, who traveled across the state to support their former student.

Travis P. Smith ’10, of McLean, is employed by VIDA Fitness and Aura Spa as a membership consultant.

Lauren Thomas Scott ’09, and her husband, Brandon, announce the birth of their daughter, Hadley Pieper, on November 19, 2014.

Joshua Shell ’09, of Boones Mill, is employed by Advance Auto Parts as the senior tax accountant/audit specialist.

John D. Burton ’08, wed Christina Marie Ritter ’08 on July 20, 2014.

They reside in Wilmington, NC. Mark Gish ’08, and his wife, Melissa Keatts Gish ‘09, of Hardy, announce the birth of their daughter, Anneliese Miriam, on December 19, 2013. She joins big sister Evee.

Timothy Shipe ’09, of Staunton, is employed by Ntelos Wireless as a customer care representative. He is also employed by Stuarts Draft High School as a member of the cheerleading team coaching staff.

Elizabeth Simms ’09, of Henry, is employed by Crossfit Eden as coach and event planner.

Sam Catron ’10, and his wife, Molly Bellissimo Catron ‘10, of Keysville, announce the birth of their son, William Hatchet, on October 3, 2014. Sam is employed by Guilford County Schools as an AU facilitator.

Bob Dill ’10, of Charles City, is employed by Walsingham Academy as the girls’ tennis head coach.

Brandon Jackson ’10, of Leesburg, wed Natalie Hall on August 16, 2014.

They reside in Leesburg.

Kari Botkin Sponaugle ’10, and her husband, Michael, of McDowell, announce the birth of their son, Jasper James, on April 13, 2014.

Morgan Moran Taylor ’10, of Radford, completed her master’s degree in speech-language. She is employed by Genesis HealthCare as a speech-language pathologist.

Kelly Payne ’08, of Clifton Forge, is employed by Bacova Guild Limited as a customer service representative.

Tim Pohlad-Thomas ’08, of Salem, is employed by Ferrum College as a GIS consultant.

TRACKING PANTHERS

Angela Robertson ’09, of Collinsville, is employed by The Tax Ladies as a bookkeeper.

Samantha Wilds ‘10, of Danville, is employed by Carlisle School as a fifth-grade teacher.

Shannon Robinson Ramsey ’08, and her husband, Jeremy, announce the birth of their son, Everett Jeremiah, on November 13, 2014. He joins big brothers Carter and Jackson.

Tiffany Gordon Weaver ’09, of Gretna, and her husband, John ’07, announce the birth of their daughter Abigail Bree, on September 6, 2014.

She is employed by Ferrum College as assistant director of admissions.

Chris W. Silk ’08, and his wife, Magan, of Jacksonville, FL, announce the birth of their son, Caden Wayne, on February 4, 2014.

Cynthia Wooldridge ’09, and her husband, Joe, of Rocky Mount, announce the birth of their son, Ronan, on June 30, 2014.

Perry Ford, II ’09, of Albany, GA, is employed by Dougherty County as an appraiser.

Wally Wright ’09, of Richmond, is employed by SunTrust Mortgage, Inc. as a mortgage loan associate.

Amy Young Gordon ’09, and her husband, Mark Gordon ’07, announce the birth of their daughter, Paisley Michelle, on November 5, 2014. She joins big sister Emma.

2010s Devyn Bayes ’10, of Danville, is employed by Emory and Henry University as the head volleyball coach.

Ashley Hundley Robinson ’10, and her husband, Rico, of Amherst, announce the birth of their daughter, Raeghan Sierra, on October 22, 2013.

Jessica Ann Lively ’09, of Wirtz, wed Coleman Dale Simmons on September 21, 2013. She is employed

by Roanoke Memorial Hospital.

Ashley Cassidy ’10, and her husband, Brian ’10, announce the birth of their son, Riley Davis, on October 27, 2014.

Blake D. Saunders ’10, of Richmond, is employed by Henrico County Probation and Parole as a probation and parole officer.

Alison D. Martin ’10, of Rocky Mount, wed Allen Saul, on June 7, 2014. They reside in Bassett. She is employed by Fieldale Collinsville Middle School as a sixth-grade math teacher.

Nichole George Cox ’11, of Fredericksburg, and her husband, Jay, announce the birth of their son, Levi Donald, on July 9, 2014.

Ashley Norton ’10, and her wife, Star Smith Norton ’11, of Rocky Mount, announce the birth of their son, Connor James, on January 6, 2014.

Matthew P. Mellone ‘11, of Cocoa, FL, is employed by Space Coast High School as the head coach of the boys’ tennis team.

Mary “Jessi” Naff ’11, of Allston, MA, is employed by Emanuel Episcopal Church as a dance/ movement therapy intern.

Samantha N. Naff ’11, wed Michael Anise on June 14, 2014.

They reside in Wellington, FL. She is employed by Bethesda Health as a financial analysis budget manager.

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TRACKING PANTHERS

Collier-Weakley Wedding

Tyler Reininger ’11, and his wife, Meagan Farrell Reininger ’11, of King George, announce the birth of their son, Evan Daniel, on November 6, 2013.

Whitney Scott ’11, of Eden, NC, is employed by Rockingham Community College as a learning specialist.

Matthew Woods ’11, of Rocky Mount, is employed by Woodrow Wilson Middle School as an assistant principal.

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Alison Collier ’12, wed Steven Weakley in May 2014. They reside in Leesburg, VA.

Mallory Taylor ’12, of Newsoms, is employed by Les Mills International as a certified BODYPUMP instructor.

Maryann Casteneda ’13, of Sterling, is employed by Christian Heritage Academy as a teacher.

Morgan Young ’12, of Bassett, is employed by Piedmont Community Services as a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist.

Blake DiMeglio ’13, of Montclair, is employed by Adler GYN Minimally Invasive Surgery as an office coordinator.

Michael Travis Zitmore ’12, of Lexington, is employed by Bayshore Mortgage Funding as a loan officer.

Matt Hall ’13, of Roanoke, is employed by USIS as a legal clerk.

Tesla S. Akers ’13, of Ashland, is employed by Concord University as the assistant women’s basketball coach.

Ashlee Burgess Cook ’12, and her husband, Jeremiah ’11, of Roanoke, announce the birth of their daughter, Makenna Grace, on November 22, 2014.

Raven Forbes ’12, of Ferrum, is employed by Franklin County Public Schools as a teacher. She is engaged to Patrick Scott ’13, and they plan to wed in June 2015.

Haley E. Runion ’12, of Roanoke, wed Jason Sharp (professor at Ferrum) on December 5, 2014. She graduated from Liberty University in May 2014 with a Master of Public Health with a concentration in global health. As part of her degree, she did a summer internship with the International Mission Board in India.

FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

Clare Mathews ’13, of Oak Hill, is employed by Pacific Stock Transfer Co. as a filing associate.

Kara E. Pegram ’13, of Ridgeway, is employed by the Virginia State Police as a state trooper in Henry County.

In the academy, she served as class secretary and treasurer for the 122nd basic session, and she also achieved the 122nd basic session female physical fitness award.

John Patrick Puckett ’13, of Bassett, is employed by State Corporation Commission/Bureau of Financial Institutions as a financial analyst.

Scott C. Puschell ’13, wed Rebecca Naylor on May 24, 2014. They reside in Chantilly.

Heather Renee Bozarth ’13, wed Matthew Montoya on May 24, 2014.

They reside in Virginia Beach.

Deanna Reid ’13, of Christiansburg, is employed by Riverbend Nurseries in Riner as a greenhouse grower.

Rachel Taupier ’13, of Palmer, MA, is employed by Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society as an adoption counselor.

Kayla Trippeer ’13, of Midlothian, is employed by Powhatan High School as the new head varsity volleyball coach.

Taylor Nicole Welch ’13, wed Charles Alexander Nuttycombe on May 24, 2014. They reside in Newport News.

Bryce S. Wuergler ’13, of Moneta, is employed by Ferrum College as an admissions counselor.

Daisy Wilhelm ’13, of Lexington, is employed by Continental Underwriters, Inc. as an assistant underwriter.

Maggie Akers ’14, of Boones Mill, is employed by Franklin County Public Schools as a second-grade teacher at Callaway Elementary School.

Ryan C. Amos ’14, of Stuart, is employed by the Virginia State Police as a state trooper in Greensville County.

James “Tyler” Lee ’14, of Rocky Mount, was the first-ever college student to be named to a United Way executive board. Lee may serve two consecutive three-year terms for the Franklin County United Way. He is now employed by the Franklin Memorial Hospital as a patient financial advisor and certified Affordable Care Act counselor.

Regis Jean-Pierre Boudinot ’14, of Irvington, is employed by Best Buy as a PC sales consultant.

Leigh Ann Bush ’14, of South Boston, is employed by The News and Advance in Lynchburg as a designer/copy editor.

Jennifer Dalton ‘14, of Dry Fork, is employed by Hughes Center of Danville as a children’s mental health counselor.

Amanda Dillon ‘14, of Wirtz, is employed by Franklin County Public Schools as an algebra I teacher at Franklin County High School.

Eric Gregg ’14, of Roanoke, is employed by Penn Forest Elementary with the autism program.

Taryn Hayden ’14, of Bristol, is employed by Ecolab as a food retail territory representative.

Daniel Hogan ’14, of Attleboro, MA, is employed by Advantage Sales and Marketing as a leadership development associate.

Paige Redifer ’14, of Weyers Cave, is attending Alderson Broaddus University.

C.J. Russell ’14, of Danville, is employed by Nationwide Homes in Martinsville as an accountant.

Allison Byrd Smith ’14, of Martinsville, is employed by Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital as a lead scribe.

Donte Thomas ’14, of Richmond, is employed by Atlantic Bedding and Furniture as a salesman.

TRACKING PANTHERS

Christina Strubhar ’13, of Ferrum, is employed by Tri-Area Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician. She is married to Logan and has one child, Logan Dakota. She is working on her master’s degree in health care administration.

Grant Waldrop ’14, of Chesapeake, has been accepted into the Maryland-Virginia Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech and the PhD program.

This is a seven-year program of study that provides veterinary students with training in the skills of a researcher.

Jonathan Witt ’14, of Critz, designed the beautiful landscaping for the Saari Faculty House on campus.

F E R RU M A LU M N I “GI V E BACK” TO T H E C O L L E G E I N M A N Y WAY S !

How Can You Support Your College?

• • • • •

• •

Help increase the alumni participation rate by making a gift to the Ferrum Fund Host an event in your hometown Participate with your employer in Career Fairs Volunteer to share your success story with students on campus Assist the Career Services offices by volunteering to take part in mock interviews for graduating students Recommend prospective new students to the Admissions Office Keep in touch! Send your email address to the Alumni Office

Questions?

Please contact the Ferrum College Office of Alumni & Family Programs at 540-365-4216 or alumni @ferrum.edu.

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FERRUM MAGAZINE | ANNUAL ISSUE 2014–2015

In Memoriam

Lillian Pinkard Forbes ’37, of Bassett | died January 20, 2015.

Richard Gray Lawson ’62, of Powhatan | died October 22, 2013.

Addison Gordon Willis, III ’68, of Richmond | died March 28, 2014.

Lovelene B. Hensley ’37, of Martinsville | died July 11, 2014.

Bonnie Miller ’62, of Lawrenceville | died May 7, 2014.

Michael L. George ’69, of Appomattox | died January 14, 2014.

Frank Benjamin Layman, Jr. ’38, of Rocky Mount | died January 7, 2014.

Larry S. Patterson ’62, of Fieldale | died December 8, 2013.

Vickie Johnson Smith ’70, of Bedford | died July 11, 2014.

Lucille Nicholson Moir ’38, of Virginia Beach | died February 2, 2014.

Sylvia Evans Delaney ’63, of Independence | died February 16, 2014.

Lois Moran Shively ’41, of Bassett | died February 3, 2015.

Thomas Jefferson ’63, of Gretna | died May 7, 2014.

James “J.K.” Elliott ’72, of Roanoke Rapids, NC | died September 18, 2014.

Charles L. Ross, Jr. ’42, of Rocky Mount | died November 12, 2014.

Charles A. Craddock ’64, of Martinsville | died December 16, 2014.

Ethelyne Fulcher Daniel ’43, of Danville | died June 28, 2014.

Robert C. Tyler ’64, of Fredericksburg | died July 15, 2014.

Thomas C. Haskins, Sr. ’43, of Santa Clarita, CA | died March 2, 2014.

Alwyn Wynter Davis, Sr. ’65, of Tappahannock | died August 7, 2014.

Delphia Sloan Carroll ’45, of Rocky Mount | died December 20, 2014.

John Hatcher Holyfield ’65, of Vinton | died December 10, 2014.

Emma Holland Crane ’46, of Nottoway Court House | died January 15, 2015.

Henry L. Martin, Jr. ’66, of Halifax | died April 15, 2014.

William G. “Bill” Price ’48, of Chesterfield | died December 17, 2014.

Walter Yates Boyd ’49, of Elon | died July 21, 2014.

George F. Neeb, Jr. ’53, of Perry Hall | died November 9, 2014.

Ernest “Jimmy” Abshire, Jr. ’54, of Roanoke | died December 8, 2014.

William Paul Davis ’56, of Ferrum | died March 21, 2014.

Mary Ann Strobel ’58, of Glen Allen | died September 29, 2013.

Wesley C. Stigall ’60, of Bon Air | died July 30, 2014.

Jean Stanley Montgomery ’66, of Rocky Mount | died October 25, 2014.

Foy Rice Owens ’66, of Stuart | died July 1, 2014.

Patricia Blackwell Pyles ’66, of Charlottesville | died December 7, 2013.

Richard Seltzer ’66, of Dallas, TX | died December 14, 2013.

Leonard H. Shepherd ’66, of Blacksburg | died May 29, 2014.

Raymond D. Howell ’67, of Christiansburg | died March 30, 2014.

Marilyn Jean Braithwaite ’68, of Martinsburg, WV | died July 8, 2014.

Richard A. Newton ’72, of Roanoke | died February 22, 2014.

Gary F. Edwards ’75, of Richmond | died May 30, 2014.

JJoseph M. Sorrell ’76, of Iron Gate | died June 21, 2014.

Rhonda Ray ’81, of Ridgeway | died April 16, 2014.

Sandra K. Bowers ’82, of Staunton | died November 10, 2014.

Walter Rodney DeHart ’82, of Summerville, FL | died April 6, 2014.

Lisa Dawn Tyson ’88, of Alexandria | died January 28, 2015.

Mark Robert Lucord ’90, of Richmond | died August 26, 2014.

Rebecca “Becky” Dye Smith ’96, of Orange Park, FL | died November 17, 2014.

Terry “Jay” Carmon Bennett , Jr. ’00, of Roanoke | died November 7, 2014.

Porter A. Knight ’08, of Ashland | died March 25, 2014.

Jerry Christopher Robertson ’10, of Collinsville | died December 19, 2014.

Captain of 1968 Championship Team Danny Danko ’69, of Kingsport, TN, died on October 24, 2014. Danny was a captain of the 1968 Ferrum Junior College national-champion football team and a 2006 inductee of the Ferrum College Sports Hall of Fame. He was a co-founder of the Ferrum College Sports Hall of Fame and lifetime supporter of Ferrum College. Danny is survived by his wife, Linda, and family.

In memory of Danko, friends and teammates have begun efforts to endow a scholarship for Ferrum College students in need of financial assistance. If you would like to join in this effort, please contact the Institutional Advancement Office at 540-365-4210.

Create Opportunity SU PPORT A LEGAC Y OF EDUC ATION

It is the goal of the members of the Beckham Society to create educational opportunities for current and future Ferrum College students. The Society recognizes alumni and friends who have made Ferrum College the beneficiary of a deferred gift through their wills, trusts, life insurance policies, gift annuities or other gift arrangements.

The Beckham Society is named in memory of Ferrum College’s f irst president, Dr. Benjamin M. Beckham. For information regarding your membership in the Ferrum College Beckham Society, please contact George Seals, director of planned & principal gifts, at 540-365-4299 or gseals@ferrum.edu.

THE SPIR IT OF GENEROSIT Y A ND COMMITMENT

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID ROANOKE, VA PERMIT NO. 78

P.O. BOX 1000 FERRUM, VA 24088-9000