Executive Director of the Truman
Foundation Speaks to Honors Seminar on Leadership - Sabrina Tribbett
and Sandra Via (class of 2005)
The
newly created Honors Program at Ferrum College had the privilege of having
the Executive Director of the Truman Foundation visit the class Wednesday,
October 17. Louis Blair spoke on the principles of leadership and received
feedback from the students. The Truman Foundation provides scholarships
and leadership training to college students who are seeking a graduate
degree and a career in government and nonprofit organizations. The scholarship
is generally offered to approximately 75-80 students each year. A total
of $30,000 is awarded each year to students across the country.
Louis Blair is the Executive Secretary of the Harry Truman Scholarship
Foundation. He has worked in the President’s staff as a Science Advisor,
which he did during the Ford and Carter administrations. His Truman Foundation
biography states, “He worked for the US Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation.” Blair has also devoted much of his life
to public service. For example, he was a volunteer for a nonprofit school
for physically challenged infants. He finds time on the weekends to serve
breakfast to the homeless and needy in the Washington D.C. area. In preparation
for Mr. Blair’s visit, each member of the Honors Program prepared a definition
of leadership. Upon his arrival, he asked class members to state their
definition and he then gave a brief description of his own beliefs. According
to Blair, one of the main characteristics of leadership is passion. He
stated that during an interview for the Truman Scholarship his main priority
is to determine what provokes the student’s passion. Despite the passion
that the student possesses, he or she must also portray elements of competence.
Blair made it extremely clear that knowing information presented in class
does not necessarily make a student worthy of the benefits provided by
the Truman Foundation. It is imperative that students maintain high grade
point averages, as well as knowing the information introduced in the course.
In addition, they must have a demonstrated commitment and involvement
in public service.
Blair made it a point to be on the same level as the students in the Honors
Program. This attitude was exemplified when he stated a quote from Warren
Beatty concerning his definition of success. Quoting Warren Beatty he
said, “Waking up in the morning and not knowing the difference between
what you have to do and what you want to do.” The discussion concluded
after the students had the opportunity to ask questions about leadership
or his life in general. The class thanked him with the presentation of
a Ferrum College T-shirt and cap.
Spring Honors Seminar to Explore Expressionist Period - Staff Contributor
The Honors Seminar for the spring semester is a team-taught course on Art, Literature, and Film of the Expressionist Era. Dr. John Kitterman from English and Professor Rachel Denham from art have teamed together to give students an opportunity to analyze the visual arts, film, drama, and fiction that leading expressionists produced from 1890-1937 as well as some of its later influences. Students taking the course can count it as either a fine arts or a literature credit in the general education distribution requirements.
The philosophy of the class is unique in that students are encouraged to create and participate in a "coffeehouse setting" even as they hone their interpretive skills to enter into the mindset of another era. Posters and art work transform the classroom with the hope that class members will discuss trends and ideas, and inspire and encourage each other's creative and interpretive expressions in much the same way the expressionist groups did during their extraordinary and influential period.
A Dinner and a Play
- Staff Contributor
On November 27, Ferrum College Honors students and some faculty took time
out from their work at the end of the semester for a night out on the
town in Roanoke. The evening began with dinner at Nawab's, an Indian restaurant
in downtown Roanoke near the Market Square. For many students, this was
their first opportunity to taste Indian food. After an appetizer of vegetable
pakora, the group sampled chicken curry, vegetable korma, Bombay potatoes,
rice, and an assortment of Nan breads. Dessert of rice pudding finished
the delicious meal.
After dinner, it was a short walk down the street to the Mill Mountain Theatre where the group watched the musical "Oliver" with music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. This play, which was originally produced by David Merrick and Donald Albery when it opened in the West End of London in 1960 in London, is based upon the book Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. Many of the songs were immediately recognizable and all enjoyed the familiar story as Oliver is eventually rescued from a life of crime after running away from the deplorable conditions of a Victorian workhouse.