Iron Blade: October 2018, Issue 1

October 1, 2018 Vol. 63, Issue 1

IBlade@Ferrum.edu

Ferrum College

215 Ferrum Mountain Rd., Ferrum, VA 24088

3, 2, 1, Tropical Storm

Florence down-graded but still disrupts Ferrum

By Mary Stoudt

Ferrum College took all the necessary precautions for a hurricane that never really came, officials said.

“I was proud to see how quickly leaders across the campus assembled their teams to prepare for Hurricane Florence,” said David Johns, Ferrum College President.

“In the spirit of our motto ‘Not Self But Others’, many students lent a hand by

helping to make sand bags in case of flooding on the campus.”

All was calm throughout campus until Sunday night Sept. 16, and that’s when all the rain came. Parking lots turned into little swimming pools and the sides of roads became slip-n-slides.

In hindsight Ferrum was spared torrential amounts, as other areas suffered a different fate.

Hurricane Florence made landfall on the

raged as a Category 4.

Once Hurricane Florence hit that level of ferocity, Ferrum College began making preparations.

“We took precautions by offering an early dismissal on Wednesday so that students who wished to head home could arrive safely to ride out the hurricane with their families,” Johns Many models and predictions (above and left) showed said. “We implemented a distance--learning technolFlorence potentially causing catastrophic damage to ogy plan on Thursday and not only the coastal areas, but also as far inland as Southwest Virginia in general, and the Ferrum area in Friday by using our Learnspecific. (Photos used under the Fair Use provision of ing Management System, BrightSpace.” the U.S. Copyright code.)

Later in the week, it was coast of North Carolina on Sept. 14 as a announced that school category-one hurricane with winds at 90 would also be closed Monday because it miles per hour. was believed the flooding would be at its After making landfall, Florence was worst on Sunday night into Monday. downgraded to a tropical storm, but it still After Ferrum announced the closure, continued to wreak havoc across the Caro- students prepared to either stay on campus linas. Currently there are believed to be during the storm or travel back home. at least 48 storm-related deaths, and that Junior Destinee Nelson traveled to total could continue to rise as the weeks North Carolina to be with friends while continue. the hurricane hit.

Originally, however, predictions came in “The most we had in North Carolina that the storm would hit the Carolinas as a Category 4 or 5, and for a while, the mass Please see FLORENCE on Page 5

Talking Shop

As President David Johns begins his first full year, he shares his vision for Ferrum College

Editorial: New Nike Ad

Democratic Socialism?

Courtesy photo

Graduate Programs?

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David Johns is in his first full year as Ferrum College President.

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Please see JOHNS Page 8

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In his first full year of serving as President of Ferrum College, David Johns is both hopeful and excited for what the 2018-19 academic year will bring.

From changes in dining services to continuing the overall growth of the college, both in numbers and scholastically, Johns has plans to aid the retention rate and quality of life for students on campus.

He also wants to keep intact the core values and sense of

more students, and keeping the current students enrolled for multiple semesters.

A common complaint amongst Ferrum students is that there is little to do on the weekends due to the remote location. By the same token, however, students and faculty say they appreciate the natural beauty the mountain town has to offer.

“I love the fact that we get to go to school somewhere that offers natural adventure, but since

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community that makes Ferrum unique.

“Ferrum’s greatest asset is where we are located; I want us to always embrace this, no matter how we change,” Johns said.

Located in the rural foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Ferrum College offers not only a scenic locale, but it can also offer a sense of isolation.

There lies what Johns calls the college’s greatest strength, but it also doubles as a potentially negative side effect when it comes to reaching out, recruiting

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By AnnGardner Eubank

Damp Debut

Soccer Honors

Page 2

The Iron Blade

Word on the Street:

OPINION

What do you think of the new Nike ad campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick?

October 2018

EDITORIAL:

Taking a Stand About Kneeling New Nike campaign featuring former NFL player and present-day activist Colin Kaepernick generates passion, protests and profit

A “His career is going to be filled with judgement, perhaps because of race. I think it is good for him to stand up for what he believes in.”

--Aysia Long

“I'm not a fan of him kneeling, but he has every legal right to protest as long as he does it peaceful. I'm not gonna go around destroying my Nike apparel because they support him, because that's their choice. I'm still gonna get their stuff because it looks nice.”

--Malcolm McRae

"I agree with Colin Kaepernick.

For the people burning their Nike gear: They've already made money off of you, so there's no point."

--Ryan Woods

“If Nike wants to make a deal with Colin Kapernick, that's their right and should be allowed to do that. However, those people who are burning their Nikes are just stupid.”

--Jason Akers

“I think he is being very bold. He's taking a stand for what he believes in.”

--Michael Scruggs

October 1, 2018 Vol. 63, Issue 1

Ferrum College 215 Ferrum Mountain Rd. Ferrum, VA 24088 IBlade@Ferrum.edu

Co-Editors: AnnGardner Eubank Mary Stoudt Sports Editor: Qazir Harnett

Staff: Ametria Booker Charlotte Hazard Diamond Hudson Marie Mance

Destinee Nelson Caleb Repass Advisor: David B. Campbell

The Ferrum College Iron Blade Newspaper is a student-written, student-managed, and student-produced newspaper. Opinions do not necessarily express the views of all students or the staff. Letters may be emailed to IBlade@ferrum.edu.

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“I think that he is going to be rich. The more they talk about him the more they will talk about Nike and that is good for the company. What he did benefits Nike and him.”

--Dalais Woods

About two years ago, Colin Kaepernick refused to stand for the National Anthem during one of his NFL games. His reasoning was because it was his way of taking a stand. He felt as though America oppressed people of color, and he would not respect a flag or country that did such a thing.

This act sparked controversial debates and angered many people. While some people agreed with his silent protest, others thought of him as a radical hater of the country who didn’t deserve to play NFL football anymore.

While we can see both sides of the argument, we understand why Kaepernick did what he did.

It was his right to express his views and opinions.

He feels as though America oppresses anyone who isn’t Caucasian, and we respect him for his bravery in standing up for what he believes in.

In the past few months, the issue began to wane-that is until Nike unveiled its most recent campaign.

The new ad features a close-up image of Kaepernick with the slogan: Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.

The campaign rekindled all the old anger that had gone dormant, and now people are going so far as to burn their Nikes and boycott the company.

We also believe that some people don’t understand fully why Kaepernick decided to act in such a way. In the society in which we live today, racism still exists, and instead of coming together, we are dealing with more separation again.

Nike makes a decent shoe, and it certainly makes people pay for its name. Why anyone would want to burn them simply because of the Nike spokesperson is beyond us.

Moreover, we’ve seen Kaepernick’s commercial.

Honestly, it is quite inspiring. It is uplifting, pushing ordinary athletes and even non-athletes to shoot for the stars, so to speak.

Additionally, two years ago, Kaepernick literally was expressing his freedom of speech by not standing during the National Anthem, something many people in the United States abuse for less than moral reasons.

At least Kaepernick had a reason beyond disrespecting the anthem because he felt like it--unlike some of the disrespectful immaturity we’ve seen at some high school football games.

The Kaepernick Kneel is a peaceful protest. It is not aimed at offending the military personnel who fought for the flag.

It is a symbolic protest. Why should he stand for a flag that symbolizes freedom for everyone in a country where many only believe in one-sided freedom?

Meanwhile, our “president” is having press conferences and tweets about firing football players who kneel during the National Anthem, instead of mentioning the issues of Phillando Castille, Sandra Bland, and a host of other police brutality cases that were on the same Twitter newsfeed from which he reads.

The only reason can we see why people are protesting this campaign is because they are misunderstanding the real message behind what Kaepernick is doing and how Nike is using it all as a just a big marketing tool.

Nike should not drop Kaepernick from the campaign.

At the end of the day, there is going to be the community of people who support the injustice protest and will buy the Kaepernick shoes and apparel. Then the opposing community is going to be upset and probably buy it and make videos of them burning it.

The #NikeBoycott is just shielding away and adding on to the real issues we have in America.

October 2018

The Iron Blade

Page 3

Democratic Socialism: Necessary or Impossible?

By Charlotte Hazard When Bernie Sanders was running for president in 2016, he was quite the choice, especially to students. One of the main reasons was because he would strive for free college tuition and health care.

One of his most memorable quotes was during a presidential debate hosted by CNN in October 2016: “I think we should look to countries like Denmark, like Sweden and Norway and learn what they have accomplished for their working people.”

What many people forget about these countries he referred to is that compared to the United States, they are much smaller in population size and have a set culture that is driven by a strong work ethic. One of the most amazing qualities of the United States is it’s diversity with different cultures and lifestyles.

Because of these differences between the U.S. and Nordic countries, Democratic Socialism, which is for what Sanders advocates, wouldn’t work in the United States.

Nordic countries pay a lot more in taxes than the United States to receive benefits. Nima Sanandaji, the author of Debunking Utopia: Exposing the Myth of Nordic Socialism, is an immigrant from Iran who moved to Sweden and wrote about his experience.

Sanandaji wrote: “What is less known on the other side of the Atlantic is that Nordic welfare states also create a range of social problems. An example of my own upbringing is that many of my friends, although bright, never studied or got a meaningful job. The reality is that these Nordic policies trap many families, particularly those with an immigrant background, in welfare dependency.”

Even if the U.S. adopted this institution, would private schools such as Ferrum College be affected? Since Ferrum doesn’t receive a lot of government funding, would students there be able to go to college for “free?”

The answer is no.

Founder of the Daily Wire, Ben Shapiro, wrote: “Free college tuition is a chimera. It often doesn’t help people gain the education necessary for employment, which is why private student loans are often unavailable. The government has responded with its own loans, which have jacked up the number of college students who exit college without solid job opportunities. Employers are left...to distinguish between college students without marketable skills and thus rely heavily on graduate schools, which are paid for almost entirely by private loans.”

In reality, college isn’t and can’t be free.

C O N

Iron Blade writers square-off over the controversial topic

Logo used under the Fair Use Provision of the U. S. Copyright Code

By AnnGardner Eubank Just the thought of graduating a four-year institution with tens of thousands of dollars of debt is nauseating to most. Students break their backs for four years in hopes of earning a degree that may not even land them a job upon graduation.

Each year, many college graduates face the dilemma of needing experience for a job but are not able to gain said experience due to how competitive the job market is.

Many recent grads find themselves either underemployed, working in a completely unrelated field from their specialty, unemployed, or practically being forced to pay for even higher education in order to slightly stand out above their competition.

Is the payoff of a Bachelor’s Degree even worth the stress and money being poured into tuition?

Of course, at least in the short term, free tuition, which is available in some Nordic and European regions, would take quite the weight off of students’ and their family’s shoulders. However, in order for any form of free higher education to ever be put in place in the United States, incredible amounts of tax hikes on all people would sky rocket.

Socialism is still a bad word in the U.S. political climate. However, the ways in which independent loan companies and banks are making a fortune off of vulnerable students and their families is borderline criminal due to their high interest rates.

With many loans having a base interest rate of 7%, and many being even higher, graduates are finding themselves in immense debt, which is often unforgiven and does not qualify for bankruptcy.

While the United States could not pull off the means of free tuition, there absolutely needs to be more restrictions, forgiveness, and revisions when it comes to paying off student loans. Whether that be in the form of pushing loans toward private lenders and banks so students are more informed of costs and plans, setting interest rates closer to the prime rates, offering more flexibility when it comes to refinancing student loans, or even strengthening public service loan forgiveness.

Student debt is a crisis.

With more focus and emphasis placed on trade and technical schools from politicians, including Governor Tim Kaine, over the next few years the overall dollar amount of student debt may shrink.

However, for those who still acquire Bachelor’s Degrees from public and private institutions, this issue does not seem to have a silver lining or drastic improvement in sight.

P R O

Spirit Store Needs Convenience Items Commentary

By Diamond Hudson The Ferrum College Bookstore is now a Spirit Store. It has the same $49.95 sweatshirts, Ferrum logo Tumblers, and blankets, minus the textbooks.

Along with the Ferrum paraphernalia, Starbucks greets you in the back.

According to Director of Retail Operations, Wendi Foley, the spirit store is an upgrade and improvement compared to the previous bookstore.

“Many colleges have moved toward self-operation of their campus store,” said Foley.

Self-operation allows schools to better provide for the wants and needs of their own unique student body, faculty, staff, and alumni.

“Once completed with all the furnishings, apparel, and gift items, we are cer-

tain the ‘Panther Pride’ will be evident from the moment you step through the door or shop our store online,” Foley added.

Who asked for a Spirit Store? The initial question still is not answered.

Granted, the Bookstore was overpriced for textbooks, but it was useful as a convenience store. Luckily, compared to Amazon and Chegg, students were able to get textbooks at reasonable prices.

“The online ordering platform was provided in response to students’ understandable complaints concerning the high cost of books through Follett,” Foley explained.

The solution to the overpriced books lead to the online ordering platform.

With the new system, it was deemed the least inexpensive compared to Follett and the other options.

“The college diligently researched a

number of companies and decided on Akademos due to their great track record for the low cost of books providing a number of book ordering options,” said Foley.

It is still too early to pass judgment on the Spirit Store, because it not yet completed.

But where are the convenience items for students unable to leave campus to get their school supplies? A simple toothbrush? Emergency feminine supplies? The students have expressed a need for those items to return instead of the Snicker bars, as we have currently.

“I was looking forward to buying a new Adidas and Nike backpack,” said senior Rashad McCann.

“I would not mind if the bookstore became a convenience store because not everyone lives some short ways away or even owns a car. I can not simply go to

Walmart to get toothpaste and Hotpockets,” McCann added.

Foley has reassured the Ferrum student body that the convenience items are returning to the shelves very soon. There is no specific date in mind. A section in the store will be dedicated to those items.

“We appreciate knowing that the convenience items are in high demand. We realize it is not easy for students to get to the store, and we will be dedicating a section to these items,” said Foley.

There is always change at the start of a new school year, and that should come with patience. While the Spirit Store continues to settle in, please express all opinions to Wendi Foley in order to make more improvements.

Right now the store is not at its fullest potential, but it will be getting there with the new changes Foley said will soon be in place.

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The Iron Blade

NEWS

Post-Graduate?

College looks to offer Master’s Degrees next year

The changes at Ferrum are all about ‘building on strengths,’” Johns said.

English Professor Lana Whited expressed her concern about Ferrum offering Master’s Degrees: “Faculty have heard discussion suggesting that the master’s programs could have a large online compoCourtesy Photo nent. My concern about that is how In 1971, Ferrum College began offering Bachelor’s Degrees in addition to Associates Dea degree involvgrees, before transitioning to a full, four-year college in 1991. By fall 2019, the institution ing mostly online hopes to offer several graduate-level programs, specifically in Forensics and Education. courses would be a distinctively Ferrum Degrees.

By Mary Stoudt degree? The strength of our instituSince Ferrum is in the process of tion is personal contact. I hope that becoming a level-four institution, “My hope is if all goes well, that will not be lost if we move forward new programs of study were also by this time next year, we’ll be able with this initiative.” submitted. to have a graduate degree offering,” With all the changes happening, A Master’s in Forensic Investigasaid David Johns, Ferrum College many students wonder whether President, who is serving his first full tion as well as an EdS (Education tuition prices would change, and if Specialist) in Teacher Leader in year at Ferrum this year. there would be a switch from being a Learning Instruction and Coaching On Thurs., Aug. 23, Ferrum Colprivate institution to a public one. were proposed. lege submitted a 305-page applicaJohns said Ferrum would not go “I think it’s a good idea (to oftion to the Southern Association of public, and there would be different fer Master’s Degrees) and could Colleges and Schools Commission tuition rates for different degree propotentially help the school,” Emma on Colleges, which is Ferrum’s acgrams (undergraduate or graduate).

Grammer, senior, said. creditor.

Ferrum College has been considerAccording to Johns, alumni also This application was to request a ing offering Master’s Degrees for a are on board with the idea of adding level change along with the addition Master’s Degree programs to Ferrum long time. of two new programs.

From its beginnings as a training College.

Ferrum College is currently a school in 1913 to a four-year, private Ferrum will also be modifying the level-two institution, meaning that it can award Associates and Bachelor’s pre-existing undergraduate programs. liberal arts college, Ferrum has seen and created massive growth in its The modifications are meant to Degrees.

105 years. improve the programs as well as By requesting to become a level“It’s the right time to do it…it’s in possibly introduce nursing as an four institution, Ferrum would be our DNA to grow,” Johns concluded. able to award Master’s and Specialist undergraduate program.

October 2018

Rural Attractions Draw Students

By Caleb Repass

“We live in an amazing environment here,” stated Dr. Lynise Anderson, Dean of Student Affairs.

For many students attending Ferrum, this campus is truly amazing. Some students however, are not at all used to this farm-town, country aesthetic.

“It was definitely a bit of a shock. When growing up, I only had to walk five minutes to the grocery store, and now I have to take the bus just to get to Walmart,” said student Colleen Flynn, who hails from Richmond.

Even though Ferrum is somewhat isolated and tucked away in the hills of the Blue Ridge, the college finds new students to come here. What seems to draw in new students? Especially ones from big cities?

“I love it here,” explained Aaron Jacobs, a student from Norfolk, VA.“It’s much different than the city, and the mountains are stunning.”

It seems that what really brings in people is that they want something different than what they are used to.

Students who come from large cities seem to want a change of scenery that the city cannot normally offer them.

“What I like about Ferrum is the fact that it is so far away from home that I could be really independent,” stated Flynn.

Ferrum, it seems, has a sort of allure that draws in all manner of students, no matter their background.

“The small town vibe of Ferrum really attracted me to this beautiful campus and is totally different from the city,” said Haley Moore, a student from Richmond, VA It is not only city kids who come to Ferrum, either.

“I fell in love with Ferrum because it reminds me of home,” Tennessee Phillips, a student from Lynchburg, VA, explained.

Ferrum strives to be a diverse community and to offer something for every student.

“You could say Ferrum has something special about it,” said Leondria Davis, of Danville, VA.

Bomb Threat Traced and Analyzed

By Destinee Nelson

On Tues., April 10, at approximately 8:00 a.m., authorities reacted to an off campus email regarding a bomb threat on the Ferrum College campus.

Students were immediately instructed via email to seek shelter.

The threat was recently traced to an overseas hack.

The information was released Aug. 8.

Junior, Antoine Brooks, was already in his room when he received an alert to take shelter due to a possible threat. This was the first bomb threat Brooks experienced, which made him unsure about how serious the situation was.

“At first I thought it was a prank, and then I realized it was real,” he said.

With the information he was given, Brooks didn’t leave his room and decided to seek shelter.

Addison Philpott, senior, recalls being in class when the threat occurred. Philpott’s professor still continued to teach during the lock-down. Philpott admits that although threat was unexpected, she still felt safe.

“The overall experience never actually

felt threatening, and I’m glad Ferrum College takes such precautions for the benefit of our safety,” she said.

While the students and faculty were reacting to the threat, so was the Ferrum Police Department.

Roanoke City Native and Ferrum Police Chief Jim Owens recalled the morning he received the news.

“A sergeant called me. I was at home but heading this way. I came in while he was gathering more information from what was provided, and we started there,” Owens said.

The Ferrum Police Department responded to the situation accordingly without hesitation. The department received help from other jurisdictions, one of which was Virginia Tech.

“We went through the checklist as we would do, we called for K9’s to search general areas,” Owens said.

Owens has been at the Ferrum Police Department for five years but has spent the last 33 years as a law enforcement officer. His amount of experience prepared him for the situation, and he is grateful for the cooperation from the faculty.

“The cooperation from other jurisdic-

tions, but also from within – the President and Vice President, they let us go through our motions. Although initially we felt like it was a hoax, there’s still always that possibility,” Owens stated.

However, not everyone on campus reacted the same about the threat.

On the Ferrum Police Station website, their is a link to the Emergency Action Plan. The Emergency Action Plan has updated information on what steps to take during unexpected situations. The purpose of the Emergency Action Plan is to make students and faculty aware of what the Ferrum Police protocol is.

Sophomore John Bawles, believes that Ferrum students should be given handson training for situations that occur.

“I think that it (training) is a good idea, so if anything were to happen, we as students would be more prepared and less afraid,” said Bawles.

Bawles isn’t the only student who believes the campus could benefit from training. Sophomore Kyle John agrees.

“My first reaction was thinking how ridiculous this was and how we don’t have these threats back home where I’m from,” John stated.

John came to Ferrum from St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. His adaptation to the Ferrum mountains from the scenic beaches has been quite the experience.

Although John has never experienced a bomb threat back at home, he felt he was prepared for the situation.

He said the college should conduct drills and training for the students so they are aware of what should be done in the event of a threat.

“At my old school, we had drills for situations like this. I believe Ferrum should do the same in case this were to happen again,” John said.

In 2016, approximately 1,267 bomb threats occurred in schools located in the United States. Situations like these happen more frequently, and many students are making themselves more aware of their surroundings.

“It’s a little frustrating, but at the same time, you realize they’re 18-22 year olds.

They don’t quite understand that these things can happen right here at home, so we just keep trying to push these things here… It may be a pain, but it’s worth doing these things to keep you safe,” Owens said.

October 2018

The Iron Blade

Drive a Shot in the Arm for Blood Bank

Page 5

Officials saw 86 units donated over the course of two days Compiled by Staff Folks at the Ferrum Y were out for blood last week.

They needled students and faculty alike.

Officials were, oh, positive about the event.

The event was the semi-annual blood drive on campus, sponsored by The Minds-N-Medicine Club, and the two-day event yielded some 86 units of blood.

On the first day, the drive collected 44 pints.

According to officials, the number was on par with previous collections but exceeded the University of Virginia’s take on the same day.

Ferrum currently has 1,137 students, and UVA has 16,655 enrolled.

“That says a lot for Ferrum,” said Bryan Daniel, Collection Supervisor of Virginia Blood Services. “Our goal was 40 today.”

Students and faculty had the opportunity to pre-register in Franklin Hall, but VBS also took walk-ins throughout the day.

Junior Kathryn Bonner praised the event and its mission.

“I am so glad that Ferrum hosts this event, as it feels really good to know I helped someone else,” she said. “I hope my blood will help someone else ‘be positive’, too.”

Minds-N-Medicine Club co-advisor Katie Goff also praised the event.

“I am continually excited by the strong support of the drives,” Goff said. “It makes me proud to be part of the Ferrum Family because we each give in whatever ways that we are able to support others locally and beyond.”

Goff also said that the college consistently meets its drive goals. “(We) were an Honorable Mention for Drive of the Week for meeting 123% of our goal for our drive last April,” she said.

Typically, Ferrum conducts a blood drive once each semester.

Virginia Blood Services (VBS) is a nonprofit provider of blood products to area hospitals and conducts the drives.

“When donors give blood with VBS, they are supporting patients in need every day,” according to the company’s web site.

“VBS holds nearly 2,700 blood drives every year and has nine donor centers throughout the state.”

It takes more than 400 Staff Photos donations each day for Kristin Perry, sophomore, sits back in the donor chair while giving blood during this semesVBS to meet the needs ter’s blood drive. The drive was sponsored the Minds-N-Medicine Club, and the organization of its patients across the collected 86 units of blood over the two-day event. region.

Florence Falls Short From FLORENCE Front Page things were open. The city was supposed to be shut down but it wasn’t,” Nelson said.

Many students who stayed on campus during the stormed prepared by going to different stores and stocking up on food and water. Items around Rocky Mount began selling out: water, bread, milk, eggs, generators.

According to an employees at Lowe’s Home Improvement in Rocky Mount, there were no generators available within a 50-mile radius of Roanoke.

Many were sold, and the balance was shipped to coastal storm victims.

Family Dollar in Rocky Mount was one store people patronized to stock up.

One thing people noticed immediately was that water in the store was $42.00 a case. In the state of Virginia, there is a law against raising prices during a state of emergency (Virginia was in a state of emergency prior to Hurricane Florence making landfall).

Family Dollar employees said the water was slated for individual sales, so they could not discount a case.

Not everyone ran into issues while preparing to stay on campus.

Senior Declan Galvin decided to stay on campus and weather the weather with friends.

“I’m glad I prepared for the storm, even if we didn’t get hit too hard here,” he said. “There were several places nearby that were much worse off, and we’re lucky that the storm missed us for the most part.”

After Ferrum announced the closures, Florence shifted paths, causing the campus to receive less of a direct impact.

Most of her rain came Sunday night into Monday morning, but not enough to do much flooding damage. There was minor flooding in several areas across campus, but no real damage.

Different areas in Rocky Mount saw flooding. Bedford and Lynchburg were under tornado warnings because of high wind. Two touched down in Richmond.

Hurricane Florence caused major flooding and wind damage across the Carolinas and left millions without power.

Even though Florence was downgraded to a tropical storm after making landfall, the effects of its slow travel are still being felt in coastal areas.

The storm was the first major hurricane to hit the United States in the 2018 Hurricane Season.

Ferrum Y Hosts Voter Registration Drive

Staff Photo

Compiled by Staff As part of National Voter Registration Day, the Ferrum YMCA held a drive of its own, registering a little more than half a dozen perspective voters.

Y employees staffed a table outside the gym to target students.

“We’ve gotten about six or seven

registrations,” said senior Connor Matherly, who was working the event.

YMCA Branch Manager Victoria Brown said the Y sponsored the event to fulfill crucial social responsibilities.

“The responsibility here is to make sure the community and campus has access to things like

a voter registration day,” Brown said. “In this way, people can take part in one of their most important responsibilities as a citizen by registering to vote or by updating their current registrations.”

In case anyone missed the opportunity, those wishing to register may still do so by visiting https:// nationalvoterregistrationday.org.

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The Iron Blade

SPORTS

October 2018

Mother Nature, E&H Dampen ODAC Debut

But Panthers rebound against Shipbuilders 31-20 and set school scoring record against Greensboro

Officials See ODAC As Great Opportunity For Ferrum College Former coach says Panthers are finally where they belong

By Qazir Harnett

Photo by Atenoya Morris

Ferrum’s Brian Mann, 5, rushes for two of his record-breaking yards against Emory & Henry. The Panthers fell in their ODAC opening 45-29 but outlasted the Apprentice School 31-20 a week later.

By Qazir Harnett They say lightning never strikes the same place twice.

That may be true.

But for the Ferrum College football team, lightning struck near the same place multiple times a few Saturdays ago--for about six hours.

Poised for and swimming in the pomp and circumstance, the Panthers were greeted by Mother Nature as well the Emory & Henry Wasps.

E&H jumped out to an early 21-0 halftime lead, and Ferrum played catch-up the entire game.

Quarterback Zack Clifford started to chip away at the lead with a 59yard run down the sidelines for the touchdown.

Clifford tossed another ball for a 16-yard TD to Chris Baker that closed the gap. With a Chase Deaton field goal and another 12-yard touchdown pass to Chris Baker from Ckifford, Ferrum had a chance, but an E&H touchdown with 5:49 left, sealed the deal for the Wasps 45-29.

Even with the loss, Brian Mann set a school record on the ground, churning out “(It was a) difficult night,” said Head Coach Rob Grande. (We) made too many mistakes and didn’t make enough plays against a good football team.”

Apprentice In it’s second game of the season, the Panthers traveled to Newport News and avenged the previous week’s loss by a score of 31-20 over Apprentice.

Panther senior Johnny White and Clifford connected on a four-yard strike to draw first blood.

Ferrum’s Brian Mann led all rushers with 140 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown. The game was Mann’s

second 100+-yard rushing game in as many contests.

Clifford went 16-25 through the air, tossed for two TDs, and threw no interceptions.

Ferrum was the first team on the board with a touchdown pass from Clifford to Johnny White for four yards.

After an Apprentice score, Ferrum answered back with a one-yard rushing touchdown from Brian Mann.

Apprentice continued to stay with Ferrum, and answered with another touchdown. A field goal from Deaton, began the rally to separate the close game. Clifford threw a touchdown pass to Nick Pearce and put the game away with an eight-yard touchdown run of his own.

Greensboro It was literally all Ferrum this game. Clifford began the unanswered score-fest with a 50-yard pass to White en route to the 81-0 win and a school scoring record.

Ferrum continued to dominate with a 60-yard touchdown pass from Clifford to Pearce and a two-point conversion from Brian Mann.

Clifford found White again with a seven-yard touchdown pass with Greensboro still held onto nothing.

Clifford was unstoppable, completing four touchdown passes and running one in for a total of five.

Clifford’s performance earned him ODAC Player of the Week honors. “(It was) certainly a score I didn’t anticipate,” Grande said. “Our goal this week was to get back on schedule and play a complete game.”

Ferrum’s Biggest Blowouts ODAC 2018: Ferrum 81, Greensboro 0 NCAA Division III 1990: Ferrum 77, Methodist 7 1989: Ferrum 70, Apprentice 3 NJCAA 1974: Ferrum 83, Baltimore CC 3 1983: Ferrum 80, UNC-Wilmington (club) 0 1967: Ferrum 80, Shenandoah 6 1971: Ferrum 58, Central Piedmont 0 1967: Ferrum 71, Potomac 14 1977: Ferrum 56, Baltimore CC 0 1983: Ferrum 51, Lees McRae 0

Photo by Atenoya Morris

Quarterback Zach Clifford became Ferrum College’s first-ever ODAC Player of the Week with his performance against Greensboro College.

Joining ODAC brings great change and challenge to Ferrum College. Ferrum College taking part in this athletic conference has its challenges.

Tyler English, Ferrum’s Junior quarterback agrees” “Ferrum is ready for the challenge,” he said.

The Ferrum football team also know as the “Black Hats” are preparing for these challenges.

“By focusing, taking it day and everybody playing their role on the field” said Tyler.

Field Hockey coach Carrie Austin respects and prepares for the teams in the ODAC. “We are going to scout more intensely to prepare for the teams that beat us by one goal, in the final minutes,” she said.

Ferrum has played teams in the ODAC while still in the Southern Athletics Association (SAA). Although these were not conference games, Ferrum competed against these teams, showing they were deserving of the nod.

“We, Women’s It’s a privilege for Ferrum Field Hockey, have shown Ferrum to be in the that we can play ODAC. We were with these teams,” Austin said. a motel and travel Playing at this level of competition outfit prior...we have has also benefited finally gotten into Ferrum athletics’ the conference we recruiting class. belong in.

“We have a great class of recruits --Former Football coming in, and Ferrum is being seen in Coach Hank Norton a good light,” Austin added.

Attendance for away games has been traditionally low at Ferrum. But with the new ODAC affiliation, the away games are more local than in times past.

More games are closer in travel for the Panthers-and Ferrum fans.

“A reason why Ferrum is in the ODAC is for the benefit that the away games are no further than five hours out as opposed to being in the SAA when we would have games in Georgia that are six hours and schools in Kentucky that are 10-hours plus,” said Gary Holden, Sports Information Director and Assistant Athletic Director.

Ferrum College officials hope to bring together the community and families of Ferrum at games with the move into the ODAC. Former Ferrum football coach, Hank Norton, has wanted to see the College go to the ODAC years ago.

“When we first went from a JuCo to a four-year college, we applied then, but we were looked at as still junior college,” Norton said. “We were rejected two or three times. There were always one or two schools who would shoot it down. It’s not important who those schools were now; I just think they have finally realized what Ferrum is and the contribution it can make.”

Norton continued about Ferrum’s entrance into the Old Dominion Athletic Conference: “It’s a privilege for Ferrum to be in the ODAC,” he said. “We were a motel and travel outfit prior. The trips we made to Georgia, Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, sleeping in motels, sleeping on the bus—we have finally gotten in to the conference we belong in.”

October 2018

The Iron Blade

Honorable Players

Lady Panther soccer players are Honors College members

Photo courtesy of Ferrum Athletic Department

Sophomore Abigael Germeroth is one of seven women on the soccer team who is also a part of the Boone Honor Program.

By Marie Mance In the world of the student-athletes, often times, priorities can get mixed up, and it can become the athletestudent.

Not so for several players on the Ferrum Women’s Soccer team.

Seven of the Panther Women are members of the Boone Honor Program.

“Nearly a third of women’s soccer players at Ferrum College are in the honors program. That is a remarkable number!” said Lana Whited, Director of the program.

“Playing a collegiate sport and being in the Boone Honor Program

are both full-time jobs by themselves,” said sophomore Cayla Berry, Defender. “So in order to do both successfully, I have to be willing to have my priorities straight.”

Keeping priorities straight is a tough task, but when mixing college classes with athletics, the task is greater.

“I make sure my academics get just as much attention as athletics,” said sophomore Alex Mattson, Midfielder.

Mattson thinks about her future career and all the things she wants to do in life, which helps her keep her sights set on the bigger goal ahead in the future.

Easier said than done, but these

ladies are proving, indeed, that keeping priorities straight can be done, as can being successful in two different arenas.

They shared some of their topsecret tips on how to put the student before the athlete: “I know when everything is due, which helps me determine if anything needs to be done early, especially if I know it will interfere with practice or a game,” freshmen Brady Hentz, Defender, said.

Many of these honors students, including Miranda Dougherty, Defender; Jenna Janicki, Defender; and Victoria Wager, Midfielder; have the same major and/or minor, and they say they use this to their advantage.

“Get friends that text you 13 times, call five times, and text your roommate when you’re less than two minutes early for class,” said sophomore Abigael Germeroth.

These women are showing that the student and the athlete can be one in the same.

They exemplify teamwork and dedication on the field as well as in the classroom.

“That is a remarkable number – seven last fall and seven this fall. In addition, five members of the current men’s team are honors students,” Whited said. “It’s difficult to say exactly what accounts for that, but I’m sure the discipline required of these athletes carries over into the classroom. These numbers are also a credit to the recruiting efforts of James Lofton and his coaching staff.

Obviously, when a head coach’s players excel in the classroom, he can concentrate on their on-field performance.”

Volleyball Nets Wins

Page 7

Athletic Schedules Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Sat., Sept. 22 Shenandoah Invitational Fri., Sept. 28 Queens University, Charlotte, NC Sat., Oct. 6 Greensboro, Hagan Stone Classic Fri., Oct. 12 High Point Invitational, High Point, NC Sat. Oct., 27 ODAC Conference Championships Equestrian Sun., Sept. 30 Averett University IHSA Bridgewater College IDA Sat., Oct. 6 Wake Forest University IHSA Sun., Oct. 7 Emory & Henry IDA Sat., Oct. 13 Virginia Tech IHSA Sun., Oct. 21 High Point University IHSA Sat., Nov. 17 Emory & Henry College IHSA Sun., Nov. 18 Bridgewater College IDA Field Hockey Sun., Sept. 23 Frostburg St. 1 p.m. Home Thur., Sept. 27 Sweet Briar 7 p.m. Home Sat., Sept. 29 Bridgewater 1 p.m. Home Wed., Oct. 3 Roanoke 5:30 p.m. Away Sat., Oct. 6 Shenandoah 5 p.m. Away Thur., Oct 11 Hendrix 7 p.m. Home Sat., Oct. 20 Eastern Mennonite 11 a.m. Home Wed., Oct. 24 Washington & Lee 7 p.m. Away Fri., Oct. 26 Randolph-Macon 6:30 p.m. Home Football Sat., Sept. 22 Greensboro College 2 p.m. Home Sat., Sept. 29 Shenandoah 1 p.m. Away Thur., Oct. 11 Guilford College 4 p.m. Away Sat., Oct. 20 Washington & Lee 4 p.m. Home Sat., Oct. 27 Hampden-Sydney 2 p.m. Home Sat., Nov. 3 Randolph-Macon 1 p.m. Away Sat., Nov. 10 Bridgewater 2 p.m. Home Men’s Golf Mon., Sept. 17 Tom Kinder Memorial Mon., Oct. 1 Royal Lakes Invitational Tue., Oct. 2 Royal Lakes Invitational Mon., Oct. 15 VSGA Intercollegiate Tue., Oct. 16 VSGA Intercollegiate Women’s Golf Sat/Sun., Sept. 22, 23 Bridgewater Fall Invitational Sat/Sun., Oct. 6,7 Shenandoah Invite Mon/Tue., Oct. 22, 23 Chick Fil A Intercollegiate Men’s Soccer Sat., Sept. 22 Randolph Macon 3:30 p.m. Away Wed., Sept. 26 Emory & Henry 7:30 p.m. Away Sat., Sept. 29 Shenandoah 6:00 p.m. Home Wed., Oct. 3 Bridgewater 6:00 p.m. Home Sat., Oct. 6 Va. Wesleyan 3:30 p.m. Away Wed., Oct. 10 Roanoke 7 p.m. Away Sun., Oct. 14 Mid-Atlantic Christian 2 p.m. Home Wed., Oct. 17 Guilford 4 p.m. Home Fri., Oct. 19 Hampden-Sydney 6 p.m. Home Wed., Oct. 24 Randolph 7 p.m. Away Women’s Soccer Sat., Sept. 22 Shenandoah 5 p.m. Home Wed., Sept. 26 Emory & Henry 5 p.m. Away Fri., Sept. 28 Sweet Briar 7 p.m. Home Wed., Oct. 3 Southern Virginia 7 p.m. Away Sat., Oct. 6 Virginia Weslyan 1 p.m. Away Wed., Oct. 10 Randolph 7 p.m. Home Sat., Oct. 13 Hollins 2 p.m. Away Wed., Oct. 17 Roanoke 7 p.m. Home Sat., Oct. 20 Eastern Mennonite 12 p.m. Home Wed., Oct. 24 Washington & Lee 4 p.m. Away Sat., Oct. 27 Lynchburg 7 p.m. Away Tue., Oct. 30 TBA ODAC Torunament

Photo courtesy of Ferrum Athletic Department

Ferrum College’s Women’s Volleyball team stands at 6-5 after 11 matches this season and aims for more wins.

By Marie Mance Eleven matches into the season, the Woman’s Volleyball team seems to have overcome some early losses.

The first games of the season, dating to Sept. 1 against Mid-Atlantic and Pfeiffer, are where they took a double win with a final score of 3-0 over Mid-Atlantic and 3-1 over Pfeiffer.

Following these wins, the team went on to win 3-0 against Mary Baldwin in the first home match of the season.

They later went on to play Hollins in Salem, where they took their

first loss of the season, while Hollins continued its 5-0 streak.

Following this first loss came a streak of losses from Methodist 3-0 and Sewanee 3-0.

The Panthers soon turned up the heat when they defeated Mary Baldwin with a final score of 3-0.

On Sept. 11, they fell again with a 3-1 loss in a match with William Peace, and they fell once again with a 3-0 loss against Randolph.

The ladies quickly recovered with a 3-0 win against Regent and a 3-2 win against Hollins.

“I believe there is an incredible amount of talent and potential on this

year’s team, and if we continue to work hard in practices and matches, I think we are going to find a way to become consistently successful,” said Head Coach Ruthanne Duffy.

Sophomore Defensive Specialist Samantha Sabatar also has high hopes.

“There is still a lot of work that needs to be done to make our statement this season and show people who Ferrum Volleyball is,” she said..

Nonetheless the season is still young and the Lady Panthers still have the opportunity to notch a few more more checks in the “W” column.

Women’s Tennis Sat., Oct. 6 Salem Ferrum Invitational Volleyball Sat., Sept. 22 Regent @ Roanoke 1 p.m. Away Sat., Sept. 22 Hollins @ Roanoke 3 p.m. Away Thur., Sept. 27 Johnson & Wales 7 p.m. Away Sat., Sept. 29 Bridgewater 4 p.m. Home Tue., Oct. 2 Shenandoah 7 p.m. Home Fri., Oct. 5 Guilford 7 p.m. Home Tue., Oct. 9 Pfeiffer 7 p.m. Home Fri., Oct. 12 Virginia Weslyan 7 p.m. Home Sat., Oct. 13 Eastern Mennonite 1 p.m. Away Tue., Oct. 16 William Peace 7 p.m. Home Sat., Oct. 20 Roanoke 11 a.m. Away Sat., Oct. 20 Randolph-Macon @ RNK 1 p.m. Away Tue., Oct. 23 Hollins 7 p.m. Away Wed., Oct. 24 Mary Baldwin 7 p.m. Away Fri., Oct. 26 Johnson & Wales 6:30 p.m. Home

Page 8

The Iron Blade

October 2018

Johns Shares Vision for Ferrum’s Future sickness, not getting enough play time in a sport, getting caught in a course rotation maze, being hammered by an excessive conduct violation, or struggling academically, Johns said.

According to Johns, the college is making strides to ease the issue and has plans on furthering their efforts toward this particular issue.

“The first thing we have done is hire someone to oversee all the programs that are designed to help retention,” Johns said. “We have not had someone in this role who was accountable for these efforts and who could assess them to see if they were actually working.”

Courtesy photo

David L. Johns, above, is in his first, full year as Ferrum’s president.

Continued from JOHNS Page 1 it’s really cold most of the school year at Ferrum, we have to look for other alternatives for entertainment, and there’s very few actually on or near campus,” said junior Carmyn Holt.

The retention rate has been a problem the school has been facing for some time. According to collegefactual.com, Ferrum has a current retention rate of 59 per cent, which is one of the worst in

the nation. The national average stands at 72%.

Johns recognizes the dilemma and knows that it’s an issue that will take time to heal, but overall, he has ideas and plans on aiding in the critical topic.

“This (retention) has been an ongoing concern for many years, and it is complicated. If there were one main reason why students left the college, we would have solved it years ago,” Johns said.

He said that sometimes, it is finances, but often, it is home-

The second thing that has been done is redesign the Gateway Course all first year students take.

“Clearly, it was not effective, and during one of last semester’s town halls, students told us this,” Johns said.

He went on to say that a third aspect was to develop four- and eight-semester plans that show a clear path to completing an academic program.

“Another thing we have done is reevaluate the practices that quickly suspended a student for academic performance, or that resulted in a multi-year suspension,” said Johns.

He said that the actions and

practices the administration is taking includes the addition of May-term and winter terms, giving students an opportunity to catch up, get ahead, or recover from their previous semester’s unsatisfactory performances.

Johns began serving as president this past spring semester and was able to get a feel for the student body, faculty, and the community of Ferrum. His passion for the college and it’s students was evident from the beginning.

“Dr. Johns has been asking for our opinions and concerns since he first arrived last year. Between surveys and town hall meetings, he has been trying to hear from us and fix different things on campus.

Even changing up our dining options is a step in the right direction, so I’m excited to see what will continue to change when it comes to even bigger issues,” said sophomore Chemaiya Jordan.

From hosting reverse town hall meetings and hearing directly from the students, to analyzing surveys, asking for suggestions, and measuring the overall quality of life at the school, Johns is making his concern and hopes for the student body evident.

Part II in the next edition of the Iron Blade

d r a o B n i t e l l Panther Bu

Panther Briefs Compiled By Staff

Math Center Hours Posted The Math Center’s hours for the fall semester are as follows: Mon: 1:15-2:30 p.m.

Tue: 10-12:30, 2-5 p.m.

Wed: 1:15 - 2:30 p.m.

Thu: 10-12:30, 2-4 p.m.

Fri: Closed

Chrysalis Seeks Submissions Do you like Pictures, Poetry, and Writing Stories?

Chrysalis, Ferrum’s semi-annual literary and arts magazine is inviting everyone to submit their best visual art works, photographs, poetry, prose, and other writing and art samples.

The contest has winners in multiple categories, with a $100 cash prize for first place and $50 for second.

The deadline for submissions will be on Monday October 8.

All works can be sent to Dr. Katherine Grimes at kgrimes@ferrum.edu.

Radio Show Times Posted The college radio station has posted hours for several of its radio programs. They are as follows: Monday, 2-4 p.m.

Drew--The Meadows Sports Tuesday 2-4 p.m.

Ron--Afternoon Delight Tuesday, 4-6 p.m.

Alyssa--The Score Friday, 12-2 p.m.

Nasya--The Music Minute Friday, 2-4 p.m.

Precious--Precious Speaks Sunday, 7-9 p.m.

Tyrique--The Hot Spot

Inquiring Minds Fall Schedule Set Below are the next few weeks’ topics for Inquiring Minds: Oct. 3: Empowering People, Communities, and Grids: The Power to Generate Change in Haiti--presented by Delia Heck.

Oct. 17: Finding Our Place in the World: International Students Share Their Impressions and Experiences at Ferrum College-presented by Patty Suppes and Ferrum College’s International Students.