Nicol Martins ’17 stands in front of the United Nations building in Geneva, Switzerland. She is working toward her master’s degree in international affairs and diplomacy through UNITAR.
“Courage above fear.” This is how Ferrum College alumna Nicol Martins ’17, from Fairfax, VA, views her future. In March 2019, Martins was accepted into the International Affairs and Diplomacy master’s program affiliated with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). She will emerge from the program with a master’s degree in international affairs and diplomacy.
In conjunction with the master’s program, UNITAR invited Martins and other program members to visit Geneva, Switzerland in July 2019. While there, Martins met with United Nations members and learned more about the various UN agencies.
Martins’ passion has always been for human rights. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in international studies from Ferrum College in May 2017, Martins worked for a due diligence company in Washington, D.C. that researched specific individuals and entities from all over the world. “If you had asked me a few years ago what I wanted to do after college, I would have responded: ‘to work with human rights, specifically children [and] refugee rights,’” Martins wrote in a social media post announcing her trip to Switzerland. “The United Nations was always a dream.”
“Nicol has always had a passion for helping people and international affairs,” said Director of Graduate and Online Studies and Martins’ advisor at Ferrum College, Sandra Via. “While at Ferrum, she melded those passions in almost everything she did. She would come to my office to discuss international issues and the impact they were having on the world. Nicol used her class research papers and projects to further hone her interests and understandings, which culminated into her international studies capstone project on the Syrian refugee crisis.”
Martins (front row, third from left) stands with other UNITAR continuing education program members.
Martins remains extremely passionate for refugee rights. “My future goal is to work directly with the United Nations and the UNHCR [United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees] agency, which deals with refugee rights all over the world,” explained Martins. “I would like to one day create my own non-governmental organization that also works with refugee rights to spread more awareness to children around the world, to tell them what is going on and how we can make a difference.”
Via expressed her pride in Martins for her continued work to support human rights. “She knew that she wanted to change the world and pursued that dream. Now she is taking the Ferrum College motto global: ‘Not Self, But Others!’”
Learn more about UNITAR.
Learn more about UNHCR.
Learn more about Ferrum College’s international studies major.
Ferrum College’s own head lacrosse coach Michael Baggetta was one of four U.S. coaches chosen to mentor the 2019 Beyond Sports USA College Men’s Lacrosse Tour Team, which represented the USA in Australia on a 12-day tour from June 10 – 21.
Coach Michael Baggetta (right) stands with Australian host and tour guide Adam “Squizzy” Taylor.
The USA team, which encompassed 21 student-athletes from 12 different Division II and Division III higher education institutions across the States, competed in three exhibition games against local and national Australian teams. Their tour in Australia was undefeated, 3-0.
When they weren’t playing lacrosse games, the team toured various destinations including Sydney Opera House, Darlington Harbor, Melbourne, Queen Victoria Market, and the Botanical Gardens of Cairns. They snorkeled around the Great Barrier Reef, enjoyed some time with kangaroos and koalas, and even played a bit of Australian football, called “footy” or “Aussie rules football.”
“This was truly an unbelievable experience,” said Baggetta. “Lacrosse is such an amazing sport. Through the game the guys were able to compete against good clubs, develop great friendships, and experience a world unfamiliar to them. They represented themselves, their schools, and the United States with such class, making the entire trip unforgettable!”
Read more about the experience in Coach Baggetta’s post on the Ferrum College blog.
Learn more about Beyond Sports Tours here.
Learn more about Ferrum College men’s lacrosse here and more about all Panther athletics 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.
Mountain biking was offered as an E-Term course at Ferrum College in May 2019.
With 700 acres ripe for exploration, the Ferrum College campus is an ideal location to get outdoors. The campus boasts a variety of scenic trails perfect for mountain biking and hiking and a rural landscape to connect back to nature in a technology-based world. Ferrum College is also nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a location close to not only our hearts but also to the representatives at Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, an award-winning tourism information company based in Roanoke, VA. In tandem with common interests, Ferrum College partnered with the Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge “BE A #TRAILSETTER” campaign to promote our region as a premier destination for outdoor recreation and as the mountain biking capital of the east coast.
Check out the video below and learn more about Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge here.
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.
World Class Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps rehearsed at Ferrum College’s W.B. Adams Stadium for Salem’s July 30 Summer Music Games.
Ferrum College hosted world class Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps on campus on July 29 and 30 so the group could prepare for the Summer Music Games in Salem, VA, on Tuesday, July 30. The Drum and Bugle Corps used the College’s W.B. Adams Stadium to rehearse their show.
Crossmen, part of Drum Corps International, is a nonprofit youth development organization from San Antonio, TX, that uses music and performing arts to further their mission to help young people become outstanding individuals, per their website.
The group arrived on campus early on Monday morning and spent the day rehearsing before performing their entire show at W.B. Adams Stadium for a limited audience on Monday evening. Northside and Franklin County High School students and band directors also attended Monday evening’s show.
“We are beyond thrilled that the Crossmen stayed with us at Ferrum College for two days, and shared their talents with our community,” said Montesinos. “We hope this becomes a yearly tradition for us, particularly with our new Bachelor of Arts in music and our growing marching and concert band programs. It is great to have them on campus!”
Read more about Ferrum College’s three new majors, to include music management, here and here.
Learn more about Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps here. For posts about their rehearsals and performance schedules, follow @Crossmendci on Instagram.
More about Drum Corps International here.
More about the July 30 Summer Music Games event in Salem here.
Ferrum College announces the Department of Education’s approval of the addition of three new majors to the College’s baccalaureate degree granting programs: elementary education, music, and ecotourism. Coursework for these new majors will become available this fall 2019.
The new Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education comes with the state education board’s approval of 53 new teaching preparation programs. With this new major, Ferrum College students interested in teaching in an elementary school setting will be able to earn a degree focused in elementary education. Previously, the College was bound by Virginia state regulations to require students interested in teaching at an elementary school level to major in liberal arts and minor in teacher education.
“The mission of the Ferrum College Teacher Education Program is to develop caring, lifelong reflective learners who are committed to teaching,” explained Assistant Professor of Teacher Education and Teacher Education Program Director Christine Christianson. “We provide a rigorous program of study that includes an internship experience in Franklin County Public Schools for each semester that education courses are taken, and we are proud to produce educational leaders who personify the Ferrum College motto, ‘Not Self, But Others.’”
Also beginning in fall 2019, Ferrum College will offer a Bachelor of Arts in music, with two focus tracks: music business and music performance. This degree will incorporate woodwinds, brass, percussion, piano, voice, and Appalachian folk instruments. While earning their degree, students will be able to intern for artist management agencies around the country, public relations agencies, concert venues, and record labels.
“I am very excited to get this program off the ground,” said Assistant Professor of Music and Music Department Chair Sixto Montesinos. “Ferrum College is in a region where music thrives, especially Appalachian folk music, and we are excited to bring this opportunity to our students.”
For years, Ferrum College offered ecotourism as a minor only. Beginning in fall 2019, Ferrum College students may now earn a Bachelor of Science in ecotourism. “Graduates of the ecotourism program will be able to find careers as ecotourism entrepreneurs, guides and as interpretive rangers with land management agencies like the National Park Service,” said Assistant Professor of Recreation Leadership and coordinator of the ecotourism degree program Chris Mayer.
On Tuesday, July 23, Ferrum College Police will host an “Active Attack Integrated Response” scenario day in partnership with Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. I realize many of you will be off-campus, but I want you to be aware of what is happening as there will be several police departments and fire and rescue teams on-campus at this time.
During the training, you will likely see several emergency vehicles in our parking lots and see some movement outside of Garber Hall and Beckham Hall. Most activity will be out of public view. We anticipate 40-50 participants. Along with signs on Rt 40 notifying the public about the first responder training the buildings being used will be posted with signs the training is occurring.
If there are other questions or concerns please contact Ferrum Police Chief Jim Owens at 540-420-3027.
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.
During spring semester 2019, nearly 300 Ferrum College students received Dean’s List recognition and 82 of those students earned a place on the President’s List. Additionally, 79 Dean’s List recipients were student-athletes; 33 student-athletes were named to the President’s List.
To qualify for Dean’s List, a student must be full-time with a grade point average of at least 3.4 out of a possible 4.0. Students named to President’s List are full-time with a grade point average of 4.0 at the end of the spring and fall semesters.
Read more and find a list of spring 2019 Dean’s List students here and President’s List students here.
Find a list of student-athletes named to Dean’s List and President’s List here.
Alumna Alli ’15 and Luke Summers met at Ferrum College in 2016 and married on May 11, 2019.
“He’s kind of the strong, silent type,” Alli Colls Summers ’15, teased her new husband Luke, who rewarded her with a half-smile. Alli, who describes herself as “a bit extra” is a vivacious, enthusiastic personality who rarely meets a stranger. Luke is more reserved and practical with an easy-going personality and a ready grin.
A Ferrum College alumna from Smith Mountain Lake who majored in democracy, justice, and civic engagement, Alli began her career at Ferrum College in April 2016 as an admissions counselor. She eventually moved to residence life in August 2017 and now works as the coordinator of residence education.
She met her Ferrum College sweetheart, Luke Summers, in May 2016. Luke, who is originally from Youngstown, OH, graduated from the University of Mount Union in 2009 and accepted his current position at Ferrum College in January 2016 as assistant coach and offensive coordinator for Panther Football. The pair met in May 2016 when they realized they were recruiting the same students.
Due to busy schedules filled with football practices, games, and other campus activities, it took a while to get the romance started. “Football took a lot of my time,” explained Luke. “We’d see each other maybe once a week on a Friday night.”
“It didn’t get exciting until he came out of his shell,” laughed Alli. She describes their relationship as pretty easy-going. “Our first date was low-key with ice cream and a movie at Luke’s place,” Allie said. “It was some horrible Steven Carell movie. We both said we’d never watch it again.”
Since 2016, their relationship bloomed through the addition of two golden doodles named Woody and Gracie, and a home renovation project for a retired professor’s house bought through campus email. “YouTube tutorials helped,” said Luke. “I learned how to scrape off popcorn ceiling that way.”
Alli and Luke married on May 11, 2019, coincidentally the same day as Ferrum College’s 103rd Commencement. “We already had the venue booked before we knew it was commencement!” Alli explained. The couple knew it was a good sign when the rain that loomed on their wedding day miraculously stopped long enough for their 5 p.m. outdoor ceremony. “I was standing in a puddle during our vows. I was like, ‘Okay, I see you, God!’” said Alli, laughing. A drizzle resumed for their indoor reception.
So what is life like now for the newlyweds? “We take our dogs for walks around campus,” said Alli. “They have dog playmates so we have to stop at specific houses for them to play with their friends.” They enjoy their newly renovated home together. And although they work in different departments at the College, they team up. “We’ve made connections with students through each other that we may not have otherwise made,” explained Alli.
Alli, who holds a master’s degree in law from Regent University, wants to eventually become a dean of students at a college or university and work in the legal aspect of higher education. Luke is pretty content with coaching football. The future looks bright for the Summers family.
Read about other Ferrum College Sweethearts Aaron Conover and Hillary Hardison here.
