With Homecoming 2019 festivities occurring this upcoming weekend, Ferrum College is also anticipating the return of four of its notable alumni.
On Thursday, October 10 at 6 p.m. in the Panthers Den in lower Franklin Hall on campus, alumna Melanie Rooks ’15 will share how her Ferrum College experience prepared her for working at a nonprofit focused on educational programming in South Africa.
On Friday, October 11 from 3 – 4 p.m. in the Founders Room on campus, alumni Bernice Cobbs ’98, Lloyd Parker ’79, and Mika Smith ’16 will participate in an alumni panel detailing how their Ferrum College education prepared them to launch successful careers.
Read more about Rooks, Cobbs, Parker, and Smith, below.
For those who can’t join us on campus, the Alumni Panel may be watched online here: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/ferrumadmin
Click here to see the Homecoming 2019 schedule of events. Register for events here. Most events are free but registration using the “Tickets” link is required.
Melanie Rooks ’15Melanie Rooks graduated from Ferrum College in 2015 with a degree in psychology. While at the College, she served two years as president of the Student Government Association. After graduation, Rooks began working for Lift Every Voice, a non-profit organization focused on educational programming in South Africa. Rooks spent time in Capetown, South Africa in conjunction with Lift Every Voice and now periodically visits Ferrum College’s classes to share information about leadership and transformative change. She was named Ferrum College’s first Citizens Engaging in Service alumni recipient for her work.
Bernice Cobbs ’98Bernice Cobbs graduated from Ferrum College in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts and a teaching endorsement. She went on to receive a Master of Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia (2002), a Master of Education in educational leadership from Radford University (2007), and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership and policy studies from Virginia Tech (2014). In June 2019, Cobbs was named the 2019 Outstanding Middle School Principal of Virginia, an honor received for her work at Benjamin Franklin Middle School in Rocky Mount, VA, where she served as campus principal from July 2015 to July 2019. She was named Boones Mill Elementary’s Teacher of the Year in 2003 and 2004. Also in 2004, Cobbs was honored as Franklin County Public School System’s Teacher of the Year and Virginia’s Region VI Teacher of the Year. She received the 2005 Virginia Lottery Excellence in Education Award and was named a Ferrum College Distinguished Alumna in 2008.
Lloyd Parker ’79Lloyd Parker is a 1979 graduate of Ferrum College where he earned his Bachelor of Science in public affairs and administration. He served as Student Government Association president, chaired the Judicial Council, played on the tennis team, and sang in the choir. He has 35 years of experience as a paramedic and served in emergency medical services (EMS) leadership roles in both VA and FL for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for eleven type I incidents, including the earthquake in Haiti; the 1998 Florida wildfires; the Florida Groundhog Day tornadoes; and hurricanes Andrew, George, Charlie, Frances, Jeanne, Katrina, Rita, and Gustav. He also performed leadership roles for four national security special events: the Barack Obama presidential inauguration; the Fourth of July event held at the US Mall; and two State of the Union addresses). He also served on the incident management team at two NFL Super Bowls. Today he works for the George Washington University Medical Faculty Associates as EMS chief for US Army bases in Kuwait.
Mika Smith ’16Mika Smith graduated from Ferrum College in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry. She went on to earn a Master of Science in forensic science with a concentration in drug analysis and toxicology from Virginia Commonwealth University. Upon graduating in May 2018, Smith began working with the toxicology section as a forensic laboratory specialist at the Virginia Department of Forensic Science western laboratory located in Roanoke, VA. She currently is employed as a forensic scientist in the toxicology section at the western laboratory.
Ferrum, VA, September 21, 2019 — In an alumni awards ceremony held Saturday, September 21, 2019 in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room on campus, Ferrum College honored four distinguished alumni and inducted five more alumni into the Sports Hall of Fame.
Samuel Camden ’66 was recognized as Ferrum College’s 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. This annual award recognizes alumni who have a record of exceptional career achievement and service to their community, church or other organizations; were active in college life; and remain involved and supportive of Ferrum College.
Outstanding Young Alumni were also recognized: Tyler Lee ’14, Miesha Williams ’16, and Courtney Cox ’17. These recipients are honored for their accomplishments and achievements to Ferrum College within fifteen years after their graduation.
The award recipients are nominated by alumni, faculty, or staff, reviewed by the Nominations Committee of the Alumni Board of Directors, and approved by the president.
Additionally, five alumni were inducted to the Ed George Ferrum College Sports Hall of Fame: football player Cleive Adams ’02; soccer and lacrosse player Carrie Conques ’03; football, baseball, and volleyball player Mason Lockridge, Jr. ’61; basketball player Quincy Quick ’94; and cross country runner Julie Burton Stevens ’03.
Sam Camden ’66
Sam Camden, of Roanoke, VA, earned his associate degree from Ferrum Junior College in 1966. In 1968, he obtained a Bachelor of Science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and began his career in human resources that same year with Burlington Industries, the world’s largest textile company. He also worked in human resources for Sara Lee and Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He retired from Virginia Tech in 2012. Camden is an active member of the Vinton Host Lions Club and helps to conduct mock interviews for Ferrum College’s Career Services department. He and his wife, Brenda, have two sons and a daughter, three grandchildren and three step-grandchildren, and are active members of the Ferrum College Golden Panthers.
James Tyler Lee ’14
James Tyler Lee, a native of Rocky Mount, VA, graduated from Ferrum College in 2014 and is currently enrolled in the Master of Health Administration program at the Jefferson College of Health Sciences. He is the co-founder of Putting a Dent in Mental Health, a nonprofit that supports mental health first responders and serves on many local community boards. Lee was the youngest-ever executive board member for the United Way of Franklin County, and the first-ever college student in the country to serve on a United Way board.
Miesha Williams ’16
Miesha Williams of Baltimore, MD, received her bachelor’s degree from Ferrum College in 2016, and went on to obtain a Master of Science in applied information technology from Towson University and a Master of Business Administration from Frostburg State University. Currently, Williams works as a senior web developer for the University of Maryland. She founded Hustld Tech, a nonprofit organization based in Baltimore that provides technology-related skills such as building workshops, mentorship opportunities, and educational resources and support.
Courtney Cox ’17
Courtney Cox graduated from Ferrum College in 2017 with a degree in teacher education. She began her career as a social studies teacher at Culpeper Middle School and created a successful classroom management technique for her eighth grade students that yielded an 81 percent SOL test pass rate. Cox is the coach for Girls on the Run, a nonprofit organization that helps young girls learn self-esteem through physical activity, teaching them to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a curriculum that integrates running.
Cleive Adams ’02
Cleive Adams of Danville, VA, played football at Ferrum College from 1987 to 1989. In 1988, he helped win the South Region title, which advanced the Panthers to the NCAA semifinals. Adams became assistant football coach at Ferrum College in 2002 and then defensive coordinator in 2007. He was then recruited to Averett University in 2014 and has coached 37 All-Conference and 23 All-State, five All-Region, five Academic All-District, three Aztec Bowl, and two All-America selections, one Conference Player of the Year, one State Rookie of the Year, and one D3 Senior Classic participant.
Carrie Conques ’03
Carrie Conques of Fairfax, VA, played women’s soccer and lacrosse all four years at Ferrum College from 1999 to 2003. During her soccer career, she had 17 goals and six assists, was named Offensive Player of the Year in 2001, and served as team captain in 2003. Conques started every game but one during her four-year lacrosse career, posting 150 career points on 137 goals and 13 assists, and serving as captain in 2002 and 2003. At graduation, she held records for game, season, and career points, as well as game, season, and career goals. She currently teaches physical education at Blessed Sacrament School in Alexandria and continues to coach soccer and lacrosse.
Mason Lockridge, Jr. ’61
Mason Lockridge, Jr. of Luray, VA, played football at Ferrum College in 1959 and baseball from 1960 to1961, as well as competing with Ferrum College’s club volleyball team. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1963 and his master’s from the University of Virginia in 1969, he served in the United States Navy from 1955 to1959. He worked in the Page County Public School system until 2001. Lockridge continues to serve on many community boards and has won a number of awards for his work.
Quincy Quick ’94
Quincy Quick, from Nashville, TN, played men’s basketball at Ferrum College from 1992 to 1994. During his basketball career, he helped the Panthers win the 1992 Dixie Conference regular season and tournament titles, as well as the 1993 Dixie regular season title. Quick went on to earn his master’s degree from Virginia State University and his doctorate from New Mexico State University. He currently serves as associate professor of biological sciences at Tennessee State University. Among other positions, he has served as the E. E. Just Endowed Professor of Biology at Grambling State University.
Julie Burton Stevens ’03
Julie Burton Stevens of Waynesboro, VA, ran cross country at Ferrum College from 1999 to 2002 and served as team captain for three of those years. She earned All-Conference honors and Academic All-Conference honors from the USA South Athletic Conference in 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002; was named to the NCAA Division III All-Academic Team in 1999; and was the Dixie Conference Rookie of the Week for three weeks in September and October 1999. She received the Ferrum College President’s Cup in 2003 and teaches at Kate Collins Middle School, where she also serves as athletic director. She was named Kate Collins Middle School Teacher of the Year for 2013-2014.
Click here for photos from the event.
Ferrum College’s Dean Angie Dahl, Provost Aimé Sposato, and President David Johns signed a memorandum of agreement with University of Pikeville’s President Burton Webb and Provost Lori Werth. Pre-professional health sciences students stand behind with Associate Professor of Biology Katie Goff (center). Not pictured: Michael Bacigalupi, dean of Kentucky College of Optometry.
On Monday, September 9, 2019, Ferrum College and University of Pikeville officials entered into an agreement to work together to provide access to a Doctor of Optometry degree for Ferrum College students. The agreement was signed on the College’s campus by Ferrum College President David Johns and Provost Aimé Sposato, and University of Pikeville President Burton Webb and Provost Lori Werth. Ferrum College Dean of the School of Health Professions and Social Sciences, Angie Dahl, and Kentucky College of Optometry Dean, Michael Bacigalupi, also signed the agreement.
The memorandum of agreement states that the University of Pikeville will reserve one seat each academic year in its Doctor of Optometry Program for a Ferrum College student who meets all criteria for the early admissions program. To be considered, students will need to ensure they are taking the courses required for admittance into the O.D. program; maintain at least a 3.25 GPA while at Ferrum College, earn a “C” or higher in required courses for admission to the University of Pikeville, score at least a 300 on the Optometry Admissions Test, and successfully complete all steps of the application process.
“Ferrum College is delighted to partner with the University of Pikeville to provide this outstanding opportunity for our students,” Johns said. “Both our institutions are committed to the health and vitality of Appalachia and to providing students pathways to innovative and meaningful work.”
“Ferrum College and UPIKE share many similarities and collaborate within the Appalachian College Association,” said Sposato. “With the changing landscape in higher education, institutions are seeking ways to be creative and innovative and recognizing that there are great benefits from establishing partnerships. We are honored to partner with UPIKE and to provide our students with this outstanding opportunity.”
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students, not only to be provided a rich education in both the liberal arts and pre-professional health sciences at Ferrum College, but also be able to be selected for a seat in a Doctor of Optometry program that is competitive and provides excellent preparation for a career in optometry,” said Dahl.
Learn more about Ferrum College’s pre-professional health sciences program here.
Learn more about University of Pikeville’s Kentucky College of Optometry here.
Ferrum College social work program students, faculty, and alumni met on Monday, September 9 in the Virginia Room on campus for the first gathering of a new series, Social Workers Speak. This series, coordinated by Assistant Professor of Social Work Martha Haley-Bowling, invites Ferrum College social work alumni back to campus to discuss their professional journey with current social work students. Alumni will provide feedback to students considering social work or interning in the field. The series will incorporate three meetings per semester.
Monday’s gathering included two Ferrum College alumnae who obtained their Bachelor of Social Work degrees at the College, and have gone on to also earn Master of Social Work degrees: Lakita Goins ’10 and Jame’E Gunter Hairston ’12. Goins is currently employed at Youth Connect in Rocky Mount, VA, and Hairston works at Piedmont Community Services, also located in Rocky Mount.
“It brings me so much joy to see our students learn and grow into these amazing social workers in our community,” said Haley-Bowling. “I have so much respect for them and their journeys that watching them interact with our students always brings me this sense of gratitude. They live Ferrum College’s motto – Not Self, But Others – daily.”
Read more about Ferrum College’s social work program here.
Katherine Anderson ’19
On Friday, September 13, from 1:25-2:45 p.m., Ferrum College alumna Katherine Anderson will present “From University to USDA: Why I sold my soul to the government” for the Natural Sciences Friday Seminar in Garber Hall #106.
Anderson, who is a member of the Ferrum College class of 2019, works for the USDA as an entomology laboratory technician. While she was on campus she was involved in independent nematology research as well as an edible landscaping project that saw blueberries planted on campus and at Titmus Agricultural Center. She’ll talk about the job she got post-graduation, how she got it, and what she does there.
The Blue Ridge Institute and Museum at Ferrum College announces its newest exhibit, Travelers’ Trinkets: Souvenirs of Virginia. 
This unique exhibit focuses on the history of souvenir collecting, the various types of souvenirs, and how souvenirs have evolved throughout the years to the most popular form today—the “selfie.” Only focusing on the souvenirs of Virginia, this exhibit is the first of its kind in the Old Dominion and features collectibles ranging from refrigerator magnets, gorgeous ruby stained glass, Dale Earnhardt trading cards, to human hair. Funded by a generous grant from Virginia Humanities, the exhibit will run until December 2020.
Visit the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum’s website to learn more.
Learn more about Virginia Humanities here.
Students enjoyed Opening Convocation, held Tuesday, August 27, 2019.
Ferrum College began its 2019-20 academic year with a plethora of events: New Student Convocation; a picnic and Fall Fun Festival; Opening Convocation for all students, faculty, and staff; Praise on the Patio; and Prayers on the Porch.
Following the freshman class photo on the steps of Schoolfield Hall on Monday, August 26, new students were welcomed by College officials in Vaughn Chapel during New Student Convocation. President David Johns called on students to do three things: be open, be curious, and be grateful. He closed by saying, “I encourage you to dig into the work ahead, invest your best energy in writing a new story for yourself, and together, we will change the world for good.” See photos.
The campus community was treated to a barbeque picnic lunch under tents on Tuesday, August 27, at Franklin Hall quad. In the Panther’s Den in Franklin Hall, a Fall Fun Festival was brought to campus by the Office of Student Life, and included mini golf, a photo booth, street sign making, airbrush tattoos, prizes, and more. See photos.
Following the picnic and Fall Fun Festival, Opening Convocation was held in Swartz Gym for all students, faculty and staff. Attendees arrived to energetic music and laughed as the Panther mascot shooed President Johns away from the podium as he welcomed the campus community. See photos.
Spiritual Life hosted Praise on the Patio on Wednesday, August 28 on the Franklin Hall Quad. Representatives from local faith-based institutions were available to meet students and answer questions. There was live music, lots of fellowship, free food, and even prizes. See photos.
The busy week culminated with some reflection and prayer time outside Vaughn Chapel with Spiritual Life’s Prayers on the Porch event on Sunday, September 1. Students, faculty, and staff gathered to enjoy a meal together, chalk messages of hope on steps and sidewalks, and lift up the new academic year in prayer. See photos.
Franklin County Schools’ administrators and faculty held some of the “Amazing Race” activities at the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum at Ferrum College in June and July.
Ferrum College’s Blue Ridge Institute and Museum hosted teachers and administrators from Franklin County Public Schools for a team-building exercise: a local version of “The Amazing Race.”
The Blue Ridge Institute Coordinator of Educational Outreach and Interpretation Rebecca Austin, along with several farm museum historical interpreters, spent hours in preparation for the school teams which arrived in groups of three on select days throughout June and July. The BRI&M group’s first step was to determine what 1800-style team building activities were going to be available. They settled on tomahawk throwing, two-person log sawing, and ox driving. 
“We did spend some time in preparation,” explained Austin. “We had to make a target stand for the tomahawk throwing and find a log to use as the target.”
On days when “The Amazing Race” activities took place, FCPS teams arrived unannounced at the Farm Museum as there was no specific schedule to follow; activities commenced as teams arrived.
Eighth-grade administrator at Benjamin Franklin Middle School Matt Dunbar said the teachers and administrators “genuinely like working together toward a common goal” and expressed pride in all of the Franklin County Schools.
“Any time we are able to participate in the enrichment of our educators, it is a good thing as ultimately, the children of Franklin County are who benefit,” said Austin.
“It was great to use the BRI as the place to build teamwork,” said non-traditional Ferrum College student and historical interpreter at the Farm Museum Jason Campbell, who helped coordinate the BRI&M’s race activities. “The beginning, middle, and end of education was working together.”
The Farm Museum is open to non-reserved walk-in visitors Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays 1 to 5 p.m., mid-May through Labor Day Weekend. The BRI is open all year on Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more about the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum here.
Read more about the Franklin County Public School System’s “The Amazing Race” in this Franklin News-Post article.
Ferrum College is once again offering FloydFest 19~Voyage Home attendees comfortable lodging on campus through the Learn & Lodge Program during festival days, July 24–28, 2019. Room packages at $80 per night for a single room, or $135 per night for a double room, include breakfast and daily shuttle service to and from the FloydFest site. Visitors also have the opportunity to learn about the folk heritage of the Blue Ridge region and the Crooked Road Music Trail at the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum while staying on campus.
During the festival, festival-goers can stop by the College’s sponsor tent and the popular Ferrum College Workshop Porch Stage, which offers an intimate listening environment as well as opportunity to engage with musicians as they share songs, stories, and techniques in a hosted, workshop-style environment. They can also visit the Outdoor Adventure Tent to sign up for the Ferrum College 5K Trail Running Race to be held on Sunday, July 28 at 9:30 a.m. Top runners will receive prizes in several categories. The race incorporates parts of the FloydFest site and two laps on the Moonstomper Trail. In addition, there will be College-sponsored opportunities to learn fly-tying, fly-casting, and screen printing scheduled throughout the festival.
Reserve a room for FloydFest here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/floydfestplus-learn-lodge-july-24-28-2019-registration-53736892492.
Read more about FloydFest 19~Voyage Home, order festival tickets, see the Ferrum College Workshop Porch schedule, and find information about the FREE Ferrum College 5K Trail Running Race here: https://floydfest.com/.
Learn more about Ferrum College’s partnership with FloydFest here: https://dev.ferrum.edu/calendar/floydfest/.
Learn more about the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum here:www.blueridgeinstitute.org.
Rising senior Raven Martin ’20 served as camp counselor for Ferrum College’s 30th annual Summer Enrichment Camp.
Ferrum College rising senior Raven Martin ’20 served as camp counselor for the College’s 30th annual Summer Enrichment Camp from June 23 – 29, 2019.
Martin, a social work major from Rustburg, VA, learned about an open position as camp counselor for 13-year-olds at Ferrum College’s Summer Enrichment Camp through an internship with New Day Center in Roanoke. The co-educational, residential Summer Enrichment Camp began in 1989 and focuses on activities and challenging projects designed for students ages 8 – 14. “I thought it would be a great experience to work with this age group,” explained Martin.
“Summer Enrichment Camp started small back in 1989,” said Director of Housing and Residence Life Chip Phillips, who has supervised the camp for the past 30 years. “But now we routinely have over 80 campers from five different states on campus.” Campers come from Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania.
The camp boasts a variety of classes, including crime scene investigation, Harry Potter exploration, living 1800-style at the Blue Ridge Farm Museum, music, theatre, and more. “I spent the days making sure all my kids were present and I knew where they were at all times,” Martin explained. “We all ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner together. We had pool, gym, and board game times.” She also assisted camp instructors, who are college professors and professional educators, with crafting, mythology, and cooking classes. 
After her May 2020 graduation, Martin wants to attend graduate school to earn her Masters of Social Work. She also plans to apply for an international traveling job through her sorority, Delta Phi Epsilon.
But for now, she’s enjoying the experiences she receives as a Ferrum College student. “Summer Enrichment Camp provided me with opportunities to work with a new age group,” said Martin. “I had fun watching the kids interact with each other during the activities. Sometimes it was harder than I expected but I enjoyed it. I learned a lot about 13-year-olds and what my future endeavors may consist of!”
Learn more about Summer Enrichment Camp here and here, and see photos here.
On Saturday, May 11, 2019, 211 Ferrum College graduates walked the commencement stage on Hart International Plaza on campus to receive their diplomas. The commencement exercises began at 10 a.m. and included award presentations under threatening skies that eventually gave way to a light spring rain. The keynote speaker was Rev. Bruce Hitchcock, advocate for inclusion and district superintendent of The United Methodist Church’s Ohio Valley District, who roots his work in service not only to Ohio but to our local Appalachia region, as well.
Provost Aimé Sposato opened the commencement ceremony to welcome the crowd of family, friends, faculty, and staff on hand to celebrate the graduates’ achievements. “Commencements are often thought of as bittersweet endings,” Sposato noted. “But as the word ‘commence’ means, we are truly celebrating beginnings on our campus today. This is your moment to shine.”
Following the invocation given by Dean of the Chapel Jan Nicholson Angle, President David Johns greeted the crowd and instructed the graduates to thank their friends and families for their love and support, as “great achievement requires a group effort.” Johns then reminded the students of Mother’s Day, stating, “Your mother will always be smarter than you!”
In closing, Johns reflected: “Amazing things happen here at Ferrum College each and every day – sometimes in big and splashy ways, but very often, in small and incremental ways. And, before you know it, we gather together in this place to celebrate the transformation of lives that has taken place.”
Ferrum College Board of Trustees member Suzanne Smith ’98 and Alumni Association Vice President Twyla Tatum ’04 each gave their greetings on behalf of their respective boards. Five distinguished faculty members, who will retire after 154 years of combined service to the College, were recognized: Dr. Faye Angel, Dr. William “Dub” Osborne, Dr. Bob Pohlad, Professor Susan Spataro, Dr. Carolyn Thomas, and Dr. Demetri Tsanacas.
The presentation of awards followed. Associate Professor of Biology, Katie Goff, received the Exemplary Faculty Award, which recognizes a full-time faculty member at Ferrum College who exemplifies excellence and commitment to teaching. Goff, who was recently honored at the College’s employee recognition lunch for 10 years of service to the institution, is beloved by her students and passionate for the campus community. Along with her commitment to guiding students on their career pathways, she is the dedicated advisor for Minds-N-Medicine, a club that supports students’ experiences as early career health professionals.
Three graduates received the Senior Academic Excellence Award: Leya Deickman, of Fayetteville, NC; Koby McMahon, of Annapolis, MD; and Joshua Wright of Stuart, VA. The award is based on grades earned in all college courses by a full-time student, including those taken at Ferrum, as well as those received in transfer from other colleges or universities. All three seniors maintained a 4.0 GPA. Deickman earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology; McMahon received a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice; and Wright received a Bachelor of Science in mathematics.
Leya Deickman ’19 also received the Arthur S. Owens Leadership Award, which is presented annually to the senior chosen by the faculty who best exemplifies the qualities leadership, initiative, honor and outstanding character. Recipients of this award must also hold an excellent academic record, have participated in extra-curricular activities, and shown creative initiative in making Ferrum College a better place to study, work, and live.
Following the awards presentations, Rev. Hitchcock addressed the graduates. “Life is yours,” he said. “There is nothing that can hold you back. You were educated for a purpose.” Hitchcock closed with a charge to the graduates: “You are going to change the future; we depend on you. Ferrum, get busy living!”
Student Government Association President Lawrence Baranski ’19, of Williamsburg, Va., then introduced Senior Class President Andrew Meadows ’19, of Chatham, Va. After presenting the senior class gift to President Johns, Meadows introduced Deickman as the senior class speaker.
After thanking the class of 2019 for the honor of being asked to speak, Deickman referenced her extraordinarily busy schedule as a full-time student, full-time mother to her four-year-old son, residence hall advisor, and athlete, among other activities. She explained that she was able to do it all with the support of this graduating class. “Whether we do it intentionally or not, we all contribute to the success of others by simply supporting them in both small and large ways,” Deickman said. She closed with advice: “While this moment will pass us by, just as all of the experiences of college, let us be mindful of those who surround us in support and who have led us to this very day. Be willing to accept help when it is offered so you can be successful…and always be willing to give help, so you can be that support for someone else.”
After the conferring and awarding of degrees by Johns and Sposato, a celebratory picnic lunch was held under tents on Franklin Hall quad for all in attendance. The weekend events also included a traditional Baccalaureate service on Friday evening in Vaughn Chapel followed by a candlelight ceremony at Hart International Plaza symbolizing the light of knowledge that the new graduates will carry forth into the world.
Set up continues for Ferrum College’s 103rd commencement.
Ferrum College will celebrate the 103rd commencement on Saturday, May 11, 2019 in Hart International Plaza in the center of campus. The College is expecting approximately 211 seniors to walk the commencement stage to receive their diplomas. The ceremony, beginning at 10 a.m., will include the presentation of student, faculty, and alumni awards.
Advocate for inclusion and longtime friend of President David Johns, Rev. Bruce Hitchcock, will address the 2019 graduates. “I am pleased Bruce Hitchcock will join us for this year’s commencement ceremony,” said Johns. “We both grew up in Ohio and I am eager to introduce him to Virginia’s Blue Ridge and to the fine people of Ferrum College.”
Graduates will also participate in a traditional Baccalaureate service on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. in Vaughn Chapel. The service will conclude with a candlelight ceremony at Hart International Plaza to symbolize the light of knowledge that the new graduates will carry forth into the world.
Please note:
