The Iron Blade - February 2020 Issue

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YEARS OF SERVING FERRUM COLLEGE

www.ferrum.edu/campus-life/THE-IRON-BLADE/ | February 10, 2020 | Vol. 66, Issue 1

INSIDE Remembering Carolyn Thomas p. 3

In memory of Carolyn, January 18, 1948 - January 14, 2020. “Her impact and efforts were recognized beyond the Ferrum community.”

New Track Program p. 7

“I’m really excited to start this program. I love Ferrum and it’s had an important role in my life.”

Ferrum’s

First Two Master’s Programs Begin This Summer By Mary Stoudt

Recently, the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) approved Ferrum College to be a level four school, meaning the highest degrees the college now offers is master’s degrees and specialist degrees. The new master’s degrees fall under the School of Graduate and Online Education Studies, which is directed by Dr. Sandra Via ‘04. Via is also the Associate Professor of Political Science at Ferrum College. Beginning in May 2020, Ferrum will offer its Master of Science in Psychology degree and a Specialist in Education (EdS) in teacher leadership and coaching. The Master of Science in Psychology will be taught by current faculty as well as adjunct faculty. The EdS in teacher leadership and coaching is a post-masters degree and focuses on classroom leadership and coaching for teachers. The new programs will both be entirely online and applications will begin to be accepted in the coming weeks. Both programs are three semesters with 30 credits and eight-week sessions. Dr. Aimé Sposato expressed her excitement about the new programs. “There has been a buzz on campus [about the master’s program],” said Sposato. Senior Cayla Stephens, a psychology minor shared her thoughts about offering a graduate degree in psychology. “I think giving students a chance to gain a masters degree in psychology is a great step forward in our school. It gives students a chance of achieving a masters degree

Ferrum’s two master’s programs are now taking applications. Photo courtesy of Ferrum College.

without going to another school with a new program,” said Stephens. Additionally, the new programs being added focus directly on the need of Franklin County. In August 2018, the Franklin County Community Health Assessment report was released. Franklin County was designated as a Medically Underserved Area (MUA) and a mental health Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA). The region of Franklin County has also been experiencing a teacher shortage, according to The Hunt Institute’s statistics. Franklin County falls under region six and as of 2018, there were 83 unfilled teaching positions across the region. The two new master’s degree programs combat both the lack of mental health providers and the lack of teachers in Franklin County. “We wanted to fill a need in our community with our new degrees, which then connects to our mission [not self, but others],” said Sposato. It was a century of revolutionary changes that have advanced Ferrum to where it is today. In 1913 Ferrum Training School was founded and it began to offer classes in 1914. By 1939 the Virginia Department of Education accredited the school, which later became known as Ferrum Junior College. Twenty-one years later, in 1960, the Southern Association of College and Secondary Schools accredited the junior college and in 1976 Ferrum College awarded its first bachelor’s degree. In 1991 Ferrum College awarded its final associate degrees and then fully focused on four-year bachelor’s degrees. In May 2020, the new master’s programs at Ferrum will be formally introduced at this year’s graduation ceremony, with the unveiling of a new banner.

This is an important and historic moment for Ferrum College. - Dr. David Johns


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OPIN ION The Iron Blade

What is your

2020

February 10, 2020

Vision?

“My 20/20 vision it that it’s going to be a great year. I see nothing but great outcomes. Despite attacks and viruses; because those things come and go. I just see this as being a great year.” - Morgan Earp, Junior.

“My 2020 vision is to step into the real world after graduation and start living my adult life!” - Lexi Sharp, Senior “My vision for 2020 is to work hard and not to be afraid to do things outside of my comfort zone, because nothing can hold me back but myself.” - Emma Willians, Junior

The Iron Blade 2020 Vision errum’s student newspaper, The Iron Blade, has served the college and the broader community for 65 years since its first issue in 1955. This semester, the newspaper has a small all-female staff who are continuing to serve the entire campus with their ultimate mission to speak for the students and inform the public. AnnGardner (AG) Eubank from Lancaster County, VA, is a senior political science major with minors in journalism and international studies. This is her eighth and final semester working for The Iron Blade. While working for the paper, she has served as a staff writer, sports editor, and is in her second year as editor-in-chief. Along with the paper, she works for Chrysalis, played four years for Ferrum’s volleyball team, is a member of the Boone Honors Program, a member of Alpha Chi National Honor Society, President of Sigma Tau Delta English National Honor Society, served as secretary for Lambda Sigma National Honor Society, a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success, and is a sweetheart for the Delta Chi Fraternity. After graduating in May, AG plans to have a career in journalism The Iron Blade spring 2020 editing board. Left to right: Rebecca Halm, AnnGardner Eubank, Dr. Mingxiao Sui, Lindsey Foster, and Mary Stoudt. with aspirations to work overseas. Mary Stoudt is a junior majoring in history and minoring in public history. Stoudt has been on The Iron Blade staff for six semesters. Previously Stoudt has been a News Editor, Co-Editor, and Layout Editor and she is currently the Social Media Editor. When February 10, 2020 Stoudt isn’t in the newsroom she can be seen around campus participating Vol. 66, Issue 1 in her numerous clubs and activities. Stoudt is the Junior Class President, Ferrum College Vice President of Academic Affairs for her sorority Delta Phi Epsilon, 215 Ferrum Mountain Rd. and the Vice Crew Captain for Love Your Melon. Additionally, Stoudt Ferrum, VA 24088 is a member of Lambda Sigma, Sigma Tau Delta, and Ferrum College’s IBlade@Ferrum.edu Rotaract Club. Outside of class and her activities Stoudt can be found at the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum where she has been working for two years. When Stoudt graduates she hopes to attend graduate school for either archeology or museum studies. Staff: Advisor: Lindsey Foster is a freshman from Wirtz, Virginia and this is her secEditor-in-Chief: Lindsey Foster Dr. Mingxiao Sui ond semester working on the Iron Blade. Foster is majoring in Media and AnnGardner Eubank Rebecca Halm Communications and minoring in Spanish. She is also a part of the color guard in the Ferrum College Marching Band and a member of the Ferrum Layout/Social Media Editor: Activities Board. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music, reading, Mary Stoudt going to concerts, and traveling. Lindsey’s plans after graduation include working in a profession that involves film/video editing. Rebecca Halm is a sophomore majoring in media communications The Ferrum College Iron Blade Newspaper is a student-written, student-managed, and studentwith a double minor in journalism and business. This is her first semester produced newspaper. Opinions do not necessarily express the views of all students or the staff. Letters may be emailed to IBlade@ferrum.edu. as a staff writer for The Iron Blade. Outside of the classroom, Rebecca Like us on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram and Twitter. rides for Ferrum’s competitive equestrian team. After graduation, Rebecca plans to go into multimedia journalism.


February 10, 2020

The Iron Blade

Remembering Carolyn Thomas

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By AnnGardner Eubank

On January 14, beloved member of the Ferrum community, Carolyn Thomas, passed away following a near two year battle with ovarian cancer. Thomas was a dedicated professor, mother, friend, soulmate, and friend of nature during her seventy one years, and will be remembered fondly by all who knew her. Thomas joined the Ferrum College family as an environmental science professor in 1979 alongside her soulmate, Dr. Bob Pohlad, who began his teaching career at Ferrum as a professor in biology and horticulture a year earlier. Thomas and Pohlad retired from teaching in May of 2019 after an incredible and impactful 40 plus year career of educating the students of Ferrum. Thomas’ passion for the environment and the natural world around her was not only noticeable and admirable, but inspiring to her colleagues and students as well. Her efforts in the field of science went beyond the classroom. Dedicated and passionate for her field and teaching others, she served as a Science Camp director for many years and was a founding member of the Smith Mountain Lake Water Quality Project which she directed for 32 years. She led a team of Ferrum students and faculty analyzing the lake’s water quality each summer in conjunction with the Smith Mountain Lake Association. Senior Taylor Darnell spent the summer of 2018 alongside Dr. Thomas when he worked for the water quality project. He remembers Thomas for her love of teaching and her strides of making the world a better place. “Working with Dr. Thomas on the Smith Mountain Lake Project was really an emphasis of her love for teaching, for working with students, and for trying to better the world in which we live through conDr. Carolyn Thomas (1948-2020). Photo Courtesy: Ferrum College. structive experiences and how to be an effective ecologist, rain or shine,” said Darnell. Her impact and efforts were recognized beyond the Ferrum community as well. In 2016, she and Pohlad jointly received the Ecological Society of America’s Eugene P. Odum Award for Excellence in Ecological Education. Thomas had a true love for travel. Her and Pohlad traveled to each of the fifty states together, and went on other adventures together, including touring the Galapagos Islands in 2017, leading E-terms in the Virgin Islands and in Ireland, and even traveling with several Ferrum students to Malawi, Africa, where they set up water quality equipment and helped scientists in Malawi learn how to use the equipment as well. Dr. Thomas’ love for connecting with others through the natural world was evident. Even those who did not have the privilege of working closely with Dr. Thomas took notice of her kindness each day. Her kindness was so infectious that she was known to brighten up anyone’s day. Senior Catie Hodges remembers Thomas fondly as someone who treated everyone with respect and generosity. “Despite not having her as a professor, Dr. Thomas made sure to tell me good morning each day as I walked past her in Garber and her smile always brought warmth to any conversation we had. She had such a loving, giving heart for every person in the Ferrum family and the world and was never too busy for me or anyone else,” said Hodges. Thomas is survived by her soulmate, Bob Pohlad, to whom she was married to for nearly 45 years. The two met in her Dr. Thomas with Dr. Pohlad at their wedding in 1975. home state of Florida while she was pursuing her master’s Photo Courtesy: Dr. Pohlad. degree at the University of Central Florida. Pohlad was working as a teaching assistant while pursuing his own graduate studies. The two hit it off instantly and found their romance blossoming, despite having to do long-distance once she was admitted to the University of Georgia’s doctorate program. The two married in 1975 in Florida and found themselves building a home and life in Ferrum three years later. Pohlad refers to Thomas as his “soulmate,” and the two truly embodied what that means. Colleague and friend, Dr. Dehlia Heck, remembers their love as one truly unique, unwavering, and special. “When you spend a lifetime living, breathing, raising a family, and weaving heartstrings together, you become so attached to one another. That’s why he uses the term soulmate,” Heck said. The two were inseparable and lived their lives interwoven and insync with each other. “Their passions were shared and their focuses in life were the same.Most of their days were filled with each other and their relationship developed to a symbiosis that most of us don’t experience,” Heck said. The two welcomed their first son Chris to the world in 1979, and added their second son, Tim, to their family in 1984. Thomas and Pohlad Capstone Honors Seminar members particiating in #FlowerShirtFriday in Thomas’s memory. Photo Courtesy: Lana Whited. are also grandparents to four grandchildren. Thomas lived a life of love, travel, curiosity, and kindness. She is remembered for her passion for nature and her kind and humble soul. A celebration of Thomas’ life was held on Jan. 26 in Vaughn Chapel and drew hundreds of family, friends, and loved ones to remember and celebrate her. A playlist of her favorite songs was created to remember her and her loving spirit. The Beatles, The Grateful Dead, The Beach Boys, and James Taylor made for a soundtrack of her happy, free spirited life. Students and faculty paid homage to Thomas by participating in “Floral Shirt Friday,” on Jan. 17. Thomas and Pohlad often wore floral shirts on Fridays on campus, spreading good vibes and cheer. Thomas’ legacy and impact on the ecological community will not be soon forgotten, and her kind, loving spirit will live on forever. The Ferrum community was greatly in #FlowerShirtFriday in Thomas’s memory. Photo Courimpacted by her dedication, service, and her character, as she fully embodied the motto, Ferrum College students and faculty participating tesy: Ferrum College. “not self, but others.”

In Memory of Carolyn Thomas. January 18, 1948 - January 14, 2020.


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The Iron Blade

February 10, 2020

NEWS A Centennial Celebration

By Mary Stoudt

In 1920, the United States of America was under Prohibition. With the U.S. aiming to become a dry country, illegal speakeasies and moonshine became rampant throughout the country. During Prohibition (19201933) Franklin County, Virginia became known as the Moonshine Capital of the World. When Prohibition ended, moonshining continued in Franklin County. This propelled the county to even more fame. With the celebration of the new year and decade, 20202033 marks the Centennial Celebration of Prohibition. To kick off the Centennial Celebration of Prohibition, the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum

Lovers” was introduced in Hardy. Public Library in Rocky (BRI) at Ferrum College by the Virginia Tourism In addition to the movie Mount. The third part showed Part 1: A Nation Corporation. The BRI celbeing shown at the BRI in of the movie, Part 3: A of Drunkards from the ebrated the new slogan by January 2019, the slogan Nation of Hypocrites was movie Prohibition. The shown at Westlake Cinema “Virginia is for Moonshine holding its’ annual Moonmovie produced by PBS shine Heritage documents the rise Car Show and and fall of Prohibiselling new tion during a five and “Virginia is a half-hour span. for Moonshine “We were the Lovers” apkickoff point and we parel. really should have The BRI’s been because the new exhibit Western part of the Virginia Souvestate is really where nirs: Traveler’s the making of moonTrinkets also shine took place,” has a section said Bethany Worley, on moonshine. Director of the Blue The lobby hosts Ridge Institute and a new display Museum. showcasing a The second part of miniature still, a the movie, Part 2: mason jar, and a A Nation of ScoffA collection of differernt moonshine souvenirs displayed at the Blue Ridge Institue and Ferrum, Virginia laws was shown at Museum. These souvenirs are apart of the BRI’s new exhibit, Virginia Souvenirs: Traveler’s Trinkets. Photo credit: Mary Stoudt. moonshine jug. the Franklin County

“The Blue Ridge Institute has the largest collection of moonshine memorabilia in the country. Additionally, we loan out a lot of artifacts and help with research,” said Worley. Moonshining helped to put Franklin County on the map. As the year continues in April, more moonshine celebrations will occur since April is known as Moonshine Heritage month in Franklin County. The BRI will hold its annual Moonshine Heritage Car Show April 25. Franklin County intends to celebrate the Centennial of Prohibition over the next 13 years throughout different areas of the county and with different events and activities.

St. Valentine’s Legacy By AnnGardner Eubank Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching and St. Valentine has his bow and arrow ready. The holiday has been celebrated for centuries in honor of Saint Valentine who was a third-century Roman priest who conducted many marriage ceremonies. Roman emperor at the time, Claudius II, theorized that single unmarried men made the best soldiers. In order to put the theory to the test, he banned marriage for young men. A soldier for love, St. Valentine disagreed with the emperor and continued performing marriage ceremonies. Upon finding out that his laws were being ignored, Claudius II had St. Valentine killed. St. Valentine was martyred in the month of February, which is likely why the day of love is celebrated in the most bitter, cold month. Other theories for how the day

of love came about include society’s attempt to overshadow a pagan festival which was also held that month. Two centuries following the killing of Valentine, Pope Gelasius decreed the fourteenth of February be celebrated as Valentine’s Day. It wasn’t until the middle ages, however, that the holiday became associated with love. People in the later centuries believed that mating season for birds began on February 14, ultimately coinciding with St. Valentine’s reputation for being a martyr for love. Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated between lovers and friends and has become a very commercialized holiday. Children give one another candy, some folks seize the day to make grand gestures, and others just see the day as another day to express their love. Here at Ferrum,

we celebrate in a multitude of ways on campus. Love is in the air and the Ferrum community is excited about it! There will be several opportunities throughout the week of Valentine’s Day to celebrate St. Valentine and his special day. On Thursday Feb. 13, Student Leadership, The English Club, The Black Student Union, and Chrysalis will be hosting a Valentine’s Coffeehouse and Lovefest in the Panthers Den at 8 p.m. The coffeehouse will feature poetry, music, jokes, and other arts and performances from students, faculty, and staff. Prizes will be awarded for best in category, along with refreshments for all to enjoy. If you wish to participate, email John Kitterman at jkitterman@ferrum.edu by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb 12.

Guess Who’s Back By Rebecca Halm

The Panthers are not the only ones back in the den for the spring semester. Ferrum College’s favorite furry friend, Winston, is back on campus, too! Winston is a trained therapy dog that adores visiting students, faculty, and staff. Therapy dogs are professionally trained to provide comfort and support to people in all settings, including college students. Last semester, Winston had to take some time off due to a needed surgery and the Ferrum community was asked by Dr. Jan Nicholson Angle, Dean of the Chapel, to send thoughts and prayers. Winston will be on campus every Wednesday accompanied by his friend Bruce. Winston is ready to share love, licks, and wags to his Ferrum family. When you find Winston on campus be sure to tweet his location with #fcspirituallife.

A previous Where’s Winston poster. Students, faculty, and staff: be on the look out for these to figure out Winston’s location.


February 10, 2020

By AnnGardner Eubank Each year on the third Monday of January, the United States recognizes and celebrates the impact and life of Martin Luther King Jr. and his contributions to society. MLK was the most prominent leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s and championed for equality for all, regardless of the color of one’s skin. Ferrum celebrated the life of King with a special program in Vaughn Chapel with a speech of hope, kindness, and dedication from Ferrum’s own Devon “D” Robinson as the keynote speaker. Students, faculty, and members of the Ferrum community gathered in the chapel around 10:30 the morning of Jan. 20 to remember King and his contributions to society with the special program hosted by the school’s Black Student Union.

The Iron Blade

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Following his Lead: Ferrum Celebrates MLK Day

The program featured short civil rights films, a showing of King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, poetry, and an address from Robinson. Robinson began his speech, “Learning to Live,” with a brief introduction of himself, explaining that he was a junior majoring in social work and recreation with hopes of starting his own after school program after he graduates. Robinson’s passion to help others, especially children, came from his own struggles in his younger years. After losing his mother at a young age and growing up without his father around, Robinson said he had a very difficult time finding his purpose. “I would cry all of the time. Sometimes I didn’t

even know why,” Robinson said. While Robinson reflected on some of the challenges he faced grow-

is and to live in a world where all people are equal and have equal opportunity. The Henrico native discussed how everyone

Photo Courtesy of Business Insider.

ing up, he learned over time he had the power to change his internal narrative to “why is this happening to me?” to “here’s what I’ve been given, and I have so much to be grateful for.” Robinson shared that every day he wakes up thankful to be where he

has something to offer and the importance of sharing values and serving as a role model to those who may need some help and guidance. “Fight for your dreams. Every single day,” were the words Robinson championed throughout the keynote address. He

shared that MLK had a vision and had to fight for that vision. He challenged the audience to imagine if King didn’t fight for his dreams and visions and how different opportunities and equality would be if he didn’t put up a fight. The address reflected the values and ideals of King and how each day everyone is faced with a choice to make life better for themself and for those around them. Robinson shared the sentiments of King’s core values of perseverance, hope, and drive. The program hosted by the BSU featured historical content of King’s impact and history as well. King is remembered for his passionate non-violent activism for equality and call to end racial segrega-

“Not Self, But Others”

tion. In 1964, he was the youngest man to ever receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his dedication and leadership to achieving racial justice through nonviolent action at age 35. Shortly after his assasination in April of 1968, it was widely petitioned for his birthday, January 20, to be recognized as a national holiday. The campaign for his birthday to become a holiday in his honor was endorsed in 1976 and became law by 1983. The holiday was first federally recognized in 1986, with every state recognizing the holiday by 2000. On MLK day and everyday, King is remembered for his leadership, kindness, and unwavering determination to fight for equality for all for a better, just, and peaceful world.

Photo courtesy of ABC News.

By Lindsey Foster In past years, the Office of Spiritual Life at Ferrum College has traveled to different places to help rebuild houses that have been affected by natural disasters. Groups of students and faculty have traveled to locations including Texas and Florida. Their most recent trip was to Fayetteville, North Carolina during fall break of 2019. This semester, Spiritual Life will be leading a trip to Baton Rouge,

Louisiana during spring break to rebuild houses that were affected by Hurricane Katrina that cause massive destruction in 2005. Spiritual Life partners and works with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), a disaster recovery team. After disasters cause destruction, the government helps to rebuild homes as much as they can. When the government stops, a contractor then steps in to help rebuild, which is where UMCOR comes in.

Rebuilding homes allows a chance for students and faculty to bond and do service to benefit others. “It’s pretty rewarding to help people that do not know who you are and rebuild their livelihood,” said junior Johnathan Taylor. The team that will travel during spring break will have the chance to meet numerous people affected by Hurricane Katrina and help them through the destruction.

ARC Construction Enlarged By Mary Stoudt

The early stages of the new expanded testing center in the Academic Resource Center (ARC). Renovations will continue throughout the semester with hopes of finishing before the end of the semester. As renovations continue Assistant Professor and Director of Academic Accessibility Nancy Beach has had her office relocated to the door directly before the new entrance to the enlarged testing center.

Top: Destruction from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.

Right: A group of Ferrum College students who went to Texas in 2018 to assist with hurricane clean up. Photo courtesy of Ferrum College.

This semester as faculty and students returned to class, the Academic Resource Center (ARC) looked different than when they left for winter break. The new walls in the ARC are the first step in the renovation of the space. The renovations have started earlier than expected due to an unknown donor. “Someone has donated money who has a great interest in student success,” said Dr. Aimé Sposato, Ferrum College Provost. The current construction in the ARC is to enlarge the testing center. In addition to the new testing center, there will be new flooring, paint, furniture, and technology. The goal for the ARC renovation is for it to have a “complete facelift,” said Sposato. In addition to Sposato, since the ARC renovation has been in

discussion, other members of the college community have had a hand in the new design and concept. Ferrum President Dr. David Johns, Vice President for Administration and Finance Chris Burnley, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Wilson Paine, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Kevin Reilly, Dean of Academic Success Dr. David Wiggins, and Manager of Capital Projects Aaron Creasy have all been involved in the project. “The ARC team, worked together to envision the proposed changes and present those to our College administration. We are excited about the new paint, the expanded OOA lab, new flooring and furniture which will make the ARC a better place for our students,” said Wiggins.

Students who regularly study in the ARC have taken notice of the changes occurring. “I think it's nice that when students need an area to test and get extra help, they will now have an enclosed space to be able to focus better. However, I do believe it’s going to cause an issue for students trying to use the ARC to study because there are less whiteboards to use since the far one is blocked off and the new seating arrangement has students closer together, said senior Catie Hodges. As the semester continues construction will also. “We’re hoping to be done with construction this semester,” said Sposato. The new ARC will be able to serve students more effectively and function as a space for both students and faculty to benefit from.


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The Iron Blade

NEWS

February 10, 2020

Splendid Moments Spring 2020 Club Fair By Lindsey Foster

Senior Kayla Lentini and Junior Gabby Kernon with Minds N’ Medicine.

Senior Sarah Hodges with FAB.

At the beginning of each semester, clubs and organizations fill the Panther’s Den to showcase their group’s missions and agendas in hopes of sparking other people’s interests. The fair is a great way to find opportunities to become more involved on campus and meet new people. There are a wide variety from clubs represented each semester, from greek life, to academic affiliated groups, to hobbies, and anything in between. On January 22, clubs and organizations began the new year and semester looking to inform the community about who they were. A total of 34 clubs and sororities were set up for Ferrum students who were interested in various fields.

Sororities such as Delta Phi Epsilon, Zeta Chi Epsilon, Kappa Alpha Sigma, and Theta Gamma Omega drew big crowds of students. Clubs for creativity and fun included the Improv Club, Boardgaming Club, and the Dance Team. There were also more academic based clubs, including Psychology club, Minds N’ Medicine The Iron Blade, English Club, that fit especially well for some majors like Chemistry, Criminal Justice English,and Psychology. Two potentially new clubs also appeared at the club fair, though not officially organized yet; The American Association of University Women and Orchestra Appalachia were seeking interest.

Advisor and Member of the Board Gaming Club.

Club Fair 2020 Top: Members of Zeta Chi Epsilon with their letters.

Sisters of the Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority at their table.

Members of The Iron Blade promoting the paper.


Sports News

February 10, 2020

Battling Adversity: Talum Smith Recognized for her Courage in D.C. By Mary Stoudt Ferrum senior, Talum Smith, began her wrestling career in high school which ended early during her senior season due to an injury. Despite the adversity of an injury, her highschool coach received a letter of interest from Ferrum’s women’s wrestling program. When Smith came to Ferrum in 2016, she was balancing her schooling as well as finances by working a full time job at McDonalds in Rocky Mount. Adjusting to the changes of college life and juggling a busy schedule,Smith fell short academically during her first year and had not met the GPA requirements for athletics which prevented her from competing her sophomore year. During the 2018 school year, Smith’s story took a turn. While already balancing school and work, Smith was faced with major health issues and was diagnosed with Leukemia. Smith, however, did not let this interfere with her plans of returning to the wrestling mat and focusing on her academics. That year, Smith would often have to walk around campus with an oxygen tank while she continued to work to improve her GPA in order to wrestle for Ferrum. During the summer of 2018, Smith completed summer classes to boost her GPA even more. Ultimately, Smith missed the GPA requirement to wrestle for the Panthers by 0.1. Overtime, Smith continued to work to balance classes, work, and doctors appointments. By the Spring of 2019 Smith was medically cleared to wrestle and academically eligible. In January of 2019, Smith wrestled in the Tornado Open in Bristol, Tennessee. Because of her perseverance and courage, Smith was awarded with the Afsoon Roshanzamir Johnston Courage Award on Oct. 30 at the Wrestle Like A Girl Gala held annually in Washington, D.C. at the National Museum for Women in the Arts. Smith was nominated for the award by her former coach Jessica Medina. Smith was chosen out of 427 nominees to receive the honor.

The award was created in 2016 by Wrestle Like A Girl in honor of Afsoon Roshanzamir Johnston’s own courage. Johnston came from Iran to the United States (US)

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Panther Round-Ups Women’s Wrestling

By Lindsey Foster The Ferrum College women’s wrestling team started off the new year with a loss at every game they have competed in. On January 19, the Panthers competed at King University’s Tornado open. Nine wrestlers competed in the tournament. During the match, some athletes were placed based on their marks.One wrestler, Destiny Benjamin, competed with a runner-up finish. Benjamin registered a 3-1 mark with a pair of pins while in a route to earning second place. Two other Panthers, Alisha Elizalde and Katrina Anderson, placed fourth for Ferrum. Anderson also posted a 4-2 mark with three pins. The women’s panthers’ next competition will take place on February 8 at the Bearcat Open in Lebanon.

Men’s Wrestling

By AnnGardner Eubank The men’s wrestling team finished the 2019 half of their Mackoy Bodmer in persuit to score for the Panthers. season in sunny Florida on December 29-30 when they Photo Cred: Ateyona Morris competed in the Citrus Invitational Tournament in Fort Lauderdale. Twenty-one Panthers competed in the tournament and earned 18 pins throughout the weekend. While most students were enjoying the remainder of their holiday break relaxing at home, the members of the wrestling team competed in three tournaments, including the Virginia Duals hosted annually in Hampton. The team rounded out the month of January travelling and competing in Wheaton, Illinois at the Pete Willson-Wheaton Invitational. Ferrum finished 16 out of 30 teams. SophoSmith at the Gala. Photo Courtesy of Ferrum College more Levi Englman placed 6 at 133, sophomore Braden and became the first woman to win a medal at the World Homsey placed 7 for 197, and senior Austin Smith placed Championships for the US in 1989. 8 for 149. The Panthers will be competing again in a Wrestling has been a key motivator and outlet for home match against Averett University on Feb 11. Senior Smith and has been a form of release and hope through Carlos Levya is currently leading the team with pins, trialling times. earning ten so far this season. Sophomore Malik Barr is “Overall wrestling just gives me hope and motivation leading the Panthers in wins with 25 victories so far. to push to be stronger mentally and physically,” Smith Men’s Basketball said. By Rebecca Halm Smith is currently competing in her senior season as a On Feb 1, the men’s basketball team won their third Ferrum Panther and will continue to leave her heart on game of the new year in a home match against Bridgewathe mat for the remainder of the season. ter with a final score of 73-65. The game was a back and forth affair, with Bridgewater starting the game strong with a 10-4 jump, creating an early lead for the Eagles. However, the Ferrum Panthers answered quickly, outscoring the Eagles 15-9 within the next seven minutes of the game. Ferrum’s Rashaad Reed ended the first half, recording 16 points to lead all scorers, with James Jr. Smith following up with 10 points. Carrington Young and Nick Helton also had an impressive first half, each chasing down four boards. Ferrum ended the first half with hope, with a 33-27 lead against Bridgewater at halftime. The second half of the game was identical to the first, with no clear advantages until the the game’s final moments. Bridgewater started the closing stanza strong, yet it did not take long for Ferrum to retake the lead with 6:22 left to play. Reed and Smith Jr. continued their success in the second half, each recording 15 points. Young also came up huge for the Panthers the second half, chasing down 11 rebounds. The game was a fight until the very end, but the Panthers stood their ground and came out on top. The team is currently holdCoach Mark White at a Cross Country event. Photo courtesy ing a 9-10 overall record.

Race to the Finish Line: Ferrum to Add Track and Field Program this Fall

By Jazmin Scarberry and AnnGardner Eubank

of the ODAC.

On January 8, Ferrum College announced the addition of men’s and women’s track and field programs set to begin practices and competitions for the fall 2020 semester for both indoor and outdoor events. Mark White, a Ferrum alum and current head coach of the cross country teams, is set to coach both the men’s and women’s teams. White has been a member of the coaching staff for the Panthers for two years now and previously served as an assistant track coach at Radford University for nine years. “I’m really excited to start this program. I love Ferrum and it’s had an important role in my life,” said White. White is planning on building the program with a team of students with a passion for running. Both schedules, for indoor and outdoor meets, are set to start next fall. These new additions bring the total number of sports teams on Ferrum’s roster to 27. In the last ten years, Ferrum has added over ten sports. The addition of the track program is not only meeting the demands of current student athletes who want to compete on the track, but will also hopefully bring in more students who wish to compete and up the enrollment numbers. “I want to build a great program that everyone can be proud of and that attracts great student-athletes that want to be a part of something special,” said White. Track and field is one of the largest growing sports in highschool. The addition of the program will not only complement the already existing cross country team, but will also keep the school competitive among other small ODAC schools across the state. Track and field teams in the ODAC compete in a wide variety of events. Shot put, discus, javeling, long jump, triple jump, and hammer are some of the events in which people compete in the field portions. Athletes compete in both short sprints and longer runs as well, including 100 meter and 200 meter sprints and 400 meter, 800 meter, and 1600 meter races as well. Teams also compete in multiple relay races. Anyone interested in competing for the new program is encouraged to contact Coach White at mwhite2@ferrum. edu.

Women’s Basketball

By Rebecca Halm On Saturday, Feb 1, the women’s basketball team took a loss at the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics Center against defending ODAC Tournament champs, Shenandoah University, with a final score of 64-45. Shenandoah started the game strong, quickly jumping to a 12-0 lead at the 5:23 mark. Shenandoah continued to dominate the first half, with Ferrum falling behind with a score of 22-15 at the end of one quarter. The Panther’s came back swinging the second quarter, coming within one point of the Hornets, with a score of 22-21. Ferrum’s Cameron Hawkins, a freshman, successfully made a pair of jumpers, with Jacy Marvin following closely with one, only to see Shenandoah use a 17-0 run to push ahead once again. The Hornets stayed persistent, and built a 20-point lead by the end of the third quarter, and finished the final stanza with their largest lead of the game 59-37 with only 6 minutes left, sealing their win against the Panthers. The overall stat scores for the second part of the women’s season, so far, reflect that they’ve been fighting hard to keep their scores up, and will continue to fight the remainder of the season. The Panthers currently hold a 3-9 record.


Page 8

The Iron Blade

February 10, 2020

Senior Spotlight:

Panther Briefs

Alexander Vaughn Johnson By Jazmin Scarberry

If you were to ask 100 Ferrum students who the nicest person on campus is, at least 99 would say Alex Johnson. He came to Ferrum in 2016 from Locust Grove, VA. Johnson will be earning his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in May 2020. Throughout his four years at Ferrum, Johnson has participated in various activities around campus, including Cross Country, Criminal Justice Club, and parties on the weekend. Johnson is a very motivational person and is devoted to working in teams. Freshman Tysen Gotschi recalled that Johnson once told him, “We have to show everyone who Ferrum is. We may be a small team, but we are a great team.” Johnson was the only senior on the Men’s Cross Country team in Fall 2019, where he helped guide the team to Regionals. He frequently warned his teammates of upcoming workouts so that they could be mentally ready for that day’s practice. Team members Clay Smith and Tysen Gotschi even went as far as to nickname him “Pops,” and that’s what he actually is to his teammates. “Pops (Alex) is like a cool dad. He gives great advice, but you can also hang out with him on the weekends,” said freshman Jazmin Scarberry. Johnson has acted as a role model for many of the new members on the Cross Country team. They looked to him to show them the ropes and for advice. He helped them get through both their first semester and their first season as college athletes. Johnson is admired by both his teammates and his coach. “Alex is everything I love about coaching. He is a team-first type of person and is one of the most consistent ‘effort’ athletes I have ever coached. I talk about consistency a lot and Alex is that in everything that he does.” Cross Country coach Mark White said. Johnson can be seen around campus hanging out with his friends, who are mostly baseball players. Because Johnson is colorblind, his friends enjoy helping him identify colors. On weekends, Johnson and his friends often go to El Rio, Bowling, and then back to campus to finish off the night. When asked what he will miss most about Ferrum, his answer was the people. “I have made lifelong friends here,” says Johnson. Johnson originally believed he would go straight into the military after high school, but his plans changed. Now Johnson is successfully finishing up his fourth and final year of college, planning for Officer Candidate School, with intentions to join the Army. “If you would have asked me ten years ago where I thought I’d be today, the answer would not have been college,” said Johnson. Johnson also offered a piece of advice to Ferrum’s Freshman class. He said, “Focus on your work, but be sure to make time for fun and social life. The people you meet are gonna be with you for the next three years.”

Submit to Chrysalis! By AnnGardner Eubank

Are you a writer, artist, or photographer? If so, Chrysalis, Ferrum’s literary and arts magazine, needs YOU! Chrysalis is currently taking submissions for poetry, pros, photography, and other visual arts. A first place prize of $100 along with a second prize of $50 will be awarded in each category. The deadline for submissions is February 17 at midnight and can be submitted to Dr. Katherine Grimes at kgrimes@ferrum.edu. A full set of rules and guidelines can be found at https://www.ferrum.edu/campus-life/chrysalis/

d r a o B n i t e l l Panther Bu February 10, Ferrum Dance Team Valentine’s Day Fundraiser 11:30am-4:30pm February 11, Ferrum Dance Team Valentine’s Day Fundraiser 11:30am-4:30pm

NSLS Leadership Training 7:00pm-9:30pm Coffee House 8:00pm-9:30pm February 14, FASO Yoga 12:00pm-1:30pm

NSLS Orientation 7:00pm-8pm

PCA Time Out 8:30pm-9:30pm

February 12, Ferrum Dance Team Valentine’s Day Fundraiser 11:30am-4:30pm

February 13, Wax to the Max Candle Art 11:00am-3:00pm

NSLS Orientation 12:15pm-1:15pm

Presence Training - Overview 1:30pm-3:00pm February 15, Winter Formal time February 21,

Gospel Images: Guided Meditations 12:30pm-1:30pm

February 21, Ferrum Bowling Night @ Rocky Mount Bowling Center 4:00pm-11:00pm Febryary 29 to March 9, Spring Break

Spring Break Spring Break is right around the corner! All campus Residence Halls will be closed during Spring Break. If you have not made travel arrangements for Spring Break, based upon the Residence Hall opening and closing times, please do so now. Students are to leave campus no later than 24 hours after their last class. Residence Halls will close beginning at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020 and are scheduled to reopen at 9:00 AM on Sunday, March 9, 2020. Classes begin on Monday, February 10th, 2020. Additional Spring Break information will be forthcoming by way of campus email, residence hall floor meetings and flyers/posters. Internship Oppurtunity Red Valley UMC (30 Red Valley Rd. Boones Mill) is looking for student interns who will serve as a choir director and a soloist. We have a wonderful pianist and a passionate choir. The candidates are not required to have a music degree but enthusiasm for music, praise, and worship is a must! One period of this internship will be one semester (either midJanuary to mid-April or mid-Sept to mid-Dec; the spring semester includes Easter Cantata and the fall semester includes Christmas Cantata – this may require an extra practice and rehearsal. These Cantatas could be on other dates than actual Easter and Christmas). The hours for this position would require every Sunday (10:20 AM to 12:20 PM) and one evening every other weekday (one and half hours; Example 1st and 3rd Wednesday or whatever day chosen by leader and choir members)Red Valley UMC will provide a scholarship for this internship; $1,000 for a choir director and $700 for a soloist. Or, two friends can share the responsibilities and scholarships ($850 for each). If you are interested in applying for this internship, please contact Pastor Jae Song at jaesong@ vaumc.org.


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