Honoring Earl G. "Bud" Skeens Jr.
Groundbreaking on the Skeens Tennis Center
November 9, 2002

Obituary & Photo Retrospective of Col. Skeens

The ground breaking took advantage of a gorgeous November Saturday

Over 80 alumni, current students, faculty and staff attended the ceremony and luncheon in honor of "Bud" Skeens

Rev. Wes Astin '74, welcomes everyone to the event and provides a memorial to Col. Skeens

Thomas Wehner, Class of 2006 recites a tributed rendition of "Candle In The Wind"

Delivering a tribute to Col. Skeens, Dr. Jennifer Braaten, Ferrum College President addresses the attendees

Gary Holden, Men's Tennis Coach, unveils the project

The Tennis Team and coaches are introduced

Becky Soteres, Class of 2003, speaks of Ferrum's Tennis program and her own personal connection with it

Rod Baker, Class of 2003, tells his story of how the Tennis program kept him at Ferrum

Dr. Braaten introduces those breaking ground for the project

Bill Bales, Chair of the Board of Trustees; Dr. Braaten; Lew Hege, 1969 Tennis Alumnus; Gary Holden; Murrie Bates, 1970 Tennis Alumnus; Doug Buerlein, 1970 Tennis Alumnus; Becky Soteres; and Rod Baker break ground for the Skeens Tennis Center

Rendering of the Skeens Tennis Center

At the luncheon following the ceremony, Vice President of Institutional Advancement Bev Fitzpatrick shares a thoughtful tribute and several humorous anecdotes about "Bud" Skeens

Gary Holden presents a special slideshow trubute in Bud's memory, featuring photos from each decade of his coaching and education years including recent photos of Coach Skeens

Lew Hege, '69, shares a special message on what Col. Skeens meant to him

Director of Development Lee King shares several funny stories about "Bud" and closes the special luncheon

Those interested in contributing should contact:
Dr. Lee King, Director of Development at 540-365-4330 & hlking@ferrum.edu & visit the Development Website