Alumna AnnGardner Eubank ’20, pictured here in her Ferrum College volleyball uniform, is the youngest member to serve on her local town council.

The day after returning home to White Stone, VA, when Ferrum College’s spring semester classes transitioned to virtual learning due to COVID-19, AnnGardner Eubank ’20 received her absentee ballot in the mail for her local elections. The ballot listed only three names for four available town council positions. 

“I realized if I spread the word enough, the last seat that was up for grabs could very well be mine,” said Eubank. “I called and messaged everyone I knew,  asking them to write me in. I used social media to get my name out there, as well.”

On May 20, 2020, just 11 days after graduating from Ferrum College, Eubank received word that she would officially serve a two-year term as the youngest person on White Stone’s town council.

“A big part of what I’d like to achieve during my term is to simply provide a new perspective and to represent the younger demographic,” said Eubank. 

White Stone is located near the Rappahannock River and the Chesapeake Bay, and Eubank wants to utilize and protect those waterways. 

“My town is extremely small business oriented, and I’d like to continue to strengthen those small businesses within my community while promoting sustainable practices and standards,” she explained.

At Ferrum College, Eubank majored in political science and minored in international studies. She was also a member of the women’s volleyball team and secretary of the Lambda Sigma National Honor Society. She served on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and was a sport’s editor for the College’s newspaper, The Iron Blade.

“The political science curriculum at Ferrum not only educated me on the functions and structures of government and politics, but also aided me in seeing myself as a global citizen. I can truly and empathetically see policies and issues from multiple different stances,” Eubank said. “Dr. [Sandra] Via [director of Graduate and Online Studies and associate professor of political science] and Dr. [Ed] Hally [associate professor of political science and assistant professor of public administration] not only taught me everything I know systemically and fundamentally, but they inspired me and ignited a passion for change and the overall betterment of society.”

“We’re really proud that AnnGardner found a way to apply the lessons learned in her political science classes to serving her community so soon after graduation.  She is proof that a Ferrum education and a political science background gives students the ability to change the world,” said Hally.

Eubank’s election to her local town council is just the beginning. She plans to continue serving her community through politics and will ultimately work her way into diplomacy. 

Learn more about Ferrum College’s political science program here.

Ferrum College rising sophomore Savannah Farris ’22, of Callaway, VA, lives every day honoring the College’s motto, “Not Self, But Others.”  She recently organized a large fundraising event to provide school supplies for Franklin County students.

Savannah Farris ’22

The fundraiser was held Saturday, July 27, 2019 at the Callaway Volunteer Fire Department from 12 – 5 p.m. Attendees were invited to purchase food, drinks, and raffle tickets, and give money or school supplies destined for Franklin County students’ backpacks. All proceeds were used to purchase school supplies for Franklin County students in need. “We raised about $1,200 worth of supplies between donated supplies and those purchased from the money we received,” explained Farris. “We even had folks come from as far as Bassett to donate!”

Associate Professor of Environmental Science Delia Heck said she and her husband John, the executive director of the Phoebe Needles Center, discussed planning the fundraiser with Farris when she initially hatched the idea. “Savannah then worked through the logistics with other members of the staff and the community, asking questions and seeking support from me and others whenever she came up against a barrier,” said Heck. “She has the uncommon combination of perseverance, determination, and steadfastness that allows her to see projects through to completion. There is no quit in her.”

Farris has been involved in helping the local community for as long as she can remember. Her mom was involved with the “Pack the Bus” program for years, which sparked Farris’ passion for community service. “I have always been a firm believer in helping others; one day you may need it, too,” said Farris. “As a college student, I know you must have the necessary supplies for each school year. I believe that every child has the ability to succeed when given the tools to learn.”

Members of the community donated money and items to be raffled at the school supply fundraiser on July 27.

Farris is also a Ferrum College Boone Honors Society member and is double majoring in pre-professional health science and biology. This summer, she worked as a camp counselor at Phoebe Needles summer camp where she helped prepare and cook meals for 50 campers and staffers each day. She plans to eventually enter the medical field to continue making a difference in others’ lives.

“Savannah is a very driven individual with a clear vision of how she wants to be a caring, committed member of her community, nation, and the world – one of the hallmarks of a Ferrum College graduate,” said Heck.

For Farris, her central goal is just to give to humanity; she cited Jim Rohn, famed author and motivational speaker: “Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have.”

Learn more about the “Pack the Bus” program in this Franklin News-Post article.