INSIDE
May 3, 2019 | Vol. 64, Issue 4
Editorial: single-gendered dorm reform P. 2 Senior spotlights P. 3 Sports wrap-up P. 4 Senior student art gallery P. 5 Moonshine car show P. 6 Academic award ceremony P. 7 E-term on the Train P. 8
Graduate Farewell We look forward to all the wonderful things you will do and become in the world. By Mary Stoudt
Work by Anthony Fullen, class of 2019
2019 Commencement Ceremony Event Clock The 2019 Commencement Ceremony will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 11th. As with previous years, it is an outdoor event that will be held on the Hart International Plaza, facing Adams Lake. An online streaming is provided for students and/or their parents who cannot attend the commencement in person. The ceremony will also be archived for viewing within 24 hours. Please check out Ferrum website for more information about this streamed live online option if you’re interested. Commencement Family Dinner 5:00 pm on Friday, May 10th @Franklin Hall Baccalaureate Service 7:30 pm on Friday, May 10th @Vaughn Chapel Note: Seniors, adorned in their Graduation Regalia, should gather between the Chapel steps and the Bell Tower at 7:10 to line up for the 7:30 pm service.
Candlelight Memorial Service Immediately following the Bacca laureate Service @Hart International Plaza Note: the Senior class will be escorted by faculty to the Hart International Plaza for a candlelight memorial service to conclude the evening. Commencement Ceremony 10:00 am on Saturaday, May 11th @ Hart International Plaza
On May 11th approximately 211 seniors will be graduating from Ferrum College and making the Class of 2019. This year 25 different programs of study will be represented by the students of the class of 2019. On April 12th some members of the senior class also received awards at the Academic Awards Ceremony. In addition to the awards ceremony some seniors have also been inducted into different academic honor societies. James Cabiness the Executive Director of Academic Resources has had the privilege to work with some seniors during his first year at Ferrum. “The ARC would like to wish congratulations to the class of 2019 on your wonderful achievements… We look forwards to all the wonderful things you will do and become in the world. We also look forward to you sharing your experience with future Ferrum College students,” said Cabiness. This year’s senior class experienced a lot of different activities including some first for them as well as the Ferrum community. Some first for the seniors as well as the rest of the Ferrum community included the inauguration of President Dr. David Johns during homecoming weekend and an indoor spring fling due to bad weather. Senior Emily Bucklew who is graduating with a degree in Animal Science and Agribusiness said, “I really love that we were able to celebrate Dr. Johns inauguration while also celebrating our school and alumni.” This year’s senior class is also bringing in some new traditions. For the first time ever, seniors were able to decorate their graduation caps after about ten years of requesting to do so. In addition to the caps, this year’s senior class will be leaving their mark on campus as well as having a new tradition introduced to their graduation ceremony. Seniors will have the opportunity to paint a rock and place their handprint on it. The rock will be large and be on display on campus for everyone to see. Each class after this year will paint over the class before and leave their mark on the Ferrum campus. The new tradition introduced to the graduation ceremony will be the ringing of the bell located outside of the theatre. The bell originally was on top of the theatre when it functioned as the chapel. This year Dr. Johns will use a gong to ring the bell to start the graduation ceremony. Provost Dr. Aimé Sposato had some well wishes for the senior class. “We are always sad to see the students go because they have become a part of the fiber here at the college, and we have to hope for their future and success [after they graduate],” said Sposato. In addition to this at the awards ceremony Sposato also gave advice to the seniors that received awards. “If they would take a small piece of Ferrum and keep it in their heart that would mean the world to our community and to them as alums,” said Sposato. To the class of 2019, on behalf of the Iron Blade we congratulate you in all that you have accomplished since your time at Ferrum and we wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.
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The Iron Blade
May 3, 2019
OPINION
Spring Fling Madness
“I had fun beating Courtney Moyer in the obstacle course and selling watermelon with Delta Phi Epsilon, and taking pictures in the photo booth.”
“Fun and inviting on campus. The lil yachty concert was lit though he was okay. He came late that night but it was fun.” - Nighyar Calliste, Freshman
-Alli Kurfees, Sophomore
“It was awesome that we were still able to have such a huge and exciting event, even thought the weather wasn’t able to cooperate.” - Emily Bucklew, Senior
“I think it was more fun [than previous years], to be honest...The obstacle course thing, that was pretty dope...The band was awesome. The photo booth is iconic. Chick-Fil-A was a good idea, but it was unrealistic… unrealistic for my bank account.”
“I feel like I can die happy that I did the ultimate wobble.” - Addison Philpott, Senior
- Darrian Marshall, Junior
May 3, 2019, Vol. 64, Issue 4
Ferrum College 215 Ferrum Mountain Rd. Ferrum, VA 24088 theironblade@Ferrum.edu Editor: AnnGardner Eubank Layout Editors: Diamond Hudson Mary Stoudt Social Media Editor: Destinee Nelson
Staff: Frances Best Jasmine William Sam May Advisor: Dr. Mingxiao Sui
Follow Us: Instagram: @the.iron.blade Twitter: @BladeFerrum Facebook: Iron Blade Snapchat : iBladef
The Ferrum College Iron Blade Newspaper is a student-written, student-managed, and studentproduced newspaper. Opinions do not necessarily express the views of all students or the staff.
A Dorm Divided Against Itself? By Jasmine Williams Major changes are expected to be implemented for the 2019 Fall Semester, starting with the “second phase” of Housing Assignment announcements on April 25th, 2019. The speculation surrounding the news that Lakeside dorms, Sue Wes (Susannah Wesley Hall) and Chapman, are underway of being single-gendered, has been confirmed by Chip Phillips, Director of Housing & Residence Life at Ferrum College. “That’s our plan, at this point in time. And that’s how we signed up students for the rooms...That’s our intention,” said Phillips. Because Phillips stated that the change was more for the safety of students, I wondered if the initiative extended to the staff and employees of the school, such as those in House Keeping and the Resident Assistants. “It’s just a matter of, really, just a couple of floors being converted,” he said in regards to the school’s employees’ duties not being effected. “They shouldn’t have an impact on that. As for the RAs, their duties and assignments remain the same as well; same gendered RAs for same gendered halls. RAs will be placed accordingly, on the specific halls. Right now, Chapman, first floor, is female, and in Susannah Wesley, the third floor is male. So it’s just a matter of – staff wise – switching that around,” said Phillips. I later questioned the back up plans Phillips and the rest of the team administering the change had in store for students who had not already completed Housing Applications. “The returning students that sign up for these buildings are interest in the single rooms, so that’s where the single-rooms are – they are designated single rooms. For any new students that are coming in, there are several options. Riddick is going to still be a Freshman Residence Hall, as it was this past year…We typically have some students that are involved in the Boone Honors Program and they are particularly housed in Roberts. We have the First Gen Program [the Panther Institute], which take a lot of the first year students that are in that program, and those will be in Bassett. We do have some transfer students that may be a little bit older, so we hold out maybe 10 spaces or so for those students. They are considered new students, but we hold out some spaces for those in Clark and/ or Bassett,” said Phillips. These held out empty spaces will create a domino effect in the chances of people getting double rooms to themselves, because the school will be making sure that as many double rooms are full. “We are going to, probably, have more double rooms in Susannah Wesley, than we had this year. So hopefully all those combinations of things will take care of the needs we have,” said Phillips. While I admitted to Phillips how impressed I was with the obvious thought that went into this plan, I had another concern that I’d hoped that they’d also considered. I was worried about the preparations being made for those incoming students who do not specifically identify as female or male. “Typically, we deal with those on a case-by-case basis, and we would work with the Dean of Students [Nicole Lenez] to come to some sort of resolution. And I think, somewhere in our information, not specifically for this housing sign-up right now, but I think in our hand book and in our other information – any student that goes beyond the binary, there is a procedure for that, and that’s typically handled with the Dean Lenez,” said Phillips. Phillips was very aware that different students may need different accommodations depending on how the students identified, what the specific needs of the students would be, and depending on where they are in their transition. “We try to work with those students all the way through,” said Phillips. Overall, Phillips seemed satisfied with the progress of the housing changes scheduled for the next year, so much so, that he even volunteered information about more upcoming changes for the campus’ other residential areas. “[In the first phase] we have the apartments; Arthur, Moore, and students have already been notified about those. Then, we get into, what I call, the second phase, where it’s Dyer, Clark, Chapman, Susannah Wesley, and Basset… Typically Dyer is the area that we go ahead and try to fill to capacity, because of the demand. Then Clark is usually the second, but here again, we’ve committed to hold out those spaces. The other thing – in the past, third East [Bassett] has been all female. We’re not going to do that again, so that will open up more spaces for male students in East Bassett... All we’ve had was ground East, which is a smaller hallway, and then second East, which doesn’t give a lot of males the opportunity to be in East – Which may or may not be an impact if we’re doing work or renovation [speculated for North Bassett] anywhere, and we might be tight for space,” said Phillips. The renovations have not been officially determined to happen for next semester, nor for next year, but Mr. Phillips is hopeful to hear news about the decision one way or another, by the end of this semester, before April 25th. Phillips stressed that the decision to make Chapman and Sue Wes single-gendered was for the overall safety of the students and for the logistics of the campus population. “Having one floor of girls in Chapman wasn’t ideal, because of being on the first floor and at that first entrance… We wanted to have both buildings co-ed, and honestly, it just wasn’t – number wise, it wasn’t a good fit. So, we will try this for a year, and see how it works. And if it’s successful, then that’s good, and if there are issues we need to address, we will make sure to look at that for the next time around,” said Phillips. The feedback they’d received was from the upper classman male students. He jokingly closed out our meeting letting me know that, “if we’ve heard anything, it’s been from the guys. We’re going to make one full floor singles, and that’s the guys that had been the ones that are on third floor of Susannah Wesley… If they’re returning students, then hopefully they won’t have to intermingle with double freshman rooms on those second or third floors.”
May 3, 2019
The Iron Blade
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A Living Legacy
Addie, No Adderall: Addison Philpott
By Diamond Hudson As a Fine Arts Major with a minor in President of Theta Gamma Omega Mass Communication, Addison Philpott (OGO), she had help contribute to has made many contributions and the new craving satisfier, OGO Snack achievements at Ferrum College during Attack, which provided snacks for a her academic career. One of which she dollar on Fridays and Saturdays. Along has set a record for the Empty Bowls with providing women’s empowerment Program for the spring semester of 2019. with domestic violence seminars and “I’m proud of being one of the coawareness workshops. coordinators for the Empty Bowls When she decided to come to Ferrum, workshops,” said Philpott. Philpott was determined to finish her Her jack-of-all-traits, not only stopped studio arts studies that she started in with just art. She is also a Ferrum athlete, high school. She currently has decided playing Women’s Tennis. As well as one after graduation to move from Staunton, of the technical operators for the theater, Virginia to Greensboro, North Carolina to by assisting with the stage audio for the pursue a full-time career in art. spring semester theatrical line ups; Pippin’ “I don’t know, I just always wanted and Crimes of The Heart. to move to North Carolina and start “My goal for this semester was to be my career there. My career plans are able to balance tennis, while also pulling establishing a place in the art community off a successful show,” said Philpott. by doing pop-shops and hopefully open Also having to jungle being Vice my own tattoo shop,” said Philpott.”
By Mary Stoudt Guy Ramsey Jr. is more than just an ordinary guy. In the summer of 2014, Ramsey first arrived to Ferrum College to take part in Focus to help him transition into college life. Once the school year started, Ramsey didn’t know what major he wanted to choose. “I was at first torn about which major to choose but after an incident in my dorm freshman year I decide to go with social work,” said Ramsey. Becoming a social work major turned out to be one of the greatest decisions Ramsey made. During his senior year, Ramsey had an internship with SouthSide Survivor Response Center in Martinsville, Virginia. Through his internship Ramsey was able to participate in a variety of speaking opportunities. “I got to be on TV, speak to the presidents of several churches, become connected with the Vice “The one constant of Ferrum is a lot of Mayor of goodbyes and hellos. People transfer or Martinsville, leave school all the time but somehow the head of always find their way back. People here the Policies never miss the school, they miss the Domestic people that inhabit it, “said Ramsey. Violence In addition to the people at Ferrum, one Initiative, and on April 13 I’m speaking of Ramsey’s biggest supporters was his at the First Annual Community girlfriend. Empowerment Ceremony in Cascade “I couldn’t have done any of this County,”said Ramsey. without my girlfriend Ria, she’s been In addition to Ramsey’s one person who has truly walked hand in accomplishments he also received the hand with my every step of the way and Jane Addams Social Work Achievement I would absolutely not have been able to Award at the Awards Ceremony which do anything that I’ve done without her took place April 12. support. So don’t let her read this because During his junior year, Ramsey took a I plan on proposing soon,” said Ramsey. semester off didn’t know what to expect After graduation, Ramsey is going to when he would come back. Monetta, Virginia for an internship with “The transition was tough coming back. SML Goodneighbors Foundation for People have moved on and I felt really nine weeks. After the completion of his by myself but I didn’t quit. Now I get to internship Ramsey is just looking forward look back at my senior year and be really to his cruise planned for September. proud of everything I’ve accomplished Ramsey had some advice for upcoming and I am accomplishing,” said Ramsey. seniors: “To all my upcoming seniors, Currently Ramsey is just finishing his take time to enjoy the good times. Your internship and reflecting back on his time senior year will be a whirlwind but once at Ferrum. it’s over you’ll miss it all.”
Senior Spotlight
As One Chapter Ends, Another Begins By Sam May
Kevin Ramirez is a Ferrum College senior majoring in Criminal Justice Forensic Investigations and is preparing to wrap up his time here in a few short weeks at commencement. Kevin has been involved in so much during his time here at Ferrum and has created many fond memories throughout the 3 years he has spent learning and growing here at Ferrum. Making many friends, and creating opportunities for himself, Kevin has had a memorable time at college that will last him after he graduates on May 11. Everyone has a different experience at college and Kevin has taken it into his stride. He credits his ability to get involved on campus to his positive college experience. “My experience here at Ferrum had been great! I took advantage of the many opportunities that Ferrum offers including many clubs that have made me into a better person,” said Ramirez. One of Kevin’s biggest commitments to Ferrum has been his involvement in the tennis program. He’s been a member of the team for his last 3 years here. He also helped out head coach Rod Baker with coaching some of new tennis members in his last couple of semesters as well. One of Kevin’s tennis career highlights was finally dominating one of their long time rivals. “ I do remember when I was playing tennis for Ferrum
and we beat our rival school Covenant College, and it was the first time we had done this since years ago and it felt great doing that with my team,” said Ramirez. Over his time here at Ferrum Kevin has been involved with as many activities as he could and is involved in many different roles and has surrounded himself with many positive opportunities. He is currently a Resident Assistant (RA) and is situated in Margaret Clark Hall where he looks after his residents. Kevin is also in the fraternity Alpha Phi Sigma as well as being part of the Criminal Justice Club. As Kevin prepares to receive his diploma, he is going to miss his friends and the community, but is looking forward to being out in the real world. “I will always miss having my friends right next door to me and being able to succeed with them. I will have to make my own food now, and I definitely won’t miss the morning classes,” said Ramirez. With graduation coming quickly, Kevin’s future is looking bright with a lot to look forward to, including exploring new and different
experiences and interests. “I am looking forward to not being held down by a college and being able to be free and follow anything that interests me,” said Ramirez. When Kevin isn’t playing tennis, doing school work, or serving his clubs and organizations, he can often be found working out and being active or off campus working as he serves the military. Kevin is in the Army Reserve and is also a Signal Specialist in the army. Throughout his time at Ferrum, Kevin has demonstrated responsibility, passion, and involvement, which will all help him advance in his career in the future. He already has a job lined up following his graduation, and is already making strides to enhance his career plans. “ I have accepted a position as a Correctional Officer and plan to advance my career in the Military as well. My future plan is to work for the secret service,” said Ramirez. Kevin will be graduating from ferrum on 11th May 2019.
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May 3, 2019
Sports News
Next Season will be Comeback Season: Men’s Lacrosse Looks Ahead By Frances Best
The Men’s Lacrosse Team has reached the end dling our emotions,” said Henken. of their season with an overall record of 2-15. Regardless of their record, the members of the team With next season to look forward to, the team seem to have a strong bond with each other that may is hoping to improve and change things for next help them improve and prepare for next year’s season. year’s season. Junior, Evan Henken, is a member “Our team chemistry is a unique bond. On and off of the team and feels that the season does not acthe field. On the field we hold each other accountable curately represent the team’s talent. like others do with their brother or sister. Sometimes “I do not feel that the season and our record we might not agree with each other but at the end reflects us as a team. Our offense knows how to of the day we are a brotherhood. Off the field we score and pulls off really exciting plays. We have make sure each of us are getting our work done in players that put a little finesse in their game and it the classroom. Also if something is going on in your is amazing to watch. In my opinion, our defense personal life, you could always talk to someone on the is what brings our team together. We have a great team and they would have your back no matter what. defense that stops most of our opponents from So I believe our team chemistry is really strong,” said running away with the game. Our best ability Henken. though, is how we never back down. Even if we Henken also feels that there is some positive insight are losing by 7 or 8 goals. We still attack each regarding the talent of the players. Henken believes Mackoy Bodmer in persuit to score for the Panthers. that each member of the team has something to offer possession like it’s a tied game. If we get an extra Photo Cred: Ateyona Morris ground ball here or there and one or two more to the program. shots that go in, our season would be turned right around,” said Henken. “I honestly believe that our whole team are standout players. Our offense doesn’t rely Henken also feels that the team’s main areas to improve involve the ability to control on one person to dodge and score. Everyone on the offense has a role that they must actheir emotions when playing. complish before we get a goal. All the little things matter in our offense and if one person “Our biggest thing I would say is to learn how to control our emotion when we are is in the wrong spot, it messes up everyone else. So each player relies on the guy next playing. During some games we let our emotions get the best of us and it hurts the team to them. On defense we all work as one unit. From the defenders to the goalie. We work as a whole. But also on the flip side when we get on a hot streak of goals we don’t have as one. Our defense is built to have each other’s back. So if someone gets beat we have enough emotions from everybody. Our skills are there but we just need to focus on han- another defender in the offense’s face right away,” said Henken.
Out with the Old and in with the New: Women’s Soccer Annual Alumni Game is a Success By Sam May The Ferrum Women’s Soccer Team had an exciting and memorable game when they played against their alumni on Saturday April 6th. The current Panthers gained the experience of playing against some former Ferrum players, including some who had recently just graduated and others who had graduated many years ago. The game was very end to end at first, but as play went on, the fitness levels of the current Ferrum women start to show. The final result ended in the alumni taking a narrow 5-3 defeat to the current athletes. Some long range goals from from Alumni and Senior Alexis McCargo, current Sophomore Ysabella Bettilyon, and a solo run and finish from Junior Frances Best, gave the game some major talking points. The alumni who came back put up a fight against the current soccer team and showcased their talent in a situation where they were up against their former teammates. “Playing against my former teammates as a whole felt a little weird, a couple of times I had to stop myself from passing the ball to them. But being on the other side I can see major improvement in them, which makes me happy as they will be amazing in the next season,” said Alexis McCargo. Current Panthers soccer player, Ysabella Bettilyon, enjoyed playing against her past teammates in the game. “At first it was kind of odd, but it’s fun getting to play with old teammates. You know how they play and they know how you play, so sometimes it can make for The alumni and current players pose for a photo after their match. interesting and funny moments. It was also nice getting to Photo Cred: Erin Saleeby. see some of the alumni again and meeting others that I haven’t met or didn’t know” said Bettilyon. It was an emotional day for some of the Alumni as this was their first time being an Alumni. For some of them they are still at Ferrum and will be graduating at the end of this semester, and will no doubt miss playing alongside their fellow teammates. “I’ve grown and learnt so much from being on this team. My teammates always tell me ‘stay another year’ or ‘don’t leave us’ and it breaks my heart because I don’t want to leave my Ferrum Soccer Family. College wouldn’t be fun if i Didn’t have them in my life,” said McCargo. After the match all of the girls were able to catch up with each and have some food with friends and family, while reminiscing on past times they shared while playing for Ferrum. “I do look forward to being an Alumni myself one day and getting to come back and visit, as well as getting to play with and against my old teammates and friends. After the game while eating and talking to some of the alumni and listening to them reminisce on their times here and memories with the team, it makes me grateful for the opportunity I have here and to enjoy every moment of it. These past two years have flown by and I’m making sure that this is an experience that positively impacts me, so that when I come back as an Alumni I can share my experience and stories too, as well as keep the friendships I make Alumni were welcomed back to their home turf to play former teamates. Photo cred: Erin Saleeby. here,” said Bettilyon. Ferrum Women’s Soccer will be in action again next semester in the fall, when they take on their second ODAC season.
End of Season Wrap-Ups Compiled by AnnGardner Eubank
BASEBALL The men’s baseball team has so far made a strong ODAC debut. The team finished out the regular season with an overall record of 22-16 and a conference record of 13-9. The team will be advancing to the ODAC tournament this weekend. The team will be graduating six seniors in May 2019. SOFTBALL The women’s softball team finished their innaugural ODAC season with a overall record and a conference record of .The team fell to irginia Wesleyan, the reigning title holders, in game ten of the conference tournament after beating mory and enry in game three and beating uilford in game six. The team will be graduating six seniors. MEN’S LACROSSE After losing a big senior class in , the men’s lacrosse team spent the past season rebuilding, getting stronger, and readjusting in their new conference. The Panthers finished the season with an overall record of and a conference record of . The team will be graduating seven seniors. WOMEN’S LACROSSE The Women’s acrosse Team worked hard to improve their game and strength this season, and finished with an overall record of and a conference record of . Next year’s team will be packed with experienced players and teammates with the program only graduating one senior, Jacklyn Prillaman. MEN’S TENNIS The Men’s Tennis Team finished their season with an overall record of 4-14 and a conference record of 1-10. The team will be graduating four of the program’s nine team members. WOMEN’S TENNIS The Women’s Tennis team fared well in their innaugural ODAC season with an overall record of and a conference record of . The team will be graduating two seniors this year.
May 3, 2019
The Iron Blade
Page 5
NEWS
Senior Art Gallery Photos By Diamond Hudson
Senior, Hayleigh Turner’s Colored Pencil Drawing
Sophmore, Fern Stough’s Block Print
Junior, Hannah King’s Pen and Ink
Senior, Jennifer Moser’s Ceramic Bowl
Feshman, Reina Balderas’ Ink Portrait Two of senior, Jennifer Moser’s Colored Pencil Drawings
Melissa Wright’s Graphic Print Senior, Hayleigh Turner’s Colored Pencil Drawing
Senior, Atenoya Morris’ Acrylic Paint Portrait
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May 3, 2019
Earth Week By Mary Stoudt This year the Ferrum College community came together for the annual Earth Week celebration April 23rd -28th. Different campus organizations held activities that faculty and students participated in. Throughout the whole duration of Earth Week the Stanley Library had an UpCycled Fashion exhibit which featured clothing made of recycled and repurposed material as well as different displays that offered a variety of earth related books and DVDs. In the Franklin Hall Atrium there was also a Recycling Raffle. To enter the raffle students had to bring a piece of recyclable material.
Spiritual Life also hosted Waking up With God’s Word April 24-26 which allowed students to connect with the Earth. The activities that occurred throughout the week ranged from educational segments to different physical activities. This year for the educational segments there was a poster exhibit in the Panther’s Den, a segment on e-Waste, a history lesson about environmental writer David Thoreau, and an Inquiring Minds with topics about the Earth. There was a wide range of physical activities available to students this year. Students were able to climb trees, participate in yoga, play
An exhibit presenting the how many water bottles were saved over time because of the implemented Bottle Saver Zone. Photo Cred: Frances Best
The Earth Week Advertisment that was placed in the Stanley Library Photo Cred: Frances Best
beach volleyball, and more. In addition to all the educational and physical activities available throughout Earth Week students also had the opportunity to relax in hammocks sponsored by Ferrum Outdoors and participate in a Community Bonfire held by the Delta Chi Fraternity. This years Earth Week
wrapped up with a final Yoga in the Forest event sponsored by Ferrum Outdoors. The different activities that take place throughout the Earth Week have brought students together all for the cause of celebrating the Earth and promoting healthy lifestyles and a safe healthy environment.
For Moonsh s I a i ine n i g r rs! Vi By Mary Stoudt
The Car Show
Photo Cred: Mary Stoudt
April 27th, the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum (BRI) held the annual Moonshine Car Show. The show was free admission and Bowling Hot Dogs provided food for the event. During the show the BRI and farm museum were open for visitors to tour. In Virginia the month of April is known as Moonshine Heritage Month. This year the Virginia Tourism Corporation unveiled the new logo “Virginia is for Moonshine Lovers.” This new logo gives recognition to Franklin County, the moonshine capital of the world. The new logo also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Virginia is for Lovers brand. For the Moonshine Car Show this year there were 50 cars registered for the event and more cars arrived throughout the five hours the show lasted. The museum also offered Virginia is for Moonshine Lovers merchandise for the first time this year because the logo was approved through the Virginia Tourism Corporation. The car shows attracted people from the community as well as the Ferrum community. The car show was also a perfect way to wrap up Moonshine Heritage Month. The BRI will be hosting more events throughout the summer and will be preparing for the 46th annual Folklife Festival in October.
Photo Courtesy: Ferrum College
The Moonshine Hertiage Car Show Poster Photo Cred: Mary Stoudt
May 3, 2019
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Hard Work Pays Off: Academic Awards Ceremony By AnnGardner Eubank On Friday April 12th, the Ferrum College community honored students from all disciplines in the annual Academic Awards Ceremony in the Vaughn Chapel. Students, faculty, staff, and board of trustee members came together to celebrate and honor the hard work and success of students for this year. President Dr. David Johns welcomed the community to begin the ceremony. He commended the recipients for all of their achievements in the classroom and shared his
admiration for the efforts and strides made by the academic honorees who had gone above and beyond classroom minimums. “Reaching for mediocrity leads to a bland and colorless life,” said Johns. Johns not only congratulated the winners, but recognized them as the future’s leaders. He extended gratitude to the recipients for their promising potential and inspiration. “I am proud of our honorees. Let’s do more than just congratulate them today; let’s thank them-
because when they strive for and achieve excellence, they inspire us to do the same,” said Johns. The first award was presented by Dr. Johns with the help of Tennis head coach, Rod Baker. Together they honored senior Alexandria Dixon with the President’s Cup Award. The President’s Cup Award is given annually to a senior who demonstrated leadership in athletics, excellence in the classroom, and outstanding service and involvement in the community. Dixon
was always later given The Management Award, along with Noah Collins, for their excellence in business management. Commendations and awards were then given to students from all disciplines and schools. Several students, including Sierra Pierson of the Theatre Department, Christian Haley for history and religion, and Zachary Bullard for Model U.N, received multiple awards each. AnGardner Eubank was recognized for her work on The Iron Blade and Chrysalis,
along with Model U.N. Other special awards were given to students nearing the end of the ceremony. The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards, which honors a student, a faculty member, and a non-student recipient for their dedication, service and spirituality in daily life to the community was awarded to senior Mark Kellam, Dr. Delia Heck, and Dr. Ed Cornbleet. The Lillie Warwick Slaven award, which honors a student who exemplified the ideals of
the ministerial profession along with outstanding student leadership, was awarded to Alexis Hatcher. The James T. Catlin Citizenship Award, which is awarded to a student who shows initiative, outstanding character, honor, and leadership, as awarded to senior Lawrence Baranski. The ceremony was a kick-off to Spring Fling Weekend, and began the season of celebration prior to commencement in May. A full list of recipients and honorees can be found on the Ferrum website.
They Cappin’
Crimes of The Heart By AnnGardner Eubank
By Diamond Hudson and Destinee Nelson
From April 24th-26th, The Ferrum Theatre Department showcased their talents in their final performance for the semester, Beth Henley’s 1979 comedy, Crimes of the Heart. The play follows three sisters from the heart of Hazlehurst, Mississippi. The story follows the Magrath sisters, Babe, played by Jasmine Williams, Lenny, played by Lacey Matthews, and Meg, played by Sierra Pierson. The sisters are no stranger to problems and disfunction. Their father had abandoned them when they were young, and their mother abandoned them as well by hanging herself. The department truly captured the antics and dysfunction of the Magrath family. The characters were both quirky and hysterical. Lenny, the eldest sister, is failing in the love department, and hasn’t found herself any promising marital prospects. Middle sister Meg had failed in the music industry, and was forced to come back to Hazlehurst after not being able to get her foot in the door on the west coast. Babe, the youngest of the trio, had spent some time in the slammer for shooting and killing her husband.
“We do Graduate.” - Catie Hope
Graduation caps are a symbol for intelligence and the completion of education. As the day approaches for Ferrum seniors to move their golden tassels from the right to the left after they receive their diplomas on May 11th. April 4th, 2019 was The first Cap Decorating party hosted for seniors. Many participants came and not just for the food. Many seniors decorated their provided cap toppers for their special day. In the past seniors were unable to decorate their caps. If they wanted to participate in the tradition they had to purchase two caps; one for the ceremony and the other for photos. Cap decorating gives the opportunity for seniors to decompress after their hard work during their final victory lap. It is a fun way to express oneself and capture the experiences that were created during the duration of one’s school career.
“I like Scarface so it was a tribute to it.” - Nasya Smith “You have to work hard until you’e successful enough where no one has to question who you are” --Marie Mance.
Seniors gather in the Panthers Den to decorate their graduation caps.
“My cap is in regards to the Peace Corps and how I would use my major.”- Tamiah Palmer
After Babe had shot her husband, the sisters reunited back in town to await the trial. During the process, the sisters taught each other lessons of identity and self awareness. Lenny, who had been taking care of their grandfather who had slipped into a coma, comes to realize she is more than just a caretaker. Meg learns that despite her disastrous and troubled past, she is both worthy and capable of love. Babe, who had been dealing with issues of identity and general dysfunction, ultimately became more aware of herself and brought understanding to her family. The performance was carried out excellently by the cast and production team. Sale Theater was filled with laughter for hours as the department executed Henley’s dysfunctional Pulitzer Prize winning screenplay. The Theatre Department put on a clever, witty, and hilarious performance of a timeless classic. The play was enjoyed by students, staff, and community members, and was a great way to get people laughing into exam week.
“All my dreams came true, now tuition is due.”- Precious Leonard
Getting Down at Greek Formal By Frances Best and Destinee Nelson
Members of Theta Gamma Omega debut their new Greek Letters at Greek Formal.
On April 5th, Ferrum College’s Greek Organizations attended their annual formal celebration. The night consisted of dancing, singing, and eating from a delicious buffet. Greek Formal is a chance for all members to have the oppurtunity to socialize in a fun and exciting way. “Theta Gamma Omega, they just had this sense of belonging and I really wanted to be a part of that and my favorite part of being in a sorority is the family I have with my sisters and the support I have within them.” - Kathryn Bonner “So I was looking for something to do my freshman year and I went to club fair actually, and I met some of the guys from Delta Chi And I just went to some interests meetings and it seemed like a cool thing. When you’re in a greek organization that’s probably the closest bonds that you’re going to have in college.” - Christian Haley
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The Iron Blade
May 3, 2019
Con-GRAD- ulations To Jasmine & Q By Destinee Nelson At last, the most bittersweet moment for many Ferrum students is finally here. It’s a time where professional photos are taken around campus, caps are decorated, and the final countdown is on every Ferrum senior’s social media app. This can only mean one thing: Graduation. Post-graduation life can be a lot less happy- go- lucky than the years preceding it. Students are often asked “what’s next?” in the weeks leading up to their big day. For seniors Jasmine Williams and Qazir Harnett, their time at Ferrum College is coming to an end. Harnett has retired as a sports journalist for the Iron Blade after one semester. Williams is currently on the Iron Blade as one of the staff writers. Both Harnett and Williams are common friendly faces on Ferrum’s campus and great friends of mine. Harnett, who like myself is from Northern Virginia, came to Ferrum to get away to make a home away from home with memories as well as new friends. Harnett is a Media and Communication major with a minor in psychology. Throughout his Ferrum career, Harnett has been involved in multiple activities throughout campus beside the Iron Blade. He has been the Ferrum Karate
Club President as well as an active member of WEDO. Harnett’s favorite hobby is karate and plans to pursue it in a professionally. Harnett has been taking karate for the past sixteen years. Last year, he was titled the national champion for the United National Karate Federation (USANKF). Although Harnett has had many accomplishments throughout his college career, he still has other goals planned for the future. One of his goals for post graduation is joining the Airforce. “I want to use my media communication skills to pilot automated aircrafts (drones) and after that I plan to use my skill to market my karate school on social media,” said Harnett. Besides the Airforce, karate is one thing Harnett will definitely keep pursuing. “I plan to travel to Montreal, Canada in the summer for a world championship then Okinawa, Japan later in the year for another world title then just continue to coach karate,” said Harnett. Harnett has made many memories throughout his college career, but admits that senior year has been the best yet. “The highlight of my senior year would be homecoming. The tailgate was one for the books. It turned into a bonfire and we almost won a tough football game, it was awesome!” Williams, who has also made her own memories at Ferrum is ready for the next step in life after graduation. She plans to pursue working in a local theater near her hometown in Chesterfield , Va. Williams is a Theater Arts major with an emphasis in acting and directing. Her hard work has paid
off during her last semester as she played the lead in her last show of her college career in Crimes of The Heart. During the academic awards weeks prior to her last show, Williams was awarded The Theater Achievement Award from her department. “I think we were all shocked, I wasn't expected it at all,” said Williams. Williams is excited to continue her life with theatre and the arts, and is even looking forward to travelling and exploring the world during her post-grad life. “I would like to go anywhere and everywhere I can,” said Williams. Although Williams is leaving her college years behind, there’s one friend that won’t ever forget her and the memories they have shared. Senior, Lacey Matthews, has known Williams for quite some time now and will definitely miss one of her best friends after college. “ Jasmine has always been there for me whenever I needed her. She doesn’t say too much, she just sits there and makes weird faces to show her love. Sometimes all you need is a weird face to make it through the day,” said Matthews. Matthews described Williams personality on campus as one she’ll never forget. “ Jasmine is the best little dinosaur that ever roared on this campus,” said Matthews.
Taking A Midnight Train To Cali By Mary Stoudt From plane, to train, and even van this May a group of 10 students and Professor Jake Smith and Dr. Tim Daniels will be traveling from Ferrum, VA to Colorado, Utah, and California for E-Term. The students and faculty members will be rising early May 15 to board a plane at Roanoke Airport heading for Denver, CO. The group will spend a few days in each state to visit a variety of museums, historic
sites, monuments, and more. One of the major highlights of this trip will be traveling via the California Zephyr train. This train travels daily from Chicago to San Francisco. The group will be boarding the train in Colorado and will make their final stop in Oakland, California. This E-Term is a combination of history and photography which creates Art 217/317 and History 318: The American West. This is the first year this
E-term is being offered for students. The next time this E-Term will be available is 2021. “The idea for this E-Term really came from the realization that you could get a 15 day eight stop rail pass for under $459,” said Daniels. This is the first year a history E-Term is offered since the retiring of Dr. Mike Trochim. Trochim took students to different battlefield tours. This E-Term is “mixing cities
of the West with the less touched landscape of the West,” said Daniels. Some highlight spots of this E-Term will be the deYoung Museum, Salt Lake City, Utah, the Natural History Museum of Utah, Yosemite National Park, and maybe even Alcatraz. Junior Alec Kendrick is one of the students going on this ETerm he said, “I’ve been looking forward to this trip all year, especially as the end of the semester
has been winding down. I have never been out West at all so this whole experience of starting in Colorado and going all the way to San Francisco with some awesome teachers has motivation for me heading into finals.” This E-Term is offering students a hands-on experience with learning about the American West and giving the photography students an opportunity to photograph different elements outside Virginia.
rd a o B in t e ll u B r e Panth