November 1, 2021 Vol. 66, Issue 1
IBlade@Ferrum.edu
Ferrum College
215 Ferrum Mountain Rd., Ferrum, VA 24088
By Lindsey M. Foster
Live or Virtual?
Above, freshmen Layla Freeman, left and Esme Atkinson, right, load a pickup truck with food and supplies as part of the service projects for Freshman Orienation Weekend. (Photo by Lindsey M. Foster)
The Horns of Dilemma
Reilly Gets Nod
Homecoming Kick
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Above, Caleigh Hauser, freshman, paints as part of the Freshman Orientaton Weekend service projects. (Courtesy photo)
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up trash and cleaned up the space at Ferrum Elementary School and the campus’s disc golf course. There were also yard work and landscaping projects that took place at the St. James Center, the arboretum, the Blue Ridge Institute & Museum, and the Titmus Farm. One of the projects included a group of freshmen making Panther Packs for students at Ferrum Elementary who were in need. For this project, the freshmen in this group organized and bagged food in plastic bags to give to the students at Ferrum Elementary across the street from campus. In total, the group was able to make 120 bags of meals for the elementary students. Another group of freshmen participated in a project at the St. James Center. At the center, students helped fold, sort, and organize clothes in their community closet. “Everyone was so excited and willing to help, I personally feel honored to be a part of a new tradition that is helping the community,” senior and Orientation Team Leader and Destiny Crawley said. When all of the service projects were completed and the groups returned to campus, Reilly and Ferrum Forward treated the students to lunch as a thank you for all of their hard work. “The energy was great; the students did a great job and the community members appreciated all of their hard work,” Reilly said.
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Incoming freshmen students were welcomed this fall by attending a tailgate on Aug. 20 and participating in service projects on Aug. 21. “One thing I’m excited about as a freshman is meeting new people! I’m really excited about the upcoming school year because the theatre department is putting on one of my favorite musicals and I can’t wait to see it!” freshman Layla Freeman said. All new freshmen moved into their residence halls on Aug. 19 and got used to their new home during Freshman Orientation Weekend. Every year, Freshman Orientation Weekend takes place when all of the new students move into campus early and participate in different activities to get used to their new school and surroundings. During the Freshman Orientation Weekend, the Orientation Team helps guide the new students through these activities and shows them around campus. The Orientation Team leaders separated the freshmen into groups and introduced them through these activities. “I’m glad we were able to go back to normal and do things we have done in the past. It’s also a good way for the freshmen to get to know the people they will be with for their next four years here,” Orientation Team Leader and senior Lauren Ries said. To celebrate the return of football on campus, a tailgate took place on Bassett Field. The staff of the cafeteria had lunch prepared while everyone hung out on the field and socialized. Parents of some of the football players were also at the tailgate and set up tents to cheer on the Black Hats and cheerleaders walking to the field for the football scrimmage. Everyone then was led to the stadium to watch the Panthers play against each other as a way to train for the upcoming football season. “I think the season is going to go great. You can tell when you’re on the field that everyone is playing as one for the same purpose,” Panther football linebacker and senior Billy Higgins said. The morning after the scrimmage, freshman orientation continued by having the new-coming students split into groups and participating in different service projects. This was the first time service projects have been done during freshman orientation. To make the service projects possible, a collaboration was made between Ferrum’s then-Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs Kevin Reilly, and community group Ferrum Forward. This process was also entitled the “A Weekend of Service” by the collaborators. “We wanted to teach the freshmen that Ferrum is a community and their new home. With the projects, the goal was to teach them how to take care of their new home,” Reilly said. There were 13 different service projects in which studetns could be involved. The projects ranged from yard work and painting to landscaping and cleaning at different parts of the Ferrum community. Painting projects that were done included painting the panther paws on the sidewalks around campus and making a mural for Hidden Treasures. Students also picked
Once Upon a Mattress
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The Iron Blade
Opinion
Word on the Street:
"It's a lot better for mental health and a lot easier to learn in person, so I'm glad to be on campus. --Gage Shelton, freshman
"I did like being online but being in person made things a lot easier. Everything was spread out unlike online everything was crammed." --Dexter McGraw, junior
“As someone that works, I’d rather do virtual. I don’t come from a family who can pary for everything, so I just think it would be more convenient if we had a choice.” --Gaby Torres, senior
"I hated having online classes last year. I prefer to have face to face rather than online. Last year it was hard for me to keep up with all of my school work. I nearly forgot all about an essay that was due." --Shela Muriel, senior
I for one honestly prefer taking classes in person because you can interact with the teachers a lot more and most classes done online have less students. --Kristina Cossa, junior
Back in the Saddle Return to in-person classes is a needed, welcome change
Compiled by Staff
"I like in person a lot better because being in class helped and made it easier for me to focus." --Cory Hamilton, sophomore
November 1, 2021
“It’s been a hard adjustment. I prefer being online, but I also don’t mind being in class because I like the atmosphere of the classroom, and being with other people, and being able to have a teacher oneon-one rather than online. I feel like I’m understood better in a classroom setting.” --Meghann Hartman, senior
“I feel like Ferrum has done a pretty good job of making it in person this year It feels a lot smoother than in previoius years. The classes I got for Fall1 have been laid out in a good way for me and made school more enjoyable.” --Ethan Berger, junior
“I’m glad we are back in person this year it’s so much more enjoyable since I can actually see students and teachers in person rather than through a screen.” --Marshall Carter, freshman
With last school year being mostly online, Ferrum College has welcomed students, faculty, and staff for the 2021-2022 school year with fully in-person classes. We applaud the college’s decision to return to face-to-face learning, as well as the meaures being taken to keep everyone safe. Even though many students did well virtually, Ferrum is an inperson school. During the pandemic and with students hybrid, everyone on campus was isolated in their rooms. “This year feels a bit more like our community life is being reborn. It feels like home again to be able to walk across campus to talk to a group of students, go to the games to watch the band and watch the Panthers play,” President David Johns said. Last year, 2020-2021, classes were either fully online or in person. Students had the decision to either go fully online for the school year and not return to stay on campus, or they could stay on campus and continue to do online classes. Classes were also condensed into seven weeks long, rather than the regular 15 weeks. This process was done just in case everyone on campus had to go home again due to the pandemic and needed more flexibility. Now that we are back in person, students are able to have more interaction with their professors and classmates. Whenever students have questions, they can go right to their professor or to their office hours rather than trying to connect through a zoom meeting or sending an email. The students seem to agree. “I like in-person classes better because I feel like if I have actual physical classes. I have an actual time set and prioritize my time more compared to online classes,” said Junior Makenna Lemon. For everyone to be face-to-face this year, Ferrum has taken great lengths to make it possible. There is still the enforcement of wearing masks and social distancing, along with students and professors cleaning their workstations when they are done with working. While Ferrum is not mandating, everyone on campus is also encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine. We think it is a good idea to be vaccinated and encourage everyone to do so. So does the administration here. “We encourage everyone to get the vaccine so we can continue doing this and being in person,” Johns said. The cafeteria still has arrows on the floor to signal traffic flow and to reduce the risk of potential exposure. (And don’t forget to use those gloves at the salad bar!) Campus is livening up again, with having in-person classes, athletic practices, and other activities. The theatre department has begun preparing for two productions of the semester. Its first production is entitled “Once Upon a Mattress,” and the department’s second production will be a studentdirected ten-minute play with the theme of justice. These will also be the theatre department’s first time performing live in-person since the pandemic hit. Moreover, “Once Upon a Mattress” will be staged outdoors (see related article on Page 8.) More activities are also taking place on campus this year, including Greek life. The Ferrum College campus is living and breathing again, so watch your Ferrum email for notifications about coming activities!
November 1, 2021 Vol. 66, Issue 1
Ferrum College
Ferrum College 215Mountain FerrumRd.Mountain 215 Ferrum Ferrum, VA 24088 VA 24088 Ferrum, IBlade@Ferrum.edu IBlade@Ferrum.edu
Editor: Lindsey M. Foster Assistant Editor: Brandon Mullins Sports Editor: Cody Gibson
Staff: Julius Asbury Sean Cohen Michael Hamm Jordan Lucky Marina Powell
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Social Media Editor: DeeDee Riddle Cartoonist: Katrina Anderson Advisor: David B. Campbell
The Ferrum College Iron Blade Newspaper is a student-written, student-managed, and studentproduced newspaper. Opinions do not necessarily express the views of all students or the staff. Letters may be emailed to IBlade@ferrum.edu. Like us on Facebook! Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
November 1, 2021
The Iron Blade
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Should We Have Stayed or Gone? Iron Blade writers clash over Biden’s Afghanistan decision
Commentary by Sean Cohen Due largely to the efforts of Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, who both promised to exit the country, American troops finally left Afghanistan by the end of last month, after having had a presence there for nearly 20 years. Despite much-heated criticism from both political parties, mainly directed at the Biden administration’s handling of the withdrawal, I, and according to polling, a majority of Americans (a recent ABC-Washington Post poll has it at 77%), are glad that our troops have finally left the country for good. That’s not to say that the withdrawal itself was handled well. According to the poll, only 26% of the 77% who support the withdrawal also support President Biden’s handling of it, and it’s not hard to see why. Immediately after Biden began pulling troops out of the country, the Taliban went on the offensive, quickly overrunning most of the country, and capturing the Afghan capital of Kabul by Aug. 15, stunning the world. Biden stated, based on U.S. intelligence assessments, that Kabul would likely be able to hold out for months after the American withdrawal, but the day after it actually happened, he was forced to concede otherwise. “This did unfold more quickly than we had anticipated,” Biden said, during a speech from the East Room of the White House. Then, on Aug. 26, while American troops, other U.S. personnel, and certain Afghan citizens were in the midst of being transported out of the country, a suicide bombing occurred at Hamid Karzai International Airport, killing at least 182 people, according to CNN. Thirteen members of the U.S. military also perished. This tragedy enraged most of the country, and rightly so. It also led to calls among some politicians to send more troops back into Afghanistan. However, the possibility of attacks such as this occurring are one of the main reasons we should be leaving Afghanistan for good. It’s simply not worth the risk. We invaded the country in 2001, overthrew the Taliban regime, and then after spending two decades trying to help the Afghan people build a democracy, as
The Horns of the Dilemma
Cartoon by Katrina Anderson well as training their army to deal with threats from terrorists like the Taliban, all of the hard work of our brave servicemen crumbled in less than a month. So what would sending more troops into the region for an indefinite period of time accomplish? Nothing. Our soldiers should not be put in danger halfway across the world to back up a government that hardly even put up a fight when facing the prospect of being taken over again by a terrorist group. The situation in Afghanistan is not America’s concern anymore. The events of last month have proved that we stayed much too long, and there’s nothing more we can do for the country except cut our losses. That’s why, as poorly handled as it was, the current administration’s finally getting us out of Afghanistan is for the best.
Commentary by Cody Gibson Since August, U.S. President Joe Biden has been withdrawing troops from Afghanistan. During that time, one event that made Americans furious was the suicide bomber that killed 90 Afghans and 13 U.S service members. Many people did not like the idea of the U.S. pulling the troops back because it will allow Afghanistan get taken over by the Taliban. According to CNN, this has caused many people to want to get rid of Biden for doing the wrong thing which was to bring U.S. soldiers back. President Biden did not think that the full withdrawal would be accomplished by the agreed-upon date of May 2021. What ended up happening is the U.S. did not pull out fast enough, which led to
the U.S. missing the deadline and the Taliban going on a lightning-quick offensive attack. According to Associate Professor of Political Science Ed Hally, there was no clear possible victory anyway. “Pulling out of Afghanistan was going to be a mess no matter the administration or party in power,” Hally said. Sandra Via, Associate Professor of Political Science also placed some blame on Biden. “The moment we went, there was no exit strategy. Biden should have been evacuating people from Afghanistan before making an official statement. Instead of the rapid pace where people were left vulnerable,” she said. “There are decades of history and foreign policy decisions, stemming back to the late 1970s that have led to what we have been witnessing.” Ferrum senior and football player, Mike Roman, who is considering going into the military after graduating from college, also criticized the president’s recent decision. “It was the wrong move. We will be back there soon but, for now, we have to fight for every inch of territory that we abandoned,” Roman said. Roman also mentioned that the cost of the special-grade equipment that it took to leave--not to mention what was left behind-- like the helicopters and weapons, cost U.S. taxpayers millions of dollars because there was no plan to save or retrieve any of it. “The war in the Middle East will probably never end, sadly,” Roman said. The war in Afghanistan was also the longest war in which the U.S. has been involved. It was time to do something, but this wasn’t it. “Though it has been a long war, the U.S. should stay there to help out and save as many lives as the U.S. can,” said Roman. “The cost of money and lives was not worth it especially what happened after.” As of now, due to the deal, the U.S. has pulled out of this war and out of Afghanistan. We have seen Kabul already fall, and women’s rights compromised. We didn’t meet the deadline and the Taliban didn’t waste a second. They attacked the airport with bombs, killing our troops, and the president has faced major backlash because of it. He should be blamed.
Memorial Reaffirms Pride in College Commentary by Lindsey M. Foster
When I received the email that one of Ferrum’s students had passed, I did not know what to think aside from wondering who it was and what happened. As I heard that it was student Cole Lipinski, I started to think of who he was. I had heard his name before, but I was still not sure who he was. But once I heard that a memorial was going to take place for him, I was glad to hear that the college decided to remember a member of our Ferrum Family. On the day of the memorial, I was in my last class of the day. About 40 minutes or so before the memorial was going to be held, one of the other students in my class asked to leave early, as he was on one of the sports teams that was going to be at the memorial. As I saw him leave, I started to wonder, “How many
people are going to attend?” The college had observed a 9/11 memorial to commorate the 20-year anniversary of the tragedy, and honestly, there seemed to be more faculty and staff at that event than students. In short, it wasn’t well attended, in spite of the the beautiful commemoration and ceremony that was planned and took place. Campus minister Laura Robinson and Vice President of Academic Affairs Kevin Reilly both delivered solemn and insighful remarks. But I also know that many students here weren’t even born at the time of the 9/11 attacks, and so there may not have been many personal connections to the event. So I did wonder, “How will we honor one of our own?” After my last class, I headed straight to the quad outside of Franklin for the memorial. Seeing the amount of people paying respects to Cole
was astounding. This was the first time this school year that I saw a lot of the Ferrum community on campus come together in such large numbers. All of the speeches given were extremely touching. When Cole’s teammates started sharing their memories, I started to tear up. Hearing the stories of Cole made me think about how much of an amazing person he was, even though I did not know him. But it was obvious from the outpouring that he was certainly loved. Seeing everyone come together as a Ferrum Family made me think about our motto, “Not self, but others,” and how it we lived it that day. People who attended the memorial took several minutes out of their day to pay respects to a member of our community, whether they were very close to him or not. It is that type of coming together that makes me proud to be a member of this community and campus. It also makes me grateful.
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The Iron Blade
November 1, 2021
ReillyTapped for VP Slot By Marina Powell
Kevin Reilly, who began at the college as an Assistant Professor of Psychology 19 years ago, was recently appointed Vice President of Academic Affairs. Reilly served as interim vice president for three months prior to his being named to the position. (Photo by Lindsey M. Foster)
Kevin Reilly, Ph.D. has been named Vice President of Academic Affairs. Reilly received the position on Sept. 15 after serving as an interim. “I’m just really excited to be in this position. I’m grateful to Dr. (David) Johns, and I’m grateful to the faculty just to have the opportunity to work with them and to try to help Ferrum get even better,” Reilly said. His responsibilities include overseeing academic faculty and staff, the Carter Center for Academic Success, Stanley Library, and the Office of the Registrar. He plans to work with Johns and Ferrum’s academic cabinet to strengthen the college’s programs. “There’s an awful lot that we do well and right around here…We are ranked very, very, highly as a teaching institute. I’m so proud of that.…We have excellent advisors, and we can add some nice elements to our advising that will strengthen that part of the process, I think, building a culture, ultimately of collaboration and innovation,” he explained. Reilly said he is looking forward to working with Johns, the deans, and the academic cabinet through strategic planning.
He believes the academic cabinet is one of the best Ferrum has ever had. “They all bring their unique gifts to the table, but the one thing they all have in common is they’re tremendously smart and hard workers; they work really well in teams, and they know what they’re doing,” he said. President Johns and the other deans say they are looking forward to working with Reilly in his new position and that Reilly’s energy and dedication are never in question. “What Kevin does, he does for Ferrum College; his heart is in the right place. There are so many faculty and staff who are 100% invested in Ferrum, and their commitment is inspiring,” Johns explained. Colleagues say Reilly is fun to work with and extremely dedicated to making Ferrum better. “Kevin is like a brother to me... and has helped shape me as a person, faculty member and leader. He continues to do this today while encouraging me to laugh along the way... He lives and breathes Ferrum,” said Angie Dahl, Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life. “I enjoy the work that I do, and I’ll enjoy doing it with him in charge,” said Jason Powell, Dean of Arts and Sciences.
Campus Observes 9/11 Anniversary
Admissions Counselor Katie Shoaf, left, and Caroline Saalweacht, senior, take a moment to reflect during the 9/11 memorial. (Photo by Lindsey M. Foster) By Lindsey M. Foster Twenty years have passed since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. On Sept. 11, 2021, a short program was held on the Hart International Plaza to acknowledge the anniversary of the attacks at the Twin Towers. Campus minister, Laura Robinson, sent out an email about how several of the students that attend Ferrum may not remember the event of Sept. 11 or were not even born yet. While that may be true, Robinson mentioned that many still think about the event when it comes around whether they were affected or not. “If 9/11 happened before you were born, you still live in its shadow, and you still live in a world shaped by this event,” Robinson said. Robinson’s vision for the event was to have everyone that has been affected by the memories of 9/11 be comforted and to remind one another that we are not alone. Ferrum College President David Johns intended to speak at the event. Due to the passing of his father, Burdette Lloyd Johns, the president was unable to share
Justin Muse, Director of Student Activitites, bows his head in reverence during the 9/11 memorial. (Photo by Lindsey M. Foster) his remarks. Alternatively, Ferrum’s then-Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs, Kevin Reilly, delivered Johns’ previously prepared speech. “I was honored to read Dr. Johns’ words at the event,” Reilly said. Johns’ speech also mentioned that every day after the event, the campus should think about and focus on the future and what it could bring. “Twenty years removed from that day, and I believe more strongly than ever that September 11th is not the day we should remember; September 12th is, and the 13th, and September 14th, 15th, 16th, and beyond,” Reilly said from Johns’ written speech. Robinson also spoke at the ceremony about the effects that the event could have on others, even if some were not born yet or do not remember the day. At the end of the acknowledgment, she led everyone in prayer. “I hope that prayers for peace and resistance to such extreme violence will remind us to be peacemakers in our
Campus Minister Laura Robinson speaks at the 9/11 memorial held on the Hart International Plaza. (Photo by Lindsey M. Foster) own lives,” Robinson said. Another attendee of the event was senior Meghann Hartman, and she helped set up and take everything down at the event. Hartman was also 11 months old when 9/11 took place. “Although I was barely alive, I know how this has affected people, and being able to see everyone support each other was amazing,” Hartman said. The tragedy that occurred 20 years ago has left shadows on many memories.
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Students, faculty, and staff gather on the quad to pay respects and honor Cole Lipinksi. (Staff Photo) By Lindsey Foster On a sunny afternoon in September, hundreds of students and faculty took part in a memorial to honor and remember a Ferrum College student who lost his battle with depression. The memorial for Cole Lipinski was held in the Franklin Hall Quad on Sept. 24, 2021. “When (President) Dr. (David) Johns informed our family that the Ferrum student body was organizing a vigil to honor our son, Cole, we were extremely touched,” Lipinski’s parents said. Lipinski was involved in the lacrosse and soccer teams at Ferrum. He was a goalkeeper for four years in men’s soccer and would have started his third season with lacrosse in the spring. “Cole was loved by his teammates, friends, faculty, and staff,” stated the athletics website. Along with athletics, Lipinski was also a member of the Boone Honors Program.
With his studies, he was also considering a career in physical therapy. “In the honors capstone course last spring, Cole wrote in his final paper, ‘The most important thing is being happy in what you are doing,’ a lesson he attributed to his family,” said Lana Whited, Director of the honors program.. “I’m confident that helping others recover from injuries would have brought Cole joy.” The memorial started with remarks from Johns remembering Lipinski, his involvement on campus, and how every day forward is a gift and that we all should live every day for his memory. “The most powerful way to honor Cole’s memory is to make our own lives amazing, to lean into the future, to thrive,” Johns said, “The way we honor Cole’s memory is to be a blessing to someone else, just as he was a blessing to us.” Three of Lipinski’s teammates also spoke at the ceremony, relating memories they shared with him and how he was an inspiration to them.
Lipinski’s lacrosse teammate, Tommy Jackson, sophomore, talked about how Lipinski was Jackson’s big brother for lacrosse when he first joined the team at Ferrum and how Lipinski always pushed Jackson to do better. “Each time I worked out or competed against Cole in practice, he always pushed me to do more and to be the best version of myself by always leading by example,” Jackson said. Soccer teammate Daniel Aguirre, junior, mentioned a story about him and Lipinski driving back to campus after staying at Lipinski’s house for a few days. Aguirre said they talked about their lives and ambitions the entire five-hour journey.. “He was so passionate and determined, unlike anyone I’ve ever seen. I was just mesmerized by his character and the way he talked about things that he cared about,” Jackson said. Another soccer teammate of Lipinski’s, Andrew Porter, junior, talked about how
If You Want Blood, You Got It
A healthcare worker preps senior Chance Dillon’s arm for blood donation at the recent drive held in the Ferrum Fitness Center. (Staff photo)
Blood drive participants needled for donations By Lindsey M. Foster
Ferrum College has held several blood drives for students to donate to the American Red Cross. On Sept. 28, another drive took place in the Ferrum Fitness Center. “I like to give blood every time I can just to help whenever I can,” Chance Dillon, senior, said. This blood drive was sponsored by Ferrum College’s Minds-N-Medicine and Human Anatomy & Physiology. Associate Professor of Biology and Program Coordinator of the Pre-Pro-
fessional Health Sciences Program, Katie Goff, is also an adviser to the club and program that sponsored the blood drive. While blood drives have taken place here previously, the club and program did not begin sponsoring until Goff came to Ferrum. Students club members staffed the drive. These jobs included helping get tables and donation setups together, registering donors as they come in to give blood, guiding donors from the bed where they gave blood to the canteen to receive snacks and water, and escorting them
out of the fitness center. “The drive was filled with successful donations, saving lives and helping the community,” senior and Minds-N-Medicine member Danielle Johns said. The blood drives used to coordinate with Virginia Blood Services, which was bought out by the American Red Cross. Since then, the blood drives have coordinated with the Red Cross for almost a half decade. At the blood drive, every person that donated was able to save three lives with one donation. Participants were able to register an appointment, but walk-ins were also welcome. On the day of the drive, there were not many appointments that were filled. Due to walk-ins and people from the community, the drive was able to surpass its goal of 45 pints of blood with a total of 48. “Those 45 units (pints) will help 135 patients and veterans in hospitals and Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in the next 42 days. You should be very proud,” Douglas Rebel, account manager at American Red Cross Blood Services, said. Last year due to COVID-19, the outside community was not allowed to come to the blood drives. This year, about 10-15 percent of donors were from the outside community. Each year for the drive, the goals of pints are tied to the average of their past drives. In the past, the goal was to reach 30-35 pints. Now, the goal has increased to 40 units for the past few years. “Due to the high support, we’ve had great drives over the past two to three years, and so our goal has constantly increased,” Goff said.
Lipinski was an inspiration to him and that Lipinski was a big reason why Porter decided to go to Ferrum and play soccer. “Without him, I probably wouldn’t have thought about doing it,” Porter said, “I looked up to him, and I will always look up to him as I continue on.” Lipinski’s parents were not able to attend the memorial but sent a statement to be read. Rebecca Crocker, Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts and Musical Theatre, read the statement. Ferrum’s chaplain, Laura Robinson, was the last to speak at the memorial. Robinson mentioned that if anyone feels alone or is going through something, seek help. Robinson also mentioned that no one is alone on campus--there is someone who has dealt with the same things many have experienced, and there are people and resources available to help. “You are going to get help, you are going to live, you’re going to survive this, and you’re going to flourish,” Robinson said.
Ferrum Ranked #8 for Instruction
The above shot was added to the College’s Facebook page when the report was announced. By Brandon Mullins Recently, a U.S. News report gave Ferrum College a No. 8 ranking for undergraduate teaching. It is a point of pride for many Panthers. “The only surprise with it is that we didn’t get ranked higher,” said Kevin Reilly, Vice President of Academic Affairs. “I’ve always known that we have a superb faculty here at Ferrum. It’s nice that others are taking notice.” So what does Ferrum’s longest-serving faculty member of more than 30 years have to share? “I’ve always felt that classroom teaching is a strength of our faculty,” said Lana Whited, Pro-
fessor of English. “It’s nice to see that validated externally.” Caroline King, senior and education major, provided a student perspective. “I think that it speaks a lot toward the wonderful staff that we have here at Ferrum,” King said. “I am very proud to be a part of a school where the teachers rank No. 8. We are not a very big school, so this speaks largely for us.” Ferrum’s student-faculty ratio averages 13:1. King finds that appealing. “Once you step into their classroom and introduce yourself, your triumphs become their triumphs,” King said.
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SPORTS
November 1, 2021
Adams Settles Into New Role
Head football coach Cleive Adams, above, goes over behind-the-scenes organizational items for the team. (Photo by Julius Asbury) At left, Adams coaches during the homecoming game. (Photo courtesy Ferrum Athletic Department)
By Julius Asbury As the new head coach, Cleive Adams is following a lot of old traditions and bringing in new ones. “I think about history. I think about the players that came before. I think about the legacy of Hank Norton, and I think about the expectation moving forward,” Adams said. Adams share some ideas about traditions here. “Favorite traditions. I would have to say reminding the guys of what it means to be a Black Hat. One is the daily reminders. Try to introduce the guys to as many alums as I possibly can when I have that opportunity. And on the more recent
side, creating the game-day buzz with the Black Hat walk and the ‘God’s Country’ theme is big for me, but if I had to just think about the program in general, it’s just the continuous reminder of what it means and make sure the guys have some idea of what it’s like.” He also commented about the daily reminders he gives to his athletes. “On a daily basis there are certain things I say every day whether it be to the team, personally, or in the group chat,” he said. “One is to make 40 West the place to be. One of the things that are a constant reminder about the history of our program is always referring to this team as team #67. It’s very important that they understand where they fall in the history of this program. We talk about 1 Corinthians 11-12 #BAM. That’s a branding motto that speaks to what we want to be as men, and I also talk about love and fatherhood. When you mentor young men, one of the things that I feel is very important that has nothing to do with athletics is just the responsibility of manhood and ultimately and possibly the responsibility of being a father and being a mentor.” Adams works hard to make sure his team follows through with these traditions and wants to see them succeed, and he said it takes a lot of motivation to build a great team like the Black Hats. He also talked about what motivates him. “There are several things,” he said. “I’ve always been attracted to mentorship. I have a lot of pride in what I do because I am an alum. Ferrum College has done a lot for me and my family over the years, and I know what it looks like to see success and find success here. I want to make sure that moving forward that the standard that my football team operates under is a standard of excellence, and not being ashamed of who we are here at Ferrum and being proud of our blue-collar roots.” He also said that players will need to roll up their sleeves, get out there, and undertake some difficult things to be successful. “Taking what we have and working with it, and making the best out of it, and ultimately building a village not only with the student-athletes but with families, and the community. And for me, that’s the things that keep me motivated. I want my alma mater to be one of the top programs in this region and progress to national relevance, and I think we can do it here.”
Equine Team Isn’t Horsing Around
By Marina Powell
The Panther equestrian team is deep in the throes of preparation for upcoming competitions. The allwomen’s team is headed by Coach Margaret Cornwell and rides at Healing Strides of VA in Boones Mill during the week. “I feel like I’m gonna learn a lot and become a Members of the Panther equine team from left to right are: Caroline King, Caitlin Richardson, Caroline Nicholson, Saige Stuartmuch stronger rider,” said Hughes, Head Coach Margaret Cornwell, Grace Howell, Danielle Jansen Van-Vuuren, Cassandra Rubin, Hattie Reick. freshman and team member (Photo courtesy of the Ferrum Athletic Department) Cassandra Rubin. “Here I feel like it’s very welcomEquitation on the flat. get to participate in team dinners and hangouts outside of ing, and everyone wants to heal and learn.” At its Hollins University IHSA Show on Sept. 16, the practice and have become close as a team. Athletes participate in two lessons and a workout Panthers placed sixth. “Whether a student has been riding their whole life or each week, and experience varies from almost none to Sophomore Saige Stuart-Hughes placed first in Limit is just starting to learn, our common ground is the horses practiced riders. New riders or those uncomfortable with Hunt Seat Over Fences and third in Intermediate Equiand that’s an instant bond between team members,” said riding are welcomed, and practices are built around a tation on the Flat. Also placing first was senior Grace Margaret Cornwell, head coach. student’s other activities. Howell in Novice Hunt Seat Equitation on the flat. Cornwell’s goal for the team is to have her riders do “I think that it’s such a good program to be a part of. Senior Caitlynn Richardson placed third in Pre-Novice their best in everything and build lasting relationships Our coach works around your schedule,” says Caroline Hunt Seat Equitation on the flat. Senior Hattie Rieck that will impact them even after college. King, junior. placed third in Introductory Equitation on the flat. In its first competition in more than a year, Panther ridRiding competitions take place at nearby colleges, such ers competed at the IHSA show in Blacksburg. Freshman Caroline Nicholson placed sixth in Limit as Virginia Tech, Washington and Lee, and UVA. Hunt Seat Over Fences. It was a point rider only competition. Senior Grace The team enjoys the challenge of working with differThe team will be back in action at the Virginia Tech Howell placed fifth in Novice Equitation on the flat, ent horses and bonding with each other as well. Athletes IHSA Show on Nov. 14. while senior Hattie Rieck placed sixth in Introductory
November 1, 2021
The Iron Blade
Page 7
Seth Deaton, at left and far left, puts the ball through the goal posts with :03 remaing on the clock to secure a Panther homecoming victory 24-23. (Photo by Steven Marsh and courtesy of the Franklin News Post)
Deaton’s Kick Lifts Panthers By Lindsey M. Foster
There isn’t much gray area for kickers. They are usually either heroes or scapegoats. This week, kicker Seth Deaton resides in the
“Hero” column. It took all of three seconds to carve out his notch. The scene was homecoming verses Shenandoah University on Oct. 16. And while it took Deaton only three seconds to cement
his status, it took the team 1:44 to get him there. SU had just taken the lead, 21-23, with 1:47 left in the game, and the Panthers received the ball on their own 20 with no time outs left.
On the first play, Titus Jones heaved a 14-yard strike to Kai Bowers. Then, a six-yard Jones scamper and five-yard completion to Nic Cook took the Panthers across midfield to the Hornets 45.
Another Jones pass to Bowers brought the Panthers into SU territory at the Hornets’s 44-yard line. Three short yardage plays later, the Panthers faced second and 10 at the SU 32.
The Hornets then called a timeout with 17 ticks left on the game clock. Two more Jones pass attempts fell incomplete, but SU was called for interference on the second, setting up Deaton’s game winner. The ball was marked at the Shenandoah 18 when Deaton made his way onto the field. “Before the kick I was just thinking how I wanted to help my team win the game,” Deaton said. The snap was true, and Deaton split the uprights from 35 yards out to give Ferrum the 23-24 edge with :03 remaining on the clock. It was his seventh field goal for the Panthers and first in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). “After it went in, I just felt so relieved and excited that I had helped my team get the win,” Deaton said. “It feels amazing to be able to help the team in this way, and I’m going to keep working hard so we can keep getting the results we’re after,” Deaton said.
Field Hockey Boasts Four Interntional Players By Michael Hamm
Panther field hockey has made a big leap going into the 2021 season with the addition of their international players. Last year, the internationals would have only consisted of goal keeper TJ Baker, who is from Australia, but it has now jumped to four with mid/forward Jenna Theron, mid forward Thabelo Nemulodi, and left back Refenste Maselwa. All three newcomers hail from South Africa. Thabelo spoke about her adjustment into the game. “It was not as difficult as I anticipated it to be, mainly because I have been playing for a very long time,” she said. She also spoke about her individual and team goals. “I'm looking forward to growing as an athlete and developing as a team,” she said. Maselwa played a different position at
home, but she has made the adjustment in her new role. “I used to play left back. Now I play forward and on the right. It's a big change,” she said. With that change comes several achievements she hopes to make. “Honestly it's to get more fit and to tone my legs. Also, now that I’m playing a forward or half back, as Coach (Carrie Hanshue Austin) calls it, maybe a goal.” The biggest adjusment for Maselwa, however, is in being so far away from home. “I’ve never been this far away from my family,” she said. “It takes some getting used to.” The players hope that with the dedication these four girls and their teammates give, plus the very welcoming atmosphere they say the team gave to them, this season should go well for both them and their team.
This year’s field hockey team feartures four international players. From left to right they are TJ Baker, Thabelo Nemulodi, Jenna Theron, and Refentse Maselwa. (Photo by Michael Hamm)
2021 Fall Sports Schedules and Results
Football Sept. 4, Ferrum 31--Averett 24 Sept. 18, Ferrum 26--CSN 19 Sept. 25, Ferrum 30--Apprentice--28 Oct. 02, Ferrum 21--R-Macon 44 Oct 9, Ferrum, 14--Bridgewater 10 Oct. 16, Ferrum 24--Shenandoah 23 Oct. 23, Ferrum 28--H.-Sydney 42 Oct. 30, Ferrum vs. Guilford Nov. 6, Ferrum at W&L Nov. 13, Ferrum at E&H Men’s Soccer Sept. 01, Ferrum 1--Bridgewater 0 Sept. 3, Ferrum 0--Averett 3 Sept. 4, Ferrum 1--Piedmont 3 Sept 8., Ferrum 1--Guilford 4 Sept. 11, Ferrum 0--Carolina U. 1 Sept. 15, Ferrum 1--Greensboro 3 Sept. 18, Ferrum 3--S. VA 2 Oct. 2, Ferrum 1--Bridgewater 0 Oct. 6, Ferrum 1--W&L 5 Oct 9, Ferrum 3--Lynchburg 5 Oct. 10, Ferrum 0--Va Weslyan 2 Oct. 13, Ferrum 0--E. Menn. 4 Oct. 16, Ferrum 2--R. Macon 4 Oct. 20, Ferrum 0--H. Sydney 5 Oct. 23, Ferrum 0--Shenandoah 0 Oct. 24, Ferrum 0--W. Peace 7
Oct. 26, Ferrum XX--Randolph XX Women’s Soccer Sept. 1, Ferrum 0--Averett 3 Sept. 3, Ferrum 1--M. Baldwin 2 Sept. 4, Ferrum 0--E&H 2 Sept. 7, Ferrum 0--Greensboro 2 Sept. 11, Ferrum 1--W. Peace 3 Sept 15, Ferrum 1--Salem 0 (OT) Sept. 18, Ferrum 1--S. Va 1 (2OT) Sept. 25, Ferrum 1--R. Macon 3 Sept. 28, Ferrum 1--Hollins 0 Oct. 1, Ferrum 0--E. Menn. 1 Oct. 6, Ferrum 0--Guilford 1 Oct. 13, Ferrum 0--Bridgewater 3 Oct. 16, Ferrum 7--Sweet Briar 0 Oct. 19, Ferrum 0--Roanoke 3 Oct. 23, Ferrum 0--V Wesleyan 3 Oct. 27, Ferrum XX--W&L XX Oct. 30, Ferrum XX--Randlph XX Field Hockey Schedule Sept. 2, Ferrum 3--S. Virginia 0 Sept. 5, Ferrum 8-- Meredith 0 Sept. 8, Ferrum 0--Sweet Briar 5 Sept. 11 Ferrum 0--Hood 3 Sept. 12, Ferrum 0-- Wittenberg 3 Sept. 18, Ferrum 0--Rhodes 5 Sept. 19, Ferrum 1-- Sewanee 7
Sept. 23, Ferrum 5--Meredith 0 Sept. 26, Ferrum 0--Wilson 5 Oct. 1, Ferrum 0--W&L 11 Oct. 5, Ferrum 0-- at S. Briar 6 Oct. 9, Ferrum 0--R. Macon 9 Oct. 12, Ferrum 0--Bridgewater 6 Oct. 15, Ferrum 0--Va. Wesleyan 1 Oct. 20, Ferrum 0--Lynchburg 14 Oct. 23, Ferrum 0--Shenandoah 11 Oct. 27, Ferrum XX--Roanoke XX Oct. 30, Ferrum XX--E. Mennonite XX Men’s Golf/Women’s Golf Sept. 12 & 13 Belterra Intercollegiate, Belterra Golf Club (Finished 11th) Sept. 26 & 27, Royal Lakes Fall Invitational, Royal Lakes Golf Club (Finished 18th) Oct. 3 & 4, Battle of the Burg Fall Invitational, Hanover Country Club (Finished 9th) Oct. 18 & 19, VSGA Intercollegiate, Shenandoah Valley Golf Club (Finished 4th) October 25 & 26, O’Bryant-Jensen Invitational, The Cardinal
Women’s Golf: Sept. 4 & 5, Lynn Scweizer Invitational, Denison Country Club (Finished 10th) Sept. 20 & 21, Bridgewater Invitational Lakeview Golf Club (Finished 6th) Oct. 9 & 10, Shenandoah Fall Invitational, Shenandoah Valley Golf Club (Finished 20th) Oct. 25 & 26, Chick-fil-A Intercollegiate, Coosa Country Club (Finished XX) Equestrian Oct. 9, Virginia Tech & Ferrum IHSA Show Oct. 16, Hollins University IHSA Show Oct. 24 Washington and Lee University IHSA Show Nov. 14, Virginia Tech IHSA Show Feb. 13, Washington and Lee University IHSA Show Feb. 19, Virginia Tech IHSA Show Feb. 20, University of Virginia IHSA Show Feb. 27, University of Lynchburg
IHSA Show March 26, IHSA Regionals at Hollins April 9, IHSA Zones at St. Andrews Wed. 4, IHSA Nationals--Location TBD Swimming Oct. 1, W: Ferrum 40--Bridgewater 185; Ferrum 103--Alderson Broaddus 57; M: Ferrum 13--Bridgewater 198; Ferrum 26--Alderson Broaddus 92 Oct. 22, W: Ferrum 106--Greensboro 30; Ferrum 65--Sweet Briar 116; M: Ferrum 17--Greensboro 73 Oct. 29, Ferrum vs Randolph Nov. 6, Ferrum at Bridgewater Nov. 12, Ferrum at Emory & Henry, Greensboro (at E&H) Nov. 18/19, Peace Invitational, (Cary NC) Jan. 8, Ferrum at Warren Wilson, Hollins, William Peace, (Swannanoa, NC) Jan. 22, Ferrum at Hampden-Sydney, Sweet Briar (Hampden Sydney, VA) Feb. 10-13 ODAC Championships, Greensboro, NC
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The Iron Blade
November 1, 2021
Entertainment
‘Once Upon a Mattress’ Slated for Nov 5-7 Panther By Michael Hamm Usually, theater auditions are held on a stage and in an auditorium. So are productions, for that matter. But this year, the theater department added a twist. In August, auditions were held at Adams Lake for the upcoming production “Once Upon a Mattress”. The outdoor audition was a precursor for the production, which will take place in the arboretum Nov. 5-7. “The play is a fun musical comedy, and we plan to create an immersive audience experience, with ‘Renaissance Faire’ elements and activities. We hope that folks will come in costume and have a good time with us!” said Emily Blankenship-Tucker,
director of the production. Blankenship-Tucker is collaborating with Rebecca Crocker. “She is the Technical Director for the production, designing and building costumes and props, overseeing the set building, etc.,” Blankenship-Tucker said. She also mentioned that while there is no charge for admission, there may be concessions available, which, in turn, help support the program. “The musical will be performed outdoors in the arboretum in the context of a Renaissance Faire, with activities, demonstrations, games, crafts, and festivities beginning an hour prior to show time, and happening during intermission as well”. All attendees are requested to observe all current COVID protocols and precautions.
‘Engage for Success’ Offers Students Incentives, Prizes By Brandon Mullins The college’s Quality Enhancement Plan, “Engage for Success” seeks to breathe new life into campus through incentivized competition. The philosophy of the program is that students learn best when they are fully involved with everything the college has to offer. “College should primarily be about your studies. But there’s so many other rich areas of college life that if all you do is just sit at the bookstore for the four years you’re here, you’re missing out on some of the essential college experience,” Ed Hally, director of “Engage for Success”, explained. In creating the program, Halley conducted research and compared ideas with similar programs. Some of the benefits include higher GPAs, better connections with others, and tolerance for opposing viewpoints. The idea is students are more likely to remain in college if they have activities and a sense of belonging.
Professor of Education Christine Christianson offered some insights of her own. “Students who are actively learning are actively engaged and vice versa. We learn better when we have positive experiences associated with the learning experiences. More student involvement in the campus community will lead to stronger feelings of connectedness to our community,” Christianson said. Students have a chance to win first-, second-, or third-place prizes by attending and/or participating in six different categories: athletic/ physical, civic/community, cultural, intellectual, social, and spiritual. These activities can vary from dropping into a yoga session for a physical activity or going to Inquiring Minds sessions for an intellectual option. There will be 18 prizes (such as gift cards and Ferrum accessories) during each drawing, and there will be three smaller drawings throughout each semester. Sept. 17 was the first drawing. Winners will
be announced after prizes are distributed each time. At the end of each semester, the prizes multiply in value during the final mega-drawing. Currently, the most active student overall is slated to win a $200 prize. The idea of a competition between clubs or classes also seemed to draw interest. “Instead of giving individual monetary prizes, the winning class could donate their winnings to purchase a ‘gift’ for the campus community, such as a tree planted in spring or daffodil bulbs planted around campus in the fall,” says Christianson. Organizers hope it could lead to future group competitions that would get students further engaged in campus and each other. To begin the path to engagement, students can download “Panther Connect - Ferrum College”--exactly like that--from the AppStore or Google Play. Through the app, students will be able to keep track of events and compete.
d r a o B n i t e l l Panther Bu
Briefs
Compiled by Staff
Chrysalis Offers Students Opportunity The Chrysalis Literary and Arts Magazine is excited to offer cash prizes and publication of artwork, crafts, photography, poems, songs, and short stories. Any student may submit compositions to as many categories as desired, with first- and second-place awards of $100 and $50 available. All students are allowed and encouraged to submit work and be entered to win prizes. The Chrysalis has a personal website with full guidelines, where one can view past publications and prize winners and submit their compositions. The website address is www. ferrum.edu/campus-life/ chrysalis. Please email kgrimes@ferrum.edu for further information.
Veterans Day Event Planned A Veterans Day Program has been set for 11 a.m., Nov. 11. As a part of the program, the college will honor all veterans and reserve soldiers. Anyone who is a veteran or currently serving in the reserves, please provide your name, branch, rank, military base(s), and any other special awards or honors you received while serving to chaley2@ ferrum.edu. Please provide this information by Nov. 1 so that any service can be included in the program.
Lacrosse Team Collecting Pet Supplies
Movie Night
Tickets are limited and must be reserved through the Panther Connect portal. One ticket per person. Check email for movie listings and details.
The women’s lacrosse team is collecting animal supplies through Nov. 22 for the Franklin County Humane Society. Needed is everything from kitty litter to trash bags to puppy chow to leashes and collars. Bleach-free cleaner and paper towels are also in need. Drop-off boxes are located in Franklin Hall, Residence Lobby Areas, and the Norton Lobby.