Ferrum Football Achieved Second Win of the Season

By Lindsey Foster

The Panthers defeated the Quakers from Guilford College with a score of 41-12 on Mar. 26, 2021, making this their second win of the season.

(Ferrum College junior Billy Higgins tackling player from Guilford. Photo courtesy of Ferrum Athletics.)

In Remembrance of Richard Smith: An Honored Scholar, Writer, and Professor

By Lindsey Foster and Mary Stoudt

2021 marks 3 years since Richard Lee Smith’s retirement from Ferrum College, after his valuable dedication to Ferrum students and the broader community over a span of 42 years. On Feb. 24, 2021, Smith passed away at 75 years old. His legacy - as a Williams Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Humanities, an internationally recognized top scholar, and many others - continues to live on in the hearts of the Ferrum community.

(Dr. Richard Smith at his celebrants when he retired. Photo courtesy of Ferrum College.)

Hooray for Class of 2021: Seniors Geared Up for Graduation with Senior Salute

By Mary Stoudt 

While it was heavily raining outside, members of the class of 2021 were gathered inside the Panther’s Den on Mar. 31, 2021, making preparations for their upcoming graduation. All seniors were invited to attend Senior Salute to pick up their cap and gown and finalize information for their diploma. 

(Senior Jeffery Blackwell in line to receive his cap and gown for graduation. Photo credit: Mary Stoudt.)

Senior Camryn Burke Reflects on Her Time at Ferrum: “My short time here was crucial to my success!”

By Camryn Burke

Although I have only been a student here at Ferrum College for a little over a year, I feel like I have been a part of this community since fall of 2017. Nick Helton, a senior men’s basketball captain and I have been together since our senior year of high school. Following graduation, Helton decided to continue his basketball career at Ferrum. So, for a total of four years, I have been coming to Ferrum visiting, watching games, making new friends, and falling in love with the school. 

(Burke wearing an Indiana University sweatshirt and looking forward to joining Indiana University in the fall for optometry. Photo courtesy of Camryn Burke.)

The Passing of a Blue Ridge Institute and Museum Legend

By Mary Stoudt

Over the past 18 years at the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, Klara the Donkey has attracted tens of thousands of visitors and protected the BRIM’s sheep and lambs. Klara passed away on Mar. 4 and was respectfully buried at the top of the hill to continue looking over her flock of sheep as she used to.

(Collage of Klara The Donkey made by BRIM Curator Ariel Hundley. Photo courtesy of BRIM Facebook.)

Football Returns to Ferrum

By Lindsey Foster and Mary Stoudt

After over a year of silence, Ferrum College’s football team has returned. For the first time in history, Ferrum College held a winter/spring football season. The regular season started on Feb. 26 and will conclude on Mar. 26. If the Panthers pull off enough wins, they will continue playing throughout April for the conference title.

Ferrum Riders Back in the Saddle

By Mary Stoudt

Ferrum College’s equestrian team is back in the saddle this semester. After a long time of virtual competitions, Ferrum riders travelled to Bridgewater College on Mar. 13 for the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association event.

(Senior Lidsey Koogler during the scrimmage at Bridgewater College. Photo courtesy of Ferrum College Equestrian.)

Over 35 Years in the Making: Lana Whited Presented Her New Book

By Mary Stoudt

Lana Whited, English professor and director of the Boone Honors Program at Ferrum College, presented her new book “Murder, In Fact: Disillusionment and Death in the American True Crime Novel” at the virtual signing event on Mar. 12, 2020.  

(English Professor and Director of the Boone Honors Program at Ferrum College Lana Whited with her new book "Murder, In Fact: Disillusionment and Death in the American True Crime Novel." Photo courtesy of Ferrum College.)

Lakeside Residents and Greek Life …. Meet Julie Ainsley!

By Lindsey Foster

Endeavored to create an extraordinary experience for every Ferrum student, the Office of Student Life - which was formerly known as Residence Hall Educators - recently made a new hire of two coordinators. One new member is Julie Ainsley, who started her position as the coordinator of Residence Life (on Lakeside) and Fraternity and Sorority Life on Oct.1, 2020.

(Julie Ainsley joined Ferrum family.)

Panthers Flew Kites Sky High

By Lindsey Foster

Outdoor entertainment is on its way back to Ferrum College this spring. The Panthers enjoyed a kite-flying day initiated by Norton Outdoor Adventures program on Mar. 10, which was also one of the first events held in the Quad since the COVID. The weather cooperated for the most part, allowing students to fly kites that were provided by Norton Outdoor Adventures. The first 35 participants also created their own kites using kits provided by Norton Outdoor Adventures.

If you’re interested, check your Ferrum emails for more information about upcoming events. 

(Ferrum students and faculty flying kites outside of Franklin Hall in the Quad. Left to Right: Senior Tyler Stearnes, Norton Outdoor Adventures Director Aaron Conover, Sophomore Cree White, and Ferrum’s Director of Students Activities Justin Muse. Photo Credit: Mary Stoudt.)

Autumn/Winter 2020 Chrysalis Officially Revealed

By Mary Stoudt 

2020 was a year of unexpected challenges. The COVID-19, tornadoes, ice storms and many others have reverberated in our lives in complex and, sometimes, unpredictable ways. Ferrum’s “Chrysalis Literary and Arts Magazine” is no exception to this. 

(The cover photo of Chrysalis's autumn/winter 2020 issue was taken by Chloe Fisher, who was also the first-place winner of this year's photo competition.)

Ferrum’s Famous Feline: Elgie, The Library Cat

By Mary Stoudt

Every now and then, a little gray cat is spotted around the Stanley Library at Ferrum College. His name is Elgie and he was first spotted in 2016 by Library Attendant (Evening Services) Danny Adams.

(Elgie, the library cat hanging out at his favorite spot on Ferrum campus, the Stanley Library. Photo credit: Mary Stoudt. )

Black History Month Programming Concluding with Rudy Currence

By Lindsey Foster

Ferrum College concluded the Black History Month programming - after a string of events throughout February - with a musical concert by Grammy Nominated songwriter Rudy Currence on Mar. 2, 2021. 

(Audience watching Rudy Currence perform. Photo Credit: Lindsey Foster.)