The Iron Blade - February 2020

65

YEARS OF SERVING FERRUM COLLEGE

www.ferrum.edu/campus-life/THE-IRON-BLADE/ | February 27, 2020 | Vol. 66, Issue 2

Students visit Holocaust Museum p. 3

“ Visiting the USHMM together forces us to reflect on the Museum’s mottos: ‘Never Again’ and ‘What you do matters.’”

65 Years with The Iron Blade p. 6 Senior Spotlights p. 7

“I’m truly going to miss being walking distance from all of my best friends.”

Tri-Area Health Relocates at Ferrum

By Mary Stoudt The Ferrum Tri-Area Community Health Center, which has served Ferrum campus and the broader community for nearly 13 years, has recently moved to its new center that is located across the street from the Ferrum College campus.

In 2007, Tri-Area Center opened and began its service. It was located in the lower level of the Vaughn Chapel, as the center was leasing the space from Ferrum to serve their patients at that time.

In 2016, the Ferrum Tri-Area received a one-million-dollar expansion grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which partially funded the establishment of its new health center.

After years of planning, the Tri-Area Community Health Center broke ground for their new 17,000-square-foot facility on October 19, 2018, during the inauguration weekend of Ferrum’s 12th President Dr. David Johns.

The new health center costs $6 million dollars to build.

When the Tri-Area center was located in Vaughan Chapel, its occupation of land was only 3,000 square feet. The new center has 15 patient rooms, two treatment rooms for minor procedures, an area for X-rays, and a larger pharmacy with a drive-thru. In addition, automatic doors have been adopted to better serve their patients.

Looking towards the future, there is also space available for the behavioral health program to grow.

Dr. James Werth Jr., the chief executive officer of Tri-Area Community Health Center

301 Students Recognized at Academic Scholars Dinner

By Mary Stoudt On January 30, 2020, Ferrum College celebrated the students who were named to the Dean’s List and President’s List during the spring and fall semesters of 2019.

This year, 301 out of the 1,021 enrolled students made the Dean’s List, which requires a minimum of a 3.4 grade point average (GPA) per semester; out of these 301 students, 104 of them also qualified for the President’s List, which requires a 4.0 GPA. The dinner was formerly known as the Dean’s List Dinner but is now named as the Academic Scholars Dinner, in order to better highlight student’s full academic careers.

During the dinner, Ferrum President Dr. David Johns, Provost Dr. Aimé Sposato, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Kevin Reilly, Dean of the Chapel Dr. Jan Nicholson-Angle, Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Katie Goff, and senior Layura Henley spoke throughout the night.

In addition to being recognized, students also received a custom pen to mark this special occasion. Students who had a 4.0 GPA also received a pin for their hard work.

Seniors at the dinner also received a Ferrum water bottle if they made the Dean’s List or President’s List every semester while attending Ferrum.

The next Academic Scholars Dinner will be held in the spring of 2021 to celebrate students who will have made Dean’s List or President’s List during the spring semester of 2020 and the fall semester of 2020.

Tri-area center at its new location at Ferrum.

spoke to the Franklin News-Post on the opening of the new health center.

“Everyone at Tri-Area is excited to have the new building open for patients and community members,” said James Werth Jr., “The larger clinic and pharmacy space will allow us to see more people and provide more services. The staff here are committed to making a positive difference in people’s lives. We are looking forward to continuing to serve Ferrum, Franklin County, and surrounding communities for decades to come.”

In order to better serve the Ferrum community, the health center now accepts a broader range of various insurances. Additionally, the health center accepts the uninsured and works with patients to charge on a sliding scale. The health center also accepts patients who have Medicare and Medicaid.

In addition to serving the Ferrum community, Tri-Area also serves the Ferrum College community.

Sophomore Kintwon Pettiford has watched the entire progress of the construction since it began.

“I think the building is very nice and up to date. Since the building is bigger it can accommodate students and the community better,” said Pettiford.

Tri-Area Community Health Center also has offices in Floyd and Laurel Fork, Virginia. According to the Franklin County News-Post, the Tri-Area Community Health Center serves 10,000 patients every year.

Page 2

The Iron Blade

OPINION

Online voting for presidential elections?

“No because it’s easier for ballots to be rigged, not everyone has internet access and too many people would be on one sight at the same time.”

PRO

By Sean Grande

Easily accessible online voting in the U.S. would have a profoundly positive impact on the electorate, and therefore its governing body. The United States has had a problem getting its citizens to the polls for nearly half a century.

Even the highly publicized and anticipated presidential elections can barely muster up fifty percent voter turnout, in spite of dominating American media for the better part of a year leading up to election day. Many attribute this decline in civic responsibility to the distrust Americans currently feel towards their government, especially since Nixon era politics brought corruption in Washington to the limelight.

Voter registration takes effort that many Americans are choosing to spend elsewhere as they do not directly see the effect their participation has on the government. Making voting as easy as possible for its citizens is the responsibility of a democratic government. Online voting, as most Americans have personal devices now as well as access to public internet services, is the best way to incorporate all of the voices of America into the electorate.

By making online voting available to American citizens, the U.S. government would become a better representative of its people, ultimately leading to a more just and less corrupt government.

CON

-- Courtney Moyer, Senior

By AnnGardner Eubank

“Online voting should definitely be a way to vote. Way more people would be able to vote.”

-- Halee Bly, Senior

“I like Black Friday, but some people are stupid and make shopping hard.”

-- Camryn Holt, Senior

One of the country’s largest hurdles in civil participation and democracy as a whole is the lack of voter turnout each election cycle. The registration process can be confusing, obtaining an absentee ballot isn’t always feasible or convenient, people become fatigued with constant political media, and many individuals simply do not have the time or desire to make it to the polls on election day. While voter turnout in the country is consistently low in numbers, there are other practical, realistic, and responsible tactics and methods that can be used to enhance turnout and overall participation.

Corruption and politics go hand-in-hand. For centuries, politicians have been wheeling and dealing behind closed doors to secure their positions of power. From propaganda to interference and collusion, election seasons are seemingly the Olympic arena for deceit and corruption.

While easier said than done, the simplest way to promote equality and limit corruption is through creating a more representative, citizen-based, and qualified government through electing candidates who embody those values.

Online voting would absolutely make the task of voting more accessible and convenient, and would likely improve voter turnout. However, the drawbacks and security risk in this day and age of hacking, collusion, and interference outweigh the potential benefits of online voting.

Technological difficulties that would have the potential to limit a voter’s ability to participate will always be of concern. Weather sensors in a touch screen happen to go out of alignment, or a rural citizen is unable to vote on their device due to a poor connection, the method of voting has its honest and predictable concerns.

More of an issue, however, comes from a security standpoint. Where this is the Internet, there are viruses. Hackers from down the street or from across the globe are becoming more and more savvy each day in how they are able to abuse and manipulate information systems and account information. Especially in regards to the past election cycle, the scandals with Russia, the Ukraine, and e-mail servers have been more than enough to lead to questions of online security, especially when politics and world orders are involved.

Another potential issue with online voting would be the difficulty of ensuring the person voting behind the screen is who they say they are and can be verified. Online voting could also potentially take away the ability to vote completely anonymously and isolated away from any direct pressures as they would be in a voter’s booth.

While online voting may seem like a quick fix for low voter turnout in the country, the potential risks of security and fraud ultimately outweigh the potential benefits. Other measures that could be taken to increase turnout include making election day a holiday, limiting the barriers of voter registration, and continued conversation of democracy and the election cycle.

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February 27, 2020 Vol. 67, Issue 2

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

Editor-in-Chief: AnnGardner Eubank

February 27, 2020

Staff: Lindsey Foster Becca Halm

Advisor: Dr. Mingxiao Sui

Lyout/Social Media Editor: Mary Stoudt

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.

Letters may be emailed to IBlade@ferrum.edu.

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February 27, 2020

The Iron Blade

Page 3

Linguistics in VA: More than You’d Expect

By AnnGardner Eubank

On Feb. 18, Dr. Alba Arias Álavarez, a Spanish professor at Roanoke College, visited with students, faculty, and staff of Ferrum College in Stanley Library. Álvarez’s talk, titled Documenting Linguistic Plurality in the Commonwealth: The Virginia Corpus of Spanish Variation, discussed the widespread variations of the Spanish language throughout the United States, but primarily focused on the different dialects in Virginia alone.

The hispanic population in Virginia is the fifteenth largest in the entire United States.

There are nearly 732,000 spanish speaking residents in the state. The talk, which was sponsored by Virginia Latino Higher Education Network, aimed to bring visibility to the variations spoken throughout different communities and regions within the state.

The mission of the project is to assist in documenting the linguistic pluralism in the Commonwealth, and ultimately leave the tools for the rising generations to continue to

distinguish and analyze variations and changes within the language of the region. Álvarez discussed not only the wide variety of dialects in the state, but also how those dialects have been perceived in the past and the associations made with various tones and accents. She used Disney cartoons as examples to show how the villain in most stories has a foreign accent, subconsciously sending the message to children and other consumers that foreigners are the “bad guys.”

Her discussion also hit on the issues of profiling and prejudices. She began the talk discussing phone calls, and how many people change their tone, manners, and overall demeanor once hearing a foreing unfamiliar voice is on the other end. Álvarez’s talk was as interesting as it was informative. Her discussion of recognizing planted prejudices from foreign dialects resonated with many, and ultimately shined light on an issue few were likely conscious of.

A Memorial Trip to Holocaust Musuem

By Mary Stoudt Since the spring of 1999, Ferrum College has been offering the class Holocaust: Past/Present/Future.

The class was created by Dr. Horn who has since retired from Ferrum.

Dr. Susan Mead, the Assistant Professor of Sociology, currently leads the class.

“The class established the Holocaust Memorial Garden in 2001. For fifteen years, beginning in 2005 and ending in 2019, we hosted an “Annual Day of Remembrance and Promise” in November, around the anniversary of Kristallnacht [the Night of Broken Glass],” said Mead.

This class is unique with having multiple faculty present lectures and members of the public and faculty sit in on the class. Additionally, this class is a 200 and 300 level class that meets simultaneously.

In addition to Mead leading the class, other faculty members give lectures throughout the semester.

The other faculty members include Dr. David Howell, Dr. Sandra Via, Dr. Melvin Macklin, Dr. Sharon Stein, Dr. Tina Hanlon, and Dr. Jennifer Irish.

This year the class traveled to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (USHMM) in Washington D.C. in order to further their learning. The class has also traveled to the museum in years past.

On departure day the students and faculty left Ferrum at 6:30 am and returned at 11:30 pm. Students spent the whole day emersed in Holocaust history.

“Our trip to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum with students, faculty, retired faculty, and community members is always a highlight of our course. Visiting the USHMM together forces us to reflect on the Museum’s mottos: ‘Never Again’ and ‘What you do matters.’ The challenge we face is this: ‘What must I, as an individual, do to make sure this NEVER happens again?’ Every floor of the museum begs that question. We are indebted to the Roanoke Jewish Federation for funding this experience, and to the USHMM staff for making it possible for us to hear the poignant story of hidden child survivor Al Munzer,” said Mead.

While at the museum students were able to speak to Alfred Munzor, a Holocaust survivor, and go through numerous exhibits. The current exhibits at the museum include the permanent exhibit The Holocaust, Americans and the Holocaust, American Witnesses, One-Thousand and Seventy- Eight Blue Skies, and Remember the Children: Daniel’s Story.

When going through the exhibits students were tasked with paying special attention to certain subjects in order to later work on a research project.

Model United Nations Summit Invites Registration The Political Science and History Departments have announced that Ferrum’s annual Model United Nations Summit will be held Friday, March 20. Each year students represent a country on the security council individually or teams of two or three to deliberate current issues facing the global community. This year, situations in Libya, situations in the Middle East, and situations in Bosnia and Herzegovina will be the primary issues discussed.

Under the U.N. charter, the Security Council has the primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. When issues and tensions arise that threaten the security of a nation, the Security Council decides on what actions need to be made and implement measures to enable a change.

Anyone interested in solving the world’s problems or seeing how world leaders and peacekeepers address and handle those problems are invited to register for the 2020 summit. Those interested should contact Dr. Timothy Daniels to register.

Forms for registration can be found on brightspace and require the participant’s name, team members if any, and top three choices of countries to represent from a list of potential options. Forms should be completed and submitted to Dr. Daniels’ office in Richeson 8. The deadline to register is February 26.

Delegations will be assigned and announced shortly after the deadline along with a full list of rules and guidelines for the summit. Faculty advisers with knowledge and backgrounds of specific countries and regions will also be assigned to delegates to help direct participants in the right direction for sources and other information for preparations leading up to the summit.

Students of all majors and interests are encouraged to participate in the summit and deliberate some of the world’s heaviest and controversial issues. Any questions can be directed to Dr. Daniels at tadaniels@ ferrum.edu.

Ferrum’s Winter Formal Ball

By Lindsey Foster On Feb 15, The Ferrum Activities Board held their annual winter formal in the Blueridge Mountain Room with the theme, “Welcome to Hollywood.” Ninety two students danced the night away with music being DJed by Jeff Crouse. Guests also had complimentary food and drinks courtesy of the cafeteria staff.

“Overall I thought it was a lot of fun, the music was good and the majority of the people seemed to like it too,” said sophomore Cree White.

Students were dressed up for the event in dresses, suits, high-heels, and ties. Decore to fulfill the Hollywood theme included red table cloths, strobe lights, and candle centerpieces. There was also a photo area with balloons, lights, a Ferrum College background, and a red carpet where students could take pictures to remember the event.

“I thought the formal was a blast and I hope even more people start coming to the future ones,” said senior Catie Hodges.

The main man that organized the winter formal was the advisor of the Ferrum Activities Board, Justin Muse. This was Muse’s 10/11winter formal he has organized.

“I thought it went pretty well compared to years past. We scaled back a little bit because of factors beyond my control but I still feel like it went pretty well and I’m looking forward to the information I get from the questionnaire I sent to attendees to get better in the future,” said Muse.

The Ferrum Activities Board arranged the winter formal as a night to dance the night away and spend time with friends. They are looking forward to arranging future winter formals for students for nights of enjoyment.

A “Shining” Step in Route to Dream

By Rebecca Halm Imagine getting the opportunity to learn a foreign language within seven weeks, with a chance of coming out of the program being as fluent as someone who has been studying the language for over four years. Too far-fetched to be true?

For Ferrum sophomore Jared Worley, however, that opportunity has become his reality. Jared Worley is a History major and minors in Philosophy; and he is also part of Ferrum’s men’s wrestling team.

The language program Worley has been admitted to is held in Vermont at Middlebury College.

Founded in 1800, Middlebury is a private liberal arts college known for its renowned language programs. Worley, along with 20 other students, will be participating in Middlebury’s Arabic section either this summer or in the summer of 2021.

This program is language intensive, which requires students to communicate in Arabic the entire time. The only exception is when students Jared Worley. Photo courtsey of Ferrum College. are asked to finish one handwritten letter per week to their friends and family, which is allowed to be written in English.

“The program is a great opportunity and I’m hoping to get a better cultural understanding of the Middle East while I’m there. I’ve always been interested in Middle Eastern history, so everything about this program will be beneficial for me in the long run,” said Worley.

After completing Middleburry’s language program, Worley plans to complete his bachelor’s degree and continue to pursue his master’s. Worley hopes to obtain his master’s degree at either Oxford University or Bloomington University, both of which are known for their prestigious History programs.

“After graduating I want to travel and study in the Middle East. Becoming an Arabic translator would be cool too if I ever get the chance to do so,” Worley said. “I’m pretty excited about what this will do for my future, so I’m just going to full send it.”

February 27, 2020

Page 4

A Word for Black History Month

By Rebecca Halm Black History Month is recognized and celebrated in the United States each February. The month recognizes and tributes the acheivments and contributions made by African Americans throughout the globe, along with aknowledging the hardships and struggles the African American community has faced. Although African American’s achievements deserve recognition everyday, February is the month for the entire nation to recognize the prominent roles and successes African American men and women have achieved throughout the history of our country.

Black History Month’s orgins date back to the early twentieth cenntury with the first celebrtion of “Negro History Week” established by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History in 1926. The week was launched primarily by Carter G. Woodson and his foundation who had been troubled by the lack of representation in history books about the history of African Americans in the United States.

The week was designated to help public schools focus in on the topic and spread awarness and knowledge of the underrepresented group that makes up so much of the country, both physically and culturally. The celebration was set for the second wee of February to encompass both Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays.

In 1976, President Gerald Ford decreed the entire month of February as Black History Month to celebrate the often underrepresented and underrecognized minority.

Over the years, Black History Month has become officially recognized in Canada as well as the U.S., spotlighting the numerous advances and endless perseverance African Americans have had and continue to show to this day.

From Rosa Parks’ admirable resistance, to Martin Luther King Jr’s memorable “I Have a Dream’’ speech, and to Kobe Bryant and other athletes devoted support for youth sports, African Americans have contributed to our society in immensely powerful ways.

The spotlight shines bright on the African American’s successes all through the month of February; and the light and recognition will not dim after the month comes to a close.

Mamba and Mambacita Forever

By Rebecca Halm

Former pro basketball player Kobe Bryant was an influence to many. Winning five NBA titles and the 2008 MVP Award with the Los Angeles Lakers along with two Olympic gold medals, on top of countless contributions to the world of basketball, Bryant is remembered as one of the game’s all time greatest, a legend at the least. A shooting guard playing under #24, Bryant also known as “black mamba”, began playing for the Lakers straight out of highschool, and continued to do so for twenty seasons.

Not only did Kobe lead a successful professional career in basketball, he also made a point to focus on philanthropy. Kobe and his adoring wife first established the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant family foundation in 2011, with the goal of strengthening communities and promoting mutual understanding across the world.

In 2018, Kobe went on to create the Mamba Sports Foundation,

with the main focus on creating a positive impact on youth athletes through sports.

In addition to mastering the game of basketball as well as contributing to our society, Kobe Bryant was also a “girl dad”.

Kobe and wife Vanessa had four daughters, with middle child Gianna Bryant (also known as Gigi) following in her father’s footsteps as an elite youth basketball player.

Gianna, gaining the nickname mambacita by her teammates and family, played for the Mamba Sports Academy under the #2, up to their U-15 level, with Kobe by her side as her coach and mentor.

Gianna had plans to play college basketball for the University of Connecticut, where she regularly visited with her father.

With success surrounding them both, Kobe and Gigi had plans to continue thriving in the world of basketball, however those plans would be tragically taken away from them the morning of January

26th, 2020. Kobe and Gianna Bryant, along with seven others were travelling in a helicopter on their way Mamba Academy for a basketball game, when weather conditions became unfavorable, causing the helicopter to crash into the side of a mountain in Calabasas, California.

The devastating news took the world by storm, with continuous international tributes, including the renaming of Kobe’s Mamba Sports Academy. “Because there is no #24 without #2, we have updated the Mamba Sports Foundation to now be called the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.” Vanessa Bryant wrote in the reveal. Although Kobe and Gianna, along with seven others were lost in such a tragic way, their legacy, love, and dedication for the game of basketball, along with their contributions to our society will live on forever.

Gosepl Fest: 2020 Vision

By Lindsey Foster

On Feb. 8 Ferrum College’s Spiritual Life held their third annual Gospel Fest in the Vaughn Chapel. Four musical groups performed at the event. These four groups included the Freshwind Gospel Choir of Ferrum College, Bishop Milton L. Hardy & The Sons of Thunder, United Voices of God, and B.A.S.I.C. Gospel Choir of Longwood University.

One of Ferrum’s students, junior Jacob Wilson performed in the Freshwind Gospel Choir of Ferrum College. This is Wilson’s third year being in the Gospel Choir and third year performing at Gospel Fest.

“When you sing at events like this it is always exciting to get to meet the singers/ musicians in the other groups and there is normally always a sense of camaraderie that

you find because our purpose is all the same: to worship God and spread his message of love,” said Wilson.

This is also Wilson’s second semester being co-director of the Gospel Choir along with Shawna Scott. Leading up to Gospel Fest, Wilson planned “I’ve been singing seriously for five years and sang with different groups and at a lot of different places so the actual singing part really wasn’t much different for me personally,” said Wilson.

The main goal of Gospel Fest was to bring awareness to God and to Ferrum College.

This event brought people together as a community and fill the evening with faith and worship.

February 27, 2020

The Iron Blade

Sports

Conference and Coaching: Ferrum Wrestling Does it Well

By AnnGardner Eubank

The men’s wrestling team has been on a winning streak this month with a victorious senior night, a clinched conference title, and a Coach of the Year recognition.

After a ten day break from competition, the Panthers were back on the mat in a home dual against the Averett Cougars on Feb. 11 for their senior night. The team celebrated the careers of seniors Carlos Levya and Pablo Zanistanavicius in Swartz Gymnasium with a 24-15 victory. Sophomore Tatom Tyree pinned his competition in just 53 seconds and sophomore Braden Homsey closed out the night by earning a tech fall at 17. Sophomores Levi Englman and Malik Barr, along with Freshmen Elijah Martin and Luke Nees also earned victories for the Panthers.

Just four days later the Panthers continued their victory reign and earned their fifth straight Southeast Wrestling Conference Tournament title in Montgomery, AL at Huntingdon College. Engleman, Barr, Martin, and Homsey all earned individual titles as well. Freshman Galilee Kissell also earned an individual title in the 165 weight class. Sophomore Demontay Wimbush earned the first place title for 184 as well.

Other competitors for the Panthers who earned victories and placed included sophomores Caden Dalton who went 2-1 for the day, placing second for the 149 class, Tyree (3-1) placing third for 149, Christian Hite (3-1), placing third for 157 along with a pin, freshman Jacob Grady (2-1) placing second for 174, and senior Carlos Levya (31) placing third for 285. Homsey and Barr are now tied with the most for the season, with each of them earning 28 wins so far.

Another huge win for the Panthers was earned by head coach of the program, Nathan Yetzer. Yetzer was named SEWC Coach of the Year for his eighth season with Ferrum. Yetzer has already had a decorated career in his time at Ferrum. The wrestling program is just eight years old itself, and has seen immense success under Yetzer’s leadership. In Ferrum’s young wrestling history, the program has sent nine athletes to the NCAA tournament, with four earning All-American honors. Yetzer has also led his program to win the NCAA Div. III East Regional title in 2017, along with being selected to host the 2019 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championship.

“Yetzer gets the most out of us at practice everyday. He pushes everybody to their limits and then some. Not only is Yetzer a great coach, he’s a great person. Anyone can come to Yetzer with a problem and get it solved or figured out,” said Dalton.

The Panthers will be back on the mat this Friday and Saturday in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania at Messiah College for the NCAA DIII South East Regional Torunament.

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Baseball

By AnnGardner Eubank The baseball team came into the 2020 season swinging for the fences. On Feb. 8, Head Coach Ryan Brittle’s team competed in a home season opener against the nationally ranked Christopher Newport University squad and earned an 8-7 victory. Senior outfielder Grey Sherfey went 4-5 at bat with four RBI’s. Junior outfielder Josh Greenway went 2-5 with two RBI’s, and sophomore Connor Dopp went 2-5 with two runs.

Freshman infielder, Isaac Yeaman, hit two major milestones in one afternoon: first collegiate competition and first homerun. The Panther’s interchanged several athletes on and off the mound as well. Senior Drew Calohan started off on the mound and allowed three runs in three innings along with three strikeouts. Sophomore Carlton Redd came in to relieve Calohan for two innings, allowing one hit and one run. Junior Ty Lam pitched an inning and allowed one run. Senior Cory Peel pitched for two innings and struck out one batter while allowing for one run. Sophomore Sam McLauglin closed out the game, allowing the final two runs for the CNU Captains.

The following day the Panthers were unable to go 2-0 and fell short to the Captains 8-2. The competition was scoreless until the top of the third inning when CNU scored three runs. Senior first baseman, Tim Ortega, hit his first bomb of the season to answer back in the bottom of the third. Later in the fifth inning, Ortega hit an RBI double which brought Sherfey home to narrow the deficit 3-2. In the top of the seventh, the Captains had an RBI followed by a grand slam off of Ferrum’s Austin Vernon, a junior, to bring the score to 8-2. The Panther’s were unable to answer back.

The Panther’s were able to avoid the beginning of a losing streak by taking a 3-2 victory from Berry College in Mount Berry, GA on Valentine’s Day. In the top of the second, senior Kyle Anstice was walked then advanced to third by sophomore Matt Yarbrough’s single. Anstice was able to steal home following a wild pitch. Dopp also scored off of a fielding error, raising Ferrum’s lead to 2-0. In the bottom of the fourth, Berry answered back with a two-run RBI. Yeaman hit a double in the fifth, stole third off a wild pitch, and scored a run off of freshman Sebastian Dexter’s sacrifice fly to centerfield, giving Ferrum the 3-2 lead. The rest of the competition was scoreless, with Calohan pitching 7.2 innings with five strikeouts, and McLaughlin closing the game.

The Panthers continued their winning streak the following day by beating out Oglethorpe 9-4. Oglethorpe had a 1-0 lead from the third inning up until the fifth when Ferrum answered back and took the lead by scoring two runs off of Greenway’s single to left field. Freshman Grayson Chitwood advanced the lead in the sixth by hitting a homerun RBI up centerfield. Ortega and Greenway hit an RBI each, but it was senior Parker Mason’s three-run homer that really increased the Panther’s lead. The opponents were able to minimize the damage by scoring three more runs in the seventh for a score of 8-4. Osvaldo Torres scored off of a wild pitch in the ninth, leaving the final score to be 9-4.

Ferrum wasn’t able to continue the winning streak and fell to Rhodes College 6-5 later that afternoon. Redd started off on the mound for the first four innings and allowed four runs with two strikeouts. Vernon came in for one inning and allowed one hit. Freshman Brady Owen hit the mound and earned one strikeout while allowing one run. Lam , Peel, and Mclaughlin each pitched an inning each, and Lam all allowed one run. Mclaughlin had one strikeout.

The Panthers will be back in competition in an away game at Southern Virginia University on Feb. 19 at 3 p.m.

Ferrum Equestrian Team Finished First Competition

Coach Nate Yetzer and his squad after earning the conference title. Photo courtesy of Ferrum Athletics.

Farewell to the Living Legend

By AnnGardner Eubank

Ferrum celebrated the decorated and impactful collegiate career of Rashad Reed on his senior night in Swartz Gymnasium in a game against Washington and Lee University on Feb. 22.

While the Panthers were unable to secure a win against the Generals by falling 9685, the team was still able to recognize Reed and all of his accomplishments prior to the game.

Reed came to Ferrum from Eastern Alamance High School in Mebane, NC. The 6-3 guard was recently the eighteenth athlete to come through Ferrum men’s basketball program to join the 1,000 point club in January of this year. Reed currently has scored 1,258 points throughout his collegiate career and is the seventh highest scorer in Ferrum’s basketball history.

The four-year varsity competitor has played in 100 games throughout his career and has started 75% of those contests.

Reed is the only graduating senior from the program this year and will leave behind a talented and hardworking group of veterans to take on the ODAC next season.

While Sanborn’s team will be losing a main pulse of the team, Reed’s legacy of heart, hard work, accuracy, and hustle will remain imbedded in the program for many seasons to come.

By Lindsey Foster On Feb. 9, the Ferrum College Equestrian Team had their first competition of the new year. Their competition took place at the Washington & Lee IHSA Show in Lexington, Virginia. The competition had a total of nine teams, six of them were Old Dominion Athletic Conference teams.

Ferrum panther Sophomore Rebecca Halm finished 7th place, right behind Junior Lindsay Koogler in 6th place finish in the Limit Equestrian on the Flat. Two other 6th placers were Junior Emma Williams and Freshman Grace Howell in their individual Novice Equestrian of the Flat. Junior Hattie Rieck finished the competition in 4th place in the Introductory Equestrian of the Flat.

Ferrum finished the competition in 8th place out of nine teams. The ferrum panthers will take on the Lynchburg IHSA Show in Lynchburg, Virginia on Saturday February 15th.

Men’s Basketball Makes Five Consecutive Wins

By Rebecca Halm The Ferrum Men’s Basketball team has become a force to be reckoned with, winning five consecutive games. Starting off their winning streak with a game against Guilford, with a final score of 60-53. The panthers continued strong, dominating the court in a game against Shenandoah, ending the game with a score of 85-79. Ferrum remained consistent winning against Emory & Henry, with an outstanding final score of 98-74, followed up with a win against Eastern Mennonite with a final score of 67-64. The panthers will be back on the court February 19th to take on Old Dominion Athletic Conference foe Randolph College. The men’s basketball team is currently holding a 13-10 overall record.

Women’s Basketball in a “Shaky” Season

By Rebecca Halm The Ferrum Women’s Basketball team have been riding a rocky road in the midst of their season with three losses and one win. Their latest game against Randolph-Macon ended in a loss for the ladies, with a final score of 74-56. Although the panthers stood their ground, the yellow jackets dominated the second half of the game, coming out on top. Despite a “shaky” season, the panthers remain hopeful for their last two games of the season, with their next game against the University of Lynchburg. The women’s basketball team is currently holding a 4-19 overall record.

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The Iron Blade

February 27, 2020

Celebrating 65 Years

History of The Iron Blade

By Mary Stoudt Initiated in 1955, The Iron Blade has brought news to the Ferrum College campus and the broader Franklin community for 65 years. Over these six and half decades, the paper has gone through significant changes.

On September 6, 1955, staff and students were introduced to The Iron Blade. Originally the paper was titled The Echo.

Very shortly, Dr. C. Ralph Arthur, Ferrum’s seventh president, changed its name in order to connect it back to Ferrum.

The iron in the name Iron Blade is a connection to the large amount of iron found in the surrounding area of Ferrum. It is also a nod at the name of Ferrum

College itself since “Fe” is the element iron on the periodic table. In the name Iron Blade, the blade signifies how the newspaper fights the corruption of the world.

Fast forward to the 1990s and The Iron Blade changed its editing process and moved to Macintosh computers and began using a design program. During these changes, digital photography was also introduced to the paper. Later to keep up with continuing technological changes, The Iron Blade also began publishing issues online.

During the 1990s The Iron Blade began publishing every week instead of bi-weekly like it previously had been. The major

changes made to The Iron Blade were under the direction of Dr. Lana Whited who was the paper’s advisor for 20 years.

Moving forward to 2018, The Iron Blade began printing the paper in color.

By fall 2019, The Iron Blade began printing in full color and underwent a logo change. Midway through the fall of 2019, The Iron Blade had settled on a new logo to headline the front page of the paper.

The Iron Blade has gone through numerous changes, and as the years go on more changes will occur.

The Iron Blade staff thanks Ferrum College for continued support for the past 65 years and looks forward to the years to come.

Photo Credit: The Beacon

The Iron Blade Staff from 1991 featuring former advisor Dr. Lana Whited. Front Row: Lana Whited: advisor, Tara Surber, Rayne Foster, Bonnie Burns, Mike (Redd) Dunavant. (back row) Joe Hatcher, James Lawrence, John DeTrana, Editor Len Klein, Eric Johnson, Paul Dodge, Scott Newlon and Rachel Rice. (not pictured) Mike Smith.

The Iron Blade Staff from the 1963-64 school year. In the Beacon (fromer Ferrum College yearbook) it said, “During the 1963-64 school year, the IRON BLADE has tried to reflect the student life of Ferrum Junior College. The paper has been most valuable as a medium through which students express their ideas creatively. At the same time, the staff editors and writers gained some insight into the realm of form and style in journalism. The IRON BLADE is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press.”

Dr. Whited: Two Decades with The Iron Blade Dr. Lana Whited was the advisor of The Iron Blade for 20 years. During her time as advisor, Whited saw many changes to the paper. She was one of the most important witnesses of The Iron Blade’s transition into the technological world.

When Whited first started as the advisor in the 1990s, students were still using a wax machine and hand cutting techniques to prepare the paper. Later, The Iron Blade began using Macintosh computers and page design software for layout.

Even though these changes were seen as the paper catching up in the technological world, Whited greatly missed the way the

By Mary Stoudt old newsroom operated.

“What I missed is once we switched to computers, I missed being in the newsroom,” said Whited.

In addition to bringing The Iron Blade into modern times, Whited also assisted in having the paper published once a week, when in years past the paper was published bi-weekly.

“Sometimes we did eight-page papers once a week,” said Whited.

During her years as The Iron Blade advisor, Whited also witnessed students walk away from the paper because they did not realize how helpful the paper could be in their future.

“Students are some-

times a little short sighted about what an opportunity the newspaper is,” said Whited.

As the years went on, the paper kept moving in new directions technologically.

In 2010, The Iron Blade celebrated its 55th anniversary. During this year, Whited ended her tenure as advisor for the paper.

Yet, when looking back at her 20 years as The Iron Blade advisor, Dr. Lana Whited still saw those splendid moments when she brought the paper into modern times, transformed it to a weekly newspaper, and kept it moving in a positive direction that is being continued today.

Voices of Previous

Laurie (Borslien) Herrera ‘03 “Of all my Ferrum College experiences, the time I spent working on The Iron Blade is my favorite. This amuses me because I had no interest in journalism when I was enrolling in classes. My faculty advisor, Dr. Peter Crow, suggested I take the 1-credit newspaper course because I enjoyed writing. If I hated it, he said I didn't have to take the class again. Instead, I fell in love. I changed my minor to journalism and spent all four years on the newspaper's editorial staff.

Dr. Whited spent hours in the newspaper office with us, red pen in hand, always teaching us how to be better -- better interviewers, better writers, better copy editors, better photographers, better page designers. The staff bonded as

we ate pizza on deadline night and debated whether "gooseless" could be used to describe a geese-free campus. We argued with that same passion over whether B-list celebrities could be used in a game we played during a road trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the now-closed Newseum, and we quietly embraced at the rooftop Journalists Memorial for those killed while doing their jobs. There are so many stories, some of which should never be printed. I am glad that, in this difficult time for journalism -- when the veracity of seasoned journalists is questioned while people share intentionally false and misleading "news" stories on social media -- The Iron Blade soldiers on.”

Editors

Photo Credit: The Beacon

The Iron Blade Staff from 1981. The staff pictured in this photo features 29 members which is a stagering difference from the current staff of four.

Mike Dunavant ‘93

"It was my greatest honor to serve as a twoterm Editor-In-Chief of the Iron Blade (199193). Working on "The Blade" started as just a passing interest. I had no intention of making journalism my first career. It developed my writing skills, my photography skills, my abilities in mass media and most importantly, my self-confidence to be a leader. I fondly remember pulling many all-nighters to put the paper to bed and the many debates with our staff over what was news-worthy. It became a full-time job and we took on the many issues that confronted the Ferrum Community: The proposal to move the Folklife Festival, the Gulf War's impact on our students, crime and mismanagement and especially racism and interference from the KKK. Dr. Lana Whited was pivotal in my personal development as a journalist.

Her patience and guidance helped shape "The Blade" and it's staff, not to be a PR tool, but to be a force of serious student-journalism. It's professors like her who make Ferrum College a place where students can find their voice. The Iron Blade's continuing work to promote, fair, ethical, unbiased reporting is a lasting legacy for the future to come."

February 27, 2020

The Iron Blade

Senior Spotlights

Note from the Editor For the past four years I have written countless senior spotlights where I’ve asked countless amounts of seniors the question: “What are you going to miss most about Ferrum when you graduate?”

The answer has been the same for everyone I have asked thus far: the people. As seniors, many of us spend time reflecting on our college careers and who we’ve had by our side during that time.

For the past several years, I have been extremely lucky to have gotten to know the kindest, boldest, most inspirational and special friends I could have asked for.

Camryn and Halee are no exceptions to this, rather, they are the epitome of true lifelong friendships forged at Ferrum.

These two have made Ferrum a true home for not just myself, but for so many others.

Their achievements, impacts, and memories have been stamped on Ferrum and those lucky enough to have been here with them over the years.

I am so excited to see how successful, happy, meaningful, and special your lives will be after graduation. Thank you for everything.

Camryn Holt

By AnnGardner Eubank

Page 7

Halee Bly

By AnnGardner Eubank

Hampton native Halee Bly has been calling Ferrum College her home for the past four years. The criminal justice major came to Ferrum in August of 2016 as an outside hitter for Ferrum’s Volleyball program. Over the years, Bly has become a well-known and happy presence on campus that seemingly is able to lighten up anyone and everyone’s day.

Bly came into college at the young age of just seventeen.

Her maturity, capability, intelligence, and work-ethic have been made apparent throughout the years academically, athletically, and socially.

From earning significant playing time from the outside her freshman year to serving as captain for the team her senior season, Bly’s contributions to the program were positive, impactful, and apparent. Bly was able to hold her teammates to a high standard while remaining enthusiastic, passionate, and accountable herself.

Beyond her involvement with FCVB, Bly has recently been inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) in Ferrum’s first ever established chapter this past fall. Bly has also grown academically throughout the years, earning several dean’s list recognitions and ultimately continuous improvement of her GPA. Fun Fact: Bly is the biggest cow lover you’ll ever meet Upon completing and earning her bachelor’s in May, Bly will be working towards earning her master’s degree. Her interests in criminal justice primarily revolve around the more legal side of the discipline, and she will continue to further her knowledge and expertise in the field.

While time may be winding down for the senior, she has a lot of memories to look back on and has developed connections and friendships to last a lifetime.

Halee’s infectious positivity and kindness has the ability to make anyone’s worst day better. She has been able to inspire those around her to be the best they can be, because she is always striving to be her best self while looking out for everyone around her.

Throughout her time at Ferrum, Bly has put a great deal of value and time into her friendships, and has always put others before herself. She has taken full advantage of the close-knit community Ferrum has to offer by making genuine life-long friendships with so many different people.

“I’m going to miss the closeness. I’m truly going to miss being walking distance from all of my best friends,” said Bly. From her on campus involvement to the relationships made through Ferrum over the years, Bly’s impacts on campus will not be forgotten anytime soon. While Halee has made Ferrum her year over the past four years, she’s helped make it home for so many others as well with her acceptance, kindness, and fun nature. Everyone at Ferrum is so excited to see how far she goes and how she will continue to positively impact all those around her.

Since arriving on campus back in 2016, Camryn Holt has made Ferrum her second home. The Suffolk native found herself on the other side of the state after being recruited by Ferrum’s volleyball program. Holt served as a setter for three years on the team and was known for her hustle and speed on the court.

Holt will be receiving her bachelor’s degree in business with a minor in ecotourism in May. While she is not completely sure of her immediate action career wise after graduation, she has always known she has wanted to live her young-adult life in the nation’s capital in Washington D.C. Along with volleyball, Holt has been involved in ENACTUS during her Ferrum career to help prepare her for her competitive field after graduation. Likely to go into sales, Holt has prepared herself with strengthened communication and people skills.

One could often hear Holt shouting obscenities across campus to greet her friends along with creating and developing genuine relationships with people from all different backgrounds, interests, and demographics.

Holt posing with Ronald McDonald Beyond building bonds with fellow students, Holt has also developed important relationships with professors and other staff on campus as well.

Holt’s business professor and advisor, Dr. Jason Matyus, has seen Holt grow and prepare for life after graduation over the years.

“I have always heard life is a set of adventures launched from a safe place. I believe Camryn has grown by leaps and bounds and has nothing but adventures to look forward to in the future. I can give them three quotes that have guided me in my life: ‘Do not confuse your career with your life,’ ‘Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option,’ and ‘No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.’ You have your entire career ahead of you…go live it!” said Matyus.

Holt has taken advantage not only of the close knit community on campus, but she has also taken advantage of what Ferrum has had to offer beyond Franklin County. This past summer she embarked on a two week journey to London for E-term and immersed herself in the culture and pace of life across the pond.

From being the queen of free bowling to being an overall happy, shining presence on Ferrum’s campus, Holt has not only made the most of her time here, but has improved the experience of so many others around her.

Holt’s experience at Ferrum hadn’t always been smooth sailing, however, her kind, generous, and persevering nature never faltered during her own hardships.

Camryn Holt embodies what a best friend is. From providing endless laughs to always having a shoulder ready to cry on, her value of friendship and genuine care for people around her do not go unnoticed and will certainly be missed by many.

Holt’s genuine care for others and day-brightening friendliness will be missed next year on campus. The Ferrum community is excited to see how Holt takes on D.C and all of her adventures ahead.

Page 8

The Iron Blade

February 27, 2020

Breaking Records and Taking Names

Panther Briefs

Spring Break All campus Residence Halls will be closed

By AnnGardner Eubank during Spring Break. If you have not made travel (continued from Sports Page) in a single game during the second game of the afternoon. Hamlett was arrangements for Spring From setting records to sweeping teams, the Lady Panthers of Ferrum’s 5-7 at the plate, scored six runs, and stole five bases to set the record.

Break, based upon the softball team have started their season swinging for the fences. The team The Panthers were able to keep their winning streak alive after compet- Residence Hall opening currently holds an undefeated overall record of 6-0 and is continuing to ing in a home double header against Piedmont International. The Panand closing times, please grind as their season progresses. thers beat out Piedmont in the first game with a score of 6-5. Again, Eure do so now.

Students are to leave The Panthers began their season with a home double header against was hot at the plate hitting both double and a triple. Sears closed out the campus no later than 24 Greensboro College on Feb. 17. The team took the first game 5-2 and showdown, sending a homer past left field. hours after their last class. earned a sweep with their second win later that day with a score of 6-4.

In game two, sophomore Carly Nelson earned her first collegiate home Residence Halls will close Greensboro allowed three home runs throughout the day. Senior run with a solo bomb out of left field in the bottom of the fifth, contribut- beginning at 12:00 PM pitcher, Ashton Lambeth, hit the first homer of the season over left field ing to the 2-0 victory in the second game. on Tuesday, March 3rd, in game one. In game two, sophomore Arielle Eure, was hot at the plate Just before the game began, Eure earned her first honor of ODAC play- 2020 and are scheduled hitting two home runs. er of the week. Eure helped Ferrum secure the wins from the week prior, to reopen at 9:00 AM on The team also put up another non-conference sweep in a competition batting at .500% and having seven base hits out of 14 at-bats.Along with Sunday, March 9, 2020.

Classes begin on Monday, at Methodist University. Lambeth pitched six innings with freshman her homeruns, Eure also had 4 RBI’s in the previous week.

February 10th, 2020.

Lyndsey Sears closing out game one with three strikeouts in the seventh Coach Gerald Culler and the Panthers will be back on the diamond in Additional Spring Break inning. an effort to keep their victory streak alive in a home doubleheader match information will be forthJunior shortstop, Keri Hamlett, set a new school record for stolen bases against Wilkes University on Feb. 29 at noon. coming by way of campus email.

First Friday Recitals of Spring 2020

Ferrum Radio Schudule Spring 2020

Ferrum’s First Friday Recitals are back for the spring semester and took off with Dr. Montesinos on flute and Ashley Cundiff on piano.

The recitals will continue on Friday March 13 with vocalist Aimé Sposato and trombonists Michael Kris and Gregory Rock.

Tuesday 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Mumpowered

Wednesday 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Panther Talk

Thursday 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Code Redd

Friday 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

What the Hill (is going on)?

7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Reckless Radio

Saturday 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Start of the Geek

7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Byte Sized Gaming

d r a o B n i t e l l Panther Bu March 9, Classes Resume March 11, PCA Time Out 8:30pm-9:30pm March 13, FASO Yoga 12:00pm-1:30pm

March 21, Panthers Den Cinema Series 6:00pm March 25, Ferrum Outdoors Wednesdays on the Quad 11:00am-2:00pm

Ferrum Movie Night @ Eagle Cinema 4:00pm March 14, Ferrum Movie Night @ Eagle Cinema 12:00pm

March 18, Ferrum Outdoors Wednesdays on the Quad 11:00am-2:00pm March 20, FASO Yoga 12:00pm-1:30pm

PCA Time Out 8:30pm-9:30pm

March 28,

BINGO 10:00pm-11:00pm

Ferrum Bowling Night @ Rocky Mount Bowling Center

March 27, FASO Yoga 12:00pm-1:30pm

4:00pm-11:00pm

Internship Oppurtunity Red Valley UMC (30 Red Valley Rd. Boones Mill) is looking for student interns who will serve as a choir director and a soloist.

One period of this internship will be one semester (either midJanuary to mid-April or mid-Sept to mid-Dec; the spring semester includes Easter Cantata and the fall semester includes Christmas Cantata – this may require an extra practice and rehearsal.

These Cantatas could be on other dates than actual Easter and Christmas).

The hours for this position would require every Sunday (10:20 AM to 12:20 PM) and one evening every other weekday (one and half hours; Example 1st and 3rd Wednesday or whatever day chosen by leader and choir members)Red Valley UMC will provide a scholarship for this internship; $1,000 for a choir director and $700 for a soloist. Or, two friends can share the responsibilities and scholarships ($850 for each).

If you are interested in applying for this internship, please contact Pastor Jae Song at jaesong@ vaumc.org.