Ferrum College alumna and former Boone Honors Program member Suzie Maines ’21 double majored in Spanish and International Studies. A native of Winchester, Virginia, Maines currently works in Madrid, Spain, through the North American Language And Culture Program (NALCAP). Since January 2022, Maines has taught English to public high school students in Madrid and helped them with their language skills.
During her time at Ferrum College and with the support of a Boone Honors Program travel scholarship, Maines studied abroad in both Seville, Spain in summer 2019 and in Havana, Cuba for the fall semester. For Maines, both of the experiences were life-changing and some of the best times she experienced while in college. Maines said that in addition to helping her language skills, studying abroad taught her a lot in general and she loved every second of it.
Lana Whited, professor of English and director of the Boone Honors Program, remembers Maines’ time at Ferrum College fondly. “I would say that the most interesting thing about Suzie is that she possesses a very quiet, introverted demeanor but is one of the most adventurous people I have ever met. She is also a talented photographer and contributed a Chrysalis cover photo a few years ago,” said Whited.
Sandra Via, former dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies and associate professor of Political Science, recognized Maines’ love of other cultures and travel the moment she stepped into the classroom. “Suzie is such an inspiration to me and others. Her thirst for learning about other cultures and her drive to pursue that passion through her travels and career reflect what Ferrum is all about. She truly entered with promise and is now pursuing her purpose.”
Maines loves both her job and Madrid. “The culture, food, and social life here are simply amazing. Maybe not the summer, but that’s because Madrid’s heat is especially unbearable. I’ve renewed my contract with the Ministry of Education and I’ll be doing the same program again at the same school for the 2022-2023 school year,” she said.
Maines reflected on how the Boone Honors Program impacted her life, the extra opportunities the program added to her educational experience at Ferrum College, and how honors education benefited her upon graduation and beyond. “The Boone Honors Program gave me the opportunity to make friends and [meet] professors who inspired me to make the most of my time at Ferrum. I still keep up with my friends from my very first HON-100 class and I cherish the time we spent together,” said Maines.
“Now that I’ve graduated from Ferrum, I continue to seek out new opportunities abroad. Currently I am living in Madrid, Spain teaching English as a language assistant at a high school called I.E.S. Las Veredillas in Torrejón de Ardoz. This wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the experiences I had in Ferrum and in the Boone Honors Program,” concluded Maines.
The Boone Honors Program was established in 2001 under the direction of Professor Emeritus of Religion David Howell and is named in honor of former Ferrum College President Jerry Boone and his wife, Shirley. Currently under the direction of Professor of English Lana Whited, it is an interdisciplinary, liberal arts program committed to challenging students enrolled in the program, and the campus culture as a whole, to strive for excellence. Students in the program have the opportunity to study language through the intermediate level, take small multidisciplinary seminars for some of their general education requirements, work closely with professors in courses within their major or minor, present research at undergraduate research conferences, attend special dinners with visiting campus guests and speakers, and participate in special Honors social activities and trips. Besides the academic opportunities, benefits include friendships with faculty and other students from across the college who may share similar interests and passions, chances to examine and clarify values and ideals, having stimulating and broadening cultural experiences, and getting a head start on preparing for graduate school or one’s career. In addition, every student in the program is eligible to receive up to $3,000 in travel scholarship for a study abroad experience.
Ferrum College senior and Boone Honors Program member Jess Bollinger ’23 is double majoring in History and Political Science and has three minors: Psychology, Sociology and International Studies, with an emphasis in human rights. A resident of Bedford, Virginia, Bollinger is an ambassador for the Admissions Office, works for the school’s groundskeeping crew, and has been a member of the Ferrum College Women’s Basketball team for three years.
During the May 2022 experiential term, Bollinger traveled to Rome, Italy, to participate in HIS 297: An American in Rome, utilizing a travel scholarship provided by the Boone Honors Program. She recently returned from a summer term study abroad experience at the University of Limerick in Limerick, Ireland, where she participated in a three-week activism and campaigning class. The course, led by speakers and activists, required students to develop their own campaigns within small groups. Bollinger hopes to use the skills she acquired in her future career and journey toward being a global citizen and activist. This fall, she will attend the University of Westminster in London, England as an exchange student, where she will complete the required courses to finish her history major.
Assistant Professor of Sociology Susan Mead knows she will have a very good class when she sees Bollinger seated in her classroom the first day of the semester. “Ever since we met in Ferrum’s Appalachian Cluster program her first semester, I have been able to count on Jess to ask the hard questions, to speak up against injustice, and to give her all to every task at hand,” said Mead. “Jess is both a realist and an idealist: she helps her fellow students understand difficult circumstances others face in everyday life, while dreaming of ways she and others can make a difference in those lives. From day one, Jess has created a path for herself to make an impact on individuals, and in communities, worldwide. I cannot wait to see where she will go next!”
Bollinger was recently awarded the Richard L. Smith Academic Enrichment Scholarship, which honors the memory of Ferrum College history professor Richard L. Smith. Recognizing Dr. Smith’s vast scholarship in world history, the award is presented annually by the history department to a student who has demonstrated academic excellence, intellectual rigor, and a keen interest in academic research or engaging with other cultures.
While Bollinger is undecided about all she wants to do in the future, she recognizes the importance of using her education to help better the world. She plans to join the Peace Corp upon graduation for at least a two-year term. It is also her desire to go into the United Nations and work in the Humanitarian Aid department. In her free time, Bollinger enjoys traveling, working out, learning new languages and cultures, advocating, exploring nature, watching Harry Potter films, learning, and hanging out with friends, family, and pets.
Bollinger reflected on how the Boone Honors Program has impacted her life, the extra opportunities the program has added to her educational experience at Ferrum College, and how honors education will benefit her upon graduation and beyond. “While being in Honors, I have had the opportunity to take classes outside of what I need for my majors. I think these classes have been a great opportunity for me to learn more about the outside world in my nation, as well as others. I absolutely love learning, especially pertaining to different languages, cultures, and societies. These classes, as well as the opportunity to study abroad, are very beneficial for me,” said Bollinger.
The travel scholarship provided by the Boone Honors Program allowed Bollinger to study in both Ireland and Italy, which she would not have been able to accomplish without the program’s support. The scholarship covered most of the financial requirements for the trip to Italy and allowed her to work on saving for the trip to Ireland. Bollinger also credits the honors professors with being globally aware of different customs or issues in other nations, with challenging her to ask questions and be open to differences, and with teaching her skills she can apply in the real world.
The Boone Honors Program was established in 2001 under the direction of Professor Emeritus of Religion David Howell and is named in honor of former Ferrum College President Jerry Boone and his wife, Shirley. Currently under the direction of Professor of English Lana Whited, it is an interdisciplinary, liberal arts program committed to challenging students enrolled in the program, and the campus culture as a whole, to strive for excellence. Students in the program have the opportunity to study language through the intermediate level, take small multidisciplinary seminars for some of their general education requirements, work closely with professors in courses within their major or minor, present research at undergraduate research conferences, attend special dinners with visiting campus guests and speakers, and participate in special Honors social activities and trips. Besides the academic opportunities, benefits include friendships with faculty and other students from across the college who may share similar interests and passions, chances to examine and clarify values and ideals, having stimulating and broadening cultural experiences, and getting a head start on preparing for graduate school or one’s career. In addition, every student in the program is eligible to receive up to $3,000 in travel scholarship for a study abroad experience.
Congratulations to alumnus and former Boone Honors Program member Joshua Wright ’19 on his recent Best Model award in the first International Cherry Blossom Prediction Competition hosted by George Mason University. More than 80 contestants across four continents formed forty-one teams to build statistical models predicting the peak bloom date of cherry trees at four locations around the world: Washington D.C., USA; Kyoto, Japan; Vancouver, Canada; and Liestal-Weideli, Switzerland.
Wright and his teammate, Taehoon Song, created their award winning model by combining a popular statistical model (the logistic-growth model) with a popular biological predictor (growing degree days or GDD). The judges appreciated the simplicity and interpretability of this approach, with one remarking that the team provided “a wonderful demonstration of the power of using the simplest possible model that captures the key biological aspects of the question.”
Ferrum College Professor of English and Director of the Boone Honors Program Lana Whited stated, “Josh’s success in this competition obviously required the application of critical thinking skills drawn from multiple academic disciplines and really illustrates the benefits of liberal arts education.”
On Tuesday, April 19, 2022, members of the Boone Honors Program (BHP) were honored during a banquet held in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room from 6 – 8:00 p.m. The evening opened with a welcome from BHP Director and Professor of English Lana Whited, greetings by President David Johns, and an invocation by Professor of Religion David Howell, founding director of the Boone Honors Program.
Following dinner, Steering Committee and Honors Advisory Council members were recognized. Next, Whited and Assistant BHP Director Ed Hally gave special recognition to fourteen graduating seniors—nine of whom were student athletes—who were honored as BHP Medallion recipients.
Honored seniors chose a professor, not necessarily in their field of study, to share comments about the senior’s time at Ferrum College as they progressed through coursework. There were stories, hugs, a few tears, and lots of laughter. Vice President for Academic Affairs Kevin Reilly closed the program with heartfelt well wishes to the soon-to-be-graduates.
The Boone Honors Program was established in 2001 under the direction of Howell, and is named in honor of former Ferrum College President Jerry Boone and his wife, Shirley.
See photos from the event on the College’s Flickr album.
Madison Cogle ’22: Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies (Agriculture, Biology, One Health)
Sebastian Dexter ’22: Bachelor of Science in Pre-Professional Health Sciences (Pre-Med), Minor in Biology
Sarah Estes ’22: Bachelor of Science in Pre-Professional Health Sciences (Pre-Med)
Arielle Eure ’22: Bachelor of Science in Health & Human Performance (Exercise Science)
Savannah Farris ’22: Bachelor of Science in Pre-Professional Health Sciences (General) and Biology, Minor in One Health
Abigail Hayes ’22: Bachelor of Science in Pre-Professional Health Sciences (Pre-Med) and Chemistry
Brady Hentz ’22: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (Criminology) and Spanish, Minor in Psychology
Cole Lipinski ’22: Bachelor of Science in Health & Human Performance (Exercise Science), Minor in Coaching
Brandon Mullins ’22: Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (English), Minor in Spanish
Amber Osborne ’22: Bachelor of Science in Pre-Professional Health Sciences (Pre-Vet) and Biology, Minor in Chemistry
Carlton Redd ’22: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (Forensic Investigation)
Deontae Reed ’22: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (Criminology), Minor in Spanish
Hunter Tharpe ’22: Bachelor of Science in Pre-Professional Health Sciences (Pre-Med), Minors in Biology and Chemistry
Madison Wright ’22: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Minor in Forensic Science
8/19/2021
Dr. Ed Hally
Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Administration Ed Hally has been appointed to the position of Boone Honors Program (BHP) assistant director. He will serve alongside Professor of English Lana Whited, who has directed the program for the past 13 years.
“With a keen intellect and a heart for service, Ed Hally is an ideal candidate for honors education,” said Whited. “I am delighted about his appointment and grateful for his willingness to take on this new role.”
“I have a soft spot for honors programs, in general,” said Hally. “They were an important part of my own college career and development as a scholar.”
The BHP, an interdisciplinary program committed to challenging students, and the college campus as a whole, to strive for excellence, has continued to grow since its 2001 inception under the leadership of now-retired Dean of Arts and Humanities and Religion Professor David Howell. In May 2021, the program graduated 14 honors medallion recipients, its largest-ever group. This fall, BHP will welcome its largest entering class of 25 honors students. (An SAT score of at least 1200 and a GPA of at least 3.5 are required to join BHP as a Ferrum College freshman.)
Hally has worked closely with BHP for more than a decade, and has taught the introductory honors seminar (Honors 100) eight times. His role as BHP assistant director will evolve over time as the program’s needs are determined, but will mostly involve program assessment, mentorship, service on the BHP steering committee, and continuing to teach the Honors 100 seminar.
In 2020, Hally began directing the College’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), which seeks to engage the student body in ways that will lead to even more student success. He will continue directing the QEP as he navigates his new role as BHP assistant director.
“The students are the main reason to work so closely with the BHP,” said Hally. “The classes are always rewarding to teach because the students always surprise and impress me with their creativity, their talent, and their ability to work as a team.”
Read more about the Boone Honors Program.
4/23/2021
Dr. Lana Whited, BHP director and English professor at Ferrum College, stands with 15 BHP graduating seniors.
On Thursday, April 22, 2021, members of the Boone Honors Program were honored during a banquet held in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room from 6 – 8:30 p.m. Special recognition went to the fifteen graduating seniors, the largest group of graduates in the program’s two-decade-long history (the previous record was ten in 2014). Of the fifteen seniors, twelve are or have been intercollegiate athletes and some competed in multiple sports. Their names are listed below.
After a welcome from BHP Program Director and Professor of English Lana Whited, President David Johns greeted guests and thanked the seniors for their efforts during their time at the College. Each senior chose a professor, not necessarily in their field of study, to share comments about the senior’s time at Ferrum College as they progressed through coursework. There was lots of laughter with a few tears. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Aimé Sposato closed the program with heartfelt well wishes.
The Boone Honors Program was established in 2001 under the direction of David Howell, dean of arts and humanities, professor of religion, and director of faculty development, and is named in honor of former Ferrum College President Jerry Boone and his wife, Shirley.
See photos from the event on the College’s Flickr album.
Elina Matilda Baltins ’21
Bachelor of Science in pre-professional health sciences, emphasis in pre-med
swimming, track and field
Bryce Daniel Beard ’20 (December graduate)
Bachelor of Science in chemistry
Cayla Morgan Berry ’21
Bachelor of Science in criminal justice, emphasis in criminology
women’s soccer
Jacob Alan Blaukovitch ’21
Bachelor of Science in pre-professional health sciences, emphasis in pre-med
Bachelor of Science in biology
Bachelor of Science in chemistry
Samuel Ammon Chappell ’20 (December graduate)
Bachelor of Science in environmental science
swimming
Robert Sean Grande, Jr. ’21
Bachelor of Science in political science
football
Dakota Alexander Fletcher ’21
Bachelor of Science in computer information systems, emphasis in computer networks and cybersecurity
Jenna McKenzie Janicki ’21
Bachelor of Science in health and human performance, emphasis in exercise and sport studies
women’s soccer
Suzanne Huiwen Maines ’21
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish
Camden Vinson Mariotti ’21
Bachelor of Science in health and human performance, emphasis in exercise science
football
Alexzondra Lena Mattson ’21
Bachelor of Science in pre-professional health sciences, emphasis in pre-med
women’s soccer
John Francis Sheehan, IV ’21
Bachelor of Science in social studies
men’s lacrosse, football
Nancy Kathryn Shoaf ’21
Bachelor of Science in environmental science
swimming
Hannah Elizabeth Smith ’21
Bachelor of Science in environmental science
swimming
Victoria Katherine Wagner ’20 (December graduate)
Bachelor of Science in pre-professional health sciences, emphasis in pre-therapy
swimming
As a Sam Houston State University graduate student earning a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in emergency management and coordination, alumna Victoria Miller ’18 is also beginning a new journey as an intern in NASA’s Pathways Program.
The Pathways Program provides an opportunity for current students to work, explore a career, and further NASA’s goals and mission, all while continuing their education. Learn more about the program here.
On August 17, 2020, Miller began working in the Office of Procurement for Operations Support at NASA-Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. Her duties include covering contracts, task orders, and proposals, and analyzing orders for several different departments including flight operations, safety missions, SpaceX, and Boeing.
“My first week at NASA has been unique for sure,” said Miller. “The whole agency is facing new obstacles with everyone being virtual. It’s been fun, busy, challenging, exciting, and eye opening for me. I am constantly learning new material and getting to build new relationships, and I’m very excited to see what the future holds for me at NASA.”
Miller is a 2018 Ferrum College magna cum laude graduate. She received her undergraduate degree in political science with a minor in business administration. During her time at Ferrum, she was a member of the women’s wrestling team, the women’s tennis team, and the Boone Honors Program.
Miller said her experiences at Ferrum College had a lasting impact on her. “I went on an E-term to Mexico City,” she said. “The greatest memory I have from that trip was when we visited an orphanage and we taught the children there how to do different play dough art projects with our cameras. The children were so sweet, kind, and happy to have us there. They danced and sang for us. I remember how happy they were even though they have a difficult life. It was the best experience I have ever had.”
“There are so many things to love about Ferrum,” Miller continued. “Being 1,200 miles away from home, I could always count on my Ferrum friends and family to be there for me. Ferrum gave me experiences I never dreamed of, and the family and friends I’ve always wished for.”
Now, Miller is back in her hometown of League City, TX, just a few minutes from her Pathways internship in Houston. She lives there with her husband Hunter, and their boxer terrier mix Noel. In her free time, Miller enjoys weight lifting, painting, reading books, planting succulents, and playing board games and corn hole with her family and friends.
Left to right: Susan Johns, Quentin Montgomery, President David Johns, Mark Kellam, Chantal Aaron, Joshua Wright, Leya Deickman, Katherine Anderson, Provost Aimé Sposato, and Program Director and Professor of English Lana Whited.
On April 28 during a banquet held in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room on campus, Ferrum College celebrated six Boone Honors Program seniors set to graduate on May 11: Chantal Aaron of St. Catherine Parish, Jamaica and of Suffolk, VA, who will earn a Bachelor’s of Science in pre-professional science; Katherine Anderson of Mechanicsville, MD, who will earn a Bachelor’s of Science in environmental science; Leya Deickman of Fayetteville, NC, who will earn a Bachelor’s of Science in psychology; Mark Kellam of Springfield, VA, who will earn a Bachelor’s of Science in environmental science; Quentin Montgomery of Ararat, VA, who will earn a Bachelor’s of Science in environmental science; and Joshua Wright of Stuart, VA, who will earn a Bachelor’s of Science in mathematical science.
After a welcome from Lana Whited, the program’s director and professor of English at Ferrum College, President David Johns greeted guests and thanked the seniors for their efforts during their time at the College. Each senior chose a professor, not necessarily in their field of study, to share comments about the seniors’ time at Ferrum College as they progressed through coursework. There were hugs, some tears, and lots of laughter. Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Aimé Sposato closed the program with heartfelt well wishes.
The Boone Honors Program was established in 2001 under the direction of David Howell, dean of arts and humanities, professor of religion, and director of faculty development, and is named in honor of former Ferrum College President Jerry Boone and his wife, Shirley.
See photos from the event here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ferrumcollege/albums/72157708180238905.
Dorothy Carroll ’18 has been named the Virginias Collegiate Honors Council (VCHC) Honors Scholar of the Year. According to VCHC President John S. Sound, this is a unique honor bestowed on a student who has demonstrated extraordinary potential as an Honors Scholar, and who embodies the scholarship, character, and ambition associated historically with honors students and the VCHC.
As VCHC Honors Scholar of the Year, Dorothy will receive a $500 cash award/scholarship and a complimentary Southern Regional Honors Council (SRHC) Conference registration. She will be honored during the joint VCHC/SRHC Conference, which will be held April 5 – 7, 2018, in Washington, D. C. At the conference awards ceremony on Friday, April 6, Dorothy will give a talk highlighting her educational accomplishments, her future educational goals, and what it means to her to receive this award.
Dorothy, who is from Birmingham, AL, will graduate in May with a Political Science degree, with an emphasis in Democracy, Justice, and Civic Engagement. She is also a member of the Boone Honors Program.
“The Boone Honors Program has taught me hard work and dedication. It promotes academic excellence and leadership through its GPA requirements and enrichment projects. The program has provided me many opportunities with encouragement and support along the way, and I could not imagine my college experience without it,” said Dorothy, who plans to move to the D.C. area and work as a paralegal specialist after graduation in May.
About the Virginias Collegiate Honors Council: According to its website, the Virginias Collegiate Honors Council, now more than twenty five years old, joins universities, colleges, and community colleges throughout Virginia and West Virginia to support and enhance programs and activities to meet the needs of exceptionally talented and motivated students. (www.vchc.net)
