Ferrum College is a diverse and inclusive community rooted in a faith that gives life, inspires respect, and welcomes all. For this reason, we are disappointed that after many years of study, prayer, and discussion, the General Conference of our sponsoring denomination, The United Methodist Church (UMC), has chosen a path of restriction and exclusion against LGBTQ Christians who wish to be united in marriage or who are called to serve the Church through ordained ministry.
While the global UMC will continue to deliberate this issue in the months to come, we reaffirm Ferrum College’s long-standing commitment to be a place where everyone belongs and where everyone can serve, lead, love, and thrive.
Ferrum College’s annual Dean’s List Dinner was held in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room on January 31, and recognized 235 spring 2018 recipients and 284 fall 2018 honorees. During the dinner, President David Johns surprised attendees with additional recognition of 91 students who were named to the first-ever 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.
Ret. Chief Petty Officer Debra “Robin” Haas will speak during the Veterans Day Program on Nov. 12, 2018, which will be held in Vaughn Chapel at Ferrum College beginning at 11 AM. In addition to the keynote address given by Haas, the event will include the presentation of the colors by the Franklin County High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps; the playing of the National Anthem by the Ferrum College Marching Band; and special recognition of veterans, active reservists, military dependents, and other veterans. Senior Fox Yates will sing America the Beautiful as a special tribute at the end of the event. The program is free and open to the public.
Students and faculty should follow the “Midday Special Programs” class schedule: www.ferrum.edu/midday.
© Kate L Photography | www.kateLphotography.com
Flutist Sarah Shin will perform in Vaughn Chapel at Ferrum College on Monday, November 5 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Pianist Kelly Lin will accompany Shin. The recital is open to the public. From 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Shin will also offer a masterclass open to Ferrum College and local high school students. Registration is required for the masterclass here. Both events are free.
During the recital, Shin will give renditions from various artists, to include Bach, Charles Griffes, Michael Colquhoun, Georges Enesco, Eldin Burton, and Frank Martin. Her resume includes performances in Symphony Hall in Boston, Carnegie Hall and Alice Tully Hall in New York City, John F. Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., Gewandhaus Theatre in Leipzig Germany, and in concert venues throughout Seoul, South Korea. Shin has also participated in music festivals such as Round Top Festival Institute (TX), Brevard Music Center (NC), Colorado College Music Festival (CO), and Opera in the Ozarks (AR) as principal flute.
For additional information about the event, please contact Dr. Sixto Montesinos, director of bands and assistant professor of music at Ferrum College, at (832) 574-8162 or smontesinos@ferrum.edu.
More about Sarah Shin: Shin received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in flute performance from Carnegie Mellon University School of Music, and her master’s in flute performance from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, as a Barbara and David Jacobs Scholar. She is currently finishing her Doctorate of Musical Arts at Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts. Read more on Shin’s website.
In recognition and honor of our nation’s veterans, Ferrum College will host a screening of Keith Lee’s documentary, “Spirit of the Fallen,” from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 1. The film will be shown in the Panthers Den in lower Franklin Hall on the College’s campus, with a dessert reception and discussion with Lee to follow. The event is free and open to the public.
Lee premiered his ballet, “The Fallen,” at the Academy of Fine Arts in December 2013. He wanted to honor those who had sacrificed their lives for their country. In 2017, Lee premiered his documentary, “Spirit of the Fallen,” featuring historical clips and original footage of the United States’ five military branches, veterans’ interviews, and a portion of “The Fallen” ballet. “We’re not there to greet the plane,” Lee said. “Not all of us see the number of caskets being unloaded with the American flag on it. We hear about things that are happening in the news…someone has to say something for them. That is the spirit of the fallen.”
“It’s easy to take for granted the freedoms we enjoy in this country and the men and women and families who have sacrificed on our behalf,” said Dr. Lynise Anderson, dean of campus diversity, wellness and student leadership at Ferrum College. “A film like this helps us perhaps not to understand, but to be more understanding. Honoring our veterans and their families in this way is a small but meaningful gesture to say, ‘Thank you for all you’ve done.’ It’s appropriate. It’s necessary. It’s the very least we can do.”
For additional information about the event, please contact the Ferrum College Office of Campus Engagement at 540-365-4451 or email joakes@ferrum.edu.
To learn more about Lee’s film, “Spirit of the Fallen,” please visit here.
Ferrum College celebrated the inauguration of its twelfth president, David L. Johns, Ph.D., on Friday, October 19 at 10 a.m. in Vaughn Chapel on campus. The ceremony was attended by college and university delegates, educational association representatives, Ferrum College Board of Trustees members, and other honored guests and dignitaries, as well as hundreds of students, faculty, staff, and other community members.
The ceremony began with a welcome from Chair of the Ferrum College Board of Trustees, Phyllis Karavatakis ’76, who acknowledged those who served the institution since its founding in 1913, and those leading the College into its future. Rev. Anna Woofenden, visiting pastor of peace and spirituality of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Mount Vernon, Ohio, offered the invocation which highlighted the spirit of community, noting, “we are not alone in this work.”
Greetings were then offered by Ferrum College’s international students with additional welcoming remarks from other members of the College community including Lawrence Baranski ’19, Student Government Association president; Christine Stinson, Ph.D., chair of Faculty Council and associate professor of accounting; Yvonne Walker ’99, registrar; Ronald Singleton ’70, president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors; Rathin Basu, Ph.D., professor of economics; Aimé Sposato, D.M.A, provost; and Rev. Jan Nicholson Angle, Ph.D., dean of chapel and religious life. Zach Wimmer, financial advisor at Edward Jones Investments and chair of Franklin County Connects, spoke of Franklin County’s community resources, calling the county “one big, small town.”
In an emotional video message, Johns’ longtime friend Joseph Manickam, Ph.D., president of Hesston College, gave practical advice to Johns, urging him to continue to take time to learn, enjoy his wife and family, find support from faculty, staff and the community, and enjoy the blessing of the journey.
President of the Appalachian College Association, Beth Rushing, Ph.D., gave the keynote address that highlighted the value of collaboration for the future of small liberal arts colleges like Ferrum College. “Collaboration requires strong leadership, someone to encourage others to work together, to create the conditions within which collaboration can flourish. David Johns is that kind of leader,” said Rushing, who then pledged, “The Appalachian College Association stands ready to facilitate your work as we work together, in a thoughtful and committed way, to continue the tremendous mission of Ferrum College.”
Johns’ son, Cameron Johns, brought a personal profile of the president, stating that as a child, he “always knew he was loved,” and drawing laughter from the audience as he described how his father would detour family vacations for hours to visit area colleges to learn all he could. Johns’ youngest step-daughter, Madolin Yoshikane, spoke of extending an invitation to play Polly Pockets with her step-father at age 10 in the earliest days of their relationship, which eventually grew to one steeped in late-night philosophical talks about life.
In her introduction of the president, Sposato described Johns as inspirational, decisive, fair-minded, approachable, and a “fearless change-maker.” As Johns rose for installation, he received a standing ovation from the audience. Chair of the Ferrum College Board of Trustees, Phyllis Karavatakis, installed Johns and after presenting the Ferrum College Medallion, placed it around his neck.
During his inaugural address, Johns shared a resounding theme of hope, expansion, and the responsibility to live out Ferrum College’s motto of “Not Self, But Others.” He spoke of having a background similar to that of many Ferrum College students, as he was a first-generation student that required financial aid to attend a small private institution in northwest Ohio. “The kind of education that has the power to transform is the kind that gets its hands dirty, the kind that digs into the challenges of our world, and breaks itself open in the face of human need. That’s what we strive to do here,” Johns said, also highlighting Ferrum College’s intent to offer graduate programs and a nursing program in the near future.
Johns also spoke of the importance of stewarding creation, both environmentally and in community partnership. “In this vision of where we are going as a College, opportunity means much more than seizing those that present themselves. I see our students becoming creators of opportunity; I see them being imaginative, innovative, and entrepreneurial. This region needs the intelligence and commitment our students can bring to it,” said Johns.
In his closing, Johns shared his excitement about the future of Ferrum College. “I am enthusiastic about the future of Ferrum College, and I hope you are too,” he said. “With passion, imagination, hard work, and the grace of God, anything is possible. We have a history we can be proud of, we have a legacy of service to our community which is inspiring. And, we have a future we can all believe in.”
Following Johns’ inauguration, the community celebrated with on-campus festivities hosted by Ferrum College, including the Ferrum Family Festival featuring a homecoming parade, food trucks, children’s activities, and live music by the Twin Creeks Stringband and The Blue Crawdads. The evening concluded with fireworks and s’mores.
Read more about Johns’ inauguration in The Roanoke Times and The Franklin News-Post.
See additional event photographs here.
Ferrum College will host Rev. Anna Woofenden as part of the Rev. Dr. Wasena F. Wright, Jr. and Mrs. Patricia G. Wright Endowed Lecture Series on October 18 at 7 p.m. in the Panther’s Den on campus. Rev. Woofenden’s presentation, “Food and Faith: Conversations from the Soil and Around the Table,” is free and open to the public.
According to her website, Rev. Woofenden strives to “re-imagine church as an interconnected organism, worshiping, loving, and serving together while transforming a plot of land into a vibrant urban farm and sanctuary.” She is a proponent of the “food and faith movement” with an emphasis on liturgy and entrepreneurial ministry.
Currently of Saratoga Springs, NY, Rev. Woofenden is the founder of The Garden Church and Feed and Be Fed Farm in San Pedro, CA. She is now consulting, teaching, writing, speaking, and coaching across the country and recently began “The Food and Faith Podcast.” She serves as the visiting pastor of peace and spirituality at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Mt. Vernon, OH.
The late Rev. Dr. Wasena F. “Buddy” Wright, Jr. was a 1960 graduate of Ferrum College, a recipient of the College’s highest alumni honor, the Benjamin M. Beckham Medallion, and a member of the College’s Board of Trustees. Rev. Wright served in United Methodist churches throughout the Virginia Conference, including his last pastorate as a senior pastor of Annandale United Methodist Church (UMC). He was Council Director for the Virginia Conference of the UMC until his death in July of 2003. Through gifts from Rev. Wright, his family and many friends, an endowment was created to assist Ferrum College students pursuing church-related vocations in study abroad, and to establish a biannual lecture series to bring prominent theologians, authors and scholars to the campus.
Rev. Woofenden’s lecture comes as a lead-up event to the inauguration of the College’s twelfth president, David L. Johns, Ph.D., which takes place on October 19 at 10 a.m. in Vaughn Chapel on campus. Festivities following the inauguration include food trucks, children’s activities, live music and fireworks. Click here to learn more.
A number of Ferrum College students and faculty participated in the Appalachian College Association Summit that was held in Kingsport, TN at the end of September. Students who presented research included Ledford Scholars Forrest Brown, a senior from Ferrum, VA; Rachael Ellis, a senior from Rocky Mount, VA: and Taylor Darnell, a junior from Rural Hall, NC. In addition, Boone Honors Program member Quentin Montgomery, a senior from Ararat, VA, moderated a roundtable discussion for other honors students from ACA schools.
Ferrum College faculty presenters included Dr. Allison Harl, Dr. Lana Whited, Dr. Nancy Brubaker, Dr. Tim Durham, and Mr. James Cabiness.
Read more details below.
Ledford Scholarship recipient Forrest Brown, a senior from Ferrum, VA, presented his research project, “Aspect and Elevational Diversity Gradients for Appalachian Mountain Forest,” which focused on potential gradients that create unique species in the Appalachian Mountains. Forrest is majoring in environmental science and minoring in biology.
Ledford Scholarship recipient Taylor Darnell, a junior from Rural Hall, NC, presented “The Chemical Arsenal of Fraser Firs,” which showcased research findings of the compositional differences of Fraser firs from tree farms in Virginia and North Carolina, with the intent of comparing and quantifying the values of known terpenes that are insecticidal in nature. This is the second year that Taylor has received a Ledford Scholarship for this research. He is studying chemistry, horticultural science and business management.
Ledford Scholarship recipient Rachael Ellis, a senior from Rocky Mount, VA, presented a research project entitled, “The Effects of Neurofeedback on Working Memory and Attention.” This research studied the effects of electroencephalography (EEG) technology on six first generation students, with findings that suggested that frontal asymmetry neurofeedback could be useful in reducing negative emotion. Rachael is double-majoring in health science and psychology and minoring in chemistry and biology.
Boone Honors Program member Quentin Montgomery, a senior from Ararat, VA, moderated a roundtable discussion for other honors students to discuss program function and brainstorm honors program solutions. Quentin is the chair of Ferrum College’s Honors Advisory Council and is majoring in environmental science and biology, with a minor in chemistry.Ferrum College faculty also participated in the ACA Summit. Associate Professor of English Allison Harl presented research entitled, “What a Small Private College Learned from Assessing Their New Writing Across the Curriculum Initiative.” Professor of English and Director of the Boone Honors Program Lana Whited facilitated “Honors in Appalachia: A Roundtable Conversation.” Nancy Brubaker, assistant professor of animal science and agricultural sciences, and Tim Durham, assistant professor of agronomy and agricultural science, hosted a joint presentation session entitled, “Legacy Pedagogy in Agricultural Education: The Liberal Arts Tradition Informs Experiential Learning.” Executive Director of Academic Resources, James Cabiness, presented on “Integrating the Curricular and Co-Curricular to Enhance Student Success.”
Ferrum College has selected Akademos as its online bookstore provider to help students obtain significant savings on course materials. The College, founded in 1913, offers nationally recognized bachelor’s degree programs ranging from business and environmental science to teacher education and criminal justice. Ferrum College will launch its online bookstore beginning Fall Semester 2018.
Seamless integration between the College’s student information system and the Akademos Course Materials Platform (CMP)TM will allow students to see a personalized listing of the textbooks required for each of their courses and to order materials for an entire term in less than five minutes.
A wide selection across new, used, rental and eBook formats will be offered, and when using Akademos’ proprietary peer-to-peer Marketplace of over 100 million textbooks, students will save an average of 60 percent off of publisher list prices. Additionally, students will have the freedom to use financial aid vouchers on all textbook purchases, including significantly discounted marketplace items.
“As the majority of our students receive financial aid, textbook affordability is a significant consideration in meeting their needs,” said Provost Aimé Sposato. “Our partnership with Akademos will not only address textbook affordability, it will also give our students a wider variety of course material formats, flexible purchasing options, and an easy-to-use platform that integrates with our student information system. All of this will, ultimately, support their success.”
The online bookstore will also support the College’s faculty and administrators, who will benefit from an easy-to-use and powerful Adoption & Analytics Portal. This platform offers a step-by-step guide for course material adoptions, recommendations, and adoption history, and the ability to compare real-time prices for course materials. The analytics tool will also enable Ferrum College faculty and leadership to track critical data, including student purchasing and bookstore utilization.
“We’re pleased to be working with Ferrum College and we look forward to helping them support their students success,” said John Squires, CEO, Akademos. “By providing them with more affordable textbooks and course materials we’ll be helping to lower the overall cost of education and support the College’s mission.”
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The Ferrum College Collegiates, Concert Choir, Handbell Ensemble, and student soloists will perform an evening of inspiring music in all genres during their Spring Concert on Sat., April 21, 2018. The concert, which will be held at 7 p.m. in Vaughn Chapel on campus, is free and open to the public. Donations of non-perishable food items for the Saint James Food Bank will be welcomed.
“Music transcends all differences in the world and brings hope to all humanity. In this choral and handbell concert, we will share music that highlights joy, faith, tolerance, perseverance, hope, love, self-acceptance, peace, courage, gratitude, and humanity. In these turbulent times it is ‘What the World Needs Now!’” said Assistant Professor of Music and Music Department Coordinator Susan Spataro about the upcoming performance.
For additional information, contact Spataro at sspataro@ferrum.edu or (540) 365-4351.
Rocky Mount native Michael Chitwood will read from his latest book of poetry, Search and Rescue, at Ferrum College Monday, April 16, at 7 p.m. in the Panther’s Den.
Michael Chitwood’s poetry and fiction have appeared in The Atlantic Monthly, Poetry, The New Republic, Threepenny Review, Virginia Quarterly Review, and numerous other journals. His books of poetry include, in addition to Search and Rescue, Salt Works, Whet, The Weave Room, From Whence, Poor-Mouth Jubilee, Spill, and Gospel Road Going, a collection of poems about his native Appalachia, Both Spill and Gospel Road Going were awarded the Roanoke-Chowan Prize for Poetry. He has also published a collection of essays, Hitting Below the Bible Belt, and a collection of essays and short stories called Finishing Touches. In addition, he recently co-edited Best Creative Nonfiction of the South, Volume II: North Carolina.
Son of Elaine Chitwood and the late T. W. Chitwood, the writer is a graduate of Franklin County High School and Emory & Henry College. Michael Chitwood currently lives in Chapel Hill, where he teaches at the University of North Carolina.
Chitwood’s reading is part of Ferrum College’s Earth Week celebration. A reception and book-signing will follow his presentation.
Meatless Monday is a global movement that encourages people to choose not to eat meat one day a week. Reducing your intake of meat and animal products, particularly from industrial sources, can help protect your health, the health of the public, and the environment. Even a small change – like cutting meat from your diet once per week, can make a difference.
When: Monday, April 16, all day
Where: Franklin Hall Cafeteria
The solution to many of our most pressing environmental problems was invented over a hundred years ago. The bicycle is a simple, ever-evolving machine that benefits individuals, communities, the economy and the environment. Drop by Franklin Hall and see some icons of bicycle history.
When: Monday, April 16 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Franklin Hall Atrium
Explore campus while searching for different items found in nature. Come by the info table to pick up instructions and your score card. Take selfies and use the hashtag #FChunt for the chance to win a gift card. Winner will be announced on Friday, April 20. Sponsored by REC 450 Special Event students.
When: Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Franklin Hall Atrium
Explore career options within the fields of sustainability, alternative energy technologies, and ecotourism along with variety of other green careers.
When: Monday, April 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Franklin Hall Atrium
Get active and have fun with friends! Come out to Bassett field for a best of three Ultimate Frisbee championship. The winning team win gift cards. Sponsored by REC 450 Special Events students.
When: Monday, April 16 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Where: Bassett Field
Get some exercise and challenge yourself during our week outdoor climbing tower sessions. Contact Ferrum Outdoors for directions to the climbing tower at ferrumoutdoors@ferrum.edu. Sponsored by Ferrum Outdoors.
When: Monday, April 16 at 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: Ropes Course
Poet Michael Chitwood, native of Rocky Mount, Virginia, is a lecturer in the Department of English and Comparative Literature at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is also the author of several books of poems inspired by growing up in Appalachia. Sponsors are the English program, the Boone Honors Program, and Chrysalis.
When: Monday, April 16 at 7 p.m.
Where: Panther’s Den
The ENG 211: Literature and the Environment class will be leading a hands-on learning experience about Henry David Thoreau on-site at the Thoreau cabin.
When: Tuesday, April 17 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.
Where: Thoreau Cabin Follow the signs from the tennis court trailhead.
Take a walk in the woods on the campus trails. Sponsored by Ferrum Outdoors.
When: Tuesday, April 17 from 12 to 1 p.m.
Where: Campus Trails. Meet at the Tennis Court Shelter
The Ferrum College Giving Garden is a volunteer-run initiative located at the Titmus Agricultural Center. The Giving Garden was started by students, staff and faculty with the mission to grow fresh produce for local families in need in our community. To date, have donated nearly 4,000 lbs of produce to feed local families. When volunteering at the garden, please wear closed toed shoes and clothes that can get dirty and bring a water bottle. Contact Dr. Angie Dahl with questions, adahl@ferrum.edu.
When: Tuesday April 17 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Titmus Agricultural Center
Keep Ferrum College forever green by collecting trash in our forest and creeks. Trash bags and work gloves provided.
When: Tuesday, April 17 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: Meet at Burrows-Skeens Tennis Complex picnic shelter
Our blue planet is part of an unfathomable and endless Universe. Using Augmented Reality software, we will explore the night sky, the constellations and the myths and stories we have created to explain them. Hosted by Todd Fredericksen and Chris Mayer
When: Tuesday, April 17 at 8:30 p.m.
Where: Meet at the tennis court picnic shelter at 8:30 p.m.
Walk to School Wednesday urges everyone to avoid driving their cars to class for one day. Walking to school saves gas and gives our environment a break from all the toxins that cars release in the air. This also gives us time to bond with one another in a creative way. Sponsored by REC 450 Special Events students.
When: Wednesday, April 18 all day
Where: Atrium of Franklin Hall
Healthy People Healthy Planet is an event for community members that promotes living a life of overall wellness. Topics will feature physical fitness, nutrition, finance, and mental health. Workshops will include money saving tips on how to eat healthy on a budget as well as information on how to start your own home garden. Interactive competitions for parents and children will offer fabulous prizes while teaching how to live a life of wellness.
When: Wednesday, April 18 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ferrum YMCA
Gather with friends and family around the campfire for an evening of S’mores, lemonade and live acoustic music. This family-friendly event will take place at the fire ring located in the Ferrum forest on campus. Bring a flashlight or use the one on your phone. Start at the tennis court trailhead and follow the signs to the fun. An ATV utility cart to bring up those who have mobility issues.
When: Wednesday, April 18, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Meet at the fire ring just beyond the Thoreau cabin or at the tennis courts and follow the signs.
Seven students from REC 421 Issues in Sustainable and Ecotourism have chosen topics about sustainability, nature, and ecotourism and developed their own TED Talks.Come out and support them.
When: Wednesday, April 18 from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.
Where: Panther’s Den
Mountain Biking is a great way to exercise, have fun and get out with friends. Stop by the quad next to Franklin Hall and try out some of Roanoke Mountain Adventure’s sweet rides.
When: Wednesday, April 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Quad next to Franklin Hall
There will be two guided rides on the campus trail. Roanoke Mountain Adventures will be providing expert instruction and their sweet mountain bikes. First come first serve! Or you can bring your own mountain bike to join the ride. Sponsored by Ferrum Outdoors.
When: Wednesday, April 18
Where: Meet at the Cycling Center next to the YMCA
Presenters: Dr. Chris Mayer and a Distinguished Panel of Opinionated Professors. Healthy refreshments will be served.
When: Wednesday, April 18 from 4 to 5 p.m.
Where: LEAP studio in the Stanley Library
Challenge yourself with this fun and popular activity. Experience zipping through the trees in the dark. FREE! Sponsored by Ferrum Outdoors.
When: Wednesday, April 18 from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m.
Where: Ropes Course. Get directions from Ferrum Outdoors at ferrumoutdoors@ferrum.edu
Register by Monday 4/16 at www.ferrumoutdoors.eventbrite.com
Join certified instructor, Leah Yetzer, on this hour-long outdoor yoga session that will feature meditations and poses inspired by Mother Earth. Mats will be provided or bring your own if you prefer.
When: Thursday, April 19 from 8 to 9 a.m.
Where: Dyer Hall Patio
We will discuss the health benefits of Earthing also known as Grounding. Scientific evidence supports the miracles that this simple activity can provide. Come find out what it is and what it can do for you! Be prepared to be barefoot!
When: Thursday, April 19 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Panther’s Den
We have bottles/cans that are set up on shelves and people will throw balls of trash at them and attempt to knock them down and win a prize. Sponsored by REC 450 Special Events students
When: Thursday, April 19 from 1:15 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Quad
Disc Golf is great exercise and fun. Discs and instruction provided if needed. Sponsored by Ferrum Outdoors.
When: Thursday, April 19 from 5:15 to 7:15 p.m.
Where: Practice Tee next to Tennis Court Shelter
Humans were first inspired to create music by the multitude of sounds within nature that surrounded them. Music has the ability to stir thoughts, feelings, emotions, and passions. It is our hope that this concert under the trees will stir these things within the listener, just as nature inspired humans to create it. Hosted by Ferrum Collegiates, Concert Choir, and Theatre Arts
When: Thursday, April 19 from 5:15 to 6:00 p.m.
Where: Huge Oak Trees in front of Bassett Hall
Showing of a 2009 documentary on Lyme Disease -“Under Our Skin” by director Andy Abrahams Wilson. “This documentary investigates the epidemic we are now facing and traces its flourishing to a negligent and corrupt health care system. Interviews with patients and doctors paints a clear picture of a medical industry that has decided to place profits ahead of the health of the people it is supposed to be treating.”
When: Thursday, April 19 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Panther’s Den
Seven students from REC 421 Issues in Sustainable and Ecotourism have chosen topics about sustainability, nature, and ecotourism and developed their own TED Talks. Come out and support them.
When: Friday, April 20 from 12:15 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Where: Panther’s Den
Bring your own shirt and add a bit of earth art to it! Student leader will assist.
When: Friday, April 20, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Quad
Come fly with us! Celebrate and learn about butterflies and their critical role as pollinators. Fly butterfly kites and plant seeds for flowers they need to live. Each participant will receive a pollinator seed package so that he/she can plant a butterfly garden at home. Sponsor: REC 450 Recreation Special Events students
Where: Meet at the Quad in front of Franklin Hall
When: Friday, April 20 from 2:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m.
Come and climb trees like researchers in the Amazon Rainforest. Using safe professional arborist equipment you will scale to new heights.
When: April 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Large oak trees in front of Bassett Hall
Grab two of your friends and compete in a 3-on-3 tourney. Winning team will receive gift cards.
When: Saturday, April 21 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Outdoor basketball courts on Lakeside.
Spend some quality time on the water this Earth Day. Transportation, equipment and instruction provided. FREE! Sponsored by Ferrum Outdoors.
When: Sunday, April 22 from 1:00 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Philpott Lake. Meet at the Franklin Lower Parking Lot.
Register by Friday, 4/20 at www.ferrumoutdoors.eventbrite.com
Nature’s wonders both large and small have served as artistic inspiration throughout our history. Participants will discover and collect small natural items such as feathers, branches, flowers, and rocks to incorporate into a watercolor painting. Poems, quotes, and earth inspired writings will be incorporated into your art. Watercolor and lettering techniques will be explored to create a unique framable sign that will continue to motivate and inspire a commitment to honor and protect the earth everyday! Free.
When: Sunday, April 22 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Dyer Hall Conference Room and Patio.
Get outside and enjoy Earth Day! Get a round of disk golf in while learning more about Earth Day!
When: Sunday April 22 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 pm.
Where: Tennis court shelter.
Prayer Labyrinths have long been a source of introspection and divine guidance. Walk the maze and contemplate your connection to nature and the Divine.
When: Sunday, April 22 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Vaughn Chapel
